Sixteen years ago I was searching for the truth...I remember looking at the large Bible someone had given me and being completely overwhelmed with all the confusing words inside. I didn't know where to start or where to find God. A sweet friend of mine suggested I start by reading 1 John.
As I read through 1, 2 and 3 John today I saw some brilliant yet simple passages that touched my heart. And I remembered back to that time when the words of the Bible didn't make sense at all! Slowly God has been teaching me to understand his word and learn to follow him. He promises to open our eyes to understand his word if we ask him. And 1 John is indeed a perfect place to start.
God is LIGHT.
God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)
God is LOVE.
Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is love; not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:7-8, 10)
BELIEVE and LOVE.
And this is his command; to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. (1 John 3:23)
God's CHILDREN do what is right.
This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister. (1 John 2:10)
God's CHILDREN are kept safe from harm and are given understanding.
the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. (1 John 5:18, 20)
Walk in OBEDIENCE and LOVE.
And this is love, that we walk in obedience to his commands...his command is that you walk in love. (2 John 6)
Walk in the TRUTH.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3 John 2)
Friday, January 17, 2014
Thursday, January 16, 2014
EVEN THOUGH
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign LORD is my strength!
He makes me surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
This is one of my favorite passages. I like it because I think it's easy to praise God when things are going great and life is working out how we planned. And it's also easy to praise God when things are rough and he comes in and saves the day. But it's hard to praise God when nothing is going right, and things don't change...they stay rough.
So this passage reminds me that the point isn't to have blossoms on the fig trees or full cattle barns...the point of life isn't to get stuff or have all our plans work out. The point is we can have joy no matter what comes our way because God has saved us...God is with us during the good times AND bad times...so in a way all the times really good because of him.
No matter how many things are going wrong in my life, I can rejoice in the LORD and be joyful in my Savior. What a beautiful blessing!
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign LORD is my strength!
He makes me surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
This is one of my favorite passages. I like it because I think it's easy to praise God when things are going great and life is working out how we planned. And it's also easy to praise God when things are rough and he comes in and saves the day. But it's hard to praise God when nothing is going right, and things don't change...they stay rough.
So this passage reminds me that the point isn't to have blossoms on the fig trees or full cattle barns...the point of life isn't to get stuff or have all our plans work out. The point is we can have joy no matter what comes our way because God has saved us...God is with us during the good times AND bad times...so in a way all the times really good because of him.
No matter how many things are going wrong in my life, I can rejoice in the LORD and be joyful in my Savior. What a beautiful blessing!
Sunday, July 28, 2013
CHANGE
Recently I have moved...and it has rocked my world! Everything I did, all my routines, are now different. Everything takes more effort when it's new. I don't know if it's getting older that made this move harder than ones in the past, but I'm going to blame it on that! Guess I'm getting set in my ways.
A couple months after I moved, people would ask me how I was liking my new place. I would tell them, "Ask me in six months." I knew I should love my new place but I just didn't. My new house is 3x times as big, in a charming neighborhood, closer to work, all new appliances, beautiful and cute and everything I could have asked for...all things that you would think would make me grateful and make me love my new place. But even though it wasn't logical at all, I wanted to go back to my small apartment. It was familiar. It's what I already knew. I wanted to escape all the change.
I couldn't help but relate to how the Israelites must have felt when they were complaining to God about being in the wilderness after he had moved in mighty ways to free them from slavery. They missed the meals they had in Egypt. They missed the predictability of life that they used to have, even though they were slaves. I wasn't in slavery, but I had prayed about moving and God had provided an amazing and perfect place for me. I wanted to move back because change is hard. I made me wonder where else in my life am I resisting change. Where else does God want to move me to another place, a better place, but I am too 'comfortable' in my current place to trust him to take me to a new place.
So, now I love my new place. I am settled...it doesn't feel unfamiliar anymore. I know where my new groceries stores are. I know some new shortcuts if I want to go somewhere nearby. I have met my new neighbors and so it doesn't feel as lonely. So I was right...it just took six months! As I look back I see how the first two months were horrible. I had to deal with fleas, my car breaking down, little things went wrong that I used to call maintenance for and now I had to figure out how to get it fixed on my own, my neighbor's dog bit me...for a while it seemed like everyday I had something knew thrown at me. But I see now how I grew through all of these challenges as well. (I now know how to fix a running toilet for example.)
God can use our challenges and uncomfortable situations to grow and change us. We look to him when more when we are scared, stressed, or stretched. So I am grateful that he moves me when I need to be moved.
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19
A couple months after I moved, people would ask me how I was liking my new place. I would tell them, "Ask me in six months." I knew I should love my new place but I just didn't. My new house is 3x times as big, in a charming neighborhood, closer to work, all new appliances, beautiful and cute and everything I could have asked for...all things that you would think would make me grateful and make me love my new place. But even though it wasn't logical at all, I wanted to go back to my small apartment. It was familiar. It's what I already knew. I wanted to escape all the change.
I couldn't help but relate to how the Israelites must have felt when they were complaining to God about being in the wilderness after he had moved in mighty ways to free them from slavery. They missed the meals they had in Egypt. They missed the predictability of life that they used to have, even though they were slaves. I wasn't in slavery, but I had prayed about moving and God had provided an amazing and perfect place for me. I wanted to move back because change is hard. I made me wonder where else in my life am I resisting change. Where else does God want to move me to another place, a better place, but I am too 'comfortable' in my current place to trust him to take me to a new place.
