Needing an attitude adjustment already!
School is over and the schedule has changed...again. I enjoy the time at home to be a wife and mom. It always take me a long time to unwind and remove my teacher hat.
This year, I am feeling a little more discombobulated and there is more of a let down this year because there hasn't been a finale.
I stopped posting teaching videos.
I stopped posting helpful tips.
I stopped posting "Just for Moms" thoughts and verses for the day.
I miss my little friends...there was comfort in structure and routine.
I feel like I've let everyone down because we didn't have this big, fun graduation program and ceremony...because the leader of our state has over-reached and keeps cancelling things.
I feel bad for my Kinders and their parents.
I feel bad for my girl Alisa...no normal Senior graduation activities...yet.
I know God is in control and I have peace in all of the changes...but there is still frustration and aggravation. Those natural feelings and emotions have to be dealt with on a daily basis. Oh my stubborn, sinful heart with natural feelings and emotions...that cannot be allowed to run wild!
So even though everything else seems to have stopped...my time with God has not. It cannot! It is a choice I have to make each day. I have a poster on my bulletin board in my classroom...
Today's goals: Start with God, Stay with God, and End with God.
I cannot do that if I am not spending time with God to keep my thoughts focused on the right things! Even with a schedule change...I must set time aside to read, meditate, and ask the Lord for wisdom and direction in my thought life.
In my flesh, I am tempted to vent my anger over what is happening in our world right now. I read in Proverbs 29 today what happens when I am not wise...but a fool, so I choose to hold it in check and remember that God is still in control. He is fully aware of what is happening. Just about the time I think we will get to move on with plans, we get smacked with another cancellation or change...which brings disappointment. It is not fun. I don't like it. It irritates me...mostly because of the dishonesty and the double standards...and how it affects life negatively. Turn the news off. Get off the internet. Evil is evil...it will not get better. Turn the music on. Get in the Word...because it will affect you ALL DAY LONG!
Showing posts with label obedience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label obedience. Show all posts
Friday, May 29, 2020
Saturday, April 4, 2020
When God lays it on your heart...
you get up and get going earlier in the morning after telling the Lord you will obey His prompting in the middle of the night so you can go to sleep! That is where I found myself on March 29. I couldn't go to sleep. I wasn't worrying. I was praising. Ted and I watched the Collingsworth family share wonderful music live from their living room. So many wonderful songs and truths filled my heart and mind...and I thought"...this really encouraged me! I so needed this!" I know what is happening in the four walls of our home. I know how hard we are working to protect our hearts and minds from the crazy of what the world is giving out now via news and Facebook posts.
We play good music. We meet together in our living room as a family consistently to focus on things that are pure, right, of good report...Philippians 4:8.
If our family is struggling with maintaining right thinking and attitudes, I know others are drowning!
How do I help?
I start with the people whose lives I touch on a daily basis to encourage them in the situation they...we...now find ourselves in for the remainder of the year. The sweet mommas of my kindergarten students! Mommas who were planning on the four hours each day for their littles to be out the home...learning all the important stuff to be ready to move on to first grade. Kindergarten graduation. Play dates. Birthday parties. Kids programs. Church.
ALL CANCELLED
Mommas who still have to work. Some in the medical field...fearing what they will bring home to their families.
STRESS
Mommas have littler ones to care for each day. Mommas who watch their husbands go to jobs or do their jobs from home...wondering if their love will still have a job next week. Mommas who are trying their best to be frugal with what is on hand...avoiding grocery stores, any stores.
HOW DO WE JUGGLE ALL EMOTIONS...AND YET SHOW LOVE
And so...I spend time each morning...at the table with my coffee and Bible...and then I share what I am being reminded of
JUST AS A MOM...not as their child's teacher...AS A FELLOW SISTER IN CHRIST...
in my slippers (or socks) at home once again...finding peace and rest in what I know to be true from the past. I have been finding comfort as I look back at all that God has done for our family through all these years. Even though I haven't kept up on this blog...God has continued to teach me and grow my faith. I have been able to look back at what God brought us through...and in some instances...I see why God did what He did...so that I may teach (share with) others also.
Nothing that happens in our life is a waste!
God uses us for His purposes...so when God lays it on my heart...I will obey as a way to glorify Him!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Sometimes...you stand alone even in a crowd!
