I am hoping you chose to read this today, even though you were pretty sure I was going to mention Christ, or Christianity....or something about those things. Or maybe I caught you with the title and you had no idea what you were getting into here. Don't back away...not just yet.
You see, I am finding...most people shy away, or actually back away, and sometimes even run from this blog. Not really this blog...but the name of Christ. It isn't something they want to discuss...or comment on. Maybe they don't want to think about it, or they have their beliefs and just don't feel the need to read anything like this. I really don't know. It has kind of boggled me. But I know it should be expected...we were told it would happen.
I think of all the things I could post on this page and you would read on. I could probably talk about Buddha or some mystical creature god that I make up...and you would read on. I could even talk about politics or evil desires...you would read on. But at the mere mention of Christ...people want to run.
Well, I hope I haven't lost you yet...because today I would love to hear your side. I know where I stand, and I know how I walk through my days and how I am handling life here on this earth. But what about you? I have always had a curiosity about the beliefs and thoughts of others...what makes us tick. I was ready for debate. I was ready for challenge. I guess I didn't expect silence. So, now my curiosity is about the silence...why do people run from the name of Christ? Or at least, why do we move to silence or awkwardness? It happens to me as well.
Why do you stay away from these type of writings...or conversations?
Where does your hope come from?
What exactly do you feel when you hear the name of Christ? Why do you think that is?
As a writer I really would love to reach my audience, and I actually want to write for them. If no one ever read my writing, I am pretty sure I would discontinue pretty quickly. I write, to be read. At least here in public that is my purpose. Writers write for a myriad of reasons. Here, on a public blog, I write to be read...that seems to be how we writers are. We are looking for a connection with our readers. We want a reaction.
My audience seems limited. It seems to be like-minded people. However, honestly....I had hoped my writing would introduce you, reintroduce you, or at least make you stop and think about Christ...and all that his name captures. I had hoped to give hope to hurt. Peace to chaos. Joy to grief. Answers to questions. Faith to doubt.
Of course, as I draw to the end of this post...I look at the "I"s throughout the writing. What I want...what I hoped...and in there more than likely lies the problem. It shouldn't be about what I want...this writing should be about what God wants.
You see, that is how I try "to tick". I try to walk and align myself with what God wants, the path he chose for me. Not always easy...but sometimes it is the easiest. To just let go, and let God.
But we all deal with that constant battle...no matter who we are or what we believe....we are all in that same boat. We are creatures of sin. We all live in that same boat together. So...how do we each deal with that differently?
I really would love to hear how you "tick"....what brings you here? What makes you want to run? Why do you read, and leave silently? Today, break the silence. Let me sneak a peek at my audience.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19: 14
That is my hope...that my words will be pleasing to God. And in doing so, it is my hope that they will be salt and light to you, my reader.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Faith of Children
What a wonderful place to be this week...in the presence of children. To listen to their innocent questions, unwavering faith, and deep thoughtful questions. Oh yeah, and of course their silly little comments in the middle of a bible story, "did you know your eyes are brown?"
It has been a very busy week and I have missed my writing. However, I had to step away for a moment from the chaos just to remind all of us, sometimes we should just stop and listen to a child. They so easily accept and believe God's word. No questions. No buts.... They listen to his word, and accept. It is truth, no gray areas. No... well maybe.
We become polluted by the world and its teachings as we grow older. We want to try and figure things out on our own. We want physical proof, and faith is so much more difficult.
Take some time, sit with a child. Listen to their thoughts...and their faith. See if you can remember!
It has been a very busy week and I have missed my writing. However, I had to step away for a moment from the chaos just to remind all of us, sometimes we should just stop and listen to a child. They so easily accept and believe God's word. No questions. No buts.... They listen to his word, and accept. It is truth, no gray areas. No... well maybe.
We become polluted by the world and its teachings as we grow older. We want to try and figure things out on our own. We want physical proof, and faith is so much more difficult.
Take some time, sit with a child. Listen to their thoughts...and their faith. See if you can remember!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Marriage
"Give honor to marriage..." Hebrews 13:4
My husband and I recently started a devotional which focuses on marriage and the relationship. Tonight I am thinking about that relationship...and the relationship we have with Christ.
The bible refers to us as Christ's bride. So, in thinking about our marriage relationship with our spouse, we can learn from examining our relationship with Christ.
First, I think about sanctification. Our relationship with Christ continues to grow over time. It is not a straight path from us to him. It seems to have some ups and downs. But we never seem to go back to where we began, each dip down is a valley, but we do continue to grow as we make our way towards heaven. So, in our marriages we can expect some valleys, but the valleys will never take us back to those first days in our marriage. But we will never arrive to a final destination in our marriages...we can expect to always grow.
What does that process require from us? With Christ it takes us making the time to pray...communicate. Communication is important in our marriage, probably the MOST important factor. We need to express our hopes, dreams, desires, concerns, frustrations, mistakes....and we need to listen. We know the Lord is listening when we pray. He is paying attention. It is a two-way communication. We need to have that same kind of communication with our spouses...talking and listening.
Our relationship with Christ also requires for us to get to know more and more about him. We do not stay as we are in the relationship. We do this through study and by reading his word. In marriage, we need to get to know our spouse, and as they grow and change as a person we need to continue to get to know them. We need to ask questions. We need to pay attention to body language and moods. We need to listen as they express hopes and desires. We need to encourage and support them. People are not stagnant, and neither should our relationships be.
All relationships take work, but God has asked us to honor the convenant of marriage. If married we should be constantly moving in a direction to improve, and allowing God to always be in the center, leading and directing.
May you find salt and light in my words.
My husband and I recently started a devotional which focuses on marriage and the relationship. Tonight I am thinking about that relationship...and the relationship we have with Christ.