So, now I love my new place. I am settled...it doesn't feel unfamiliar anymore. I know where my new groceries stores are. I know some new shortcuts if I want to go somewhere nearby. I have met my new neighbors and so it doesn't feel as lonely. So I was right...it just took six months! As I look back I see how the first two months were horrible. I had to deal with fleas, my car breaking down, little things went wrong that I used to call maintenance for and now I had to figure out how to get it fixed on my own, my neighbor's dog bit me...for a while it seemed like everyday I had something knew thrown at me. But I see now how I grew through all of these challenges as well. (I now know how to fix a running toilet for example.)
God can use our challenges and uncomfortable situations to grow and change us. We look to him when more when we are scared, stressed, or stretched. So I am grateful that he moves me when I need to be moved.
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19
Sunday, July 21, 2013
CIRCLE YOUR PRAYERS
I just finished a bible study on the book The Circle Maker. Here is what I learned about prayer:
Pray BOLD prayers.
Pray consistently everyday for 21 days and circle your prayers.
Be specific with your prayers.
Step out in faith.
The goal is not answered prayers but a deeper relationship with our LORD.
Pray BOLD prayers.
Pray consistently everyday for 21 days and circle your prayers.
Be specific with your prayers.
Step out in faith.
The goal is not answered prayers but a deeper relationship with our LORD.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
GUARD YOUR HEART
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Some versions read 'for from it flow the springs of life.' I've been thinking of this verse lately...and am wondering exactly HOW do I do this? How can I guard my heart?
Proverbs 4
Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. (4)
Get wisdom, get understanding...she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. (5-6)
Hold on to instruction...for it is your life. (13)
Turn your ear to my words...keep them within your heart...for they are life. (20-22)
Wisdom will guard our hearts...and give us life.
Philippians 4
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (6-7)
Whatever is true...noble...right...pure...lovely...admirable -if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. (8)
Peace will guard our hearts...and minds.
Guarding our hearts starts with our thoughts and what we allow in our minds!
Guarding our hearts is impossible without God; we need His word and instruction to protect us.
Guarding our hearts gives us LIFE!
You will keep in perfect peace those minds who are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
Blessed are those who find wisdom...she is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her...and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. Proverbs 3:13-18
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Some versions read 'for from it flow the springs of life.' I've been thinking of this verse lately...and am wondering exactly HOW do I do this? How can I guard my heart?
Proverbs 4
Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. (4)
Get wisdom, get understanding...she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. (5-6)
Hold on to instruction...for it is your life. (13)
Turn your ear to my words...keep them within your heart...for they are life. (20-22)
Wisdom will guard our hearts...and give us life.
Philippians 4
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (6-7)
Whatever is true...noble...right...pure...lovely...admirable -if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. (8)
Peace will guard our hearts...and minds.
Guarding our hearts starts with our thoughts and what we allow in our minds!
Guarding our hearts is impossible without God; we need His word and instruction to protect us.
Guarding our hearts gives us LIFE!
You will keep in perfect peace those minds who are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
Blessed are those who find wisdom...she is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her...and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. Proverbs 3:13-18
Sunday, May 19, 2013
WATCH
Recently, I have started memorizing scripture verses. I was inspired by this guy who memorized the ENTIRE book of Romans by studying a verse a day for 15 min...it works! I always struggled with scripture memory before so it was exciting to find something that helped the words stick!
First I memorized Ps 46 and now I am working on Ps 121. I noticed as I was reading and memorizing the verses that it has the word watch in it 5 times (at least in the NIV it does...I noticed the ESV uses the word keep instead, and it is mentioned 5 times).
Ps. 121
I lift up my eyes to the mountains- where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip- He who watches over you will not slumber.
indeed he who watches over you will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade by your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
The first 2 verses show where we should be looking...UP...to God, who made everything.
And the next 6 verses show how God is looking after us. He is watching us and protecting us. From ALL harm. He never sleeps or leaves us. Now and forevermore. The God of the universe who made the heaven and earth is always watching us.
Notice how there is only one verse focused on where we should look, and 6 verses telling us where God is looking. God is watching us...that is so comforting to me.
First I memorized Ps 46 and now I am working on Ps 121. I noticed as I was reading and memorizing the verses that it has the word watch in it 5 times (at least in the NIV it does...I noticed the ESV uses the word keep instead, and it is mentioned 5 times).
Ps. 121
I lift up my eyes to the mountains- where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip- He who watches over you will not slumber.
indeed he who watches over you will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade by your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
The first 2 verses show where we should be looking...UP...to God, who made everything.
And the next 6 verses show how God is looking after us. He is watching us and protecting us. From ALL harm. He never sleeps or leaves us. Now and forevermore. The God of the universe who made the heaven and earth is always watching us.
Notice how there is only one verse focused on where we should look, and 6 verses telling us where God is looking. God is watching us...that is so comforting to me.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
LIFE
As I was standing on the sidewalk, I stared at the gate separating me from the Planned Parenthood Building. This budding vine that covers the gate was covered by blossoms and berries. Some were just buds waiting to open and some berries had already shriveled up and died. This is the picture of life...and I was thinking about how cool it is that God shows us who he is in nature.
A time to be born and a time to die. (Ecclesiastes 3:2)
Who decides when we are to live and when we are to die? God. Who gives life to this vine? God. He is the maker of heaven and earth. Just as he decides which flowers will bloom and how long the berries will live, he decides our time here on earth.
