Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5,6).
Perhaps, like me, you have memorized this scripture and it is one of your favorites. Yet, as we struggle in our Christian walk to apply the scriptures we know so well it becomes a different story.
Do we really trust in Him? Are we leaning on our own understanding? In all our ways are we acknowledging Him? We are faced every single day with decisions. Some carry more weight and consequences than others, but yet there are decisions every day that we need to make: e.g., how can I discipline my child and show the love of Christ, how can I talk to my husband or wife about this delicate matter, how should I relate to this person who has offended me, which house should we buy, which job should I take, should I run errands today or do some things at home that need my attention?
Many times we lean on our own understanding or what someone else has to say. We do not acknowledge Him in all our ways. We acknowledge Him in some of our ways some of the times.
If we trusted in Him, leaned on Him and acknowledged Him in all our ways we would be thanking Him more often, praising Him more often and asking wisdom of Him more often. I would say that we go through our days much of the time without acknowledging the Lord and showing a complete trust in Him.
As you look to your day and the decisions that need to be made, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
Monday, July 19, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Difficult Circumstances
I recently read the book of Habakkuk. It was one of those bittersweet experiences. Bitter because the book is about the stubbornness and hard-heartedness of God's people and His using the Babylonians as a chastening rod against them. Sweet because of the faith the prophet had in the salvation of the Lord. Life was tough for God's people because of their own rebellion. Life for us at times is very hard. Sometimes it may be our rebellion, or maybe not, but certainly because the Lord is sanctifying us and making us more like Him.
I exchanged an email with a dear friend this morning. Esther is very faithful to the Lord, yet she has some difficult circumstances that are surrounding her life. She has had many difficult circumstances over the years. Our family has had many difficult circumstances over the years and many of you know what it is like to go through difficult circumstances. Esther concluded her email talking about God's word bringing her comfort. She said, "He is the stability of our times."
The prophet Habakkuk knew that truth. He was very sorrowful over God's chastisement of His people. He had no idea when this difficult time would end. Many times we do not know how long we will be in difficult circumstances, but we can declare as Habakkuk did, "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls - yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (3: 17, 18).
P.S. I will be traveling for a few weeks and will not post again until Monday, July 12, 2010.
Abide in Him and remember "He is the stability of our times."
I exchanged an email with a dear friend this morning. Esther is very faithful to the Lord, yet she has some difficult circumstances that are surrounding her life. She has had many difficult circumstances over the years. Our family has had many difficult circumstances over the years and many of you know what it is like to go through difficult circumstances. Esther concluded her email talking about God's word bringing her comfort. She said, "He is the stability of our times."
The prophet Habakkuk knew that truth. He was very sorrowful over God's chastisement of His people. He had no idea when this difficult time would end. Many times we do not know how long we will be in difficult circumstances, but we can declare as Habakkuk did, "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls - yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (3: 17, 18).
P.S. I will be traveling for a few weeks and will not post again until Monday, July 12, 2010.
Abide in Him and remember "He is the stability of our times."
Monday, June 14, 2010
It's Not About Us
I was having a conversation with someone recently about the struggle of building a child's character and helping them not be so self absorbed. We were honest with each other and concluded that we are pretty self absorbed as well. It is very easy to see selfishness in our children. Left to themselves without discipline or instruction, most children would spend all their time playing computer games and watching television or movies. Left to ourselves without discipline, we would be absorbed with our favorite pleasures. The point is, it doesn't matter whether you are male or female, 6 or 60, we are all self absorbed. We want to do what pleases us.
People have been self absorbed since the beginning the time. It was Eve's selfish thinking that caused her to eat the fruit off the tree she was specifically told not to. She wanted to do what she wanted to do, regardless of the instructions she had been given. When we really grasp that life isn't about us, we begin to make a shift in our behavior.
God sent His Son to die for us. We are not our own. We were bought at a price and therefore, we are to glorify God in our bodies (1 Corinthians 6: 19, 20). Paul tells the Galatians, "I have been crucified with Christ: it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now life in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Because of sin, selfishness is a struggle for all of us. Let us remember the forgiveness we have been given in Christ for our sin (1 John 1:9). As we try to help others with the struggle of being self absorbed, we need to show them Christ's love and forgiveness. Help them understand life is not about us. We are not our own. We belong to Him who bought us and paid the price with His blood.
People have been self absorbed since the beginning the time. It was Eve's selfish thinking that caused her to eat the fruit off the tree she was specifically told not to. She wanted to do what she wanted to do, regardless of the instructions she had been given. When we really grasp that life isn't about us, we begin to make a shift in our behavior.
God sent His Son to die for us. We are not our own. We were bought at a price and therefore, we are to glorify God in our bodies (1 Corinthians 6: 19, 20). Paul tells the Galatians, "I have been crucified with Christ: it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now life in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Because of sin, selfishness is a struggle for all of us. Let us remember the forgiveness we have been given in Christ for our sin (1 John 1:9). As we try to help others with the struggle of being self absorbed, we need to show them Christ's love and forgiveness. Help them understand life is not about us. We are not our own. We belong to Him who bought us and paid the price with His blood.