"...because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation (manner of life), in charity (love), in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance (attention) to reading (God's Word), to exhortation (preaching and teaching), to doctrine...Meditate upon these things..."
When God works in your heart through the reading, teaching, and preaching of His Words...you may find yourself in a very lonely place...even when you are surrounded by people. When you choose to think right, speak right, and do right...you just may lose connection with some people...because they don't like how you think, speak, and act. It is not that you do it intentionally...but I believe that God's Holy Spirit is working intentionally through you. He uses His children to do His work...and sometimes we don't even realize how He is working. We may feel the effects...and sometimes those effects are hurtful to us, as people ignore or shun us. Remember..."It is not about me!" There is more to God's plan for this world than just me and how I am treated or feel. It can be very lonely in the crowd...but we are to "trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, spcially of those that believe."
God needs believers to be examples of those things that He has taught us...lights to a dark and discouraged world. We have hope. We have peace. We know the end of the story. We know that we are never alone...even in a crowd. It is not about me...it is all about Him. Someday...I will stand alone before Him...and will be glad I followed Him...and not the crowd!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Are they really "just words"?
James 3
The heading of the chapter in my Bible says, "A true faith will control the tongue." This heading is the third put in place as a study help in my old Scofield reference Bible.
James 1: The testings of faith (vs. 1-12), The solicitation to do evil is not of God (vs. 13-21), The test of obedience (vs. 22-25), The test of true religion (vs. 26-27).
James 2: The test of brotherly love (vs. 1-13), The test of good works (vs. 14-20), The illustration of Abraham (vs. 21-26).
James 3 all devoted to the matter of our tongue.
I am still trying to digest the book study on the tongue. I finished reading the book about the weight of words and I'm reeling. My first reaction is to want to never open my mouth again, but the author pointed out that "One option is to stop talking, but that is only a temporary solution because we can't keep quiet forever! Though silence is golden, it is not the key to a transformed tongue. In nearly every Scripture passage where the tongue is mentioned or illustrated, there is also an insight into the heart problem that prompted the sinful talk...we must look at the heart problems of pride, anger, and fear that create sins of the tongue."
"Proud heart produces: boasting, flattery, reviling, cursing, lying, mockery, contention, slander, gossip, quarreling, perverse speech, careless opinions, and angry words.
Psalm 10, Prov. 8:13, Psalm 12, Psalm 59, Romans 1:29-30, Psalm 73:6-11, Prov. 13:10, Prov. 10:14
Anger is one of our most powerful emotions. It has the capacity for destruction on personal, as well as social, levels. Hatred and bitterness are the poisonous fruit of long-term, unresolved anger. An angry heart creates dissension, lying lips, strife, and threats fueled by the bitterness, hatred, and rebellion that lives there. Many people are harmed by words that flow out of a bitter heart: contentious words, lying, strife, slander, murmuring, cruel words, rebellious words, defiling words.
Hebrews 12:15, Deut. 1, Numbers 14, Prov. 27:4, Prov. 10:12 and 18, Prov. 15:18, 24:28-29, 29:22, 30:33
Fear appears in many different ways...and often arises in regard to potential loss, and such fear frequently motivates or manipulates us. Our feelings and words are strong when faced with the possible loss of safety, position, reputation, security, family, friends, wealth, power, or happiness.
A fearful heart holds onto insecurity, guilt, jealousy, envy, and impatience. The words spin out and travel down a self-oriented track leading to destruction: lying, slander, murmuring, rebellious words, beguilement, abusive words, false witness, deceit, cursing, flattery, exaggeration.
Numbers 14:9-10, John 8:44-45, Matthew 26:59-61, 73-74"
taken from the book, The Weight of Your Words
This book study has turned into "The Book" study as I have looked up these references. Every time I open my mouth...I am thinking about what type of words are coming out. Those words aren't "just words"! My words have the power to bless or burn!
Because I am God's child and I will stand before Him one day, I need to submit to His Word. By God's grace, I can have the right kind of heart that will produce words that are full of grace and truth...which build, not destroy!
The heading of the chapter in my Bible says, "A true faith will control the tongue." This heading is the third put in place as a study help in my old Scofield reference Bible.