I met an older lady the other day who had just been dropped off at the office. She was in a wheelchair and couldn't hear. She didn't come in with any family members and I think someone dropped her off from the nursing home where she lived. She told us she needed help to go to the bathroom. And we all just looked at each other, waiting almost to see who was going to help her...and finally we all jumped in to help her. She had diabetes and was having trouble seeing. Reflecting on her difficult situation, I wondered if she wanted to live. I was comforted that God knew her thoughts and cared about her life.
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (Matthew 6:26)
Even though her life didn't look full to me, that doesn't mean her life doesn't have value. And it is up to God when it is time for her to leave. Some people think an older person if they are too weak and sick, or a baby with a birth defect isn't worth living. But the problem with abortion or ending anyone's life is that we are making a decision about life. That isn't our decision. It's God's.
With the 40 days for life going on right now, I wasn't alone on the sidewalk. I love how so many people have a heart for the unborn and am encouraged when I see other people showing up to pray. God hears our prayers and hope for justice for the unborn.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
SECURITY
We strive to feel secure. We want to remove uncertainty.
My pastor at church said this one week and it stuck with me. Yes, I would have to agree...I want security. I want to know what is going to happen in my life. But much of life is dealing with the unknown. And trusting God to be our security.
I have been waiting for these new windows to be installed in my house and they aren't in yet and it's been causing me stress...I don't like waiting or being patient it seems. And at first my prayers have been 'God please have the windows come in soon for everything to turn out perfectly.'
And the other night I stopped myself and changed my prayer 'Lord help me rest in you and not be worried about these windows. No matter what happens with them, if they are late or never come, give me peace. I trust you.'
Instead of asking God to take away what was bothering me, I asked Him to go with me through it. After all, rest and peace is better than perfect windows, right?! God is the only thing in our lives that is certain...
Jeremiah 33:6
Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
SUCCESS
Success.. I think success would be winning a tennis match, being able to do 10 real push ups, being the best at my job, being able to buy what I want...
When I think of successful people in the world today, I think of Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, and Michael Jordan.
Merriam-Webster says success is 'favorable or desired outcome; attainment or wealth, favor.'
But God's definition may be different...
Genesis 39:20-23
But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden...The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
The LORD gave Joseph success...really? But Joseph was in prison! How is that kind?
Maybe success isn't as the world sees it, but instead it's having God's favor and his presence.
So here's a better list of successful people: Billy Graham, Beth Moore, and Tommy Nelson.
When I think of successful people in the world today, I think of Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, and Michael Jordan.
Merriam-Webster says success is 'favorable or desired outcome; attainment or wealth, favor.'
But God's definition may be different...
Genesis 39:20-23
But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden...The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
The LORD gave Joseph success...really? But Joseph was in prison! How is that kind?
Maybe success isn't as the world sees it, but instead it's having God's favor and his presence.
So here's a better list of successful people: Billy Graham, Beth Moore, and Tommy Nelson.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
NEW
A new year! There is something about a new year that is exciting. A clean slate. A year full of unknown possibilities and adventures. God promises many NEW things to us this year...
New Life
Ezra 9:9
Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.
New Song
Psalm 40:3
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
New Compassions
Lamentations 3:22-23
New Life
Ezra 9:9
Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.
New Song
Psalm 40:3
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
New Compassions
Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning..
for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning..
New Spirit
Ezekiel 11:19
I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. great is your faithfulness.
New Command
John:13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
New Creation
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
New Self
Ephesians 4:24
and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
New Birth
1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..
New Name
Revelation 2:17
New Name
Revelation 2:17
To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.
New Everything!
Revelation 21:5
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Sunday, December 30, 2012
HEAVEN
Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
I was talking to a friend the other day about dating and all the time we spend talking about dating, thinking about dating, getting anxious about dating...and I told her that I was wasn't going to worry about dating anymore since Jesus says that marriage is only here on earth anyway (Matthew 22:30). And she said, 'Yeah...then why do we spend some much time focusing on it?!'
Now, I know that God made marriage and also said it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). But it's one thing to desire and believe in marriage, and it's another to spend too much time thinking about something hardly in our control. As long as our desires ultimately are to glorify God then I think God will honor them. After all he says to delight in him and he will give us the desires of our heart. (Ps 37:4)
So to start off my new year's resolutions, I am going to keep this verse in mind...that I need to set my mind on things above, not on things here on earth.
* Give my worries and cares to the Lord
* Show love to those who are hard to love
* Share the good news of Jesus with someone
* Realize my time here on earth is only temporary
* Pray for God's kingdom to come and his will to be done
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
I was talking to a friend the other day about dating and all the time we spend talking about dating, thinking about dating, getting anxious about dating...and I told her that I was wasn't going to worry about dating anymore since Jesus says that marriage is only here on earth anyway (Matthew 22:30). And she said, 'Yeah...then why do we spend some much time focusing on it?!'
Now, I know that God made marriage and also said it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). But it's one thing to desire and believe in marriage, and it's another to spend too much time thinking about something hardly in our control. As long as our desires ultimately are to glorify God then I think God will honor them. After all he says to delight in him and he will give us the desires of our heart. (Ps 37:4)
So to start off my new year's resolutions, I am going to keep this verse in mind...that I need to set my mind on things above, not on things here on earth.
* Give my worries and cares to the Lord
* Show love to those who are hard to love
* Share the good news of Jesus with someone
* Realize my time here on earth is only temporary
* Pray for God's kingdom to come and his will to be done
Sunday, December 23, 2012
PRINCE OF PEACE
Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end...
Luke 2:11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace...The LORD came to earth and gives us peace. Peace of 'no end. He is the God of Peace (1 Thessalonians 5:23). I love how the words say in Isaiah that 'unto US a child is born.' And in Luke, 'unto YOU is born...a Savior.' He came for us! He came for you! He is the good news of great joy that is for all people (Luke 2:10).