Monday, June 7, 2010
God Is a Forgiver
When you are around those who do not know the Lord, how do they see you? Do they see someone who keeps the Lord's precepts? I'm asking myself the same question. Would these people know we belong to Him? If our behavior does not show obedience to the Lord, we defame His name.
Daniel knew this. In Daniel 9, he is praying for God's people. He first starts his prayer by praising God who Keeps His covenant with those who love Him. "O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments" (v.4). Then Daniel confesses his sin and theirs. "We have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments" ( v.5). Daniel knew the rebellion of God's people made them a reproach to all those around them (v. 16). Daniel was ashamed for himself and God's people because of their sin against God and what it looked like to the people around them. He put it this way, "Oh Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against You. To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness though we have rebelled against Him" (vs. 8, 9).
The same message is ours today. We should feel ashamed before others when we are disobedient to the Lord, because it defames His name. Yet from Daniel's day in the old testament through the writers of the new testament, we see the promise of the Lord's mercy and forgiveness. This wonderful message of mercy and forgiveness is not new - it began with Adam and Eve and God's promise when He told the serpent, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel" (Genesis 3:15). The fact that God did not kill Adam and Eve after they ate the forbidden fruit that would surely bring them death, we see His mercy and forgiveness. Man is a sinner - God is a forgiver. Let us walk in the joy of His mercy and forgiveness to us in Christ.
P.S. I will not post until Monday, June 14, 2010.
Daniel knew this. In Daniel 9, he is praying for God's people. He first starts his prayer by praising God who Keeps His covenant with those who love Him. "O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments" (v.4). Then Daniel confesses his sin and theirs. "We have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments" ( v.5). Daniel knew the rebellion of God's people made them a reproach to all those around them (v. 16). Daniel was ashamed for himself and God's people because of their sin against God and what it looked like to the people around them. He put it this way, "Oh Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against You. To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness though we have rebelled against Him" (vs. 8, 9).
The same message is ours today. We should feel ashamed before others when we are disobedient to the Lord, because it defames His name. Yet from Daniel's day in the old testament through the writers of the new testament, we see the promise of the Lord's mercy and forgiveness. This wonderful message of mercy and forgiveness is not new - it began with Adam and Eve and God's promise when He told the serpent, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel" (Genesis 3:15). The fact that God did not kill Adam and Eve after they ate the forbidden fruit that would surely bring them death, we see His mercy and forgiveness. Man is a sinner - God is a forgiver. Let us walk in the joy of His mercy and forgiveness to us in Christ.
P.S. I will not post until Monday, June 14, 2010.
His Ways
There is a Christian elderly couple that lives on my street, who recently sold their house after only being on the market for two weeks. The thing that makes this unique is that the housing market in this area is definitely not good. There are many houses in our neighborhood that have been for sale for two to four years.
I know a sweet Christian family out of state who have been trying to sell their house for about two months. The housing market in that area is much better. Because of particular circumstances, they need to sell their home as soon as possible. Many have come through and looked at their home, but have not put an offer on the house.
The longer I know the Lord, the more I realize His ways are so different than ours. What we think makes sense and the direction we think things should go just doesn't always go the way we planned. Many times it leads to discouragement. This morning I was reading the song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32 and in verse 5 Moses says, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all of His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He." Then in Isaiah 55 the Lord is calling His people to call upon Him and that He will abundantly pardon( vs. 6, 7). Then He says in verse 8 and 9, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord, for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."
We know the Lord loves us because He gave His only Son to die for our sin. We know He has a plan and purpose for our lives, but it is often not abundantly clear to us. What we do know, is that He has called us to glorify Him. As we struggle with God's plan and purpose for us, we must remember that our ways are not His ways and that His ways are always perfect and just. It is understanding this, that will keep discouragement away when we find ourselves wondering why the Lord has not worked as quick as we would like or in the way we would like.
I know a sweet Christian family out of state who have been trying to sell their house for about two months. The housing market in that area is much better. Because of particular circumstances, they need to sell their home as soon as possible. Many have come through and looked at their home, but have not put an offer on the house.
The longer I know the Lord, the more I realize His ways are so different than ours. What we think makes sense and the direction we think things should go just doesn't always go the way we planned. Many times it leads to discouragement. This morning I was reading the song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32 and in verse 5 Moses says, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all of His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He." Then in Isaiah 55 the Lord is calling His people to call upon Him and that He will abundantly pardon( vs. 6, 7). Then He says in verse 8 and 9, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord, for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."
We know the Lord loves us because He gave His only Son to die for our sin. We know He has a plan and purpose for our lives, but it is often not abundantly clear to us. What we do know, is that He has called us to glorify Him. As we struggle with God's plan and purpose for us, we must remember that our ways are not His ways and that His ways are always perfect and just. It is understanding this, that will keep discouragement away when we find ourselves wondering why the Lord has not worked as quick as we would like or in the way we would like.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Awesome!
We went through a time when people were using the word "awesome" to describe something. It could range anywhere from clothing attire to food or events. To me, it was well overused. I agree with Joe Stowell, writer for "Our Daily Bread",
"If we call earth-side stuff awesome and then call God awesome, we diminish how truly awesome He is."