The bible refers to us as Christ's bride. So, in thinking about our marriage relationship with our spouse, we can learn from examining our relationship with Christ.
First, I think about sanctification. Our relationship with Christ continues to grow over time. It is not a straight path from us to him. It seems to have some ups and downs. But we never seem to go back to where we began, each dip down is a valley, but we do continue to grow as we make our way towards heaven. So, in our marriages we can expect some valleys, but the valleys will never take us back to those first days in our marriage. But we will never arrive to a final destination in our marriages...we can expect to always grow.
What does that process require from us? With Christ it takes us making the time to pray...communicate. Communication is important in our marriage, probably the MOST important factor. We need to express our hopes, dreams, desires, concerns, frustrations, mistakes....and we need to listen. We know the Lord is listening when we pray. He is paying attention. It is a two-way communication. We need to have that same kind of communication with our spouses...talking and listening.
Our relationship with Christ also requires for us to get to know more and more about him. We do not stay as we are in the relationship. We do this through study and by reading his word. In marriage, we need to get to know our spouse, and as they grow and change as a person we need to continue to get to know them. We need to ask questions. We need to pay attention to body language and moods. We need to listen as they express hopes and desires. We need to encourage and support them. People are not stagnant, and neither should our relationships be.
All relationships take work, but God has asked us to honor the convenant of marriage. If married we should be constantly moving in a direction to improve, and allowing God to always be in the center, leading and directing.
May you find salt and light in my words.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Persistence with Patience
Persistence with Patience...Those two words can often get a reaction. Not giving up....but having to wait?
However, God calls us to do both.
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40:1,2
"But I tell you this- though he won't do it for friendship's sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence." Luke 11:8
I usually use these two words to describe my personal characteristics. But neither of them came easy. Both were learned over time, and through difficult times. Faith was the fire that burned through me as I had to keep moving on.
My eyes had to be on the place I believe God wanted me. I had to see beyond the middle of my turmoil. I needed to see what it would be like when I moved out of the circle, and into the peace beyond.
I also need to confess that I didn't keep my eyes there. I allowed them to wander. I started to look at the circumstances....and then I listened to the world. So, the vision I had of what God wanted, and where He wanted me...I never got there. Not in the place that was in His perfect will.
However, God with his unfailing love, still rewarded me. He brought me through, and he gave me peace, out of the turmoil. He forgave me for where I faultered, and yet, still honored my persistence and patience.
So, you may be reading and this and asking...then why try? If he will reward you, even if you get tired and give up...then why not give up?
As I said, I was outside his will. Being outside of God's will has consequences. It requires asking forgiveness and repentance. It requires for us to admit we did not persevere...and we lost our patience. Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like...had I persevered with patience. As sweet and wonderful as my blessings are, how much more could they be within God's perfect will?
So, if you are in the midst of turmoil, my advice is persevere as God has called you...He wants you in His will. Follow His direction, not that of this world. Remember the enemy who will lie and deceive. Wait patiently.
If you did as I did...you faultered, you gave up. Ask for forgiveness, repent. Align yourself with his will and receive his blessings.
To do all this...stay close to God, His people, and His word. It is harder to hear the world in the midst of God's presence!
May you find light and salt in my words.
However, God calls us to do both.
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40:1,2
"But I tell you this- though he won't do it for friendship's sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence." Luke 11:8
I usually use these two words to describe my personal characteristics. But neither of them came easy. Both were learned over time, and through difficult times. Faith was the fire that burned through me as I had to keep moving on.
My eyes had to be on the place I believe God wanted me. I had to see beyond the middle of my turmoil. I needed to see what it would be like when I moved out of the circle, and into the peace beyond.
I also need to confess that I didn't keep my eyes there. I allowed them to wander. I started to look at the circumstances....and then I listened to the world. So, the vision I had of what God wanted, and where He wanted me...I never got there. Not in the place that was in His perfect will.
However, God with his unfailing love, still rewarded me. He brought me through, and he gave me peace, out of the turmoil. He forgave me for where I faultered, and yet, still honored my persistence and patience.
So, you may be reading and this and asking...then why try? If he will reward you, even if you get tired and give up...then why not give up?
As I said, I was outside his will. Being outside of God's will has consequences. It requires asking forgiveness and repentance. It requires for us to admit we did not persevere...and we lost our patience. Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like...had I persevered with patience. As sweet and wonderful as my blessings are, how much more could they be within God's perfect will?
So, if you are in the midst of turmoil, my advice is persevere as God has called you...He wants you in His will. Follow His direction, not that of this world. Remember the enemy who will lie and deceive. Wait patiently.
If you did as I did...you faultered, you gave up. Ask for forgiveness, repent. Align yourself with his will and receive his blessings.
To do all this...stay close to God, His people, and His word. It is harder to hear the world in the midst of God's presence!
May you find light and salt in my words.
Monday, June 13, 2011
God Speaks in the Strangest Places
So, as I was cleaning out my refrigerator today, I was thinking about this scripture:
"Search me, O God, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalms 139: 23, 24
Why you ask would I be thinking about this scripture? Well, I was imagining God cleaning out my heart, as I was cleaning out my refrigerator...and I found some likenesses.
For instance, I found some things that were lost, they were lost behind the good things. Unnoticed. Forgotten. And it was because the good things were at the front. And I thought of the good things in my heart, they may have some other not-so-good-things hidden behind it...such as motives, emotions, pride, and lack of faith. What are the good things in your heart hiding? Search us O God.
Oh, then there were things that were just forgotten. I forgot they were there. I am sure God finds those things in my heart, and he brings them out to the surface so we can deal with them. Maybe a sin that didn't feel like a sin when it was done, but now the conviction brings it forth. Or a consequence of a choice I was unaware of or chose to forget. What do you have hidden in your heart? Search us O God.