I was thinking of some of the Christmas songs that talk about this peace Jesus brings...
~Peace on earth goodwill towards men (I heard the bells on Christmas Day)
~Peace on earth and mercy mild (Hark! The herald angles sing)
~And his name shall be called....The Prince of Peace (Handels Messiah)
~He's the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One! (Emmanuel, Amy Grant)
~And Peace to men on earth (O Little Town of Bethlehelm)
Jesus came not only to us to save us, but also he brings peace.
May the peace of Christ fill your hearts this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, who came to us.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace those minds who are steadfast because they trust in you.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end...
Luke 2:11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace...The LORD came to earth and gives us peace. Peace of 'no end. He is the God of Peace (1 Thessalonians 5:23). I love how the words say in Isaiah that 'unto US a child is born.' And in Luke, 'unto YOU is born...a Savior.' He came for us! He came for you! He is the good news of great joy that is for all people (Luke 2:10).
I was thinking of some of the Christmas songs that talk about this peace Jesus brings...
~Peace on earth goodwill towards men (I heard the bells on Christmas Day)
~Peace on earth and mercy mild (Hark! The herald angles sing)
~And his name shall be called....The Prince of Peace (Handels Messiah)
~He's the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One! (Emmanuel, Amy Grant)
~And Peace to men on earth (O Little Town of Bethlehelm)
Jesus came not only to us to save us, but also he brings peace.
May the peace of Christ fill your hearts this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, who came to us.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace those minds who are steadfast because they trust in you.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
REST
Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God...
With all the craziness that goes with the month of December, it's a hard month to 'be still.' To add to the craziness, this month I am buying a house, visiting my new niece, and having surgery. This verse in particular gave me peace as I was handling the inspection for the house while talking to the insurance company about my surgery and learning my sister was in labor, all in the same day! When it rains....
The Bible says God gives rest.
Rest for the weary.
Rest from our labors.
Rest from our worries.
Rest from our enemies.
Even God rested after he created the world.
Rest is good.
I recently saw a video of a cowboy who fell off a horse and went into a coma. He described where he went while they worked on his body. He said it was a place of peace...and there was no rush and no 'gotta dos,' as he says. And there was lots of love, more love than we can imagine (click here to see 'cowboy visits heaven'). I think heaven will be the ultimate place of rest. Which is why we say 'Rest in peace' I suppose...(Isaiah 57:2 For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die).
This week as I have been recovering, I have had the opportunity to get lots of rest! I can't remember the last time I stayed in bed for three straight days without going anywhere! (Okay, wait, I think I do remember...I was really sick New Year's three year ago...). Anyway, with everyone helping to take care of me, I have had the chance to see what a wonderful family I have. I was able to sew, take naps, read, listen to music, and spend time with my family and my little dog. Even though I'm looking forward to feeling better and going back to my daily routine, it's been good for my soul, as well as my body, to rest.
Psalm 62:5
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Matthew 11:28-29
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Be still and know that I am God...
With all the craziness that goes with the month of December, it's a hard month to 'be still.' To add to the craziness, this month I am buying a house, visiting my new niece, and having surgery. This verse in particular gave me peace as I was handling the inspection for the house while talking to the insurance company about my surgery and learning my sister was in labor, all in the same day! When it rains....
The Bible says God gives rest.
Rest for the weary.
Rest from our labors.
Rest from our worries.
Rest from our enemies.
Even God rested after he created the world.
Rest is good.
I recently saw a video of a cowboy who fell off a horse and went into a coma. He described where he went while they worked on his body. He said it was a place of peace...and there was no rush and no 'gotta dos,' as he says. And there was lots of love, more love than we can imagine (click here to see 'cowboy visits heaven'). I think heaven will be the ultimate place of rest. Which is why we say 'Rest in peace' I suppose...(Isaiah 57:2 For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die).
This week as I have been recovering, I have had the opportunity to get lots of rest! I can't remember the last time I stayed in bed for three straight days without going anywhere! (Okay, wait, I think I do remember...I was really sick New Year's three year ago...). Anyway, with everyone helping to take care of me, I have had the chance to see what a wonderful family I have. I was able to sew, take naps, read, listen to music, and spend time with my family and my little dog. Even though I'm looking forward to feeling better and going back to my daily routine, it's been good for my soul, as well as my body, to rest.
Psalm 62:5
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Matthew 11:28-29
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
I AM COMING SOON
Revelation is one of the most quoted books...here are a few of the beautiful passages found in this book.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (3:20)
Day and night they never stop saying: "'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come...You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (4:8, 11)
Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (7:16-17)
Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (5:12)
“I am making everything new!” (21:5)
SEVEN is the number of perfection (and six is the number representing imperfection...it's close to seven, but not quite). In Revelation 13:18 it talks about the number of a man will be 666. The number seven is repeated throughout this book. There are the seven stars that represent the angles of the seven churches, the seven lamps that represent the seven churhces, the seven seals, seven thunders, seven angels with seven plaques, seven bowls of God's wrath, and the beast with seven heads representing seven hills and the seven kings.
The seven churches mentioned in Revelation (2-3):
1. EPHESUS - 'You do not love me or others the way you did at first.'
Action: *Remember how you used to love me and turn back to me*
God's Promise: I will give you food from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Deut. 7:9 God keeps his covenant with those who love him.
2. SYMRNA - 'You are in poverty, yet you are rich.'
Action: *Fear not what you are about to suffer*
God's Promise: If you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you a crown of life.
