About six months ago, my daughter, Belle, was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. She is six years old. Today, she is pain free, and we just found out today that the LORD has paid off the bills we incurred for her treatment by our income qualifying us for 100% relief!! We are sooo grateful for both miracles!
This journey has been challenging on two fronts. First, on a natural level, it has been really difficult for Bart and I to watch our child experience pain. She had pain in her feet for a long time before we got a diagnosis. Some mornings it was so bad that she had to be carried into Kindergarten crying. So, when the doctor at Vanderbilt told us that it was arthritis, we were a little relieved that we knew what it was, and could start treatment. However, that treatment was also challenging for Belle and for us. She gets weekly injections of medication, and was put to sleep for steroid injections in her joints. Words can't really describe what it feels like to watch your child walk away with strangers for those shots, and know that you can't go with her. I now know why Jesus says, "Believe ON me" instead of "in me." I believed ON Him, because I was leaning on him to even be able to stand. What a comforter He is!
Secondly, this journey has been challenging to me spiritually. For years, I've worked in the healing ministry. Through prayer, I've seen Jesus heal people of countless illnesses in hopeless situations. I personally have been healed of severe asthma (and prayed for many people who've been healed of asthma), and my husband was healed of hemophilia. We believe in God's healing power. So, of course, Satan always attacks your platform...your place of influence.
We prayed with Belle every day, we had our church and friends pray for her, and believed for instant healing. Everytime we went to Vanderbilt we believed that they would tell us that the arthritis was gone, but that's not what happened. I've found that in times like these, Satan likes to question our faith, our beliefs, and our convictions. He asked questions like, "How can you pray for other people to be healed when you can't even get God to heal your own child?" My answer: Because Jesus is a healer, and "by his stripes, we are HEALED."
You might ask, "Why hasn't God just healed Belle?" My answer is: He HAS! Why haven't we seen the full manifestation of that healing yet? I don't know. Religious people tend to have problems with "I don't know." But that's the truth. And instead of focusing on what I don't know, I choose to focus on what I do know.
I do know that God is a healer, and that He is healing Belle as we speak. As I said before...she is pain free, and there are no more signs of arthritis, and we are believing that after the effects of these shots wear off, there will still be no arthritis.
I do know that God did not give Belle arthritis. He isn't punishing her or us. He isn't trying to teach us something. Like, Romans 8:8 says, He uses ALL things to our good, but He didn't give arthritis to her. Satan did that. The bible says that Satan comes to "kill, steal, and destroy," but that Jesus came so that we may "have life, and more abundantly."
Now, have we learned things and drawn closer to God through this experience? Absolutely. Bart and I have learned how important it is for us to be in unity praying for Belle, and for everything we pray for. We've learned to trust in ways we never have before. Belle and Brie have learned how to pray out loud for healing, how to praise God more heartfeltly, and Belle has learned just how much courage she has in Christ. These very fruits of our journey are the reasons that Satan will be so sorry he ever messed with us in the first place! We are coming out better, stronger, and more confident than ever in the goodness of God!
Jesus is good. He is a healer, a provider, and my peace. Thank you to all our family and friends that have supported us in prayer through this experience. We are blessed beyond measure on all fronts!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Feeling it Leave...
I like to dream with the LORD. I like to imagine with Him the possibilities for my life, and the lives of my husband and children. It's fun...and I think He likes it too.
One of my favorite things to imagine is what I'd do if Bart and I were wealthy. (Now, some religious people are gasping right about now...can you hear it?) Did I really just say that?! Let's be honest...we'd ALL like to have money, and most people know some of the things they'd do with it.
Some of the things are just for us: schooling, savings, decor, cars, vacations, etc. But I also like to dream about what I'd do for the kingdom of God if I had money. Now, I'm not talking about tithes (giving one tenth...we already do that, and that is God's already). If you never tried tithing...you should, it will Change your Life!! What I'm talking about here is offering.
I always think about two things in particular: 1. I'd like to pay for our church to have a playground, and 2. I'd like to donate money to Eddie James Ministry. His music has blessed my socks off...and gotten me through some really hard times.
I was dreaming about this earlier today, when I heard God's voice say to me: "Do it now."
I said, "WHAT?! Have you seen my bank acct, LORD?"
And He said, "Do it now...now is when you'll FEEL IT LEAVE...now is when it matters."
Then, I remembered the Bible verse: "One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much..." ~Luke 16:10
So...we're going to give now. At the current rate...it will take roughly 50 years to pay for the church a playground, and it seems pitiful to send such a small amount to Eddie James each month, BUT God said to do it now. We're going to faithful in the little...and see how God can bless it.
Have you dreamed with God today?!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Flood of Dissipation
1 Peter 4 talks about a "flood of dissipation."
In short, it says that we've spent enough time doing what pagans (people who don't know Christ) do, and living like they live. "They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation..."
So, I looked up the word, "dissipation," and it means: " mental distraction, amusement; diversion."
Hmmm....
Honestly, this brings to mind another flood. We've all heard from childhood the story of Noah and the Ark. God flooded the earth because of humanity's exceeding evils, but God first told Noah to build an ark. I've heard before that this ark would've been the size of 3 football fields! Can you imagine?! Sooo...it also stands to reason that it took a LONG time to build it. Don't you know that during that time, people thought Noah was crazy? He probably went years with people telling him and treating him like a lunatic...but then it started to rain, and it kept raining.
Noah gathered his family and the animals onto the ark as the earth began to flood. Can't you imagine that NOW those same people who had tortured him and teased him, ran to him, and probably tried to storm the ark, to get to safety.
