Saturday, December 29, 2012
Without the Cradle
Luke 2:12
"And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
Have you ever considered without the cradle there wouldn't be the cross, and without the cross there wouldn't be salvation? Without salvation we wouldn't have the promise of heaven.
There is so much more to Christmas than a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. In the previous verses Luke tells of shepherds watching their flock by night.
And behold an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:9-11
When Christ came to earth as a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, He came as our Savior, to make us clean before the Father, to take away the sins of the world. He came to give us a promise of eternal life with Him.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.!" John 1:29
Without the cradle, Christ would have never faced the cross. Without the cross, we would be lost in our sins, facing a future of eternal damnation.
As I focus on Christmas, I will not longer just think of a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. I will think of my Savior, and how as a sweet little Babe He came for me, willing to take my punishment, that I may have life eternal with Him.
From the cradle to the cross, from the cross to Christ our Lord and Savior. This is Christmas!
Emmanuel, God with Us! Glory to Him in the Highest!!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Take Up Your Cross
Matthew 10:38
And he who does not take up his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
What does it mean to take up your cross? I always thought it meant to take up your hardships, your burdens, and follow Jesus. Then I read what Jesus told His disciples,
"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross
and follow Me. Matthew 16:25
I realized that isn't what it means at all. Taking up our cross involves dying to ourselves, being willing to lay aside our desires for the sake of Christ. It means a willingness to live our entire life in fellowship with Jesus and in keeping with the principles of Kingdom living.
As I thought about this further, I thought about Jesus carrying His cross to Calvary. He was carrying the cross He would die on for our sins. As He carried His cross for us, we are to carry our cross for Him, by dying to ourselves.
As I pondered the sacrifices I must make to follow Christ, I thought of the things the Word of God tells me I must give up as a follower of Christ; pride, jealousy, unforgivingness, bitterness, fleshly lust, greed. Once again I realized Christ has given me more than I could ever give Him. In taking up my cross, denying myself, I am finding true freedom.
"He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39
We are called to give up our desires, goals, and expectations and instead live a life pleasing to Christ, allow Him to direct our path. He promises so much more than we could ever find for ourselves.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
The next time we feel we are making a sacrifice by taking up our cross, let's consider what we have given up, and rejoice in Christ and the life we have found.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
A Great Calm
Matthew 8:26
But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then
He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
Jesus and His disciples were crossing the sea when a great tempest arose so that the boat was covered with waves. His disciples came to Him and cried out, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!"Then we read, "But He was asleep."
How many times have we felt like the disciples? A great storm comes into our lives and our first thought is, "help, I'm drowning!" Do we feel, like was the case of the disciples, "but Jesus was asleep?" We are sure He couldn't possibly be aware of the storm consuming our lives, or He would have kept it from coming. We know the Word of God tells us
"All things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
But this time is different. There is absolutely nothing good that could ever come from this storm.
It was Jesus who told the disciples to go to the other side, "Follow Me" He told them. Yet when the winds came and the waves threatened to take them over, Jesus was asleep. We, too, can feel this way. We do all we know to live a Christ centered life. We pray for guidance and study His Word. Nevertheless, like a violent storm on the seas of Galilee our whole world comes crashing in.
It is times like this, if we listen closely, we will hear our Savior say, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Could it be the storm has come into our lives to take us to another level in our faith? Once Jesus has calmed the seas, will we see our walk with Our Savior is closer then before the crashing waves?
Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble,
And He brings them out of their distresses.
He calms the storm, so that its waves are still.
Psalm 107:28-29
Let's take Him at His Word and in times of distress cry out, Lord save me! And watch as He wakes from His sleep, and working all things together for good, He calms our raging storm.
But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then
He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
Jesus and His disciples were crossing the sea when a great tempest arose so that the boat was covered with waves. His disciples came to Him and cried out, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!"Then we read, "But He was asleep."
How many times have we felt like the disciples? A great storm comes into our lives and our first thought is, "help, I'm drowning!" Do we feel, like was the case of the disciples, "but Jesus was asleep?" We are sure He couldn't possibly be aware of the storm consuming our lives, or He would have kept it from coming. We know the Word of God tells us
"All things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
But this time is different. There is absolutely nothing good that could ever come from this storm.