James 2:5 God has chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith and they are the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him.
3. PERGAMOS - 'You live where Satan's throne is.'
Action: *Repent of your sins*
God's Promise: I will give you the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it.
2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan is the god of this world and has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News and theydon’t understand this message about the glory of Christ.
4. THYATIRA - 'You tolerate immorality.'
Action: *Hold on till I come and obey me to the very end*
God's Promise: To him who overcomes I will give power over nations.
1 Corinthians 6:18 God says to run from sexual sin. No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.
5. SARDIS - 'I know your works but you are dead.'
Action: *Wake up and hold firmly to what you have heard and believed*
God's Promise: Those who are worthy will walk with me in white.
Romans 3:27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.
6. Philadelphia - 'You have kept my word so I will keep you from the hour of testing.'
Action: *Hold on to what you have so that no one will take away your crown*
God's Promise: The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.
John 17:15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.
7. LAODICEA - 'You are neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm.'
Action: *I correct and discipline everyone I love; be zealous and turn from your indifference*
God's Promise: To him who overcomes will sit with me on my throne.
Proverbs 3:12 Because the LORD disciplines those he loves...
"Yes, I am coming soon." (22:2)
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (3:20)
Day and night they never stop saying: "'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come...You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (4:8, 11)
Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (7:16-17)
Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (5:12)
“I am making everything new!” (21:5)
SEVEN is the number of perfection (and six is the number representing imperfection...it's close to seven, but not quite). In Revelation 13:18 it talks about the number of a man will be 666. The number seven is repeated throughout this book. There are the seven stars that represent the angles of the seven churches, the seven lamps that represent the seven churhces, the seven seals, seven thunders, seven angels with seven plaques, seven bowls of God's wrath, and the beast with seven heads representing seven hills and the seven kings.
The seven churches mentioned in Revelation (2-3):
1. EPHESUS - 'You do not love me or others the way you did at first.'
Action: *Remember how you used to love me and turn back to me*
God's Promise: I will give you food from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Deut. 7:9 God keeps his covenant with those who love him.
2. SYMRNA - 'You are in poverty, yet you are rich.'
Action: *Fear not what you are about to suffer*
God's Promise: If you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you a crown of life.
James 2:5 God has chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith and they are the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him.
3. PERGAMOS - 'You live where Satan's throne is.'
Action: *Repent of your sins*
God's Promise: I will give you the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it.
2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan is the god of this world and has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News and theydon’t understand this message about the glory of Christ.
4. THYATIRA - 'You tolerate immorality.'
Action: *Hold on till I come and obey me to the very end*
God's Promise: To him who overcomes I will give power over nations.
1 Corinthians 6:18 God says to run from sexual sin. No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.
5. SARDIS - 'I know your works but you are dead.'
Action: *Wake up and hold firmly to what you have heard and believed*
God's Promise: Those who are worthy will walk with me in white.
Romans 3:27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.
6. Philadelphia - 'You have kept my word so I will keep you from the hour of testing.'
Action: *Hold on to what you have so that no one will take away your crown*
God's Promise: The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.
John 17:15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.
7. LAODICEA - 'You are neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm.'
Action: *I correct and discipline everyone I love; be zealous and turn from your indifference*
God's Promise: To him who overcomes will sit with me on my throne.
Proverbs 3:12 Because the LORD disciplines those he loves...
"Yes, I am coming soon." (22:2)
Sunday, December 2, 2012
GROWING PAINS
Last week I showed up to my pilates class and I was the only person there...the class usually ranges from 5 to 20 people and I wasn't so sure I wanted to do this class alone. I was tempted to tell the instructor that I had to "get something out of my car" so I could escape but I wasn't quick enough...plus I kept thinking surely someone will show up late, right?! So we started and I did the 2 minutes of push-ups without taking breaks for the first time ever! (and these were real push-ups too!) As the class went on, I saw my body perform and do things I didn't think possible. I also thought my legs were going to fall off at one point as well. The next day I was so sore! A friend of mine who trains for triathlons was so excited for me and said she loved feeling sore afterwards because that means that her muscles are growing.
Her comment puzzled me at first...who loves feeling sore?! But I started to see what she was talking about when later that week I could tell a difference in my core. And I felt stronger. It reminded of this verse:
James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
I saw how she considered it pure joy when her muscles were sore and her body was aching. And it was because she knew what the soreness meant...it meant she was stronger. So when we face trials we should see past the pain of the situation...and instead see that it will make us stronger as it will grow our faith. It also helped me see how asking God to take away our trials that it's like asking for bigger muscles but not wanting to workout. When we pray to love others more, God will send us someone hard to love. When we pray for patience, God will send us something that gets on our nerves.
I do want to grow bigger spiritual muscles, even though it's painful. I want faith that can move mountains. When we have faith, our doubts and fears go away. (PS. I also want bigger biceps...)
Matthew 17:20
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Romans 5:3
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
Her comment puzzled me at first...who loves feeling sore?! But I started to see what she was talking about when later that week I could tell a difference in my core. And I felt stronger. It reminded of this verse:
James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
I saw how she considered it pure joy when her muscles were sore and her body was aching. And it was because she knew what the soreness meant...it meant she was stronger. So when we face trials we should see past the pain of the situation...and instead see that it will make us stronger as it will grow our faith. It also helped me see how asking God to take away our trials that it's like asking for bigger muscles but not wanting to workout. When we pray to love others more, God will send us someone hard to love. When we pray for patience, God will send us something that gets on our nerves.
