Happy New Year!!
I love new year's eve! It's a time of reflection on the past, and looking forward to the future...with HOPE and determination.
God has plans for everyone, and every minute, day, month, and year matters! In fact, God is really into numbers (there is a whole book of the bible devoted to them!) :) So, I looked up biblically what the number 11 means, and I think it's so interesting and very appropriate!
Eleven means, "dealing with imperfect things, disorder, or chaos."
W-O-W!! Can I get an AMEN?!!
My prayer right now, is YES GOD...let's deal with all the imperfect things, the disorder, and the chaos in my life, and let's do it THIS YEAR!! He is the only one who can make all those things straight and perfect, and I want them that way. I want His best!
So, how is it going to happen this year? Well, interestingly enough, I think Luke 6 gives us some clues:
Near the beginning of Luke 6 we find Jesus praying all night long, and THEN selecting his disciples. After this, his ministry really takes off...huge crowds, miracles, etc.
1. We have to PRAY!
We can't get direction from God if we don't talk to Him. And we not only talk, but LISTEN, and then OBEY. Life can get so hectic sometimes, but this year I'm really going to focus on prayer, and intimate relationship with the Lord of the Universe, Jesus Christ. If I don't have that, I'll always be off balance, and never truly in the right place to receive what He has for me.
2. We have to be very selective about how we allow to be around us in an influential way.
The Bible encourages us to be loving and kind to everyone, so I don't mean that we should exclude people. HOWEVER...we have to be very selective about who we allow into our inner circle...because it's those people who influence for good or bad on a regular basis. If you surround yourselves with positive people, you will be optimistic. If you surround yourselves with negative people, you will always see the glass as half-empty. Jesus was very careful in who he selected to be his disciples. He knew that not everyone could walk the path of his life WITH Him. And just like Jesus, not everyone is called to our lives. But thank God he has ordained certain people to walk this pilgrimage with us. Let's seek them out, and hold them dear.
And THEN, Jesus addresses the crowd with beautiful words of hope that are just as relevant to us now as we see the end of one year, and the beginning of a new one!
"Blessed are you who are poor (now), for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you, and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man."
Can't you just hear Jesus saying, "I know that you have struggled financially, but look ahead. I know you hunger for more out of this life than you've had this past year, but look ahead. I've seen you weeping this past year, weighed down with sorrows, but this year you will laugh and be happy. I know that people have mistreated you, cheated you, and hurt you, BUT I AM YOUR GOD. LOOK AHEAD!
Let's all co-operate with God this year to remove the chaos from our lives...the things that don't work, and aren't pleasing to Him. He promises in the end of Luke 6 that if we hear his word, and do what it says, that we will be like a person who builds their house on a rock. When the storms come, the house is secure.
Come Lord, Jesus, and make this year beautiful like none other! Amen.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Luke 5...Because You Say So
In the beginning of Luke 5, we see Jesus teaching to a large crowd of people. The crowd was so large that he eventually got into a boat belonging to some local fishermen, and had them set off a little ways, and he taught the people on the shore from the boat.
The boat belonged to Simon, who would become Peter, the disciple of Christ. After he is done teaching, Jesus instructs him to put out into deep water and to let down his net for a catch of fish.
Simon informs Jesus that they had fished ALL NIGHT LONG and caught nothing. (And remember Simon is a professional fisherman...Jesus is a carpenter). But he says some really profound words...he says, "But because you say so, I will let down my net."
And of course, then they catch such a large number of fish that the net begins to break, the boat starts to sink, and Simon is in awe of the goodness and power of God.
I think that for anyone who has served the Lord for any length of time, this is a familiar story. Isn't God always asking us to do things that seem CRAZY?!! Whether it's giving a large offering when financially that doesn't seem like a good idea, or talking to someone you don't want to, or sharing the gospel with a stranger, or any number of other crazy things...God continually asks us to do things that require faith...and I've found that just like that catch of fish, there is always a huge reward for obeying.
But I think one of the biggest lessons of this story is that sometimes we think we are experts about situations in our lives. We think we know everything about our circumstances, what can happen, and what can't...how things are going to be. I think sometimes God invites us to remember that He is all-powerful...nothing is impossible for Him, and he wants us to re-examine situations that look hopeless or broken, and to see them as God sees them, recognizing that He can change things no man can change.