It was Jesus who told the disciples to go to the other side, "Follow Me" He told them. Yet when the winds came and the waves threatened to take them over, Jesus was asleep. We, too, can feel this way. We do all we know to live a Christ centered life. We pray for guidance and study His Word. Nevertheless, like a violent storm on the seas of Galilee our whole world comes crashing in.
It is times like this, if we listen closely, we will hear our Savior say, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Could it be the storm has come into our lives to take us to another level in our faith? Once Jesus has calmed the seas, will we see our walk with Our Savior is closer then before the crashing waves?
Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble,
And He brings them out of their distresses.
He calms the storm, so that its waves are still.
Psalm 107:28-29
Let's take Him at His Word and in times of distress cry out, Lord save me! And watch as He wakes from His sleep, and working all things together for good, He calms our raging storm.
Friday, November 2, 2012
STAND
Matthew 5:10-12
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you,
and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven
for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Jesus had gone up on the mountain to teach the multitudes.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:3-7
It was clear to all who listened that because of their obedience they would find favor with God.
Then everything changed. It was no longer about rewards as a result of their obedience, but the greatest reward was for being persecuted for His sake. Such great rewards that they could rejoice and be exceedingly glad!
Could it be we show our greatest faith when we are persecuted for Christ? Being persecuted isn't something we do, but something done to us. Persecution comes in so many different ways. It is those who are martyred for their faith, willing to be put to death for their beliefs that we consider persecuted. But what about when we are excluded because of our beliefs, falsely accused because another is trying to dishonor our name, and thus all we stand for in our Christian faith. When they say all kinds of evil against you falsely for Christ's sake; it is then Jesus told the multitudes, "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward." Jesus sees it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And He also sees our response.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteous sake
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven
When we stand for Christ regardless of the cost, could it be Christ stands in applause for our commitment to Him? Great is your reward. This is His promise to us.
Stand. May this be our promise to Him.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you,
and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven
for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Jesus had gone up on the mountain to teach the multitudes.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:3-7
It was clear to all who listened that because of their obedience they would find favor with God.
Then everything changed. It was no longer about rewards as a result of their obedience, but the greatest reward was for being persecuted for His sake. Such great rewards that they could rejoice and be exceedingly glad!
Could it be we show our greatest faith when we are persecuted for Christ? Being persecuted isn't something we do, but something done to us. Persecution comes in so many different ways. It is those who are martyred for their faith, willing to be put to death for their beliefs that we consider persecuted. But what about when we are excluded because of our beliefs, falsely accused because another is trying to dishonor our name, and thus all we stand for in our Christian faith. When they say all kinds of evil against you falsely for Christ's sake; it is then Jesus told the multitudes, "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward." Jesus sees it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And He also sees our response.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteous sake
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven
When we stand for Christ regardless of the cost, could it be Christ stands in applause for our commitment to Him? Great is your reward. This is His promise to us.
Stand. May this be our promise to Him.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Wrestling with God
Genesis 32:2
And He said, "Let Me go, for the day breaks."
But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!"
The Lord told Jacob, "Return to the land of your fathers and your family, and I will be with you." Throughout the journey God was faithful to Jacob. The road home was not easy, giving Jacob opportunities to turn back, questioning the Word of God. Instead Jacob continued to call on the Name of the Lord, praying for His guidance. Before meeting his brother, Esau, Jacob sent his entire family ahead of him. It is here we find Jacob wrestling with God.
What did God say?
"Let Me go, for the day breaks." God is telling Jacob to let Him go.
Jacob's reply:
"I will not let You go unless You bless me." Jacob is determined to be blessed by God.
After reading this portion of Scripture and realizing it is Jacob hanging on so tightly to God, I asked myself, "How willing am I to wrestle with God until He blesses me? How long will I sit at His feet, cry out in desperation, sit quietly before Him, or rest in His Word without growing faint, before I become discouraged and let go?"
This wrestling lasted throughout the night. God said to Jacob, "Let Me go for the dawn breaks." Morning was near, the night coming to an end.
"Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning."