I do want to grow bigger spiritual muscles, even though it's painful. I want faith that can move mountains. When we have faith, our doubts and fears go away. (PS. I also want bigger biceps...)
Matthew 17:20
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Romans 5:3
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
LOVE
O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.
O Light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.
O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.
O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.
(click here to listen)
This is one of my favorite songs. The author George Matheson wrote it in 5 minutes and felt divinely inspired as the words just fell onto the page. To me, this song sums up the message of Jesus, the Gospel: His Love will not let us go. There is nothing we can do to avoid God's love. No matter what we have done or how little we may deserve it. We cannot escape it.
LOVE...
God is Love.
We cannot escape His Love.
His Love compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Whoever doesn't Love doesn't know God (1 John 4:8).
We are able to Love because He Loved us (John 4:19).
And He came to save us because of Love (John 3:16).
One of the most humbling passages to me is in 1 Corinthians. It says if I could speak all languages of the earth and of angels but did not love others, I would be like a noisy cymbal. If I have the gift of prophesy and can fathom mysteries and have all knowledge and faith that can move mountains but I do not have love, I am nothing. It says if I sell all my belongings but I haven't loved, then I gain nothing.
Love keeps no record of wrongs.
Love never loses faith.
Love endures through every circumstance.
Love rejoices when truth wins.
Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous, boastful, proud or rude.
Love always protects.
Love lasts forever.
LOVE...
This is really the only commandment we have to focus on. Jesus says the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37). Then the second is that we are to love others as ourselves. There is no greater commandment above these (Mark 12:31).
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.
O Light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.
O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.
O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.
(click here to listen)
This is one of my favorite songs. The author George Matheson wrote it in 5 minutes and felt divinely inspired as the words just fell onto the page. To me, this song sums up the message of Jesus, the Gospel: His Love will not let us go. There is nothing we can do to avoid God's love. No matter what we have done or how little we may deserve it. We cannot escape it.
LOVE...
God is Love.
We cannot escape His Love.
His Love compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Whoever doesn't Love doesn't know God (1 John 4:8).
We are able to Love because He Loved us (John 4:19).
And He came to save us because of Love (John 3:16).
One of the most humbling passages to me is in 1 Corinthians. It says if I could speak all languages of the earth and of angels but did not love others, I would be like a noisy cymbal. If I have the gift of prophesy and can fathom mysteries and have all knowledge and faith that can move mountains but I do not have love, I am nothing. It says if I sell all my belongings but I haven't loved, then I gain nothing.
Love keeps no record of wrongs.
Love never loses faith.
Love endures through every circumstance.
Love rejoices when truth wins.
Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous, boastful, proud or rude.
Love always protects.
Love lasts forever.
LOVE...
This is really the only commandment we have to focus on. Jesus says the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37). Then the second is that we are to love others as ourselves. There is no greater commandment above these (Mark 12:31).
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
WAIT
Isaiah 40:31
But they that WAIT upon the LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Lately, God has been showing me how impatient I am. I was driving back from visiting family a couple of weeks ago and there was lots of traffic on 45. I saw the right lane was moving so I try to move lanes and of course as soon as I finally got over, the left lane started to move. I did this two more times until I realized I must be the deciding factor in which lane would move....whichever one I was in stopped! So I decided to exit and take the feeder that looked like it was moving nicely. But after a little time of cruising on the feeder, it stopped moving. Of course then I saw how now the highway was the place to be. If I had only been more patient, I would be moving instead of sitting!
Wait...I say this word a lot, mainly to my dog. I tell him to wait when he tries to get me up when my alarm goes off in the morning and I want to snooze for five more minutes. Wait, I tell him to before eating his food or getting a treat. Or when we are crossing a street. Or before leaving the house.
So I have noticed God slowing me down and telling me to wait as well. I want answers right away, but God says wait. I want to know how is everything going to turn out, and God says wait.
I remember something my grandmother said to me a month before she died last year at 100 years old:
"When you have God, you have everything you need. Everything else is just a surprise."
As I am waiting for things in my life and find myself being impatient, these wise words give me perspective and help me slow down. God has blessed me with His peace and His presence and has given me a new life. If I can wait and hope in the Lord, then I will be able to hear and follow Him.
If I can live with anticipation instead of expectation, then I won't be disappointed or in a hurry.
Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God.
But they that WAIT upon the LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Lately, God has been showing me how impatient I am. I was driving back from visiting family a couple of weeks ago and there was lots of traffic on 45. I saw the right lane was moving so I try to move lanes and of course as soon as I finally got over, the left lane started to move. I did this two more times until I realized I must be the deciding factor in which lane would move....whichever one I was in stopped! So I decided to exit and take the feeder that looked like it was moving nicely. But after a little time of cruising on the feeder, it stopped moving. Of course then I saw how now the highway was the place to be. If I had only been more patient, I would be moving instead of sitting!
Wait...I say this word a lot, mainly to my dog. I tell him to wait when he tries to get me up when my alarm goes off in the morning and I want to snooze for five more minutes. Wait, I tell him to before eating his food or getting a treat. Or when we are crossing a street. Or before leaving the house.
So I have noticed God slowing me down and telling me to wait as well. I want answers right away, but God says wait. I want to know how is everything going to turn out, and God says wait.
I remember something my grandmother said to me a month before she died last year at 100 years old:
"When you have God, you have everything you need. Everything else is just a surprise."
As I am waiting for things in my life and find myself being impatient, these wise words give me perspective and help me slow down. God has blessed me with His peace and His presence and has given me a new life. If I can wait and hope in the Lord, then I will be able to hear and follow Him.