Psalm 66 gives praise to God for His awesome works. "How awesome are your works through the greatness of your power" (v.3). "He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men. He turned the sea into dry land; they went through the river on foot" (v.5, 6). Awesome is a form of the word "awe" and one of it's definitions is "profound and humbly fearful reverence inspired by deity or by something sacred or mysterious." When you think of it that way, describing food, clothing or every day events using the word awesome is like looking at the Grand Canyon and saying it's cute.
God is our heavenly Father who cares for His children, but we must remember His awesome works and ways toward "the sons of men" (v.5). He is truly worthy of all our praise.
Rich Mullins wrote a song called "Awesome God." Take the time to listen to it and be reminded of our awesome God. You can find it on the computer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lvTsn32pWg. The Lord and His works are awesome!
"If we call earth-side stuff awesome and then call God awesome, we diminish how truly awesome He is."
Psalm 66 gives praise to God for His awesome works. "How awesome are your works through the greatness of your power" (v.3). "He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men. He turned the sea into dry land; they went through the river on foot" (v.5, 6). Awesome is a form of the word "awe" and one of it's definitions is "profound and humbly fearful reverence inspired by deity or by something sacred or mysterious." When you think of it that way, describing food, clothing or every day events using the word awesome is like looking at the Grand Canyon and saying it's cute.
God is our heavenly Father who cares for His children, but we must remember His awesome works and ways toward "the sons of men" (v.5). He is truly worthy of all our praise.
Rich Mullins wrote a song called "Awesome God." Take the time to listen to it and be reminded of our awesome God. You can find it on the computer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lvTsn32pWg. The Lord and His works are awesome!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Contentment
Contentment on a regular basis is pretty hard for most of us to have. We do well at times, but not so well at others. Some people have chronic illnesses that keep them from having the energy and strength they need for their daily tasks and they long to be healthy like others. Some people live in small modest homes and if they would admit it, they would love to have a larger, more beautiful place.
When our daughter and her family lived in the Florida Keys and we would drive by a large, beautiful home that probably cost over a million dollars, we would slow down and gawk or more honestly, covet. I remember one time as we were looking at a place like this, our daughter said "But we have the Lord." It is true, the people living in that place may have known the Lord and had the joy of owning a home like that. However, my daughters point was well taken.
In Hebrews 13:5, Paul says "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have, For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you." Paul is wanting us to understand that knowing the Lord and Christ whom He sent is where true contentment is. Jesus said,"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul" (Matthew 16:26)?
If you belong to the Lord, you already have the best thing you will ever have - in this life and the next. What is perfect health or a million dollar home if He is not with us. These things can never bring the lasting peace and joy that having Christ will. When we allow the hope of worldly things to influence us, it causes us to behave contrary to the commitment we have to the one who says "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
If you have a chronic illness, find some peace knowing He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will sustain you. If you find yourself, as I did yesterday morning, coveting a beautiful home, remember He will never leave your nor forsake you. Let us learn to be content with exactly where the Lord has us today.
When our daughter and her family lived in the Florida Keys and we would drive by a large, beautiful home that probably cost over a million dollars, we would slow down and gawk or more honestly, covet. I remember one time as we were looking at a place like this, our daughter said "But we have the Lord." It is true, the people living in that place may have known the Lord and had the joy of owning a home like that. However, my daughters point was well taken.
In Hebrews 13:5, Paul says "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have, For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you." Paul is wanting us to understand that knowing the Lord and Christ whom He sent is where true contentment is. Jesus said,"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul" (Matthew 16:26)?
If you belong to the Lord, you already have the best thing you will ever have - in this life and the next. What is perfect health or a million dollar home if He is not with us. These things can never bring the lasting peace and joy that having Christ will. When we allow the hope of worldly things to influence us, it causes us to behave contrary to the commitment we have to the one who says "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
If you have a chronic illness, find some peace knowing He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will sustain you. If you find yourself, as I did yesterday morning, coveting a beautiful home, remember He will never leave your nor forsake you. Let us learn to be content with exactly where the Lord has us today.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Tie a String Around Your Finger
I have heard people say they are going to "tie a string around their finger" so they will not forget something. I admit I have never seen anyone with a string tied around their finger. With the use of BlackBerry's and other technology, we have better ways to help us remember. Let's face it, we are so busy we do forget things if we don't use ways to help us remember. I'm still stuck in the "old days." I have a tablet that sits by our phone that I use to jot down everything I need to remember for that day or the week to include things to do, people to call and food to buy. It works for me.
In Numbers 15 the Lord instructs the children of Israel to make tassels on the corner of their garments and a blue thread in the tassels of the corners (v.38). Notice He says to do this "throughout their generations." This was to be done so they could look on the tassel and be reminded to keep the commandments of the Lord and do them (v.39). He wanted them to remember to be holy as He is holy (v.40). He also wanted them to remember "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God; I am the LORD your God" (v.41).
We shouldn't need to be reminded to remember the Lord and keep His commandments, but we are just like the children of Israel and prone to forget His commandments and holiness. Perhaps it is a good idea for us to choose the color blue as a reminder to us of these things. Should we hang a "tassel with blue" from our key chains as a reminder at all times of God's holiness and His instructions for us to "do His commandments?" It is easy for us to get busy in our day and forget His holiness and commandments, as well as His forgiveness, grace and love to us through Jesus Christ. Maybe the color blue can have a whole new meaning for us. Look at it and be reminded!