Then there are always those things that are covered up in containers or wrappings. I think many of our hearts have the covered up things. Just buried deep inside. Things we don't care to discuss or look at or be reminded of. So we cover them up...but when God is cleaning up and cleaning out...he will open those up for us and allow us to discard them. What do you have covered up? Bring forth what is offensive O God.
Once in a while you find something you had a desire for. You brought it home, craved it and hid it to enjoy later. Only to find out when you are cleaning up...it no longer had that appeal. Those opportunities set before us, God gave us the desire, called it to our attentions and we craved for it. But we do not always act on it. Sometimes we tend to hide it and save it for later. I believe God will remind us of those lost opportunities, hoping we will learn from our mistakes. We should act on the call at hand, move with the desires to be light to this world when he places them before us. What has God called you to do, what desire has he laid on your heart? Search us O God.
Which brings us to the expired dates. Things in our refrigerator have a shelf life and so do some of the things in our spiritual life. God presents us with opportunities, open doors and makes the way for us. But those doors will eventually close. We could be dealing with someone's lost soul. Hardened hearts. When God goes in to search our hearts, may He not find things we have allowed to sit and go wasted. Expired dates. What should you be doing before the expired date? What door could be closed? Search us O God.
Aren't you thankful for a God who will speak to us? Aren't you thankful for a God who will search our hearts...and lead us in the way everlasting. We only need to listen!
May you find salt and light in my words, always.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalms 139: 23, 24
Why you ask would I be thinking about this scripture? Well, I was imagining God cleaning out my heart, as I was cleaning out my refrigerator...and I found some likenesses.
For instance, I found some things that were lost, they were lost behind the good things. Unnoticed. Forgotten. And it was because the good things were at the front. And I thought of the good things in my heart, they may have some other not-so-good-things hidden behind it...such as motives, emotions, pride, and lack of faith. What are the good things in your heart hiding? Search us O God.
Oh, then there were things that were just forgotten. I forgot they were there. I am sure God finds those things in my heart, and he brings them out to the surface so we can deal with them. Maybe a sin that didn't feel like a sin when it was done, but now the conviction brings it forth. Or a consequence of a choice I was unaware of or chose to forget. What do you have hidden in your heart? Search us O God.
Then there are always those things that are covered up in containers or wrappings. I think many of our hearts have the covered up things. Just buried deep inside. Things we don't care to discuss or look at or be reminded of. So we cover them up...but when God is cleaning up and cleaning out...he will open those up for us and allow us to discard them. What do you have covered up? Bring forth what is offensive O God.
Once in a while you find something you had a desire for. You brought it home, craved it and hid it to enjoy later. Only to find out when you are cleaning up...it no longer had that appeal. Those opportunities set before us, God gave us the desire, called it to our attentions and we craved for it. But we do not always act on it. Sometimes we tend to hide it and save it for later. I believe God will remind us of those lost opportunities, hoping we will learn from our mistakes. We should act on the call at hand, move with the desires to be light to this world when he places them before us. What has God called you to do, what desire has he laid on your heart? Search us O God.
Which brings us to the expired dates. Things in our refrigerator have a shelf life and so do some of the things in our spiritual life. God presents us with opportunities, open doors and makes the way for us. But those doors will eventually close. We could be dealing with someone's lost soul. Hardened hearts. When God goes in to search our hearts, may He not find things we have allowed to sit and go wasted. Expired dates. What should you be doing before the expired date? What door could be closed? Search us O God.
Aren't you thankful for a God who will speak to us? Aren't you thankful for a God who will search our hearts...and lead us in the way everlasting. We only need to listen!
May you find salt and light in my words, always.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Loss
Today alone I read two blogs, freshly written about loss. The loss of life.
Loss of life leaves one twisted.
Leaves questions.
Leaves one "upside down"
and it leaves some emptiness.
These posts brought me back to February when I lost my mother. The loss is still so alive for me. Still a little unreal. I believe I am still being carried through.
But today when I read these posts, I thought of the peace I found. I know I had so many prayers being sent from mouths, rising up to a heavenly throne, and He graciously covered me in peace. Through the turmoil I felt his mercy. He picked me up and carried me, as He has done before. He comforted me and took me through the steps of loss.
He allowed the time I needed in anger. He allowed the time of tears and grief. But He didn't allow me to settle there, to be caught up and driven down into the pain.
Tonight I pray for all those effected by these losses I read of today. I pray for that peace that is beyond the things of this world. May you be covered in mercy and grace. May you find hope in His love. May you be lifted and carried through.
"Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance" Jude 2
This is my prayer for you tonight. May you find salt and light in my words!
Loss of life leaves one twisted.
Leaves questions.
Leaves one "upside down"
and it leaves some emptiness.
These posts brought me back to February when I lost my mother. The loss is still so alive for me. Still a little unreal. I believe I am still being carried through.
But today when I read these posts, I thought of the peace I found. I know I had so many prayers being sent from mouths, rising up to a heavenly throne, and He graciously covered me in peace. Through the turmoil I felt his mercy. He picked me up and carried me, as He has done before. He comforted me and took me through the steps of loss.
He allowed the time I needed in anger. He allowed the time of tears and grief. But He didn't allow me to settle there, to be caught up and driven down into the pain.
Tonight I pray for all those effected by these losses I read of today. I pray for that peace that is beyond the things of this world. May you be covered in mercy and grace. May you find hope in His love. May you be lifted and carried through.
"Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance" Jude 2
This is my prayer for you tonight. May you find salt and light in my words!
