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!"
Sunday, December 19, 2010
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!
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