In Numbers 15 the Lord instructs the children of Israel to make tassels on the corner of their garments and a blue thread in the tassels of the corners (v.38). Notice He says to do this "throughout their generations." This was to be done so they could look on the tassel and be reminded to keep the commandments of the Lord and do them (v.39). He wanted them to remember to be holy as He is holy (v.40). He also wanted them to remember "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God; I am the LORD your God" (v.41).
We shouldn't need to be reminded to remember the Lord and keep His commandments, but we are just like the children of Israel and prone to forget His commandments and holiness. Perhaps it is a good idea for us to choose the color blue as a reminder to us of these things. Should we hang a "tassel with blue" from our key chains as a reminder at all times of God's holiness and His instructions for us to "do His commandments?" It is easy for us to get busy in our day and forget His holiness and commandments, as well as His forgiveness, grace and love to us through Jesus Christ. Maybe the color blue can have a whole new meaning for us. Look at it and be reminded!
Friday, May 21, 2010
You're Just Like Your Father
My parents divorced when I was 5. Sometimes when I would do something wrong or something that made my mother angry she would say "You're just like your father."
Ephesians 5 opens with Paul telling the Ephesians that they were to be imitators of God as dear children. He goes on to say that if we are imitators of God, fornication, covetousness, foolish talking, and course jesting is unfitting for us. Because our children spend so much time with us, there are ways in which they imitate us. Little girls like to help mom clean and bake. Little boys like to help dad build and fix things. This is why the retail store sells products for children such as toy vacuum cleaners, ovens, dishwashers, lawn mowers and tools. However, children not only imitate what we do, but who we are. Many times we see ourselves in the strengths and weaknesses of the behavior of our children.
What does it mean to be "imitators of God?" 1 Peter 1: 15, 16 says "but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy'." We know we will never be completely holy until we go to be with Him in the final resurrection, but we are to strive to be holy as He is holy. No one has ever seen our holy Father except Jesus, but He became flesh to dwell with us and show us who He is (John 1:14). In John 14:9 after being asked by Philip to show him the Father, Jesus says "He who has seen Me has seen the Father."
If we want ourselves and our children to be imitators of God, we must spend time with Him actively in His word. Can you imagine my thoughts today if my mother said "You're just like your Father."
Ephesians 5 opens with Paul telling the Ephesians that they were to be imitators of God as dear children. He goes on to say that if we are imitators of God, fornication, covetousness, foolish talking, and course jesting is unfitting for us. Because our children spend so much time with us, there are ways in which they imitate us. Little girls like to help mom clean and bake. Little boys like to help dad build and fix things. This is why the retail store sells products for children such as toy vacuum cleaners, ovens, dishwashers, lawn mowers and tools. However, children not only imitate what we do, but who we are. Many times we see ourselves in the strengths and weaknesses of the behavior of our children.
What does it mean to be "imitators of God?" 1 Peter 1: 15, 16 says "but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy'." We know we will never be completely holy until we go to be with Him in the final resurrection, but we are to strive to be holy as He is holy. No one has ever seen our holy Father except Jesus, but He became flesh to dwell with us and show us who He is (John 1:14). In John 14:9 after being asked by Philip to show him the Father, Jesus says "He who has seen Me has seen the Father."
If we want ourselves and our children to be imitators of God, we must spend time with Him actively in His word. Can you imagine my thoughts today if my mother said "You're just like your Father."
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Aimless Conduct
In 1 Peter 1:18, 19, Peter is telling the Jews they were redeemed from their aimless conduct received by tradition from their fathers.
Just as the Jews had to forget the traditions of their fathers that were not the Lord's traditions, we need to forget the traditions that lie behind us - those traditions and values that would not support the teachings of Christ. If you were not raised to know the Lord, like me, you probably have traditions, instructions and values in your background that did not uphold the teachings of Christ.
When we come up against trials, we often fall back to the "aimless conduct" that was taught to us by our parents. Instead, we need to remember that we were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ and that we now belong to Him. Our conduct now is not aimless. We are guided and led by the resurrected Christ who dwells in us. We have a tendency to forget this. Let us gird up the loins of our minds and rest our hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 13).
Just as the Jews had to forget the traditions of their fathers that were not the Lord's traditions, we need to forget the traditions that lie behind us - those traditions and values that would not support the teachings of Christ. If you were not raised to know the Lord, like me, you probably have traditions, instructions and values in your background that did not uphold the teachings of Christ.
When we come up against trials, we often fall back to the "aimless conduct" that was taught to us by our parents. Instead, we need to remember that we were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ and that we now belong to Him. Our conduct now is not aimless. We are guided and led by the resurrected Christ who dwells in us. We have a tendency to forget this. Let us gird up the loins of our minds and rest our hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 13).
Monday, May 17, 2010
Strength from the Lord
If you go to the grocery store and purchase several bags of groceries, chances are you will take them out to your car in a shopping cart. You probably would not think about trying to carry them out in your arms all at once, nor carrying a couple at a time until they were all placed in your car. You would use the strength of the grocery cart to carry them.