James 1: The testings of faith (vs. 1-12), The solicitation to do evil is not of God (vs. 13-21), The test of obedience (vs. 22-25), The test of true religion (vs. 26-27).
James 2: The test of brotherly love (vs. 1-13), The test of good works (vs. 14-20), The illustration of Abraham (vs. 21-26).
James 3 all devoted to the matter of our tongue.
I am still trying to digest the book study on the tongue. I finished reading the book about the weight of words and I'm reeling. My first reaction is to want to never open my mouth again, but the author pointed out that "One option is to stop talking, but that is only a temporary solution because we can't keep quiet forever! Though silence is golden, it is not the key to a transformed tongue. In nearly every Scripture passage where the tongue is mentioned or illustrated, there is also an insight into the heart problem that prompted the sinful talk...we must look at the heart problems of pride, anger, and fear that create sins of the tongue."
"Proud heart produces: boasting, flattery, reviling, cursing, lying, mockery, contention, slander, gossip, quarreling, perverse speech, careless opinions, and angry words.
Psalm 10, Prov. 8:13, Psalm 12, Psalm 59, Romans 1:29-30, Psalm 73:6-11, Prov. 13:10, Prov. 10:14
Anger is one of our most powerful emotions. It has the capacity for destruction on personal, as well as social, levels. Hatred and bitterness are the poisonous fruit of long-term, unresolved anger. An angry heart creates dissension, lying lips, strife, and threats fueled by the bitterness, hatred, and rebellion that lives there. Many people are harmed by words that flow out of a bitter heart: contentious words, lying, strife, slander, murmuring, cruel words, rebellious words, defiling words.
Hebrews 12:15, Deut. 1, Numbers 14, Prov. 27:4, Prov. 10:12 and 18, Prov. 15:18, 24:28-29, 29:22, 30:33
Fear appears in many different ways...and often arises in regard to potential loss, and such fear frequently motivates or manipulates us. Our feelings and words are strong when faced with the possible loss of safety, position, reputation, security, family, friends, wealth, power, or happiness.
A fearful heart holds onto insecurity, guilt, jealousy, envy, and impatience. The words spin out and travel down a self-oriented track leading to destruction: lying, slander, murmuring, rebellious words, beguilement, abusive words, false witness, deceit, cursing, flattery, exaggeration.
Numbers 14:9-10, John 8:44-45, Matthew 26:59-61, 73-74"
taken from the book, The Weight of Your Words
This book study has turned into "The Book" study as I have looked up these references. Every time I open my mouth...I am thinking about what type of words are coming out. Those words aren't "just words"! My words have the power to bless or burn!
Because I am God's child and I will stand before Him one day, I need to submit to His Word. By God's grace, I can have the right kind of heart that will produce words that are full of grace and truth...which build, not destroy!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Finding healing in the book of Psalms
I have been spending time in the book of Psalms. There is nothing that I am experiencing in my life that someone else hasn't already endured. As read in Ecclesiastes, there is nothing new under the sun. I find comfort in the fact that God gives us answers in His book! Other real people who lived in real places experienced real problems...and God saw fit to record them for my benefit! David wasn't perfect...but God called him a man after His own heart.
Today...I needed to read for awhile to let the Lord calm my heart and thinking.
Psalm 36:5-7
Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
I spent the afternoon reading a book by Gene Edwards, A Tale of Three Kings. I highly recommend it! And after reading in Psalms this morning, I can see the difference in the hearts of these three men...Saul, David, and Absalom.
"What do you do when someone throws a spear at you?"
I know there is the capability in my heart to have a heart like Saul. I am asking the Lord to protect me from the heart of a "mad man". I am asking the Lord to keep my heart pure and help me say as David said, "I will not hinder God. No obstacle, no activity on my part lies between me and God's will. Nothing will prevent Him from accomplishing His will. God shall be God!"
The answer to the question...
"David did not throw Saul's spears back at him. He did not make any of his own spears to throw at Saul. All he did was dodge the spears. David never got hit. Gradually, he learned a very well kept secret. He discovered three things that prevented him from ever being hit. One, never learn anything about the fashionable, easily mastered art of spear throwing. Two, stay out of the company of all spear throwers. And three, keep your mouth tightly closed. In this way, spears will never touch you, even when they pierce your heart."
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Stand For Jesus!
Stand for Jesus!