Friday, June 10, 2011
God's View
A year ago my youngest left for bootcamp. His wife and I were thinking back, back to that day and days before. Recently I found a church bulletin from 2001, his wife's name was in there. She had been baptized that day. We were there. I didn't know her, but God knew one day she would be my daughter in law, one day she would be the mother of my grandson. We do not know the days ahead, where we will be, or what we will be doing. I think He gives us glimpses.
My husband had played for a local symphony. Years ago they came to play on my school's campus. We brought the students over to see. We didn't know each other. And we wouldn't meet for many years after. But I think He gives us glimpses.
It makes me think of the view God has. How he connects the dots and can see behind the scenes. He has such a different view. He sees before, He sees within, and then He looks beyond. To think He even knew my days before I was in my mother's womb!
So, it make me wonder, who did I walk beside today who may be an impact in my life? Who has he placed beside me, brought me to, and aligned with with? How is he working in my life today that will impact a future? I think He is giving me glimpses.
The hard part continues to be, not knowing. But the part I can place confidence is, He does. There are ideas, hopes and dreams that filter through, I stop and wonder and pray. Are they from God?
Seeking His will is my goal. Discerning what is coming from His plan is not always easy. Sometime I recognize immediately that this was not HIS plan, it was mine. I have to back away. I did that with this blog. I wanted to go a different direction...and He let me know quickly, that what I am doing here, these random thoughts and sharing my questions, my wanderings, my reactions...that is all He needs from me here. He is working the scenes. If I am not followed or commented on, I need to let that go. His plan is for me to write (Pride is a terrible thing). He gave me a place to settle and create, move around my words and try to share my message. He will do with it what He wants. He will do with it when He wants.
So, I am thankful for a God with a view of it all. I am thankful that He is control. And I love how he shows me that He gave me glimpses...and that it all works together, for His good!
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
May you always find salt and light in my words!
My husband had played for a local symphony. Years ago they came to play on my school's campus. We brought the students over to see. We didn't know each other. And we wouldn't meet for many years after. But I think He gives us glimpses.
It makes me think of the view God has. How he connects the dots and can see behind the scenes. He has such a different view. He sees before, He sees within, and then He looks beyond. To think He even knew my days before I was in my mother's womb!
So, it make me wonder, who did I walk beside today who may be an impact in my life? Who has he placed beside me, brought me to, and aligned with with? How is he working in my life today that will impact a future? I think He is giving me glimpses.
The hard part continues to be, not knowing. But the part I can place confidence is, He does. There are ideas, hopes and dreams that filter through, I stop and wonder and pray. Are they from God?
Seeking His will is my goal. Discerning what is coming from His plan is not always easy. Sometime I recognize immediately that this was not HIS plan, it was mine. I have to back away. I did that with this blog. I wanted to go a different direction...and He let me know quickly, that what I am doing here, these random thoughts and sharing my questions, my wanderings, my reactions...that is all He needs from me here. He is working the scenes. If I am not followed or commented on, I need to let that go. His plan is for me to write (Pride is a terrible thing). He gave me a place to settle and create, move around my words and try to share my message. He will do with it what He wants. He will do with it when He wants.
So, I am thankful for a God with a view of it all. I am thankful that He is control. And I love how he shows me that He gave me glimpses...and that it all works together, for His good!
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
May you always find salt and light in my words!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
I Thank You
Over the last two weeks I have had a little more time...a little more time to write. I have rediscovered that love I have for writing. How I try to find a message and share it in words. I twist them, turn them, change them, rearrange them. It is an art, and to be able to do it, is a gift.
I am thankful for this gift of creativity. I think many of us have it, we just each share it differently. We have creative musicians, painters, sculpters, speakers, scrapbookers, designers, and the list goes on. This creativity is a gift from God, he blessed us with it for a specific purpose. We need to seek out the purpose and create.
Thank you Lord for helping me settle into a place where I can create, where I can share. May it be a blessing to you. May I use it always to be light and salt to this world!
"Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and the knowledge in all kinds of crafts- to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftmanship." Exodus 35:30-33
I am thankful for this gift of creativity. I think many of us have it, we just each share it differently. We have creative musicians, painters, sculpters, speakers, scrapbookers, designers, and the list goes on. This creativity is a gift from God, he blessed us with it for a specific purpose. We need to seek out the purpose and create.
Thank you Lord for helping me settle into a place where I can create, where I can share. May it be a blessing to you. May I use it always to be light and salt to this world!
"Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and the knowledge in all kinds of crafts- to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftmanship." Exodus 35:30-33
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Is it Enough to Place Him in the Driver's Seat?
I remember when my daughter was first driving. I would hand her the keys, allow her to sit in the driver's seat, and I would sit beside her....trying to drive from there. I would smash my foot on the floor as if brakes were there. I would make noises and shout directions trying to control her every decision. I would fling my body left and right in the direction I thought she should go. I gave her the keys, put her in the seat...but letting go of the control, a whole different story.
I am sure most of you know where I was headed with this. We do this with God, don't we? We make that first step, turn the seat over to him, and give him the keys. And then, we proceed to tell him how to drive, where to drive, and which turns to take, and let Him know when we will be stopping.
So, let me ask you this....did we ever actually make him the driver? Is this what is wrong with most proclaimed Christians today....have we really made the ultimate decision in our lives, or is it in word only, and not a commitment from our hearts and soul? Did we fool ourselves by handing him the keys and is Satan sitting in the backseat smiling?
I want to believe it is human nature to question these things and human nature that makes us grasp for control of the drive once in a while. But today I am not sure. I have completed reading a book I mentioned several times here in my blog, Radical, Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream by David Platt. It is a very thought- provoking, life examining book....and as he compares our cushy lives to those of the disciples and other believers who lived since and are living now, it causes some analysis. It really makes me examine our sacrifice...and when I place mine up against the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, it is pitiful...or worse, nonexistent. In his book David points out that many Christians today preach and teach about the blessings we deserve. And this is true. I have read those books too. But as scripture reveals....really we are asked to sacrifice. We are here temporary and we have a commission to share a message to the world.