What circumstance in your life seems fixed, hopeless, or futile? Imagine it in your mind, and ask God to show up there. Ask Him what to do...and even if it seems crazy, obey Him. That might be the very area of your life He has been desperately wanting to get His hands on.
"Because You Say So, I Will!"
The boat belonged to Simon, who would become Peter, the disciple of Christ. After he is done teaching, Jesus instructs him to put out into deep water and to let down his net for a catch of fish.
Simon informs Jesus that they had fished ALL NIGHT LONG and caught nothing. (And remember Simon is a professional fisherman...Jesus is a carpenter). But he says some really profound words...he says, "But because you say so, I will let down my net."
And of course, then they catch such a large number of fish that the net begins to break, the boat starts to sink, and Simon is in awe of the goodness and power of God.
I think that for anyone who has served the Lord for any length of time, this is a familiar story. Isn't God always asking us to do things that seem CRAZY?!! Whether it's giving a large offering when financially that doesn't seem like a good idea, or talking to someone you don't want to, or sharing the gospel with a stranger, or any number of other crazy things...God continually asks us to do things that require faith...and I've found that just like that catch of fish, there is always a huge reward for obeying.
But I think one of the biggest lessons of this story is that sometimes we think we are experts about situations in our lives. We think we know everything about our circumstances, what can happen, and what can't...how things are going to be. I think sometimes God invites us to remember that He is all-powerful...nothing is impossible for Him, and he wants us to re-examine situations that look hopeless or broken, and to see them as God sees them, recognizing that He can change things no man can change.
What circumstance in your life seems fixed, hopeless, or futile? Imagine it in your mind, and ask God to show up there. Ask Him what to do...and even if it seems crazy, obey Him. That might be the very area of your life He has been desperately wanting to get His hands on.
"Because You Say So, I Will!"
Friday, December 17, 2010
Luke 4--Testing
Last time I wrote about Jesus beginning his ministry at the age of thirty. Luke details the beginning of that ministry, and I think it's interesting that Jesus didn't start with a miracle. Before any of the signs and wonders or preaching takes place, he is baptized and then is tested in the wilderness for a period of time.
Have you ever felt like you were being tested? If it happened to the Son of God, you better believe it happens to us. But I think we can learn a lot from Jesus in the wilderness.
First of all, Satan came to Jesus while he was alone. Don't you know that some of the biggest tests of our lives, our character, and our relationship to God come when we feel isolated?! Lonliness can make us desperate from comfort of any kind (drugs or alcohol, overeating, tv binges, bad relationships, or anything that we feel like numbs the pain of being all alone). How we handle lonliness can absolutely be a test, and that is why church is so important. Can you have a good relationship with God without church? Absolutely. BUT...the wolf seeks to eat the sheep that is alone (far from the group, and far from the shepherd). Surrounding ourselves with godly and loving people is wisdom, and that is why God gave us his church.
Next, when Satan talks to Jesus he talks in half-truths. The bible says that Satan is the father of all lies. We know he's a liar! But he is deceptive and sometimes we believe his lies because there is a little bit of truth to them. For instance, I know that I'm being influenced by evil when my thoughts turn sour about others or myself. Words like "ALWAYS and NEVER" are key words for me to know that the devil is talking to me. "He always does this to me!" or "He never does what he's supposed to!" or "I'm always going to feel this way or be this way." Those words are extremes that are not the truth, and lead to stinkin' thinkin'! :)
So, how did Jesus deal with Satan? He used scripture!! This is a huge key to success!! Over the years I've found bible verses that are "MINE." What I mean by that is they have become my own keys to success and peace, and I use them like a weapon whenever Satan attacks me. The bible is called the Sword of the Spirit...it's a weapon!!
If I'm struggling in an area, I find a verse that speaks to that issue, and then I memorize it, and say it out loud whenever I feel attacked in my thoughts.