When we are faced with difficult times or people who may be our enemies, how quick are we to depend upon the strength of the Lord? Many times we struggle and depend on our own strength to help us through. Yet, there is the Lord always ready to help in our time of trouble (Psalm 27:5). I have this picture in my mind of us struggling in our difficulties while the Lord is standing right there ready to carry them for us (Psalm 25:22). It would be like saying to the "bagger" at the grocery store, "Oh, don't put them in the cart where it would be much easier to carry. Just let me take them out a couple at a time and come back for more." You may think my thinking is a little warped, but I think it makes the point.
"For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places" (Psalm 18: 31-34). These are Davids words when he is delivered from the hands of his enemies. Just as you would let the strength of the cart carry your groceries, let the strength of the Lord carry your burdens. He is a shield to all those who trust in Him and His way is perfect (Psalm 18: 30).
When we are faced with difficult times or people who may be our enemies, how quick are we to depend upon the strength of the Lord? Many times we struggle and depend on our own strength to help us through. Yet, there is the Lord always ready to help in our time of trouble (Psalm 27:5). I have this picture in my mind of us struggling in our difficulties while the Lord is standing right there ready to carry them for us (Psalm 25:22). It would be like saying to the "bagger" at the grocery store, "Oh, don't put them in the cart where it would be much easier to carry. Just let me take them out a couple at a time and come back for more." You may think my thinking is a little warped, but I think it makes the point.
"For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places" (Psalm 18: 31-34). These are Davids words when he is delivered from the hands of his enemies. Just as you would let the strength of the cart carry your groceries, let the strength of the Lord carry your burdens. He is a shield to all those who trust in Him and His way is perfect (Psalm 18: 30).
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Pot Calling the Kettle Black
The phrase "The pot calling the kettle black" is an idiom used to accuse a person or thing of being marked with or guilty of the very thing they are pointing out.
This is what was taking place in Romans 2 when Paul tells the Jews they are as guilty as the Gentiles. The Jews in Rome were blaspheming God through their behavior. The Gentiles heard the Jews teaching the law, yet their actions were no different than the pagan Gentiles. Paul says "You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, Do not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples" (vs. 21, 22)?
We do the same today. As believers (spiritual Jews), we have His name upon us, yet our behavior does not square up with what we teach and believe. Marriages are falling apart and believers are bailing because they don't want to work at the commitment. We gossip and judge others without all the facts. We complain about our spouses, children, jobs, houses, and many times do not have a spirit of thankfulness to the Lord for who He is and what He has done for us. Yet, we are quick to teach others God's law.
"But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God"(v. 29). Let us be the Christian whose inward thoughts and desires reflect God's character, and whose outward appearance squares up with what we teach and believe.
This is what was taking place in Romans 2 when Paul tells the Jews they are as guilty as the Gentiles. The Jews in Rome were blaspheming God through their behavior. The Gentiles heard the Jews teaching the law, yet their actions were no different than the pagan Gentiles. Paul says "You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, Do not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples" (vs. 21, 22)?
We do the same today. As believers (spiritual Jews), we have His name upon us, yet our behavior does not square up with what we teach and believe. Marriages are falling apart and believers are bailing because they don't want to work at the commitment. We gossip and judge others without all the facts. We complain about our spouses, children, jobs, houses, and many times do not have a spirit of thankfulness to the Lord for who He is and what He has done for us. Yet, we are quick to teach others God's law.
"But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God"(v. 29). Let us be the Christian whose inward thoughts and desires reflect God's character, and whose outward appearance squares up with what we teach and believe.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Blood
"Blood" is a word that brings different kinds of thoughts to us and I would be right in saying most of those thoughts are frightening. Blood is the lifeline of our veins and when someone is bleeding and losing blood their lives are slowly dying. Some faint at the sight of blood, while others may get sick at their stomach.
Exodus 12 is where the Lord institutes the Passover. As you know, the Lord requires His people to kill a lamb without blemish and take the blood and "put it on the lintel of the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it"(v.7). The reason is that He intends to kill the first born of every living creature to bring judgment on the Egyptians. The blood over the doorposts of the Israelite houses will be a sign that He will not destroy them while He is striking the land of Egypt. In other words, the blood of that lamb saves them.
In 1 Peter 1: 18, 19 we find these words, "knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." This passage refers to the Exodus 12 passage.
Regardless of what you thought of the movie "The Passion", it did a terrific job depicting the horror, pain, agony and bloodiness of Jesus' crucifixion. It is easy to gloss over Jesus' death on the cross and it's details. Thinking about the "blood" gives us a better picture of what had to happen for us to be forgiven and saved by God's grace. Just as the Lord passed over the doorposts, He passes over us in judgment because what He sees is the "blood" of Christ, shed and placed upon us for redemption.
Take some time today to give praise to our Lord for His plan of salvation through the shedding of the blood of the precious, spotless lamb which He provided for us - His Son.
Exodus 12 is where the Lord institutes the Passover. As you know, the Lord requires His people to kill a lamb without blemish and take the blood and "put it on the lintel of the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it"(v.7). The reason is that He intends to kill the first born of every living creature to bring judgment on the Egyptians. The blood over the doorposts of the Israelite houses will be a sign that He will not destroy them while He is striking the land of Egypt. In other words, the blood of that lamb saves them.
In 1 Peter 1: 18, 19 we find these words, "knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." This passage refers to the Exodus 12 passage.