Psalm 30:5
Life can seem so hard when the night is near. The darkness only seems to magnify the heartache. God does not leave us without hope. He promises that we may weep in the night, in the dark places of our soul, but with God there will come a morning when the sun will shine again. As we continue crying out to Him He promises;
"He has made all things beautiful in its time."
Ecclesiastes 3:11
God blessed Jacob's persistence. He knew Jacob would not let go until He blessed him.
Once again I asked myself, "Where have I given up on ever receiving an answer from God? What has been a burden on my heart for so long it has become a way of life, with no hope for an answer?" Could it be I have begun wavering in my trust in God and His promises?
What about you? Is is a wayward child, a lost loved one, a diagnosis that looks impossible, a financial burden too heavy to bear, a difficult relationship? It is so hard to hang on tight to God, wrestle with Him until morning when the night seems so long.
It is when we are in this place we need to draw strength from God's promise;
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."
James 4:8
As we draw near to God we can be sure He hears our prayers and draws near to us. May we be like Jacob and cry out to the Lord, "I will not let You go until You bless me," and wait with great anticipation for how the Lord will answer our prayer.
Lord Jesus,
Help me be as determined as Jacob and not let go until You bless me.
In Your precious name I pray,
Amen
Monday, October 8, 2012
Without Doubt
Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days."
Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" John11:39-40
Lazarus had died four days before Jesus came to their home. It was too late to save him. He had died and by now there would be a stench. That is what it looked like to all who were present. When Jesus told Martha to take away the stone her reply was to explain why this couldn't possibly be the answer to their heartache.
I see myself so clearly in this story. How often have I questioned God when He has told me to do something, explaining to Him why His way couldn't possibly be the answer to my situation? What must He do to convince me His Word is right and what He tells me to do I can trust, even when I don't understand.
He tells me to bless those who persecute me. Romans 12:14
He tells me to commit my works to Him, and He will establish my thoughts. Proverbs 16:3
He tells me to cast all my burdens on Him and He will sustain me. Psalm 55:22
He tells me to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let my requests be made known to Him; and His peace which surpasses all understanding will guard my heart and mind through Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7
How often have I treated these promises as suggestions? Could it be I doubt His Word?
He tells me to bless those who persecute me; I resent them.
He tells me to commit my works to Him and let Him establish my thoughts; I try to figure life out on my own.
He tells me to cast my burdens on Him; I carry them around with me, allowing them to weigh heavy on my heart.
He tells me to be anxious for nothing; I worry.
His promises for my obedience are endless, providing what I long for; peace, direction, hope, and a calm in my soul. Could this be what He meant when He said, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10
Have I allowed the enemy of my soul to steal, kill, and destroy what Jesus died on the cross to give me? When my response to His leading is to explain to Him why His ways couldn't possibly be the answer, am I missing out on the abundant life He has for me?
Martha rolled away the stone and as Jesus promised, they saw the glory of God as Lazarus was raised from the dead.
In our lives we have choices. We can choose to do as Jesus tells us to do and live the abundant life of peace and hope regardless of our circumstances, or explain to Him why His way couldn't possibly be the answer and do things our way.
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." May that be our chose.
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for the abundant life you offer so freely. May I be willing to trust and not doubt, and walk in Your ways. Help me hear Your voice saying, "This is the way walk in it," and follow You always.
In Your precious name I pray,
Amen
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Obedience is Greater than Sacrifice
This morning, while I was pondering the cost of obedience, the Lord brought to
my mind the Scripture from 1 Samuel 15:22, when Samuel said to Saul:
"Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice
As I thought about what this really means, I decided to look for people in the Bible who were willing to be obedient and thus; were blessed more richly for their obedience than what they had to sacrifice for the obedience.
It didn't take long to find the first example. It was in the first chapter of Matthew as I read about Joseph:
Matt. 1:18 - Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary
was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was
found with child of the Holy Spirit.
1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to
make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
1:20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of
the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of
David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that
which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
1:21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,
for He will save His people from their sins."
1:24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord
commanded him and took to him his wife,
1:25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son.
And he called His name JESUS.
What obedience!! Joseph was engaged to Mary and before they were married
he found out she was expecting a baby!! What man wouldn't want to run from
that situation, end the engagement! What must Joseph have felt as he heard
the news? At the very least - total rejection!! This was the women he loved,
the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with!! How could this be?