It's not in the story...but can you imagine the trauma of that; the trauma of watching everyone on earth drown...and then the isolation of being trapped on a boat with family and a bunch of animals for a LOOONNNGGG time. We know it rained 40 days and 40 nights, but they were on that boat longer than that, because we know that Noah kept sending the dove out to search for land.
Can you imagine what that kind of trauma and isolation would do to a person?!
When I first started reading the Bible for myself, I was SHOCKED to keep reading about Noah after the flood. They never tell you in Sunday school that the first thing he did when he got off that boat was to plant a vineyard, and then he got drunk!! Honestly, can you blame him?
Anyone who has ever been through something stressful or difficult knows what the Bible is talking about when it says "dissipation;" "mental distraction." Amen?
Everytime I go through something stressful or difficult, my flesh and my emotions rise up and all I want to do is either overeat, overshop, veg out on the couch with a good movie or tv show...just lose myself into a distraction...a flood of dissipation. I've battled it this week...I've lost a couple of times. We want comfort so badly.
The important thing is keep reading though. Noah messed up! His drunkeness started a chain reaction, which led to curses for his sons, and division for his family. WHAT FEELS LIKE THE RIGHT THING ISN'T ALWAYS THE BEST THING!
It might feel good right now to overeat...but it's not ultimately what I want! If I let my emotions rule me, then I will miss what God wants me to learn...what he wants me to have, in the end.
So...what is your flood of dissipation?! It could be anything, and that seemingly harmless activity could be keeping you numb to what God wants you to feel...what he wants you to heal.
"The end of all things is near. Therefore, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."
In short, it says that we've spent enough time doing what pagans (people who don't know Christ) do, and living like they live. "They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation..."
So, I looked up the word, "dissipation," and it means: " mental distraction, amusement; diversion."
Hmmm....
Honestly, this brings to mind another flood. We've all heard from childhood the story of Noah and the Ark. God flooded the earth because of humanity's exceeding evils, but God first told Noah to build an ark. I've heard before that this ark would've been the size of 3 football fields! Can you imagine?! Sooo...it also stands to reason that it took a LONG time to build it. Don't you know that during that time, people thought Noah was crazy? He probably went years with people telling him and treating him like a lunatic...but then it started to rain, and it kept raining.
Noah gathered his family and the animals onto the ark as the earth began to flood. Can't you imagine that NOW those same people who had tortured him and teased him, ran to him, and probably tried to storm the ark, to get to safety.
It's not in the story...but can you imagine the trauma of that; the trauma of watching everyone on earth drown...and then the isolation of being trapped on a boat with family and a bunch of animals for a LOOONNNGGG time. We know it rained 40 days and 40 nights, but they were on that boat longer than that, because we know that Noah kept sending the dove out to search for land.
Can you imagine what that kind of trauma and isolation would do to a person?!
When I first started reading the Bible for myself, I was SHOCKED to keep reading about Noah after the flood. They never tell you in Sunday school that the first thing he did when he got off that boat was to plant a vineyard, and then he got drunk!! Honestly, can you blame him?
Anyone who has ever been through something stressful or difficult knows what the Bible is talking about when it says "dissipation;" "mental distraction." Amen?
Everytime I go through something stressful or difficult, my flesh and my emotions rise up and all I want to do is either overeat, overshop, veg out on the couch with a good movie or tv show...just lose myself into a distraction...a flood of dissipation. I've battled it this week...I've lost a couple of times. We want comfort so badly.
The important thing is keep reading though. Noah messed up! His drunkeness started a chain reaction, which led to curses for his sons, and division for his family. WHAT FEELS LIKE THE RIGHT THING ISN'T ALWAYS THE BEST THING!
It might feel good right now to overeat...but it's not ultimately what I want! If I let my emotions rule me, then I will miss what God wants me to learn...what he wants me to have, in the end.
So...what is your flood of dissipation?! It could be anything, and that seemingly harmless activity could be keeping you numb to what God wants you to feel...what he wants you to heal.
"The end of all things is near. Therefore, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Running the Day
"I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants-but let them not turn to folly."
As I posted earlier this year, the LORD told me that this year He wanted to deal with some of the "chaotic" things in my life, (things that are out of order). And that was no lie.
Just in three months, He has had me examine EVERYTHING I do and everything I am a part of with a discerning eye. What I've learned is that some things are good, some things need to go, and some things can stay, but need to get into order under me.
A couple of months ago, I had just a crazy day. I was running late all day, I was crabby with my husband and the kids. I felt like I was saying, "Hurry hurry" all day. At the end of the day, I'd worked all day and felt like I had little to show for it. I was exhausted. I told God I needed help.
The next day, I got up earlier, I had laid out clothes the night before, I was more conscious of God throughout the day, and I was more "in control" of the elements around me. Then I heard God's voice say to me, "Isn't it better when you run the day, instead of it running you?" And yes, it is better!!
So, I don't have all the answers yet, but I am learning discipline. I'm trying to go to bed earlier, be more prepared for the coming day, spend more time with the LORD, cut back on things that don't REALLY matter, and say "hurry up" less. Also, I've lost 11 lbs.
I am learning, because I'm listening. His ways truly are wonderful.
As I posted earlier this year, the LORD told me that this year He wanted to deal with some of the "chaotic" things in my life, (things that are out of order). And that was no lie.
Just in three months, He has had me examine EVERYTHING I do and everything I am a part of with a discerning eye. What I've learned is that some things are good, some things need to go, and some things can stay, but need to get into order under me.
A couple of months ago, I had just a crazy day. I was running late all day, I was crabby with my husband and the kids. I felt like I was saying, "Hurry hurry" all day. At the end of the day, I'd worked all day and felt like I had little to show for it. I was exhausted. I told God I needed help.
The next day, I got up earlier, I had laid out clothes the night before, I was more conscious of God throughout the day, and I was more "in control" of the elements around me. Then I heard God's voice say to me, "Isn't it better when you run the day, instead of it running you?" And yes, it is better!!