He ends his book with a call for a one year commitment. I am letting that sit today, simmer and resonate in my soul. I am going to share this book with my husband. If it was just his writing that had me feeling this conviction, I could toss it away easier....but he backed his every thought with scripture. I am very afraid of where we are today in our country. How far we have walked from where we were. It may take a radical change, and maybe it needs to begin with me....and maybe you too.
"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father." John 14: 12, 13
Those blessings we can ask for...they are for doing. For doing even greater things than Christ did. All to bring glory to God.
May you find salt and light in my words.
I am sure most of you know where I was headed with this. We do this with God, don't we? We make that first step, turn the seat over to him, and give him the keys. And then, we proceed to tell him how to drive, where to drive, and which turns to take, and let Him know when we will be stopping.
So, let me ask you this....did we ever actually make him the driver? Is this what is wrong with most proclaimed Christians today....have we really made the ultimate decision in our lives, or is it in word only, and not a commitment from our hearts and soul? Did we fool ourselves by handing him the keys and is Satan sitting in the backseat smiling?
I want to believe it is human nature to question these things and human nature that makes us grasp for control of the drive once in a while. But today I am not sure. I have completed reading a book I mentioned several times here in my blog, Radical, Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream by David Platt. It is a very thought- provoking, life examining book....and as he compares our cushy lives to those of the disciples and other believers who lived since and are living now, it causes some analysis. It really makes me examine our sacrifice...and when I place mine up against the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, it is pitiful...or worse, nonexistent. In his book David points out that many Christians today preach and teach about the blessings we deserve. And this is true. I have read those books too. But as scripture reveals....really we are asked to sacrifice. We are here temporary and we have a commission to share a message to the world.
He ends his book with a call for a one year commitment. I am letting that sit today, simmer and resonate in my soul. I am going to share this book with my husband. If it was just his writing that had me feeling this conviction, I could toss it away easier....but he backed his every thought with scripture. I am very afraid of where we are today in our country. How far we have walked from where we were. It may take a radical change, and maybe it needs to begin with me....and maybe you too.
"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father." John 14: 12, 13
Those blessings we can ask for...they are for doing. For doing even greater things than Christ did. All to bring glory to God.
May you find salt and light in my words.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Obedience....For Real?
So often I claim I am trying to walk in obedience. But then something comes along and I question just where do I get that I walk in obedience. True obedience is total submission, and the dictionary defines that as "yielding to the authority and power of another".
Isn't the reality often more like I will give this up, or I will do this...because I can. I am willing.
But how often am I really yielding to the power of God?
What are the things He is asking me to do, and I could do if I was truly submitting to his power rather than relying on my own power. Because when I look at the reality of MY obedience, I only do what I can do within my own power. I do not really pay much attention to be the things He may be calling me to do that I can't quite imagine how I would do it.
There is so much to do, so I can't imagine that if I were really listening, there would be a list of things I am not hearing. When I tune in and get a real glimpse of the condition of this world....the hunger, the pain, the loneliness, the addictions, the crime, the poverty, and the number of people who do not know or have even heard of Christ...then the reality is He is asking many of us to do much more than most of us are doing. We make the circle so small for our influence.
Today I was wondering how I will feel in the presence of God as He shows me the lost opportunities He presented me with. I wonder how obedient I will feel at that moment.
So my challenge for myself today, and yes for you too...how can we broaden our circle? What is He asking of us that we can do, if we are obedient with his power in mind?
"Submit to God and be at peace with him, in this way prosperity will come to you. Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart." Job 22: 21, 22
May you find salt and light in my words.
Isn't the reality often more like I will give this up, or I will do this...because I can. I am willing.
But how often am I really yielding to the power of God?
What are the things He is asking me to do, and I could do if I was truly submitting to his power rather than relying on my own power. Because when I look at the reality of MY obedience, I only do what I can do within my own power. I do not really pay much attention to be the things He may be calling me to do that I can't quite imagine how I would do it.
There is so much to do, so I can't imagine that if I were really listening, there would be a list of things I am not hearing. When I tune in and get a real glimpse of the condition of this world....the hunger, the pain, the loneliness, the addictions, the crime, the poverty, and the number of people who do not know or have even heard of Christ...then the reality is He is asking many of us to do much more than most of us are doing. We make the circle so small for our influence.
Today I was wondering how I will feel in the presence of God as He shows me the lost opportunities He presented me with. I wonder how obedient I will feel at that moment.
So my challenge for myself today, and yes for you too...how can we broaden our circle? What is He asking of us that we can do, if we are obedient with his power in mind?
"Submit to God and be at peace with him, in this way prosperity will come to you. Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart." Job 22: 21, 22
May you find salt and light in my words.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Church and Today's Culture
There is something I am struggling with a little...and I have heard both messages in books, the church, bible classes...and both points make perfect sense to me. I think the greatest reason I am questioning this tonight is because of a book I am reading, Radical by David Platt. It has been a wonderful book and it has me really looking at and thinking about some things...mostly our churches today.
So the wrestling match going on here...how much should the church be different from the church we saw in scripture? How much of today's culture should the church adopt? And then it also boils down to us, how set apart should we be from the world and its culture? I know we must be set apart from the darkness and sin, but what about the culture?
So, here is my big question...if Jesus walked the earth today, what would that look like? Would his disciples blog? Would they use computers and facebook? Would they listen to the Newsboys? Would they travel by subway, airplanes and buses? What kind of church building would He plan, or would He not want a church building?