It is so easy for us to read the story and not stop and really see what was going
on in the lives of those involved. We know the "rest of the story," and we know
it had a wonderful ending. But Joseph - he didn't have the rest of the story!!
All he knew was that all his dreams and hopes and expectations for what he
thought life with his new bride would be, because of unbelievable
circumstances, would be changed forever.
We see in Matthew 1:19 that Joseph came up with a plan. He made a decision
about what he would do. He would put her away secretly. He would divorce her
on the grounds of infidelity. What else could he do? He certainly couldn't marry
her when the child wasn't his. Nor could he risk the chance of his reputation
being taken down with Mary's. He was trapped, he had no choice. He loved
her yes, but the sacrifice was too great. What he would have to give up
by believing her was more than he knew he could possibly live through.
Yes, he would put her away secretly. That would be best for them both..
Then it happened. While he was sleeping an angel of the Lord appeared to him
in a dream, sayng "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary
your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit."
I love that the angel addressed Joseph's feelings first. "Joseph, do not be
afraid." He knew Joseph would be afraid. He knew how hard this all was
for Joseph. So, before he even told him what to do, he met him at his deepest
need! He let Joseph know that he understood. I can't help but wonder if that
was why it was possible for Joseph to be obedient to what the angel instructed
him to do. Think about it, he woke up from the dream. Nothing had changed.
Mary was still "with child," they still weren't married, nor had he ever known
her. People would still destroy their reputation, Mary would be shunned, all
the repercussions of the situation were still as real when he woke up as before
the dream.
But in Matthew 1:24 we read, Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did
as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife,and
did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called
His name JESUS. He was obedient to God in spite of the sacrifice.
Did you see that Joseph named JESUS? How did he know what his name
would be? Look at the angel's instructions once again. The angel told Joseph
"you shall call His name JESUS" This was a reward for his obedience that
could only be given by God!!
So what does this have to do with my life - with your life? Everything!!
Have you ever felt called to obedience in something where you felt the
sacrifice would be too great? Did you weigh the cost - the sacrifice - and
decide it was too high to be obedient? If we could only have "an angel
of the Lord" come to us in a dream and tell us what to do. Then, of course,
we would step out in obedience no matter what the cost! But that was
for Joseph - not for us. Right? Wrong!! We have the Holy Spirit to guide
and direct our path. We have the written Word of God to give us instruction.
So what have I learned from the example of Joseph?
1. I don't have to know what is ahead - just be obedient
2. I can be sure my Father understands my apprehensions and
fears of the unknown
3. I can look with anticipation toward the future and what HE
has for me because of my obedience.
4. And most of all - The reward for my obedience is greater than
the cost of my sacrifice.
I am so thankful for Joseph and the lesson his obedience has taught me.
So how about you? What lessons have you gleaned from Joseph? One
of my favorite things about sharing is to hear from you and how the
Lord has spoken to you concerning the same Scriptures. We have so
much to learn from each other, and in sharing we grow in insight and
knowledge of the Word of God. It just doesn't get any better!
How I desire for my life to shadow the obedience of Joseph. I want
to walk in the Truth that "Obedience is Greater than Sacrifice!"
my mind the Scripture from 1 Samuel 15:22, when Samuel said to Saul:
"Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice
As I thought about what this really means, I decided to look for people in the Bible who were willing to be obedient and thus; were blessed more richly for their obedience than what they had to sacrifice for the obedience.
It didn't take long to find the first example. It was in the first chapter of Matthew as I read about Joseph:
Matt. 1:18 - Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary
was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was
found with child of the Holy Spirit.
1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to
make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
1:20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of
the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of
David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that
which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
1:21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,
for He will save His people from their sins."
1:24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord
commanded him and took to him his wife,
1:25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son.
And he called His name JESUS.
What obedience!! Joseph was engaged to Mary and before they were married
he found out she was expecting a baby!! What man wouldn't want to run from
that situation, end the engagement! What must Joseph have felt as he heard
the news? At the very least - total rejection!! This was the women he loved,
the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with!! How could this be?