So, I don't have all the answers yet, but I am learning discipline. I'm trying to go to bed earlier, be more prepared for the coming day, spend more time with the LORD, cut back on things that don't REALLY matter, and say "hurry up" less. Also, I've lost 11 lbs.
I am learning, because I'm listening. His ways truly are wonderful.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
1/4 gone or 1/4 of the way there?
Well, it's March!!
Can you believe that 2011 is 1/4 of the way gone?!! Time is flying!
Sometimes I think we focus so much on the business or stress of the tasks at hand (what is right in front of us), that we don't realize that time and its beauty and opportunities are slipping through our fingers.
My Dad wrote Bart a letter once thanking him for being the wonderful man that God picked for me to marry. He told Bart about how he'd been praying for Bart all of my life, and that he saw God's faithfulness and love in the fact that those prayers were answered...that I'm loved and taken care of. I love that letter, and one of the things that struck me about it was when he said that raising his children had been like a cross country train trip...he said he got so caught up in the speed and the scenery that he didn't realize the train was pulling into the station, until it had. That imagery has always really touched me. It was a beautiful trip, Daddy.
As I contemplate it now, it makes me want to somehow cherish these moments while my children are small more than I'm capable of cherishing them. These "hurry, hurry" days seem unending now, but I know they're not. I want to be conscious of what I am teaching them, and of the childhood that I'm "tucking inside their coat pockets."
I resolve to worship with my kids every day if I can...to dance around the house with them, to play more games, more puzzles, read more stories, etc. I want them to KNOW their worth.
So...as far as my own train ride goes for this year, are we 1/4 gone or 1/4 of the way there? Something to keep in mind...and the scenery is lovely.
"But from everlasting to everlasting, the Lord's love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children's children." ~Psalm 103:17
Can you believe that 2011 is 1/4 of the way gone?!! Time is flying!
Sometimes I think we focus so much on the business or stress of the tasks at hand (what is right in front of us), that we don't realize that time and its beauty and opportunities are slipping through our fingers.
My Dad wrote Bart a letter once thanking him for being the wonderful man that God picked for me to marry. He told Bart about how he'd been praying for Bart all of my life, and that he saw God's faithfulness and love in the fact that those prayers were answered...that I'm loved and taken care of. I love that letter, and one of the things that struck me about it was when he said that raising his children had been like a cross country train trip...he said he got so caught up in the speed and the scenery that he didn't realize the train was pulling into the station, until it had. That imagery has always really touched me. It was a beautiful trip, Daddy.
As I contemplate it now, it makes me want to somehow cherish these moments while my children are small more than I'm capable of cherishing them. These "hurry, hurry" days seem unending now, but I know they're not. I want to be conscious of what I am teaching them, and of the childhood that I'm "tucking inside their coat pockets."
I resolve to worship with my kids every day if I can...to dance around the house with them, to play more games, more puzzles, read more stories, etc. I want them to KNOW their worth.
So...as far as my own train ride goes for this year, are we 1/4 gone or 1/4 of the way there? Something to keep in mind...and the scenery is lovely.
"But from everlasting to everlasting, the Lord's love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children's children." ~Psalm 103:17
Friday, January 7, 2011
2011 Promise Verse
The end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 have been "challenging" to say the least.
All in the span of two months, we've had:
2 ER visits in the middle of the night
3 of us with pink eye
Bart's surgery complications
3 of us with Bronchitis
5 doc visits
Christmas vacation while sick
Bart's masters work (papers and exams due)
And very little consistant sleep...
So, one night when I was literally up ALL night with Sellick...I decided to use the time to pray (if I was going to up anyway). I told the Lord that I was very excited about the end of 2010, and all the good things that He has for us in 2011.
THEN...I asked Him for a promise verse for this year. I got the idea from Beth Moore (one of my favorite Christian authors).
And God immediately spoke to me. I heard Isaiah. So, I flipped there, and then I heard 54, so I went there, and then I heard "start at 11." I thought "am I hearing right?" But, I flipped to the reference and was astounded at what I knew the LORD was saying to us.
"Afflicted city, lashed by storms, and not comforted, I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with sapphires. I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones. All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace. In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you. If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing; whoever attacks you, will surrunder to you.
See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame, and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me, declares the LORD."
What a comfort!! What a promise!! I encourage everyone to do the same...take a little time and ask God to show you a scripture or bring one to mind (and then go find it, and read all that is around it...ask Him for your promise verse for this year!!)
He already knows what's coming...
All in the span of two months, we've had:
2 ER visits in the middle of the night
3 of us with pink eye
Bart's surgery complications
3 of us with Bronchitis
5 doc visits
Christmas vacation while sick
Bart's masters work (papers and exams due)
And very little consistant sleep...
So, one night when I was literally up ALL night with Sellick...I decided to use the time to pray (if I was going to up anyway). I told the Lord that I was very excited about the end of 2010, and all the good things that He has for us in 2011.
THEN...I asked Him for a promise verse for this year. I got the idea from Beth Moore (one of my favorite Christian authors).
And God immediately spoke to me. I heard Isaiah. So, I flipped there, and then I heard 54, so I went there, and then I heard "start at 11." I thought "am I hearing right?" But, I flipped to the reference and was astounded at what I knew the LORD was saying to us.
"Afflicted city, lashed by storms, and not comforted, I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with sapphires. I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones. All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace. In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you. If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing; whoever attacks you, will surrunder to you.
See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame, and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me, declares the LORD."
What a comfort!! What a promise!! I encourage everyone to do the same...take a little time and ask God to show you a scripture or bring one to mind (and then go find it, and read all that is around it...ask Him for your promise verse for this year!!)