To think about this, I thought about how Jesus used the culture of His time. He did meet people where they were. He fellowshipped with them and ate with them. He would go out on the boat and fish with them. There were dark pieces of his culture we never saw Jesus near. He fellowshipped with sinners and had compassion for the helpless. He did not join in on the sin, but He met them where they were at. And what about his disciples once he was gone. They traveled to reach people. They were there in the midst of community, but again, not in dark places. Their mode of travel of their time was used.
Neither of them sat back in churches and awaited people to come in. They didn't just go out and invite people to come to a church. They didn't throw big events and send out invitations. So, when I think about that, we are missing the mark in most churches.
The churches seemed to be only for believers, to build and edify through teaching.
So, I am not sure it is important what we are doing inside our churches (other than teach believers and take care of one another) as it is important what we are doing outside our churches. I may be totally off the mark....but when I look at God's word, I can't find Jesus focusing or His disciples focusing on what is going on inside a building. They are always out and about with the people and sharing the good news. No programs, no concerts, no lights and comfy seats. And when I try to imagine Jesus here, today, I do not see Him in the church building. I see him down the road, outside the grocery store, or down on the river at a fishing tournament, at the basketball court shooting hoops and sharing, or in the waiting area at the beauty shop! I see him always on the move. I think I can see Him tweeting and using an IPhone before I could see Him in the church building waiting for people to come see Him.
I'd love to hear others thoughts. If you have a scripture to share that is where our answers should come from. I am totally just sharing some thinking here.
I can tell you what, if He did write a blog, I would be following that one!!!
May you always find light and salt in my words!
So the wrestling match going on here...how much should the church be different from the church we saw in scripture? How much of today's culture should the church adopt? And then it also boils down to us, how set apart should we be from the world and its culture? I know we must be set apart from the darkness and sin, but what about the culture?
So, here is my big question...if Jesus walked the earth today, what would that look like? Would his disciples blog? Would they use computers and facebook? Would they listen to the Newsboys? Would they travel by subway, airplanes and buses? What kind of church building would He plan, or would He not want a church building?
To think about this, I thought about how Jesus used the culture of His time. He did meet people where they were. He fellowshipped with them and ate with them. He would go out on the boat and fish with them. There were dark pieces of his culture we never saw Jesus near. He fellowshipped with sinners and had compassion for the helpless. He did not join in on the sin, but He met them where they were at. And what about his disciples once he was gone. They traveled to reach people. They were there in the midst of community, but again, not in dark places. Their mode of travel of their time was used.
Neither of them sat back in churches and awaited people to come in. They didn't just go out and invite people to come to a church. They didn't throw big events and send out invitations. So, when I think about that, we are missing the mark in most churches.
The churches seemed to be only for believers, to build and edify through teaching.
So, I am not sure it is important what we are doing inside our churches (other than teach believers and take care of one another) as it is important what we are doing outside our churches. I may be totally off the mark....but when I look at God's word, I can't find Jesus focusing or His disciples focusing on what is going on inside a building. They are always out and about with the people and sharing the good news. No programs, no concerts, no lights and comfy seats. And when I try to imagine Jesus here, today, I do not see Him in the church building. I see him down the road, outside the grocery store, or down on the river at a fishing tournament, at the basketball court shooting hoops and sharing, or in the waiting area at the beauty shop! I see him always on the move. I think I can see Him tweeting and using an IPhone before I could see Him in the church building waiting for people to come see Him.
I'd love to hear others thoughts. If you have a scripture to share that is where our answers should come from. I am totally just sharing some thinking here.
I can tell you what, if He did write a blog, I would be following that one!!!
May you always find light and salt in my words!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Our Greatest Tool
I have spent four days in training to counsel with woman in a pregnancy center. The training was awesome, and the woman who led was definitely annointed by God. There were a lot of aha moments for me, a lot of learning and a lot of looking at my weaknesses.
Some of my learning allowed me to see that some of the muck and hurt I have been through gives me a compassion and love for woman who are hurting. That compassion and love comes despite what brought them here. We all make poor choices, and we all know poor choices can bring tough consequences. I am so thankful for the people God placed in my life as I faced my consequences, so thankful for him picking me up and carrying me through those painful times, and thankful that there are three places in consequences, the before, the during and the after. I am looking forward to helping others see the after, and with God how much easier the during is.
I also learned a lot about our culture and how far we are slipping into a very dark place. The lack of holiness when it comes to life. I thought I knew, but I had no idea.
The toughest thing I had to deal with though, is my lack of knowledge in God's Word. I saw the importance of knowing his Word as I would so many other things. I claim I do not have a great memory, but I just completed writing a piece about words in a children's book that I read in first grade and I still have those words locked in my memory. There is no better tool in this world for helping ourselves or others. No matter how many wonderful Pastors, teachers or mentors we have in our life, it is the Word we need to test all other things. It needs to be burned into my heart, mind and soul, just like it was a hardrive.
As we heard about different scenarios we could be faced with I heard others around me calling out scripture to answer those hurts and consequences. The perfect words of hope, healing and redemption. When they would start to read them, I could complete the reading, I knew the words. But I need to know the addresses too. I need to study and learn God's word. We have the whole story, from beginning to end in our hands. We need to wrap our minds, hearts and souls around it, and use it as the best tool that it is. It is God's Word we hold in our hands.
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16, 17
May you always find salt and light in my words.
Some of my learning allowed me to see that some of the muck and hurt I have been through gives me a compassion and love for woman who are hurting. That compassion and love comes despite what brought them here. We all make poor choices, and we all know poor choices can bring tough consequences. I am so thankful for the people God placed in my life as I faced my consequences, so thankful for him picking me up and carrying me through those painful times, and thankful that there are three places in consequences, the before, the during and the after. I am looking forward to helping others see the after, and with God how much easier the during is.