If I can live with anticipation instead of expectation, then I won't be disappointed or in a hurry.
Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
HE GIVES AND TAKES AWAY
Last November I wrote this story about what God was teaching me through my dog...and I'm so grateful that God healed him and that he is sitting by my side right now, one year later, in perfect health!
As I write this I am on a plane on my way to Omaha to visit my 5 month old niece, a trip I almost cancelled multiple times because my dog has been sick and it has put my life on hold. I had no idea how much I loved this 8 pound Maltese until I watched him start to slowly die; it just broke my heart. I asked God to either heal him or please take him, quickly. But He did neither. I had to face the unknown every day, and it was almost too much for me to handle as I struggled with the lack of control I had over the situation.
Day by day he got worse. After a bone marrow biopsy and a blood transfusion, he started to improve. But he wasn't quite the same and the effects of the strong medications he was on made him extremely hungry and thirsty. I was up all hours of the night some nights feeding him or taking him to the bathroom. I had a friend come let him out during the day because he started having accidents. I began to have extreme fatigue and often doubted that I even made the right decision to 'save' him. I remember crying in church one week as we sang the song "He gives and takes away...but I still choose to say, Oh, blessed be Your Name." And my eyes were opened to what God was trying to show me. I was hanging onto my sweet dog, and I knew I had to let him go and give him to God. He wasn't mine to keep forever.
Of course this opened the door to many conversations I started having with God about death and why we all die someday. I didn't like death very much and told him so. My heart was hurting so badly and I realized I hadn't cried this much since my divorce 5 years ago. Ironically, I had been protecting myself from relationships to avoid this exact pain! But God gently showed me that I can't hide from pain in this life, because then I would also miss out on love. And loving my dog was worth all the tears.
Jesus says there will be heartaches here on earth. We aren't in heaven yet. So there are still tears, There is sadness and suffering. There is death. There is pain. But Jesus has overcome all this! He brings peace in the midst of our struggles. He is there with us through the pain. I don't know how this part of my story will end, but I thanked God for blessing me with a little best friend these past four years. I told God I trusted Him and that He knew best. The most beautiful part of this painful experience is that God used my love of a sweet white fluffy dog to show me more of who He is and His amazing love for me.
Thank you, Lord when you give, and bless you even more when you take away, for that is when we see you more clearly than ever before. And where we learn that you are enough.
Job 1:21
Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.
As I write this I am on a plane on my way to Omaha to visit my 5 month old niece, a trip I almost cancelled multiple times because my dog has been sick and it has put my life on hold. I had no idea how much I loved this 8 pound Maltese until I watched him start to slowly die; it just broke my heart. I asked God to either heal him or please take him, quickly. But He did neither. I had to face the unknown every day, and it was almost too much for me to handle as I struggled with the lack of control I had over the situation.
Day by day he got worse. After a bone marrow biopsy and a blood transfusion, he started to improve. But he wasn't quite the same and the effects of the strong medications he was on made him extremely hungry and thirsty. I was up all hours of the night some nights feeding him or taking him to the bathroom. I had a friend come let him out during the day because he started having accidents. I began to have extreme fatigue and often doubted that I even made the right decision to 'save' him. I remember crying in church one week as we sang the song "He gives and takes away...but I still choose to say, Oh, blessed be Your Name." And my eyes were opened to what God was trying to show me. I was hanging onto my sweet dog, and I knew I had to let him go and give him to God. He wasn't mine to keep forever.
Of course this opened the door to many conversations I started having with God about death and why we all die someday. I didn't like death very much and told him so. My heart was hurting so badly and I realized I hadn't cried this much since my divorce 5 years ago. Ironically, I had been protecting myself from relationships to avoid this exact pain! But God gently showed me that I can't hide from pain in this life, because then I would also miss out on love. And loving my dog was worth all the tears.
Jesus says there will be heartaches here on earth. We aren't in heaven yet. So there are still tears, There is sadness and suffering. There is death. There is pain. But Jesus has overcome all this! He brings peace in the midst of our struggles. He is there with us through the pain. I don't know how this part of my story will end, but I thanked God for blessing me with a little best friend these past four years. I told God I trusted Him and that He knew best. The most beautiful part of this painful experience is that God used my love of a sweet white fluffy dog to show me more of who He is and His amazing love for me.
Thank you, Lord when you give, and bless you even more when you take away, for that is when we see you more clearly than ever before. And where we learn that you are enough.
Job 1:21
Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
TAKE MY HAND, NOT MY LIFE
WEEK 6 on the sidewalk:
As I look to the right as I'm standing on the sidewalk, this is the billboard that almost seems to stare down onto the planned parenthood building: "Take my hand, not my life."
Today marks the end of the my first 40 days for life. Across the country people have joined in prayer. Prayers to end abortion. Prayers for our doctors. Prayers for the clinic workers. Prayers for the mothers and fathers. Prayers for our nation. Prayers for healing and forgiveness. Prayer for mercy. Prayers for the souls of the unborn babies.
And these prayers have been heard! Many babies have been saved because of the prayers of intercession. It has been so inspiring to see others with the same passion God has placed on my heart.
I want to take a stand for life is because I realize how precious life is...how precious each life is to God. The God of the Universe knows me...He made me in my mother's womb. Just as he knows the day he created me, he also knows when my days here on Earth will be finished. My days may be numbered, but His thoughts about me cannot be numbered! I am grateful to know that my mistakes in life have been forgiven because I have faith in the saving power of Jesus. He is always with those who believe in Him.