He already knows what's coming...
Friday, December 31, 2010
New Year...Blank Slate (Luke 6)
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.
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.
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!
Friday, September 24, 2010
All Things New...
"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make ALL THINGS NEW. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." ~Revelation 21:5
Well, Lindsay and I agree that it's about time to start back up our quiet time blogs. And I'm so happy about it, because I've missed it and the LORD is doing some amazing things. We'll be picking a book of the bible to study and blogging our thoughts, prayers, and insights.
But, until then, I just want to give glory to God for all the amazing new things He has done and is doing in our lives.
This summer was a time of huge transition and blessing for our family. We moved into a larger and more beautiful house on campus (5 bdrms...PRAISE GOD!!), Bart started his masters' program, we welcomed our baby boy, Sellick Joel, and Belle started kindergarten...just to name a few things.
Sooo...it's a perfect time to restart this blog. As the verse above says, He makes all things new...and directly after that the hearer is instructed to WRITE. I want to write down and remember all that God is doing in our lives, share it with the world, and save it for my children. Just as the Israelites of the old Testament often built altars of rememberance...this will be one of mine. I'm excited to see where He takes us!
Well, Lindsay and I agree that it's about time to start back up our quiet time blogs. And I'm so happy about it, because I've missed it and the LORD is doing some amazing things. We'll be picking a book of the bible to study and blogging our thoughts, prayers, and insights.
But, until then, I just want to give glory to God for all the amazing new things He has done and is doing in our lives.
This summer was a time of huge transition and blessing for our family. We moved into a larger and more beautiful house on campus (5 bdrms...PRAISE GOD!!), Bart started his masters' program, we welcomed our baby boy, Sellick Joel, and Belle started kindergarten...just to name a few things.
Sooo...it's a perfect time to restart this blog. As the verse above says, He makes all things new...and directly after that the hearer is instructed to WRITE. I want to write down and remember all that God is doing in our lives, share it with the world, and save it for my children. Just as the Israelites of the old Testament often built altars of rememberance...this will be one of mine. I'm excited to see where He takes us!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
SOS 3
Wow...took another little break there. I've been reading in different places, but I wanted to get back to blogging about Song of Solomon. It's truly breathtaking poetry and I think it has great wisdom about marriage and about God's love for us.
SOS 3
"Come out, you daughters of Zion, and look at King Solomon wearing the crown, the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding, the day his heart rejoiced." ~SOS 3:11
I love this! I love that Solomon was royalty...this chapter clearly describes his chariot, his warriors, his majesty. And I love that he is wearing a crown that his mother placed on his head. She loved him, trusted him, approved of him. The crown was placed there on his wedding day...she was showing her approval and blessing of his marriage.
And my favorite line in all of the chapter: "the day of his wedding, the day his heart rejoiced."
This is what marriage is supposed to be!! It's supposed to be a CELEBRATION!! I've been to so many weddings where everyone looked stressed out, or weddings where families don't get along, or weddings without the Lord. Those always make my heart a little sad.
Because a wedding is HUGE! It's two people coming before their friends and family and before a Holy God to VOW to each other and to God that they will make a life together forever.
The world sees marriage as a contract. "I'll do this, as long as you do that." But Christian marriage is a covenant. It's saying, "I will do this!" It's just like God painfully making a way of salvation for us, despite the fact that we don't deserve it. It's not based on what we've earned or what we deserve, or even how we feel...it's based on HIS immense LOVE for us, and our going into that covenant relationship with Him.
My wedding day was the BEST day of my life. The days I had my children are precious, but if I could relive any day it would def. be my wedding day. It was incredible to have everyone that I love all together to watch me seal a covenant with the man I love. I treasure that day.
It's funny...I've noticed that all fairy tales end at the wedding. I know why...it's the pinnacle, the high point. But life doesn't end there. And we short change ourselves if we don't think that our happiness can ever exceed that moment. It would be like someone dying right after they became a Christian. They would miss out on living the abundant life that Jesus paid for. It's not always easy...it's not always fun. BUT...I do learn more about the Lord and His will for me all the time.
My goal is that by the end of my life, I will have gotten so close to Him that dying will be a seamless transition. "Changing from glory to glory." And for my marriage, I forsee Bart and I once again surrounded by the people we love most, reaffirming our vows after 50 years. I believe our eyes will gleam with the same love, but be deepened by an understanding of each other and God that was not yet comprehendable on our wedding day.
From then to now to then...God, I pray they all be days our hearts rejoice!
SOS 3
"Come out, you daughters of Zion, and look at King Solomon wearing the crown, the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding, the day his heart rejoiced." ~SOS 3:11
I love this! I love that Solomon was royalty...this chapter clearly describes his chariot, his warriors, his majesty. And I love that he is wearing a crown that his mother placed on his head. She loved him, trusted him, approved of him. The crown was placed there on his wedding day...she was showing her approval and blessing of his marriage.
And my favorite line in all of the chapter: "the day of his wedding, the day his heart rejoiced."
This is what marriage is supposed to be!! It's supposed to be a CELEBRATION!! I've been to so many weddings where everyone looked stressed out, or weddings where families don't get along, or weddings without the Lord. Those always make my heart a little sad.
Because a wedding is HUGE! It's two people coming before their friends and family and before a Holy God to VOW to each other and to God that they will make a life together forever.
The world sees marriage as a contract. "I'll do this, as long as you do that." But Christian marriage is a covenant. It's saying, "I will do this!" It's just like God painfully making a way of salvation for us, despite the fact that we don't deserve it. It's not based on what we've earned or what we deserve, or even how we feel...it's based on HIS immense LOVE for us, and our going into that covenant relationship with Him.