It is so easy for us to read the story and not stop and really see what was going
on in the lives of those involved. We know the "rest of the story," and we know
it had a wonderful ending. But Joseph - he didn't have the rest of the story!!
All he knew was that all his dreams and hopes and expectations for what he
thought life with his new bride would be, because of unbelievable
circumstances, would be changed forever.
We see in Matthew 1:19 that Joseph came up with a plan. He made a decision
about what he would do. He would put her away secretly. He would divorce her
on the grounds of infidelity. What else could he do? He certainly couldn't marry
her when the child wasn't his. Nor could he risk the chance of his reputation
being taken down with Mary's. He was trapped, he had no choice. He loved
her yes, but the sacrifice was too great. What he would have to give up
by believing her was more than he knew he could possibly live through.
Yes, he would put her away secretly. That would be best for them both..
Then it happened. While he was sleeping an angel of the Lord appeared to him
in a dream, sayng "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary
your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit."
I love that the angel addressed Joseph's feelings first. "Joseph, do not be
afraid." He knew Joseph would be afraid. He knew how hard this all was
for Joseph. So, before he even told him what to do, he met him at his deepest
need! He let Joseph know that he understood. I can't help but wonder if that
was why it was possible for Joseph to be obedient to what the angel instructed
him to do. Think about it, he woke up from the dream. Nothing had changed.
Mary was still "with child," they still weren't married, nor had he ever known
her. People would still destroy their reputation, Mary would be shunned, all
the repercussions of the situation were still as real when he woke up as before
the dream.
But in Matthew 1:24 we read, Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did
as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife,and
did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called
His name JESUS. He was obedient to God in spite of the sacrifice.
Did you see that Joseph named JESUS? How did he know what his name
would be? Look at the angel's instructions once again. The angel told Joseph
"you shall call His name JESUS" This was a reward for his obedience that
could only be given by God!!
So what does this have to do with my life - with your life? Everything!!
Have you ever felt called to obedience in something where you felt the
sacrifice would be too great? Did you weigh the cost - the sacrifice - and
decide it was too high to be obedient? If we could only have "an angel
of the Lord" come to us in a dream and tell us what to do. Then, of course,
we would step out in obedience no matter what the cost! But that was
for Joseph - not for us. Right? Wrong!! We have the Holy Spirit to guide
and direct our path. We have the written Word of God to give us instruction.
So what have I learned from the example of Joseph?
1. I don't have to know what is ahead - just be obedient
2. I can be sure my Father understands my apprehensions and
fears of the unknown
3. I can look with anticipation toward the future and what HE
has for me because of my obedience.
4. And most of all - The reward for my obedience is greater than
the cost of my sacrifice.
I am so thankful for Joseph and the lesson his obedience has taught me.
So how about you? What lessons have you gleaned from Joseph? One
of my favorite things about sharing is to hear from you and how the
Lord has spoken to you concerning the same Scriptures. We have so
much to learn from each other, and in sharing we grow in insight and
knowledge of the Word of God. It just doesn't get any better!
How I desire for my life to shadow the obedience of Joseph. I want
to walk in the Truth that "Obedience is Greater than Sacrifice!"
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Heaven On Earth
Not that I speak in regard to need,,
For I have learned in whatever state I am,
to be content.
I know how to be abased, and I know
how to abound.
Everywhere and in all things I have
learned both to be full and to be
hungry, both to abound and to suffer
need,
I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me.
Phil. 4:10-13
Recently while visiting our son at Pensacola Christian College, I purchased a new CD by Shelah. The name of the CD is "Hope of the Broken World." I recommend it highly! There are many great songs on the CD that speak of the hope we have in Christ. One song spoke to me in a very special way. The name of the song is "Moments Like These," written by Todd. The song speaks of times with his three little girls and how he looks at these times with them as his " heaven on earth."
This made me think of my own life. What do I think of as "heaven on earth"
in my life? Do I appreciate all the blessings the Lord continually bestows upon me? What do I think about when all is quiet around me and I ponder back over my life? It is so easy for me to pine over what I once had and loved, but now is gone. I loved being a mom to small children, preteen and even teenagers! I loved the many nights we found ourselves racing to yet another game for one of our children, cheering their team onto victory. Those days are gone, how I long to have them back. What do I do with the sadness that comes over me when I long for those days? I have to choose; pine for days gone by, or be thankful I had those special times with my children.