Don’t be ashamed!
Stand for Jesus claim his name!
For He loved you on a rugged cross with arms held open wide.
Stand for Jesus, He’s standing by your side.
God is looking for someone to fill an empty place to live a life of holiness,
And defy the worlds’ embrace.
To count all gain as loss, for the glory of the cross.
A city on a hill for everyone to see.
Stand for Jesus!
Don’t be ashamed!
Stand for Jesus claim his name!
For He loved you on a rugged cross with arms held open wide.
Stand for Jesus, He’s standing by your side.
Stand up, Stand up for Jesus!
Ye soldiers of the cross.
Stand for Jesus
Don’t be ashamed
Stand for Jesus claim his name
For he loved you on a rugged cross with arms held open wide
Stand for Jesus, he’s standing by your side.
Stand for Jesus, He’s…standing… by… your… side.
Don’t be ashamed!
Stand for Jesus claim his name!
For He loved you on a rugged cross with arms held open wide.
Stand for Jesus, He’s standing by your side.
God is looking for someone to fill an empty place to live a life of holiness,
And defy the worlds’ embrace.
To count all gain as loss, for the glory of the cross.
A city on a hill for everyone to see.
Stand for Jesus!
Don’t be ashamed!
Stand for Jesus claim his name!
For He loved you on a rugged cross with arms held open wide.
Stand for Jesus, He’s standing by your side.
Stand up, Stand up for Jesus!
Ye soldiers of the cross.
Stand for Jesus
Don’t be ashamed
Stand for Jesus claim his name
For he loved you on a rugged cross with arms held open wide
Stand for Jesus, he’s standing by your side.
Stand for Jesus, He’s…standing… by… your… side.
Monday, April 18, 2011
"Soft is nice...but there still needs to be structure!"
I said those words the other day, and I have been thinking about them ever since! Every article in life has some kind of structure! Yes, even the silly putty...that I just confiscated from one of our students...has a base recipe that gives it structure.
When I look around our home...I see the effects of the "under-lying structure" of each part of our actual home and piece that is used to furnish our home. I like the soft layers that add that cozy feeling to our home. I like to update those things. I change things for the seasons. But...there always must be some sort of foundation and frame! The softness comes from the outside layers used for comfort and decoration.
Whether we like or not as women, God has provided a structure for our homes to be a place of love and safety. Ephesians 5 lays out the structure for us. There is love, safety, and strength to be found in following that authority structure.
God
Husband
Wife
Children
When a man and woman put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, a foundational structure is built. As men obey and follow God's Word, they are adding parts that make the structure usable and firm. Ephesians 6:4
When women, follow God's Word and submit to the leadership of our husbands, we then experience the peace and love that decorates our home. We are being the helpmeets that God designed us to be. We are the "fluffers" of that "soft place to fall".
If we put the fluff on the couch before the the springs and first layer of padding, the couch is not comfortable!
Moms, we can't take Dad's place in the order that God designed! It never works.
Proverbs 14:1
I watched our children play with our couch pillows and cushions. They were "building a house"...and any time pressure was applied...the pillows lost their fluffiness and stability...and their houses crumbled.
What a wonderful object lesson for this emotionally charged woman!
I Peter 3:7
Mom, you can't build your home on softness!
Dad, it is your job to build on God's foundational structure.
Children, you are to obey your parents...in all things.
A woman's emotions and feelings change daily. We need to be constantly going to God's Word for help. God gave us our husbands to stand firm, think logically, and provide leadership in our weaknesses.
But often...we pick up our "pillows" (sometimes adding a brick of disdain or a vase of criticism) and beat on them. We think we aren't doing any damage with this type of "pillow fight". We think we are being kind and loving...by covering up the ungodly attitudes and words with a sweet sounding voice or a smile on you face. But our husbands hear the clenched teeth and God sees your heart. When you batter the structure of anything using sharp or hard objects...eventually...the structure will begin to give way. Our husbands begin to duck or stay away...the structure that God gave us...is weakened or absent...and often...it is our fault! Oh sure, we all have responsibility and accountability before God. And that is what we have forgotten...our responsibility as a wife...to God's design and order.
You must have structure before you can have softness. Look at the picture of the couch...even the manufacturers of your prized furniture have figured that out! They had a plan...it started with a foundational structure! I wonder...how many homes are missing that foundational plan and structure.