My wedding day was the BEST day of my life. The days I had my children are precious, but if I could relive any day it would def. be my wedding day. It was incredible to have everyone that I love all together to watch me seal a covenant with the man I love. I treasure that day.
It's funny...I've noticed that all fairy tales end at the wedding. I know why...it's the pinnacle, the high point. But life doesn't end there. And we short change ourselves if we don't think that our happiness can ever exceed that moment. It would be like someone dying right after they became a Christian. They would miss out on living the abundant life that Jesus paid for. It's not always easy...it's not always fun. BUT...I do learn more about the Lord and His will for me all the time.
My goal is that by the end of my life, I will have gotten so close to Him that dying will be a seamless transition. "Changing from glory to glory." And for my marriage, I forsee Bart and I once again surrounded by the people we love most, reaffirming our vows after 50 years. I believe our eyes will gleam with the same love, but be deepened by an understanding of each other and God that was not yet comprehendable on our wedding day.
From then to now to then...God, I pray they all be days our hearts rejoice!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Song of Solomon 2
Ok, now for Chapter 2!!
"His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.
Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires. "
This is just such beautiful love poetry, but it also has meaning behind it. The second verse above is repeated over and over again in the SOS book by the Beloved to her court of young friends. And it's so true even today. So many people are in love with the idea of being in love. They settle, they rush things. But she says over and over "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." This is an important warning. It reminds me of my mother always telling me never to date anyone I knew I couldn't marry. The truth is that we can fall in love with the wrong person. And that only leads to heartache. But if we wait for the one that God has created for us, then our love is like this book...a celebration.
"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me."
I LOVE this part. We already know from Chapter 1 that this woman has had a rough life at times. And here is her lover, her knight in shining armor, saying, "The winter is past, the rains are over and gone....come with me!" Can't you just envision his hand extended to her? Can't you feel the thrill of that touch as she places her hand in his...knowing all she's been through, all the work she's done to be whole again, and all the waiting for her perfect one. I think all women want security and adventure, and this man is offering her both with one hand!
"Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom"
THIS VERSE IS IMPORTANT! I have thought a lot about this verse many times. There is a place later in this book that talks about the husband's job, and I really think that this one verse says a lot to wives about their job. He is telling the wife, "catch for US the LITTLE foxes that ruin vineyards."
I really think he's talking about the small, daily things that over time, ruin marriages. As I read this, I think it means that wives are to be discerning about the "little things" in our marriage, and we are to tend that vineyard and to keep Satan's little foxes from trying to destroy the harvest. What could those little foxes be? Petty arguments, harsh words, thoughtlessness, not resolving issues when they arise...anything that might seem small at the time, but can grow into a marriage killer. And the Bible labels this as the job of the wife!! That's a big responsibility, and I admit that I'm not always good at it. Lord, help me to catch those little foxes and protect what you've planted in our marriage.
Amen.
"His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.
Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires. "
This is just such beautiful love poetry, but it also has meaning behind it. The second verse above is repeated over and over again in the SOS book by the Beloved to her court of young friends. And it's so true even today. So many people are in love with the idea of being in love. They settle, they rush things. But she says over and over "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." This is an important warning. It reminds me of my mother always telling me never to date anyone I knew I couldn't marry. The truth is that we can fall in love with the wrong person. And that only leads to heartache. But if we wait for the one that God has created for us, then our love is like this book...a celebration.
"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me."
I LOVE this part. We already know from Chapter 1 that this woman has had a rough life at times. And here is her lover, her knight in shining armor, saying, "The winter is past, the rains are over and gone....come with me!" Can't you just envision his hand extended to her? Can't you feel the thrill of that touch as she places her hand in his...knowing all she's been through, all the work she's done to be whole again, and all the waiting for her perfect one. I think all women want security and adventure, and this man is offering her both with one hand!
"Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom"
THIS VERSE IS IMPORTANT! I have thought a lot about this verse many times. There is a place later in this book that talks about the husband's job, and I really think that this one verse says a lot to wives about their job. He is telling the wife, "catch for US the LITTLE foxes that ruin vineyards."
I really think he's talking about the small, daily things that over time, ruin marriages. As I read this, I think it means that wives are to be discerning about the "little things" in our marriage, and we are to tend that vineyard and to keep Satan's little foxes from trying to destroy the harvest. What could those little foxes be? Petty arguments, harsh words, thoughtlessness, not resolving issues when they arise...anything that might seem small at the time, but can grow into a marriage killer. And the Bible labels this as the job of the wife!! That's a big responsibility, and I admit that I'm not always good at it. Lord, help me to catch those little foxes and protect what you've planted in our marriage.
Amen.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Song of Songs or Song of Solomon 1
**I LOVE this book. It's so romantic. This is seriously some of the most poetic and beautiful, and GRAPHIC love poetry there is. I love the fact that this book is in the Bible. It shows what love between a husband and wife should be like, and it shows that God created love, marriage, and sex in marriage, and that they are GOOD!
SOS 1
In the first chapter, so much happens. It is established that the Beloved and her Lover (King Solomon and his wife) are madly in love. I love it when she says that his "name is like perfume poured out."
Also, the woman tells her story. She's had a hard life. She's had to work hard, and she's been mistreated and abused by her own family. She evens says that she tended other vineyards, "my own vineyard I have neglected." I think that one statement is so powerful. It's so like women that when we go through hard things to put everyone else first, and to put ourselves on the back burner...neglect ourselves. But she is a woman who overcomes. She obviously repairs her vineyard, because later on, she talk about giving all of its choice fruits to her lover.
And lastly, I laugh out loud reading the last line spoken by the lover (husband). It says, "The beams of our house are cedars; our rafters are firs." It cracks me up because if he's noticing the beams of their house...it means that they are just laying in bed together, enjoying the pillowtalk!