When I have thoughts about bad things happening to me, Bart or my kids: PROVERBS 3: 25-26
When I'm worried about money: PHILIPPIANS 4:19 and PSALM 37: 25
When I'm feeling sad or heartbroken: PSALM 34:18
The list goes on...but the point is to find a verse that becomes my own for each issue. And as I say it out loud over and over again, my faith is built, and I'm set free. And then eventually, just like Satan left Jesus, he leaves me, and I pass the test.
Martha Washington once said, "The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not our circumstances."
I think if we choose to react like Christ did, there is no circumstance in life that defeat us.
Here's to passing all our tests!
Have you ever felt like you were being tested? If it happened to the Son of God, you better believe it happens to us. But I think we can learn a lot from Jesus in the wilderness.
First of all, Satan came to Jesus while he was alone. Don't you know that some of the biggest tests of our lives, our character, and our relationship to God come when we feel isolated?! Lonliness can make us desperate from comfort of any kind (drugs or alcohol, overeating, tv binges, bad relationships, or anything that we feel like numbs the pain of being all alone). How we handle lonliness can absolutely be a test, and that is why church is so important. Can you have a good relationship with God without church? Absolutely. BUT...the wolf seeks to eat the sheep that is alone (far from the group, and far from the shepherd). Surrounding ourselves with godly and loving people is wisdom, and that is why God gave us his church.
Next, when Satan talks to Jesus he talks in half-truths. The bible says that Satan is the father of all lies. We know he's a liar! But he is deceptive and sometimes we believe his lies because there is a little bit of truth to them. For instance, I know that I'm being influenced by evil when my thoughts turn sour about others or myself. Words like "ALWAYS and NEVER" are key words for me to know that the devil is talking to me. "He always does this to me!" or "He never does what he's supposed to!" or "I'm always going to feel this way or be this way." Those words are extremes that are not the truth, and lead to stinkin' thinkin'! :)
So, how did Jesus deal with Satan? He used scripture!! This is a huge key to success!! Over the years I've found bible verses that are "MINE." What I mean by that is they have become my own keys to success and peace, and I use them like a weapon whenever Satan attacks me. The bible is called the Sword of the Spirit...it's a weapon!!
If I'm struggling in an area, I find a verse that speaks to that issue, and then I memorize it, and say it out loud whenever I feel attacked in my thoughts.
When I have thoughts about bad things happening to me, Bart or my kids: PROVERBS 3: 25-26
When I'm worried about money: PHILIPPIANS 4:19 and PSALM 37: 25
When I'm feeling sad or heartbroken: PSALM 34:18
The list goes on...but the point is to find a verse that becomes my own for each issue. And as I say it out loud over and over again, my faith is built, and I'm set free. And then eventually, just like Satan left Jesus, he leaves me, and I pass the test.
Martha Washington once said, "The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not our circumstances."
I think if we choose to react like Christ did, there is no circumstance in life that defeat us.
Here's to passing all our tests!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Luke 3--Thirty Anyone?
Luke 3 is mostly about John the Baptist, who was a fascinating man. He wasn't afraid at all to tell people the truth, and he certainly did prepare the way for the coming Christ. There are so many things I love about him, but today, I want to blog about one sentence that has to do with Jesus.
Near the end of the Chapter it says that Jesus BEGAN his ministry around the age of thirty. That struck me today...probably because I'm thirty! :)
People our age make such a big deal about turning thirty, and it being "old." But I just found HUGE satisfaction in realizing that the son of God didn't even START what he was sent to do on this earth until he was thirty years old!! What a comfort!
People act like their life is over as they reach 30 and beyond...like the best days are behind them. I completely disagree! I have some wonderful memories from my life (high school and college days, married life before kids, etc), but you couldn't PAY me to go back! I love my life now. I love myself now! I love that I know more of who I am now than I ever have. I have strong opinions, and they are MINE (not my parents' and not my friends').
Now have I arrived, and done all I want? Of course not! But that's the point of this scripture! So, no matter what kind of life, what kind of mistakes, what kind of career, etc that you've had...you're not stuck, and you're not old. It's no where near over or all decided. Life begins at 30, and I feel more conscious of everything now than I ever have.
And just like Jesus started his purpose in this time of life, I look forward to God leading me into what I am supposed to become. I think that will only happen if I start asking myself and God some hard questions, and making sure that all of my actions are really what I want.