Paul tells us to be content in whatever state we find ourselves. I will never forget
sitting around a table at a Bible Study discussing how our lives can become so
"hum drum" - seem so meaningless, without purpose. One of the precious ladies
shared how she always dreaded Mondays when she had to wash clothes and clean the house. She dreaded it that is until one Monday when she found herself standing next to a hospital bed where her sister lay, dying of breast cancer. She said, "I looked out the hospital window and longed to be back home with an ordinary Monday, washing and cleaning." That put everything into prospective for all of us.
I heard someone say, "We spend more time thinking about what we don't have then what we do have." It is so easy to let the simple things of life, the everyday blessings, become routine instead of realizing that we will never get these moments back. That is what Todd spoke of in the song. And that is what Paul pens in Philippians 4:11: I have learned that in whatever state I am, to be content. It is "moments like these" that we need to cherish, hold onto, and realize are our "heaven on earth," and in these moments learn to be content.
I began thinking of some of the many moments of "heaven on earth" the Lord has blessed me with. The first moment was of course the continual blessing of knowing Christ as my Savior. To think that He would draw me to Himself, to have a personal relationship is certainly more than I can fathom, and way more than I deserve!! And then I started thinking of how on January 3rd we were blessed with a new grandson, Sebastian Xavier. As I held him for the first time and looked into that sweet little face, I couldn't help but be amazed at the miracle of the birth of a baby. That is certainly "heaven on earth!" For the last two weeks and into next week I have had the privilege of spending time in Florida with my Mom. We have laughed, cried, done Bible Study, walked, attended church, knit, shopped, and loved every minute of being together. Mom is 82 years old, in excellent health, and my very best friend. What a gift the Lord has given me to spend this undivided time with her, just the two of us! Now that is "heaven on earth!
Times like these are obvious. But what about everyday life, when all seems so routine. Where is "heaven on earth" then? I couldn't help but think about how my husband and I start every morning visiting over a cup of coffee, sharing what our day will hold, enjoying each others' company. That to me is "heaven on earth." I love those times with him. And there are times with my precious friends, over lunch, or just visiting on the phone. Have I ever thought about how the Lord has blessed me so abundantly and thought of times with them as "heaven on earth?" I can't say that I have. But that is exactly what they are! Sitting around a table sharing the Word of God, growing together with like minded women, women who love the Lord and want so much to grow in understanding - now that is "heaven on earth!" The list could go on and on - and it does!!
I want to walk in such a way that I am so aware of all the Lord does for me each and everyday, that my life is made up completely of moments of "heaven on earth" It is there I will be content, be a blessing, and a testimony to others.
How about you? What are your moments of "heaven on earth?" We are a blessed people! Let's walk in such a way that every moment of every day we are aware that it is our Lord who continually bestows these blessings upon us. It is our Lord who gives us moments of "heaven on earth."
.
For I have learned in whatever state I am,
to be content.
I know how to be abased, and I know
how to abound.
Everywhere and in all things I have
learned both to be full and to be
hungry, both to abound and to suffer
need,
I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me.
Phil. 4:10-13
Recently while visiting our son at Pensacola Christian College, I purchased a new CD by Shelah. The name of the CD is "Hope of the Broken World." I recommend it highly! There are many great songs on the CD that speak of the hope we have in Christ. One song spoke to me in a very special way. The name of the song is "Moments Like These," written by Todd. The song speaks of times with his three little girls and how he looks at these times with them as his " heaven on earth."
This made me think of my own life. What do I think of as "heaven on earth"
in my life? Do I appreciate all the blessings the Lord continually bestows upon me? What do I think about when all is quiet around me and I ponder back over my life? It is so easy for me to pine over what I once had and loved, but now is gone. I loved being a mom to small children, preteen and even teenagers! I loved the many nights we found ourselves racing to yet another game for one of our children, cheering their team onto victory. Those days are gone, how I long to have them back. What do I do with the sadness that comes over me when I long for those days? I have to choose; pine for days gone by, or be thankful I had those special times with my children.