Commentary: I think that not only is this beautiful writing describing a real love story, but it's also so relevant. So many women today have been hurt in past relationships, and we have this crazy idea that it's romantic for another guy to have to pay the price for that pain and if he hangs around long enough and gets through our walls, he might get to really see us. Well, I just don't think that romantic or fair. Jesus came as our Lord and Savior so that we can be healed of emotional pains of the past when we give them to Him. Then, we can do what He planned and offer our vineyard (ourselves), whole and healed to the man that He prepared for us. Two people who make each other better, not two crutches trying to hold each other up.
Love is a powerful thing. God knows...He invented it, and He is LOVE! :)
SOS 1
In the first chapter, so much happens. It is established that the Beloved and her Lover (King Solomon and his wife) are madly in love. I love it when she says that his "name is like perfume poured out."
Also, the woman tells her story. She's had a hard life. She's had to work hard, and she's been mistreated and abused by her own family. She evens says that she tended other vineyards, "my own vineyard I have neglected." I think that one statement is so powerful. It's so like women that when we go through hard things to put everyone else first, and to put ourselves on the back burner...neglect ourselves. But she is a woman who overcomes. She obviously repairs her vineyard, because later on, she talk about giving all of its choice fruits to her lover.
And lastly, I laugh out loud reading the last line spoken by the lover (husband). It says, "The beams of our house are cedars; our rafters are firs." It cracks me up because if he's noticing the beams of their house...it means that they are just laying in bed together, enjoying the pillowtalk!
Commentary: I think that not only is this beautiful writing describing a real love story, but it's also so relevant. So many women today have been hurt in past relationships, and we have this crazy idea that it's romantic for another guy to have to pay the price for that pain and if he hangs around long enough and gets through our walls, he might get to really see us. Well, I just don't think that romantic or fair. Jesus came as our Lord and Savior so that we can be healed of emotional pains of the past when we give them to Him. Then, we can do what He planned and offer our vineyard (ourselves), whole and healed to the man that He prepared for us. Two people who make each other better, not two crutches trying to hold each other up.
Love is a powerful thing. God knows...He invented it, and He is LOVE! :)
Sorry for the hiatus!
Hey. So sorry for the hiatus. Little computer access, illness, out of town, and just out and out distractions. But...i'm back and Lindsay and I are going to focus on one area of scripture, instead of three, which should make the blogging easier and more in depth. So, yeah!
Lindsay, what do you think about Song of Songs? Let's start back there.
Lindsay, what do you think about Song of Songs? Let's start back there.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
January 10th, 2009--Day 6
Just got back from OSL prayer meeting, and WOW! It was awesome. The Lord really showed up! Everyone got prayer, prophesy, and it was just incredible. I think I'm glowing.
1 Samuel 1 and 2: 1-11
The story of Hannah is beautiful. A woman who is barren, long for a child, and provoked by a rival wife. I think of Satan when I read about the rival wife. He's always therer provoking us, trying to keep us focused on what we don't have, or on what we're waiting for, instead of on God and seeking Him.
But Hannah goes to the temple and weeps and prays. She "pours out her heart to God." He hears her and remembers her. She has a son named Samuel, and when he is weaned, she dedicates him to the Lord.
I think it's so important to dedicate our children to God. I remember when both of our girls were born, Bart and I couldn't wait for the church service to do it...so we prayed a prayer of dedication for them as soon as they were born, and then also had them dedicated at church. Our whole family stood up at the altar and prayed as we dedicated our babies to the Lord. Those days mean so much to me. Just look at Samuel...he became a HUGE prophet!! He's the one who found King David!
Dedication in the dictionary means, "a ceremony marking the official opening or completion of something." That's perfect. With ourselves and with children it's both of those things. When we dedicate ourselves to God or our children to God, it is the opening of something NEW and by faith, the completion of that good work.
Lord, I dedicate myself and my family to you, anew today. Use us as you will, for your glory! Amen!
Psalm 5-6
"The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer." ~Psalm 6:9
John 5
I want to say a quick word about John 5 because it's just so awesome! First of all, the beginning story is incredible. There was a pool in Jerusalem called Bethesda where many crippled and lame people would lay around. They did this because once a day, an angel of God would stir the water of the pool, and the first one to jump in would be HEALED!! Isn't that incredible? I mean, these people lived with that knowledge as their reality.
Jesus walked by and saw a man who'd been paralyzed for 38 years! When Jesus saw him he asked him a really important question. He said, "Do you WANT to be WELL?" That might seem like a stupid question, but actually there are a lot of people who really don't want to be WELL...they just want to feel a little better. You know, those people who like self-pity and attention for their infirmity. Anyway, this man asked Jesus to help him get to the pool, but Jesus said, "Take up your mat and walk." And the man did! He was HEALED!
I heard this once...and i think it's fascinating, that Jesus only healed that one man at the pool. We know that there were MANY cripples and lame people laying around the pool. So, why not the others? Well, I once heard an amazing explanation for this. It's because the faith of the surrounding people was for ONE healing. They were used to ONE healing a day. They expected it. So, they had faith for one, but not more than one. And other places in the Bible describe Jesus not doing many miracles in certain places because of their lack of faith.
People, we've got to get on the FAITH-train. We've got to raise our expectations, and start believing BIG! Nothing is impossible with God! Yay!
1 Samuel 1 and 2: 1-11
The story of Hannah is beautiful. A woman who is barren, long for a child, and provoked by a rival wife. I think of Satan when I read about the rival wife. He's always therer provoking us, trying to keep us focused on what we don't have, or on what we're waiting for, instead of on God and seeking Him.