Life has seasons, and God understands them all. I don't want to just live my life. I want to be truly ALIVE in all seasons of my life...allowing God to have His way!
Happy Birthday Jesus, and all the Thirties! :)
Near the end of the Chapter it says that Jesus BEGAN his ministry around the age of thirty. That struck me today...probably because I'm thirty! :)
People our age make such a big deal about turning thirty, and it being "old." But I just found HUGE satisfaction in realizing that the son of God didn't even START what he was sent to do on this earth until he was thirty years old!! What a comfort!
People act like their life is over as they reach 30 and beyond...like the best days are behind them. I completely disagree! I have some wonderful memories from my life (high school and college days, married life before kids, etc), but you couldn't PAY me to go back! I love my life now. I love myself now! I love that I know more of who I am now than I ever have. I have strong opinions, and they are MINE (not my parents' and not my friends').
Now have I arrived, and done all I want? Of course not! But that's the point of this scripture! So, no matter what kind of life, what kind of mistakes, what kind of career, etc that you've had...you're not stuck, and you're not old. It's no where near over or all decided. Life begins at 30, and I feel more conscious of everything now than I ever have.
And just like Jesus started his purpose in this time of life, I look forward to God leading me into what I am supposed to become. I think that will only happen if I start asking myself and God some hard questions, and making sure that all of my actions are really what I want.
Life has seasons, and God understands them all. I don't want to just live my life. I want to be truly ALIVE in all seasons of my life...allowing God to have His way!
Happy Birthday Jesus, and all the Thirties! :)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Luke 2--Mary's First Christmas
Luke 2 is the classic Christmas story. It's the one that we read on Christmas Eve. It's beautifully written, and it tells the story of our Savior's birth. I've read it many many times, but today I thought about it from Mary's perspective.
Can you imagine how difficult her life was at that moment? She was pregnant, and unmarried. If Joseph had left her, she would have been stoned to death (though she was a virgin). And now, she is 9 months pregnant, and goes on this long journey riding on the back of a donkey. That sounds terribly uncomfortable. THEN, she goes into labor, and no one has any room for her in their hotels. Can't you imagine how upsetting it must have been to go from place to place, while having contractions, only to be turned away again and again.
She HAD to think..."Wait a minute...I'm having the son of God!! What in the world is going on here?" If an angel had appeared to me, and called me blessed and told me I was going to be the mother of the Savior of the world, I would have assumed that things would have been a tad bit easier. I never would have imagined having my baby...God's own son, in a barn!
BUT THEN...the blessings and miracles begin to appear just when things look the darkest. Suddenly an enormous star begins to shine. Wise men come bearing gifts (GOLD, and other precious and expensive gifts), shepherds come and stand in awe and worship, angels burst into song.
And the bible says that Mary "treasured all these things in her heart."
Sometimes our treasures come out of the very darkest times of our lives. The blessings God sends, the strength and wisdom we receive, knowing how dear our family and friends are, and the maturity that can only come from hardship.
As long as we go with God, He will unravel all the hardships in our lives. The angels still sing of God's intentions for us: "Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Can you imagine how difficult her life was at that moment? She was pregnant, and unmarried. If Joseph had left her, she would have been stoned to death (though she was a virgin). And now, she is 9 months pregnant, and goes on this long journey riding on the back of a donkey. That sounds terribly uncomfortable. THEN, she goes into labor, and no one has any room for her in their hotels. Can't you imagine how upsetting it must have been to go from place to place, while having contractions, only to be turned away again and again.
She HAD to think..."Wait a minute...I'm having the son of God!! What in the world is going on here?" If an angel had appeared to me, and called me blessed and told me I was going to be the mother of the Savior of the world, I would have assumed that things would have been a tad bit easier. I never would have imagined having my baby...God's own son, in a barn!
BUT THEN...the blessings and miracles begin to appear just when things look the darkest. Suddenly an enormous star begins to shine. Wise men come bearing gifts (GOLD, and other precious and expensive gifts), shepherds come and stand in awe and worship, angels burst into song.
And the bible says that Mary "treasured all these things in her heart."