Regardless of what you thought of the movie "The Passion", it did a terrific job depicting the horror, pain, agony and bloodiness of Jesus' crucifixion. It is easy to gloss over Jesus' death on the cross and it's details. Thinking about the "blood" gives us a better picture of what had to happen for us to be forgiven and saved by God's grace. Just as the Lord passed over the doorposts, He passes over us in judgment because what He sees is the "blood" of Christ, shed and placed upon us for redemption.
Take some time today to give praise to our Lord for His plan of salvation through the shedding of the blood of the precious, spotless lamb which He provided for us - His Son.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Why Go to Church?
"PRAISE the Lord!
I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation" (Psalm 111:1).
Some people say they don't have to go to church to be a Christian. This is true. However, if you are a Christian growing in the knowledge of the Lord, you will desire to be in church with God's people. All too often we do not clearly understand the reason for church membership or participation. We go because of what we can get out of it not what we can put into it - our praise and worship of the Lord.
If you have trouble finding reasons to praise the Lord, here is a list from Psalm 111 that will give you a wonderful guideline of reasons to praise Him. His works are great, His works are honorable, his righteousness endures forever, He is gracious and full of compassion, He will always remember His covenant with us and He has sent redemption to His people. As you spend time in His word, there are more reasons than you can possibly count to praise Him.
If you have a church home, be there as often as it is possible with you to give praises to the Lord. If not, find a church home that teaches the truth of God's word and be there to worship and praise Him with His people!
I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation" (Psalm 111:1).
Some people say they don't have to go to church to be a Christian. This is true. However, if you are a Christian growing in the knowledge of the Lord, you will desire to be in church with God's people. All too often we do not clearly understand the reason for church membership or participation. We go because of what we can get out of it not what we can put into it - our praise and worship of the Lord.
If you have trouble finding reasons to praise the Lord, here is a list from Psalm 111 that will give you a wonderful guideline of reasons to praise Him. His works are great, His works are honorable, his righteousness endures forever, He is gracious and full of compassion, He will always remember His covenant with us and He has sent redemption to His people. As you spend time in His word, there are more reasons than you can possibly count to praise Him.
If you have a church home, be there as often as it is possible with you to give praises to the Lord. If not, find a church home that teaches the truth of God's word and be there to worship and praise Him with His people!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Bloom Where You are Planted
The title of this blog is a quote from Mary Engelbreit. Perhaps you have used this quote before in conversation with others. Recently, I was having a conversation with someone about this quotation and what it means. We both concluded that because it is used so often it is viewed as somewhat "trite." However, the more I thought about, it the more I realize it is pretty rich with meaning. The conversation we were having had to do with serving the Lord in the workplace as well as on the mission field.
When Jesus called the fishermen to be His disciples in Matthew 4:18-22, we see that these fisherman immediately left their nets, their boat and their father to follow Jesus. In other words they gave up a lucrative career to go on the mission field. Many times we think that to serve or follow Jesus full-time, we have to be in a labeled full-time ministry. The Lord does call some to that type of work, but He calls all of us to live each day for Him no matter what our duties or jobs are. I know many people who are in the workplace, and they are aware every day that the Lord has placed them there not only to be a diligent and hard worker, but to take every opportunity to be salt and light in that environment (Matthew 5:13-16). Whether we work as a missionary, a vice president in food service, carpenter, business analyst, manager of a restaurant, real estate agent, teach computer in college, olympic skater, or a homemaker, etc., we are called by the Lord to use that work to further His kingdom - to show others to know the Lord and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. As salt and light, we are to be a reflection and proclamation of the gospel of Christ.
The Lord may not be asking you to leave a lucrative career to follow Him, but He calls us to follow Him wherever we are working. Joe Stowell, a writer for "Our Daily Bread" says, "We are tempted to think that we should make something of our lives and at the same time follow Jesus. Wrong! He calls us first to follow Him, and then he makes something of our lives."
When Jesus called the fishermen to be His disciples in Matthew 4:18-22, we see that these fisherman immediately left their nets, their boat and their father to follow Jesus. In other words they gave up a lucrative career to go on the mission field. Many times we think that to serve or follow Jesus full-time, we have to be in a labeled full-time ministry. The Lord does call some to that type of work, but He calls all of us to live each day for Him no matter what our duties or jobs are. I know many people who are in the workplace, and they are aware every day that the Lord has placed them there not only to be a diligent and hard worker, but to take every opportunity to be salt and light in that environment (Matthew 5:13-16). Whether we work as a missionary, a vice president in food service, carpenter, business analyst, manager of a restaurant, real estate agent, teach computer in college, olympic skater, or a homemaker, etc., we are called by the Lord to use that work to further His kingdom - to show others to know the Lord and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. As salt and light, we are to be a reflection and proclamation of the gospel of Christ.
The Lord may not be asking you to leave a lucrative career to follow Him, but He calls us to follow Him wherever we are working. Joe Stowell, a writer for "Our Daily Bread" says, "We are tempted to think that we should make something of our lives and at the same time follow Jesus. Wrong! He calls us first to follow Him, and then he makes something of our lives."