I also learned a lot about our culture and how far we are slipping into a very dark place. The lack of holiness when it comes to life. I thought I knew, but I had no idea.
The toughest thing I had to deal with though, is my lack of knowledge in God's Word. I saw the importance of knowing his Word as I would so many other things. I claim I do not have a great memory, but I just completed writing a piece about words in a children's book that I read in first grade and I still have those words locked in my memory. There is no better tool in this world for helping ourselves or others. No matter how many wonderful Pastors, teachers or mentors we have in our life, it is the Word we need to test all other things. It needs to be burned into my heart, mind and soul, just like it was a hardrive.
As we heard about different scenarios we could be faced with I heard others around me calling out scripture to answer those hurts and consequences. The perfect words of hope, healing and redemption. When they would start to read them, I could complete the reading, I knew the words. But I need to know the addresses too. I need to study and learn God's word. We have the whole story, from beginning to end in our hands. We need to wrap our minds, hearts and souls around it, and use it as the best tool that it is. It is God's Word we hold in our hands.
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16, 17
May you always find salt and light in my words.
Friday, June 3, 2011
What do you want?
Changing things up a bit this week. I am going to use this blog for some fiction writing as well, where my characters will be dealing with some spiritual issues. Today's post is in response to Red Writing Hood's prompt: All about character development.
We'd like you to write about what your character wants most.
Do you know what you want most? Does your character? Write a piece of 600 words or less and come back to link up here Friday.
It is not a complete piece, just me trying to get to know my character.
Hannah heard the bellowing voice deep in your heart, "What do you want?"
The valley between them was wide, yet when He called to her she could feel it in the depths of her soul.
She searched for answers. What did she want...?
In a whisper she answered, "The hurts to be healed. The emptiness to be full. The weakness to be strengthened. And, the questions to be answered...all the whys and hows."
Her eyes turned toward the giggles intertwined with whining. She knew she tried to use their lives to fill hers. And in many ways they had. She could get lost in the caring and fulfillment of parenthood. But the obvious leakage of hurts, emptiness and weakness spilled into their lives as well. Which shadows would they carry with them as they grew?
She didn't want out from the situation, she wanted the situation changed. It was one of those days where it all felt so heavy. The burdens were outweighing her blessings today, the sins outweighing her faith, the distance between her and God today were out of her vision. She knew it was her who had created that distance, and it is why he was calling to her, ready to give her what she wanted. He was still there and waiting for her.
Maybe it was the other voices around her that made it heavy. They lacked understanding of her faith. They lacked forgiveness when she chose to forgive. Or maybe today it was because she was looking through their eyes, not wanting to keep forgiving, wanting to walk from the faith that sustained her here in this situation.
This time louder she called out, “I want a marriage free of drugs, free of alcohol. I want a husband who comes home every night. I want a man who can be faithful to me. I want to walk daily in a marriage where I don’t feel like the lone fighter.”
Then back to a whisper, “Or I want to know it is okay to give up. I want to know I will be okay on the other side.”
It felt as if she took another step backwards away from Him. Anytime she allowed the thought of giving in, to enter in, it felt as if she was letting Him down.
As if drawn to them, she pulled an album from the stack. As she flipped the pages she smiled. Even as an insider who knew the pain not shown, she could smile at the images and recall moments of happiness. They seemed to be the moments weaved in between that kept her holding on. A “normal” day here and there, a family, a husband and wife who loved and was loved. Those were the days that held her, the glimpses of what could be, what was.
But she wanted more of them. They were real. They happened. But days like today darkened them.
Again she heard him. With all His compassion, with all of His love, He questioned, “What do you want?”
She smiled, she knew. He already knew. She could sense it happening. He would pick her up, carry her through some more. Protect her from the hurt that wanted to envelop her heart. Pulled her up from the darkness and carried her beyond today. In His arms there was the light. She wanted the light, wanted to be lifted from the darkness.
What did she want?….she wanted Him. The only way she could sustain. The only hope she had. In his arms she could do it.
We'd like you to write about what your character wants most.
Do you know what you want most? Does your character? Write a piece of 600 words or less and come back to link up here Friday.
It is not a complete piece, just me trying to get to know my character.
Hannah heard the bellowing voice deep in your heart, "What do you want?"
The valley between them was wide, yet when He called to her she could feel it in the depths of her soul.
She searched for answers. What did she want...?
In a whisper she answered, "The hurts to be healed. The emptiness to be full. The weakness to be strengthened. And, the questions to be answered...all the whys and hows."
Her eyes turned toward the giggles intertwined with whining. She knew she tried to use their lives to fill hers. And in many ways they had. She could get lost in the caring and fulfillment of parenthood. But the obvious leakage of hurts, emptiness and weakness spilled into their lives as well. Which shadows would they carry with them as they grew?
She didn't want out from the situation, she wanted the situation changed. It was one of those days where it all felt so heavy. The burdens were outweighing her blessings today, the sins outweighing her faith, the distance between her and God today were out of her vision. She knew it was her who had created that distance, and it is why he was calling to her, ready to give her what she wanted. He was still there and waiting for her.
Maybe it was the other voices around her that made it heavy. They lacked understanding of her faith. They lacked forgiveness when she chose to forgive. Or maybe today it was because she was looking through their eyes, not wanting to keep forgiving, wanting to walk from the faith that sustained her here in this situation.
This time louder she called out, “I want a marriage free of drugs, free of alcohol. I want a husband who comes home every night. I want a man who can be faithful to me. I want to walk daily in a marriage where I don’t feel like the lone fighter.”
Then back to a whisper, “Or I want to know it is okay to give up. I want to know I will be okay on the other side.”
It felt as if she took another step backwards away from Him. Anytime she allowed the thought of giving in, to enter in, it felt as if she was letting Him down.