Sometimes our treasures come out of the very darkest times of our lives. The blessings God sends, the strength and wisdom we receive, knowing how dear our family and friends are, and the maturity that can only come from hardship.
As long as we go with God, He will unravel all the hardships in our lives. The angels still sing of God's intentions for us: "Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Luke 1--Christmas preparations
I thought that considering the time of year, it would be a perfect time to blog in Luke (the most thorough account of the Christmas story). This is one of my most favorite times of year. The decorations, the food, the music, the anticipation, the family gatherings, and the remembrance of a God that loves us so much that He sent his only son to save the world.
It struck me while I read the first chapter of Luke, that all of the Christmas things we enjoy today are glorious, but they take a lot of preparation. The first chapter of Luke is much the same way. It is the back-story of God's preparations for a coming King.
It all begins with Zechariah and Elizabeth (Mary's cousins). They are older, and Elizabeth has never had a child, even though the bible says that they were both completely righteous in God's sight. While Zechariah was serving the Lord, an angel appeared to him and told him that he would have a son. Zechariah questioned the angel in disbelief, and because of that was made mute until after the child was born.
Around the same time, Mary was also visited by an angel, who told to her that she would have a son, and not just any son...the son of GOD!
I think it's interesting that both Zechariah and Mary questioned the angel, but the way they did it was very different. He said, "How CAN this be?" and she said, "How WILL this be?" His was disbelief (no doubt from years of disappointment hoping for a child), and hers was curiosity (since she was not married). She believed, and he did not.
I think that often disappointment can breed unbelief in our hearts. BUT GOD is faithful. He doesn't always answer our prayers in the way we want or in the timing we want. Sometimes there has to be a process or a preparation. (Just like a child can grow weary or impatient waiting for their Christmas presents). The presents are there, but the time has not come yet. This is where our faith in a GOOD GOD can make the difference. We can grow better or we can grow bitter.
I love the verses: "For no word from God will ever fail." ~Luke 1:37 and
"Blessed is she who believed that God would fulfill his promises toward her." ~1:45
So, as we await the celebration of Christmas, let's examine our lives with God. Let's thank Him for the promises and blessings He has already brought about. Let's realize that He is working all the time on our behalf in whatever process we are in now, and let's joyfully look forward to our future in Him. My hope is that whenever my time of visitation comes that I will answer in faith, because I will never grow tired of looking for Him.
Merry Coming-Christmas!
It struck me while I read the first chapter of Luke, that all of the Christmas things we enjoy today are glorious, but they take a lot of preparation. The first chapter of Luke is much the same way. It is the back-story of God's preparations for a coming King.
It all begins with Zechariah and Elizabeth (Mary's cousins). They are older, and Elizabeth has never had a child, even though the bible says that they were both completely righteous in God's sight. While Zechariah was serving the Lord, an angel appeared to him and told him that he would have a son. Zechariah questioned the angel in disbelief, and because of that was made mute until after the child was born.
Around the same time, Mary was also visited by an angel, who told to her that she would have a son, and not just any son...the son of GOD!
I think it's interesting that both Zechariah and Mary questioned the angel, but the way they did it was very different. He said, "How CAN this be?" and she said, "How WILL this be?" His was disbelief (no doubt from years of disappointment hoping for a child), and hers was curiosity (since she was not married). She believed, and he did not.
I think that often disappointment can breed unbelief in our hearts. BUT GOD is faithful. He doesn't always answer our prayers in the way we want or in the timing we want. Sometimes there has to be a process or a preparation. (Just like a child can grow weary or impatient waiting for their Christmas presents). The presents are there, but the time has not come yet. This is where our faith in a GOOD GOD can make the difference. We can grow better or we can grow bitter.
I love the verses: "For no word from God will ever fail." ~Luke 1:37 and
"Blessed is she who believed that God would fulfill his promises toward her." ~1:45
So, as we await the celebration of Christmas, let's examine our lives with God. Let's thank Him for the promises and blessings He has already brought about. Let's realize that He is working all the time on our behalf in whatever process we are in now, and let's joyfully look forward to our future in Him. My hope is that whenever my time of visitation comes that I will answer in faith, because I will never grow tired of looking for Him.
Merry Coming-Christmas!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)