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Place of Refuge
Most everyone has a place of refuge they like to retreat to when stress and trouble seem to become overwhelming. It may be a cabin by the lake, cabin in the mountains, condo on the beach or even just the solitude of your own home.
Many times in the Psalms the Lord is referred to as a refuge or hiding place, rock or dwelling place, for His people (Psalm 9:9, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 71:3, Psalm 31: 2, 3, Psalm 91: 1,2).
David knows well the days of deep trouble and stress. He speaks of them many times in the Psalms. David was raised to know the Lord from his childhood. In Psalm 71, he speaks of the Lord being his hope, rock and refuge (vs. 3-5). David says, "For you are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth. By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother's womb" (vs.5,6). Because of this truth, David says "My praise shall be continually of You."
David knew he could find refuge in the Lord continually. The Hebrew word translated refuge means "dwelling; a place to live." When we are faced with the stress and trouble of life, we need to remember that He is our hiding place and He is our dwelling place. We do not have to go far to find this refuge. He is there if we will, as the Psalmist does, cry out to Him.
I was reminded of that as I traveled this morning in traffic that was beginning to frighten me and cause me great stress. I cried out to Him and He brought me relief.
Having the cabin on the lake or condo at beach is a great place to visit from the stresses of life, but it can never take the place of the refuge we have in the Lord. Let us resort, continually, to the Lord who is our strong refuge.
Many times in the Psalms the Lord is referred to as a refuge or hiding place, rock or dwelling place, for His people (Psalm 9:9, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 71:3, Psalm 31: 2, 3, Psalm 91: 1,2).
David knows well the days of deep trouble and stress. He speaks of them many times in the Psalms. David was raised to know the Lord from his childhood. In Psalm 71, he speaks of the Lord being his hope, rock and refuge (vs. 3-5). David says, "For you are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth. By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother's womb" (vs.5,6). Because of this truth, David says "My praise shall be continually of You."
David knew he could find refuge in the Lord continually. The Hebrew word translated refuge means "dwelling; a place to live." When we are faced with the stress and trouble of life, we need to remember that He is our hiding place and He is our dwelling place. We do not have to go far to find this refuge. He is there if we will, as the Psalmist does, cry out to Him.
I was reminded of that as I traveled this morning in traffic that was beginning to frighten me and cause me great stress. I cried out to Him and He brought me relief.
Having the cabin on the lake or condo at beach is a great place to visit from the stresses of life, but it can never take the place of the refuge we have in the Lord. Let us resort, continually, to the Lord who is our strong refuge.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Are You Generous?
Generosity comes easy for some, but is difficult for others. I can think of three reasons why a person would be generous. One, they hope to give thinking they may get something in return. Two, they give out of duty because they know it is the right thing to do. Three, they give out of thanksgiving to the Lord because of what He has given them. This kind of giver understands the gospel message. Christ died for them and has forgiven their sin, and now walk in the mercy and grace of the Lord. Because the Lord has been merciful to them, they show mercy to others. They also know that all they have belongs to the Lord. It is His to give away.
We have some close friends who are givers of the third category I described. They are consistently generous with their money, time, and material things. They are overjoyed to be able to help and serve others with the blessings the Lord has given to them. Consequently, the Lord continues to bless them financially even in an economy where many are struggling. They don't take that lightly. They thank the Lord every day for His generosity to them.
Proverbs: 22, 9 says "He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor." Paul tells the Corinthians, ".....He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver"(2 Corinthians 9:6.7).
When we give cheerfully, we are blessed. Not that we necessarily receive monetary things in return, but we are filled with joy. That is the blessing.
Let's examine our hearts and see which of the three categories we would place ourselves. May the Lord in His mercy help us remember all He has freely given to us in Christ, so that we may freely give what is His to give to others.
We have some close friends who are givers of the third category I described. They are consistently generous with their money, time, and material things. They are overjoyed to be able to help and serve others with the blessings the Lord has given to them. Consequently, the Lord continues to bless them financially even in an economy where many are struggling. They don't take that lightly. They thank the Lord every day for His generosity to them.
Proverbs: 22, 9 says "He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor." Paul tells the Corinthians, ".....He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver"(2 Corinthians 9:6.7).
When we give cheerfully, we are blessed. Not that we necessarily receive monetary things in return, but we are filled with joy. That is the blessing.
Let's examine our hearts and see which of the three categories we would place ourselves. May the Lord in His mercy help us remember all He has freely given to us in Christ, so that we may freely give what is His to give to others.
Friday, April 23, 2010
The Day of Trouble
When we find ourselves pushed into a corner with serious decisions to make, we often look to different people or ourselves to help us get out of those situations. We turn to doctors for hope of healing, teachers to help our children in school, good friends who will give us counsel, credit cards because we think that is the answer to a financial issue, etc. In other words, there are many areas we look to in a "day of trouble". Even if the people in all these areas were the best at what they do, it is the Lord who delivers.
In Psalm 20 David has the assurance of the Lord's help and strength in the day of trouble. In verse 7 he says, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. There are several places in scripture where horses and chariots are referred to in terms of strength. Psalm 33:17 tells us a horse is a vain hope for safety..." Proverbs 21:31 says, "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the LORD." Isaiah 31: 1 says, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, Nor see the LORD!"