Paul tells us to be content in whatever state we find ourselves. I will never forget
sitting around a table at a Bible Study discussing how our lives can become so
"hum drum" - seem so meaningless, without purpose. One of the precious ladies
shared how she always dreaded Mondays when she had to wash clothes and clean the house. She dreaded it that is until one Monday when she found herself standing next to a hospital bed where her sister lay, dying of breast cancer. She said, "I looked out the hospital window and longed to be back home with an ordinary Monday, washing and cleaning." That put everything into prospective for all of us.
I heard someone say, "We spend more time thinking about what we don't have then what we do have." It is so easy to let the simple things of life, the everyday blessings, become routine instead of realizing that we will never get these moments back. That is what Todd spoke of in the song. And that is what Paul pens in Philippians 4:11: I have learned that in whatever state I am, to be content. It is "moments like these" that we need to cherish, hold onto, and realize are our "heaven on earth," and in these moments learn to be content.
I began thinking of some of the many moments of "heaven on earth" the Lord has blessed me with. The first moment was of course the continual blessing of knowing Christ as my Savior. To think that He would draw me to Himself, to have a personal relationship is certainly more than I can fathom, and way more than I deserve!! And then I started thinking of how on January 3rd we were blessed with a new grandson, Sebastian Xavier. As I held him for the first time and looked into that sweet little face, I couldn't help but be amazed at the miracle of the birth of a baby. That is certainly "heaven on earth!" For the last two weeks and into next week I have had the privilege of spending time in Florida with my Mom. We have laughed, cried, done Bible Study, walked, attended church, knit, shopped, and loved every minute of being together. Mom is 82 years old, in excellent health, and my very best friend. What a gift the Lord has given me to spend this undivided time with her, just the two of us! Now that is "heaven on earth!
Times like these are obvious. But what about everyday life, when all seems so routine. Where is "heaven on earth" then? I couldn't help but think about how my husband and I start every morning visiting over a cup of coffee, sharing what our day will hold, enjoying each others' company. That to me is "heaven on earth." I love those times with him. And there are times with my precious friends, over lunch, or just visiting on the phone. Have I ever thought about how the Lord has blessed me so abundantly and thought of times with them as "heaven on earth?" I can't say that I have. But that is exactly what they are! Sitting around a table sharing the Word of God, growing together with like minded women, women who love the Lord and want so much to grow in understanding - now that is "heaven on earth!" The list could go on and on - and it does!!
I want to walk in such a way that I am so aware of all the Lord does for me each and everyday, that my life is made up completely of moments of "heaven on earth" It is there I will be content, be a blessing, and a testimony to others.
How about you? What are your moments of "heaven on earth?" We are a blessed people! Let's walk in such a way that every moment of every day we are aware that it is our Lord who continually bestows these blessings upon us. It is our Lord who gives us moments of "heaven on earth."
.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Choose Joy
"You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the Lord forever,
For in YAH, the Lord, is
everlasting strength.
Isaiah 26:3-4
I woke up this morning with these Scriptures on my mind. As I recited them
I was reminded of when my Dad would say, "I wish there was a switch on
the side of my head that I could just turn to off so I wouldn't have to think!"
I can relate completely to what Dad was talking about. I wish I woke up each
morning with the joy of the Lord on my mind. I wish my first thought was
always that He has everything under control for my life if I will just abide in
Him, letting Him have His perfect will. I do not. I wake up thinking of challenges
I am facing, concerns that I have with no answers. The "what if's and whys" in
my life that seem to demand an answer. Ever been there?
I heard a sermon by Charles Swindoll on Sunday about Abraham and Isaac.
You know the story - Abraham was going to take Isaac to Mt. Moriah to
offer him as a sacrifice. Why? Total obedience to God!
Genesis 22:7-8 tells us:
" Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said "My father!" And he
he said, "Here I am, my son." Then he said, "Look, the fire and the
wood but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?"
And Abraham said "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for
a burnt offering." So the two of them went together.
Charles Swindoll left his listeners with the three words that made it possible
for Abraham to do the unthinkable. Do you see them? Can you tell where
Abraham's faith came from? It is in those three words "God will provide!"
That is where Abraham walked. That is where he lived moment by moment,
day by day. He knew in his heart, and walked in faith, with the Truth that
no matter what "God will provide." How I want to be an Abraham!! Don't
you?