One day we will all face our Creator, and every tongue will confess that He is God. If you don't know Abba, God our Father, I encourage you to ask Him to reveal Himself to you. He wants to know you. And knowing Him will change your life.
Psalm 139:13-18
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
As I look to the right as I'm standing on the sidewalk, this is the billboard that almost seems to stare down onto the planned parenthood building: "Take my hand, not my life."
Today marks the end of the my first 40 days for life. Across the country people have joined in prayer. Prayers to end abortion. Prayers for our doctors. Prayers for the clinic workers. Prayers for the mothers and fathers. Prayers for our nation. Prayers for healing and forgiveness. Prayer for mercy. Prayers for the souls of the unborn babies.
And these prayers have been heard! Many babies have been saved because of the prayers of intercession. It has been so inspiring to see others with the same passion God has placed on my heart.
I want to take a stand for life is because I realize how precious life is...how precious each life is to God. The God of the Universe knows me...He made me in my mother's womb. Just as he knows the day he created me, he also knows when my days here on Earth will be finished. My days may be numbered, but His thoughts about me cannot be numbered! I am grateful to know that my mistakes in life have been forgiven because I have faith in the saving power of Jesus. He is always with those who believe in Him.
One day we will all face our Creator, and every tongue will confess that He is God. If you don't know Abba, God our Father, I encourage you to ask Him to reveal Himself to you. He wants to know you. And knowing Him will change your life.
Psalm 139:13-18
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
LIFE LIBERTY & THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
WEEK 5 on the sidewalk:
This week I have been praying for our president and our leaders. And for the upcoming election. I voted early on Friday (and used the Texas Right to Life voters guide that lists the pro-life candidates) so my part is done!
According to our constitution,
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Merriam-Webster says unalienable means surrendered or transferred, incapable of being alienated. The first of these unalienable rights mentioned is LIFE. Life given by our Creator. Not by the government. Not by a mother. By God.
Psalm 51:5
For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.
As a nation, we are not respecting the life of a helpless baby in the womb when we silently watch as 1.2 million abortions are done every year. We are choosing which lives we will end; so essentially we are playing God.
This chart is based of abortions in the US in 2011:
Many Germans quietly watched as the Nazi's killed the Jews. They chose to not object or take a stand for what they believed in because of fear or maybe just not wanting to get involved. But closing your eyes doesn't make the problem go away. How are we any different? Are we afraid of offending someone who feels differently or are we not wanting to get involved in something that is political? By not standing up for these little ones, are we partially responsible for allowing their deaths to occur?
Many people who are pro-choice will argue, that they personally would never have an abortion, but they say they can't tell someone else what to do. This sounds fine until they are confronted with what they are really saying. If they believe the baby is indeed a baby, then morally they have to stand up for all babies. And what about partial birth abortions, where the baby survives the abortion and is still alive outside the womb and the doctor can still end the baby's life?
I hope our nation will vote for life this election and elect leaders who will protect the unborn. President Obama is the most pro-abortion president we have ever had in the White House. I hope we have not become a nation that doesn't respect life...it's a right, after all. May God have mercy on us for what we allow to take place in our nation.
Every life is precious. At every age...God breathes life into us when we are born and he decides when our last breath will be. Who are we to say that someone doesn't have the right to live? And once we start determining who gets to live, how and where do we draw the line?
Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
This week I have been praying for our president and our leaders. And for the upcoming election. I voted early on Friday (and used the Texas Right to Life voters guide that lists the pro-life candidates) so my part is done!
According to our constitution,
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Merriam-Webster says unalienable means surrendered or transferred, incapable of being alienated. The first of these unalienable rights mentioned is LIFE. Life given by our Creator. Not by the government. Not by a mother. By God.
Psalm 51:5
For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.
As a nation, we are not respecting the life of a helpless baby in the womb when we silently watch as 1.2 million abortions are done every year. We are choosing which lives we will end; so essentially we are playing God.
This chart is based of abortions in the US in 2011:
| Gestational Age | Percentage | Yearly Total |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 9 weeks | 61.8% | 749,232 |
| 9-10 weeks | 17.1% | 207,312 |
| 11-12 weeks | 9.1% | 110,324 |
| 13-15 weeks | 6.6% | 80,015 |
| 16-20 weeks | 3.8% | 46,069 |
| 21+ weeks | 1.5% | 18,185 |
Many Germans quietly watched as the Nazi's killed the Jews. They chose to not object or take a stand for what they believed in because of fear or maybe just not wanting to get involved. But closing your eyes doesn't make the problem go away. How are we any different? Are we afraid of offending someone who feels differently or are we not wanting to get involved in something that is political? By not standing up for these little ones, are we partially responsible for allowing their deaths to occur?
Many people who are pro-choice will argue, that they personally would never have an abortion, but they say they can't tell someone else what to do. This sounds fine until they are confronted with what they are really saying. If they believe the baby is indeed a baby, then morally they have to stand up for all babies. And what about partial birth abortions, where the baby survives the abortion and is still alive outside the womb and the doctor can still end the baby's life?
I hope our nation will vote for life this election and elect leaders who will protect the unborn. President Obama is the most pro-abortion president we have ever had in the White House. I hope we have not become a nation that doesn't respect life...it's a right, after all. May God have mercy on us for what we allow to take place in our nation.
Every life is precious. At every age...God breathes life into us when we are born and he decides when our last breath will be. Who are we to say that someone doesn't have the right to live? And once we start determining who gets to live, how and where do we draw the line?
Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
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