The Israelites had a tendency to trust in the strength of their horses and chariots in the day of trouble. We may not trust in those things today, but we do trust in people and things just as they did. The more intimate we are with the Lord, the easier it is to look to Him first in the day of trouble. I didn't say it was easy, but easier.
Our trust in those areas listed above should come first from our trust in the Lord who is in control of these people and uses them to bring about His plan and purpose for us.
In Psalm 20 David has the assurance of the Lord's help and strength in the day of trouble. In verse 7 he says, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. There are several places in scripture where horses and chariots are referred to in terms of strength. Psalm 33:17 tells us a horse is a vain hope for safety..." Proverbs 21:31 says, "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the LORD." Isaiah 31: 1 says, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, Nor see the LORD!"
The Israelites had a tendency to trust in the strength of their horses and chariots in the day of trouble. We may not trust in those things today, but we do trust in people and things just as they did. The more intimate we are with the Lord, the easier it is to look to Him first in the day of trouble. I didn't say it was easy, but easier.
Our trust in those areas listed above should come first from our trust in the Lord who is in control of these people and uses them to bring about His plan and purpose for us.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
What Have You Done For Your Marriage Today?
There is a billboard on interstate 75 that says "What have you done for your marriage today"? I am convicted every time I read that sign. We do many things in a day for us or for our children, but what have we done for our marriage.
My husband and I have spent a lot of time teaching marriage overseas. I want to begin with what Paul has to say about marriage in Ephesians 5. Wives are to submit to their own husbands realizing that her husband is her head as Christ is the head of the church. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ has loved the church and sacrificed Himself for her. He does this to sanctify her - to make her holy without blemish (Ephesians 5: 22-27).
Now let's look at some specifics. Are we kind and tenderhearted, forgiving our spouse as Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32)? Do our words build up and impart grace to our spouse (Ephesians 4: 29)? Are we concerned more with our spouse's interest than we are our own (Philippians 2: 4)? Do you look your spouse in the eyes when he or she is speaking with you? Do you pray for your spouse for their physical struggles, mental struggles, areas they work in and more importantly their growth in the Lord?
If I asked "Do you love your spouse?" what would you say? There are those who love their spouses but they are not in love with their spouses. That is a topic for another day. Either way, we are to love our spouses and Paul shows us how to do that in I Corinthians 13.
What have you done for your marriage today?
My husband and I have spent a lot of time teaching marriage overseas. I want to begin with what Paul has to say about marriage in Ephesians 5. Wives are to submit to their own husbands realizing that her husband is her head as Christ is the head of the church. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ has loved the church and sacrificed Himself for her. He does this to sanctify her - to make her holy without blemish (Ephesians 5: 22-27).
Now let's look at some specifics. Are we kind and tenderhearted, forgiving our spouse as Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32)? Do our words build up and impart grace to our spouse (Ephesians 4: 29)? Are we concerned more with our spouse's interest than we are our own (Philippians 2: 4)? Do you look your spouse in the eyes when he or she is speaking with you? Do you pray for your spouse for their physical struggles, mental struggles, areas they work in and more importantly their growth in the Lord?
If I asked "Do you love your spouse?" what would you say? There are those who love their spouses but they are not in love with their spouses. That is a topic for another day. Either way, we are to love our spouses and Paul shows us how to do that in I Corinthians 13.
What have you done for your marriage today?
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
A Light Bearer
As you go through your daily routine do you ever wonder how other people see you? Think about your response when someone cuts you off on the highway or messes up your order at a restaurant. Usually when we are with those we know, whether it be with family or our work environment, we are careful about our behavior. We want them to see us in a positive light. We may behave differently with those we don't have to impress.
When Paul writes to the Philippians he tells them they live "in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation." He tells them how to behave so that they will be light bearers. He says "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the mist of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights to the world" (Philippians 2: 14, 15).
As I began my day today, I asked the Lord to help me focus on those who do not know the Lord and that I would take every opportunity to share the salvation given to us through Christ. I seem to fail pretty regularly in that area. I was reminded of this passage in Philippians. Paul spoke those words a very long time ago, but we know sin is still in the world. Because of the ruler of this world (John 12:31), we live in a perverse and crooked generation. We don't have to look far. Between magazines, television, movies, etc. we see the work of the ruler of this world. Rather than have this thought bring us to despair, let us think of the privilege we have been given through Christ to make a difference and this difference comes through our behavior as light bearers to those who are outside of Christ.
As you go through your day today, remember you are a light bearer.
When Paul writes to the Philippians he tells them they live "in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation." He tells them how to behave so that they will be light bearers. He says "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the mist of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights to the world" (Philippians 2: 14, 15).
As I began my day today, I asked the Lord to help me focus on those who do not know the Lord and that I would take every opportunity to share the salvation given to us through Christ. I seem to fail pretty regularly in that area. I was reminded of this passage in Philippians. Paul spoke those words a very long time ago, but we know sin is still in the world. Because of the ruler of this world (John 12:31), we live in a perverse and crooked generation. We don't have to look far. Between magazines, television, movies, etc. we see the work of the ruler of this world. Rather than have this thought bring us to despair, let us think of the privilege we have been given through Christ to make a difference and this difference comes through our behavior as light bearers to those who are outside of Christ.
As you go through your day today, remember you are a light bearer.
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