As if drawn to them, she pulled an album from the stack. As she flipped the pages she smiled. Even as an insider who knew the pain not shown, she could smile at the images and recall moments of happiness. They seemed to be the moments weaved in between that kept her holding on. A “normal” day here and there, a family, a husband and wife who loved and was loved. Those were the days that held her, the glimpses of what could be, what was.
But she wanted more of them. They were real. They happened. But days like today darkened them.
Again she heard him. With all His compassion, with all of His love, He questioned, “What do you want?”
She smiled, she knew. He already knew. She could sense it happening. He would pick her up, carry her through some more. Protect her from the hurt that wanted to envelop her heart. Pulled her up from the darkness and carried her beyond today. In His arms there was the light. She wanted the light, wanted to be lifted from the darkness.
What did she want?….she wanted Him. The only way she could sustain. The only hope she had. In his arms she could do it.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Dots Connected
"Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you have planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and to tell of them, they would be too many to declare." Psalms 40:5
A little follow up to my thinking from yesterday.
Dots Connected
He lays the plans and chooses the paths
Of where, and when, or how.
We are the players who follow through
Without question of the route.
Sometimes we want to see behind the curtain
See the working of His hand.
But tonight the Master is waiting
For all the players who need to enter in,
And then He follows through.
He lines them up and connects them
His map is always planned.
We just have to wait in faith
And walk the streets He chose.
When all the lines have been connected
The paths and acts unveiled.
The picture that has been hidden
Is a masterpiece revealed.
May you find light and salt in my words!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Seeing Behind the Scenes
I think I have posted about this before, so it must be something that does challenge me a little. I have faith, and I know God IS at work. But sometimes I wish I could see behind the scenes. Where is He connecting the dots?
One of the reasons I am thinking about this is because of this blog. I have two going, one is more of a place to practice fiction and I have some followers there. But here on this blog, I rarely know who is reading or what they are thinking about what they are reading. I post it to my facebook account so sometimes a friend or two will comment about something I wrote and I am excited. I am writing this because I want God to use it. So when I hear someone share it is touching them, teaching them or making them question and think about God I am thrilled.
Then of course I get all human and start to question, do I really have anything here He can use?
And then I go back to the faith. God did lay this on my heart to do. So, I amguessing knowing it will be used. But I know God, He can hang on to these words out there in the cyber world and pull them out and use them when He needs them for someone. I just need to follow in obedience and do the writing. I think He is actually happier when we continue to work and we don't see the fruits. That is faith in action. He does bless us and allows us to see the fruit sometimes. But I look at some from biblical times, some never saw the promises, it was their future generations who did.
However, maybe because I am getting a little challenged by this task, I am going to change it up a bit. I am going to do some different things on different days. I haven't worked it all out yet. One thing I want to try is Fiction Fridays. I do love to write fiction, and I thought I could practice with characters with struggles in need of God.
I also read something in a book tonight about when we sit in church we can be "receivers or reproducers" and the book described the purpose in church is not only to receive, but we should take what we receive and share, reproduce what we hear for the world around us. I have a wonderful pastor who preaches the bible....and I want to share what he is teaching, so one day a week I think I will be a reproducer.
Also, I have been reading a lot of blogs, and many have a wordless Wednesday where they share photos. There is a song I LOVE, and one of the lines that I love is "with all creation I sing, praise to the King of Kings" and I can see creation praising God. He has spoke into existence a beautiful world with incredible living and nonliving creations. I want to start using my love of photography to capture some of these images to praise our creator on my Wordless Wednesdays (starting next week I guess). Right now I am just throwing some ideas out there.
I want to be obedient. So, if I begin to discern He wants something else, I will move in that direction. I am not sure what hearts will be touched by my words, that is up to Him. If it is only one, then that is a blessing. God has given me a love for writing, and He has given me a place to play with it. I want to use these blessings for his glory.
So, as always I pray that my words are light and salt within this cyber world.
One of the reasons I am thinking about this is because of this blog. I have two going, one is more of a place to practice fiction and I have some followers there. But here on this blog, I rarely know who is reading or what they are thinking about what they are reading. I post it to my facebook account so sometimes a friend or two will comment about something I wrote and I am excited. I am writing this because I want God to use it. So when I hear someone share it is touching them, teaching them or making them question and think about God I am thrilled.
Then of course I get all human and start to question, do I really have anything here He can use?
And then I go back to the faith. God did lay this on my heart to do. So, I am
However, maybe because I am getting a little challenged by this task, I am going to change it up a bit. I am going to do some different things on different days. I haven't worked it all out yet. One thing I want to try is Fiction Fridays. I do love to write fiction, and I thought I could practice with characters with struggles in need of God.
I also read something in a book tonight about when we sit in church we can be "receivers or reproducers" and the book described the purpose in church is not only to receive, but we should take what we receive and share, reproduce what we hear for the world around us. I have a wonderful pastor who preaches the bible....and I want to share what he is teaching, so one day a week I think I will be a reproducer.
Also, I have been reading a lot of blogs, and many have a wordless Wednesday where they share photos. There is a song I LOVE, and one of the lines that I love is "with all creation I sing, praise to the King of Kings" and I can see creation praising God. He has spoke into existence a beautiful world with incredible living and nonliving creations. I want to start using my love of photography to capture some of these images to praise our creator on my Wordless Wednesdays (starting next week I guess). Right now I am just throwing some ideas out there.
I want to be obedient. So, if I begin to discern He wants something else, I will move in that direction. I am not sure what hearts will be touched by my words, that is up to Him. If it is only one, then that is a blessing. God has given me a love for writing, and He has given me a place to play with it. I want to use these blessings for his glory.
So, as always I pray that my words are light and salt within this cyber world.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)