But Hannah goes to the temple and weeps and prays. She "pours out her heart to God." He hears her and remembers her. She has a son named Samuel, and when he is weaned, she dedicates him to the Lord.
I think it's so important to dedicate our children to God. I remember when both of our girls were born, Bart and I couldn't wait for the church service to do it...so we prayed a prayer of dedication for them as soon as they were born, and then also had them dedicated at church. Our whole family stood up at the altar and prayed as we dedicated our babies to the Lord. Those days mean so much to me. Just look at Samuel...he became a HUGE prophet!! He's the one who found King David!
Dedication in the dictionary means, "a ceremony marking the official opening or completion of something." That's perfect. With ourselves and with children it's both of those things. When we dedicate ourselves to God or our children to God, it is the opening of something NEW and by faith, the completion of that good work.
Lord, I dedicate myself and my family to you, anew today. Use us as you will, for your glory! Amen!
Psalm 5-6
"The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer." ~Psalm 6:9
John 5
I want to say a quick word about John 5 because it's just so awesome! First of all, the beginning story is incredible. There was a pool in Jerusalem called Bethesda where many crippled and lame people would lay around. They did this because once a day, an angel of God would stir the water of the pool, and the first one to jump in would be HEALED!! Isn't that incredible? I mean, these people lived with that knowledge as their reality.
Jesus walked by and saw a man who'd been paralyzed for 38 years! When Jesus saw him he asked him a really important question. He said, "Do you WANT to be WELL?" That might seem like a stupid question, but actually there are a lot of people who really don't want to be WELL...they just want to feel a little better. You know, those people who like self-pity and attention for their infirmity. Anyway, this man asked Jesus to help him get to the pool, but Jesus said, "Take up your mat and walk." And the man did! He was HEALED!
I heard this once...and i think it's fascinating, that Jesus only healed that one man at the pool. We know that there were MANY cripples and lame people laying around the pool. So, why not the others? Well, I once heard an amazing explanation for this. It's because the faith of the surrounding people was for ONE healing. They were used to ONE healing a day. They expected it. So, they had faith for one, but not more than one. And other places in the Bible describe Jesus not doing many miracles in certain places because of their lack of faith.
People, we've got to get on the FAITH-train. We've got to raise our expectations, and start believing BIG! Nothing is impossible with God! Yay!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
January 8th, 2009--Day 4
Personal note: I worked out again...feeling good! The step class was hard. It definitely had me calling on the higher power!! I could feel how much weight I've gained in that class. It was so much more difficult to make my body do the movements than it used to be. That's why I'm so glad that God is helping me get healthy again.
SO, back to...
Ruth 4
This is the beautiful, wonderful ending to the love story. Boaz checks with the man who has the first claim to Ruth as the kinsman redeemer, and after he gets him to say no, then Boaz marries Ruth and eventually they have a child.
It's a great ending for everyone...Ruth and Boaz are happy, Naomi gets a grandbaby and is happy again, and from their love and family line comes King David and Jesus Christ.
It's just amazing to me what God can do with one obedient person. Ruth was a Moabites. Hebrews weren't supposed to marry Moabites because they were pagans, but Ruth committed herself to the Lord and He brought incredible blessings into her life, and our lives (Jesus Christ) because of her decision.
Lord, help me to make those crucial RIGHT decisions at the right times. I want to live an epic life in you!
p.s. I read once that it was quite likely that when Jesus was a baby, laying in the manger in Bethlehem, that he was laid on some of the straw from Boaz's field. What a neat idea!
Psalm 4
I had a great day today, and the following verse really said it all:
"You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."
John 3
"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
Jesus says these words describing people who put their faith in Christ. John 3 talks a lot about the purpose of Christ coming...the necessity of his coming and the necessity of our believing in Him for salvation. I love the idea that because I am born again of the Spirit, I am like the wind (yes, a Dirty Dancing song IS going through my head right now). :) As described, it means that being born of Spirit makes us strong, powerful, refreshing, fragrant, unpredictable, and adventurous. I think that non-Christians, and even people called Christians, who never really let God CHANGE them, really miss out on the awesomeness of this life. God is as creative and non-boring as it gets!
Lord, let me be a mighty wind for you. Let me be strong, courageous, refreshing, and fragrant. And let my wind go where you send it. Let my love for you be like the winds of a hurricane!
SO, back to...
Ruth 4
This is the beautiful, wonderful ending to the love story. Boaz checks with the man who has the first claim to Ruth as the kinsman redeemer, and after he gets him to say no, then Boaz marries Ruth and eventually they have a child.
It's a great ending for everyone...Ruth and Boaz are happy, Naomi gets a grandbaby and is happy again, and from their love and family line comes King David and Jesus Christ.
It's just amazing to me what God can do with one obedient person. Ruth was a Moabites. Hebrews weren't supposed to marry Moabites because they were pagans, but Ruth committed herself to the Lord and He brought incredible blessings into her life, and our lives (Jesus Christ) because of her decision.
Lord, help me to make those crucial RIGHT decisions at the right times. I want to live an epic life in you!
p.s. I read once that it was quite likely that when Jesus was a baby, laying in the manger in Bethlehem, that he was laid on some of the straw from Boaz's field. What a neat idea!
Psalm 4
I had a great day today, and the following verse really said it all:
"You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."
John 3
"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
Jesus says these words describing people who put their faith in Christ. John 3 talks a lot about the purpose of Christ coming...the necessity of his coming and the necessity of our believing in Him for salvation. I love the idea that because I am born again of the Spirit, I am like the wind (yes, a Dirty Dancing song IS going through my head right now). :) As described, it means that being born of Spirit makes us strong, powerful, refreshing, fragrant, unpredictable, and adventurous. I think that non-Christians, and even people called Christians, who never really let God CHANGE them, really miss out on the awesomeness of this life. God is as creative and non-boring as it gets!