So how do we get there? Once again the Lord doesn't keep us guessing,
trying to figure out on our own how to walk in the faith that Abraham walked
in. He gives us an answer! It is right there in the Scriptures of Isaiah 26:3-4.
Let's take it apart with the three questions:
What does it say? You will keep him in perfect peace
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the Lord forever,
For in YAH, the Lord, is
everlasting strength.
What does it mean? Christ will keep me in perfect peace when my
mind is on Him, because I trust in Him.
I am suppose to trust in the Lord forever,
for He is where my strength comes from.
What does this mean I will think about what I am thinking about!!
to me personally? When my thoughts run to worry, concerns,
and unanswered questions I will trust in HIM.
I will remember the words Abraham's spoke to Isaac:
"God will provide."
And in faith I will walk in the joy of the Lord!
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!!
Hebrews 13:9
What are your worries, concerns, and unanswered questions? We all have
them. Will you believe with me, like Abraham believed, God will provide,
no matter how impossible it might seem? Christ died on the cross that we
would be complete in Him, who is head of all principality and power.
Col. 2:9
Together let's choose joy! We can because we know that we know,
God will provide!
Thank you, Lord!! You are so faithful to me!!
Help me be as faithful to You, I pray,
And walk in the Truth that "God will provide!"
As I choose to walk in Joy!
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the Lord forever,
For in YAH, the Lord, is
everlasting strength.
Isaiah 26:3-4
I woke up this morning with these Scriptures on my mind. As I recited them
I was reminded of when my Dad would say, "I wish there was a switch on
the side of my head that I could just turn to off so I wouldn't have to think!"
I can relate completely to what Dad was talking about. I wish I woke up each
morning with the joy of the Lord on my mind. I wish my first thought was
always that He has everything under control for my life if I will just abide in
Him, letting Him have His perfect will. I do not. I wake up thinking of challenges
I am facing, concerns that I have with no answers. The "what if's and whys" in
my life that seem to demand an answer. Ever been there?
I heard a sermon by Charles Swindoll on Sunday about Abraham and Isaac.
You know the story - Abraham was going to take Isaac to Mt. Moriah to
offer him as a sacrifice. Why? Total obedience to God!
Genesis 22:7-8 tells us:
" Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said "My father!" And he
he said, "Here I am, my son." Then he said, "Look, the fire and the
wood but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?"
And Abraham said "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for
a burnt offering." So the two of them went together.
Charles Swindoll left his listeners with the three words that made it possible
for Abraham to do the unthinkable. Do you see them? Can you tell where
Abraham's faith came from? It is in those three words "God will provide!"
That is where Abraham walked. That is where he lived moment by moment,
day by day. He knew in his heart, and walked in faith, with the Truth that
no matter what "God will provide." How I want to be an Abraham!! Don't
you?
So how do we get there? Once again the Lord doesn't keep us guessing,
trying to figure out on our own how to walk in the faith that Abraham walked
in. He gives us an answer! It is right there in the Scriptures of Isaiah 26:3-4.
Let's take it apart with the three questions:
What does it say? You will keep him in perfect peace
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the Lord forever,
For in YAH, the Lord, is
everlasting strength.
What does it mean? Christ will keep me in perfect peace when my
mind is on Him, because I trust in Him.
I am suppose to trust in the Lord forever,
for He is where my strength comes from.
What does this mean I will think about what I am thinking about!!
to me personally? When my thoughts run to worry, concerns,
and unanswered questions I will trust in HIM.
I will remember the words Abraham's spoke to Isaac:
"God will provide."
And in faith I will walk in the joy of the Lord!
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!!
Hebrews 13:9
What are your worries, concerns, and unanswered questions? We all have
them. Will you believe with me, like Abraham believed, God will provide,
no matter how impossible it might seem? Christ died on the cross that we
would be complete in Him, who is head of all principality and power.
Col. 2:9
Together let's choose joy! We can because we know that we know,
God will provide!
Thank you, Lord!! You are so faithful to me!!
Help me be as faithful to You, I pray,
And walk in the Truth that "God will provide!"
As I choose to walk in Joy!
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