When Dad isn't at home or present in the home, there is still God's authority to hold on to! Without Dad there to take the burden, it does make it harder. God even has an answer for that need!
See Titus 2, Hebrews 10, and Proverbs
We live in a sin cursed world.
People violate God's laws.
People fail.
But there is always hope...for a people who will follow God's Word...not anyone else's! Have you searched the Scriptures for yourself lately? Acts 17:11
God never fails! He has a plan!
When we read God's Word...He gives us what we need.
Last week, we watched the news program that showed the effects of this sin cursed world. I saw the effects of what happens when there is an absence of Biblical structure based on God's Words. Satan attacked the home...the women...and he has gotten the victory...for now. People violate God's laws. People fail.
Without a sure foundation built on His righteousness, there will be no solid structure...
and the rest will just be useless fluff.
There is always hope...because God's Word will stand forever and His love never changes.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
James 4:17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
It seems that the struggles we have in our home coincide with the verses we are learning in devotions, school, Sunday school, junior church, and kid's club.
If we have said it once, we have said it a hundred times..."This is exactly what we were talking about..." or "This is what God is teaching in the verse we are learning..."
We are working on the nineteenth week of Kid's Club...this next week. That means, we will have learned nineteen verses! All the verses this year have to do with character. We worked through the chosen lessons to pull verses for the children to memorize. Not just looking in the concordance to find what verse had "that word" in it, but to find a verse that would be a help to these children who are living in this wicked world...having to cope, some of them, without Godly help! Our job as we minister to children is to fill their minds with God's truth...which they then would be able to apply to every day real life. Our intent was to help the children in their spiritual walk...and in doing so...God has been working in our hearts!
The verse two weeks ago...Proverbs 1:5 "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:"
In our little bubble, that we as Christians like to live in...Satan keeps us naive to what he is really doing. He has been able to "dupe" us. We are oblivious (whether intended or not...which is a whole other set of problems) to the counsels our children are being told to attain to. Some of us stupidly (foolishly, naively...whatever) turn our heads the other way because of how "awful it is", some of us stupidly follow the "fad", and some of us have remained simple (stupid, foolishly not educating ourselves).
"I just don't have time." "It is too hard for me to do that." "I learned it when I was young...so I know it." And how many of us would accept those statements from our children? We think that God is accepting that behavior from us?
God used Proverbs 1:5 to continue to challenge and convict me! I can be wise...or I can be a fool. It is amazing to me that the foolish are the ones that talk the loudest and everyone listens to them. Shame on me. I say nothing many times. So...I say it now...Mom...if you are not memorizing and meditating on God's Word...you are being foolish! I was! I have time! I have the ability to read. I have the ability to think. I have no excuse! And neither do you! Turn off the t.v. Turn off the computer. Put your phone down. Be still...hear God's Words...and hide them in your heart...you are not too "old"!
Since when is it enough for our children to memorize Scripture, yet we don't see the importance in our adult life anymore?!? We expect our children to do something that we won't even do as adults!
Who is going to be their example?
We fudge it with "I am just not a good memorizer." or "I have alot going on." or "This program is for the kids."
SHAME ON US!
How will you answer the Lord when you stand before Him and He asks, "Did you follow my plan in Psalm 119:9-11?"
What do you think His answer will be to your statement, "I just don't do very well memorizing things. It's not that big of a deal. I have my Bible and I can read those verses when I need them." I would venture to say that you are alot like me..."I know the general idea of it." That is how I answered the question when it was asked of me! I justified my actions! Yes, but can you find the verse? "I can google it. I have my concordance." What about the times when you don't have your Bible with you? What about those moments in life when you can't have it in your hands? (Silence...I have nothing to say...and I have had several real life experiences where I have had this happen...)
IF IT IS NOT IN YOUR MIND/HEART...YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO RECALL IT...YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO TAKE HEED...letting God's Word comfort you, guide you, convict you, keep you from sin, challenge you, fill you, protect you...
IF WE DON'T MEMORIZE, YOU HAVE NOTHING TO DRAW FROM WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST...when a friend is hurting, when you or your child is tempted, when your tears blur your vision, when you need to ride the gurney into the operating room with your child...