Lord, let me be a mighty wind for you. Let me be strong, courageous, refreshing, and fragrant. And let my wind go where you send it. Let my love for you be like the winds of a hurricane!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
January 7th, 2009--Day 3
**On a side note, I worked out at the Y yesterday...loved it and am sore. God is helping me with exercise and eating, and I am proud to say that I am being obedient! My workout playlist is as follows (it's not that spiritual, but it helps me bike faster!)
Harder to Breathe-Maroon 5
Saving Me-Nickelback
Smooth Criminal-Alien Ant Farm
4 minutes-Madonna and J Timberlake
Watch Me Shine-Legally Blonde Soundtrack
Those are just a few...I'm about to add some Kirk Franklin, etc so i can work out and praise Him! If anyone has any suggestions, let me know!
Ruth 3
Have I mentioned that I LOVE this story. In Ruth 3, Naomi does some holy ghost scheming, and tells Ruth to go down to the threshing floor, and after Boaz is asleep to uncover his feet, and lay down below him. This is so funny to me. She knows cold feet will wake him up, and then he'll see Ruth, and get to talk to her privately. I love soap operas, so I'm giving some real props to Naomi here.
Boaz is so moved that Ruth really likes him and has done this, that he decides to become her kinsman redeemer and marry her, after checking with another man who has first dibs. And he goes and does this right away. He's so enthralled with her...he can't wait! This is romantic, people!
And I love that Ruth's life is absolutely turning around. She could've stayed in Moab and maybe she would've met some other man, but we know he wouldn't have been a godly man, because the moabites were pagans. Ruth was a pagan, until she made a decision to leave her old life and trust God. And God didn't take long to reward her with an EPIC love story. A love story that was written down for the ages, and eventually had a part in the birth of Jesus Christ. Love it, love it!
Psalm 3
I love how psalm 3 describes the Lord as "a shield around me" and "the lifter of my head." These things are so true of the Lord in my life.
Also love:
"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side"
Protection and rest, and freedom from fear...so my God!
John 2
At first in this reading, Jesus is at a wedding with his family and friends. He hasn't done any miracles yet. His first miracle is done at the wedding, turning water into wine (some Christians don't like this story so much, but he did it people!)
Anyway, what I love is that when his mother asks him to do it, he says, "My time has not come yet." But his mother is sure of his love and devotion to her, and she tells the servants to do whatever he tells them to do. And Jesus does it!
Get this: I love 2 things about this story...
1) We can ask God for things in prayer, and even if the timing is exactly right, if we persist, He can make it so.
2) His mother's words are soooo true! "Do WHATEVER He tells you!" I think if people, myself especially, could just get that...doing WHATEVER God tells me to do, our lives would be so much better!
Help me listen and obey, Lord!
**I think the theme of the day is listening and obeying. Ruth listened and obeyed Naomi (her godly influence), and the servants listened and obeyed Jesus. Doing this provides us with the blessings of Psalm 3...protection, rest, and freedom from fear. (Not to mention, crazy passionate love stories and sometimes good wine) It's in scripture, people! :)
Harder to Breathe-Maroon 5
Saving Me-Nickelback
Smooth Criminal-Alien Ant Farm
4 minutes-Madonna and J Timberlake
Watch Me Shine-Legally Blonde Soundtrack
Those are just a few...I'm about to add some Kirk Franklin, etc so i can work out and praise Him! If anyone has any suggestions, let me know!
Ruth 3
Have I mentioned that I LOVE this story. In Ruth 3, Naomi does some holy ghost scheming, and tells Ruth to go down to the threshing floor, and after Boaz is asleep to uncover his feet, and lay down below him. This is so funny to me. She knows cold feet will wake him up, and then he'll see Ruth, and get to talk to her privately. I love soap operas, so I'm giving some real props to Naomi here.
Boaz is so moved that Ruth really likes him and has done this, that he decides to become her kinsman redeemer and marry her, after checking with another man who has first dibs. And he goes and does this right away. He's so enthralled with her...he can't wait! This is romantic, people!
And I love that Ruth's life is absolutely turning around. She could've stayed in Moab and maybe she would've met some other man, but we know he wouldn't have been a godly man, because the moabites were pagans. Ruth was a pagan, until she made a decision to leave her old life and trust God. And God didn't take long to reward her with an EPIC love story. A love story that was written down for the ages, and eventually had a part in the birth of Jesus Christ. Love it, love it!
Psalm 3
I love how psalm 3 describes the Lord as "a shield around me" and "the lifter of my head." These things are so true of the Lord in my life.
Also love:
"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side"
Protection and rest, and freedom from fear...so my God!
John 2
At first in this reading, Jesus is at a wedding with his family and friends. He hasn't done any miracles yet. His first miracle is done at the wedding, turning water into wine (some Christians don't like this story so much, but he did it people!)
Anyway, what I love is that when his mother asks him to do it, he says, "My time has not come yet." But his mother is sure of his love and devotion to her, and she tells the servants to do whatever he tells them to do. And Jesus does it!
Get this: I love 2 things about this story...
1) We can ask God for things in prayer, and even if the timing is exactly right, if we persist, He can make it so.
2) His mother's words are soooo true! "Do WHATEVER He tells you!" I think if people, myself especially, could just get that...doing WHATEVER God tells me to do, our lives would be so much better!
Help me listen and obey, Lord!
**I think the theme of the day is listening and obeying. Ruth listened and obeyed Naomi (her godly influence), and the servants listened and obeyed Jesus. Doing this provides us with the blessings of Psalm 3...protection, rest, and freedom from fear. (Not to mention, crazy passionate love stories and sometimes good wine) It's in scripture, people! :)
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