Mom...Dad...Grandma...Grandpa...Aunt...Uncle...Friend...whoever you are...IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOU DID YEARS AGO! What are you doing now? What are you filling your mind/heart with now? Who will you be able to help in an instant...if you have filled yourself with nothing?
We know what the Bible says.
We've said we'd do it.
We've resolved to follow it.
But when it comes right down to doing it...we have excuses!
What are you teaching those around you?
God won't accept excuses...from anybody!
Young...or old!
James 4:17 doesn't include age limits. We're working on this verse this week...and it's been tough...for all of us!
If we have said it once, we have said it a hundred times..."This is exactly what we were talking about..." or "This is what God is teaching in the verse we are learning..."
We are working on the nineteenth week of Kid's Club...this next week. That means, we will have learned nineteen verses! All the verses this year have to do with character. We worked through the chosen lessons to pull verses for the children to memorize. Not just looking in the concordance to find what verse had "that word" in it, but to find a verse that would be a help to these children who are living in this wicked world...having to cope, some of them, without Godly help! Our job as we minister to children is to fill their minds with God's truth...which they then would be able to apply to every day real life. Our intent was to help the children in their spiritual walk...and in doing so...God has been working in our hearts!
The verse two weeks ago...Proverbs 1:5 "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:"
In our little bubble, that we as Christians like to live in...Satan keeps us naive to what he is really doing. He has been able to "dupe" us. We are oblivious (whether intended or not...which is a whole other set of problems) to the counsels our children are being told to attain to. Some of us stupidly (foolishly, naively...whatever) turn our heads the other way because of how "awful it is", some of us stupidly follow the "fad", and some of us have remained simple (stupid, foolishly not educating ourselves).
"I just don't have time." "It is too hard for me to do that." "I learned it when I was young...so I know it." And how many of us would accept those statements from our children? We think that God is accepting that behavior from us?
God used Proverbs 1:5 to continue to challenge and convict me! I can be wise...or I can be a fool. It is amazing to me that the foolish are the ones that talk the loudest and everyone listens to them. Shame on me. I say nothing many times. So...I say it now...Mom...if you are not memorizing and meditating on God's Word...you are being foolish! I was! I have time! I have the ability to read. I have the ability to think. I have no excuse! And neither do you! Turn off the t.v. Turn off the computer. Put your phone down. Be still...hear God's Words...and hide them in your heart...you are not too "old"!
Since when is it enough for our children to memorize Scripture, yet we don't see the importance in our adult life anymore?!? We expect our children to do something that we won't even do as adults!
Who is going to be their example?
We fudge it with "I am just not a good memorizer." or "I have alot going on." or "This program is for the kids."
SHAME ON US!
How will you answer the Lord when you stand before Him and He asks, "Did you follow my plan in Psalm 119:9-11?"
What do you think His answer will be to your statement, "I just don't do very well memorizing things. It's not that big of a deal. I have my Bible and I can read those verses when I need them." I would venture to say that you are alot like me..."I know the general idea of it." That is how I answered the question when it was asked of me! I justified my actions! Yes, but can you find the verse? "I can google it. I have my concordance." What about the times when you don't have your Bible with you? What about those moments in life when you can't have it in your hands? (Silence...I have nothing to say...and I have had several real life experiences where I have had this happen...)
IF IT IS NOT IN YOUR MIND/HEART...YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO RECALL IT...YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO TAKE HEED...letting God's Word comfort you, guide you, convict you, keep you from sin, challenge you, fill you, protect you...
IF WE DON'T MEMORIZE, YOU HAVE NOTHING TO DRAW FROM WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST...when a friend is hurting, when you or your child is tempted, when your tears blur your vision, when you need to ride the gurney into the operating room with your child...
Mom...Dad...Grandma...Grandpa...Aunt...Uncle...Friend...whoever you are...IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOU DID YEARS AGO! What are you doing now? What are you filling your mind/heart with now? Who will you be able to help in an instant...if you have filled yourself with nothing?
We know what the Bible says.
We've said we'd do it.
We've resolved to follow it.
But when it comes right down to doing it...we have excuses!
What are you teaching those around you?
God won't accept excuses...from anybody!
Young...or old!
James 4:17 doesn't include age limits. We're working on this verse this week...and it's been tough...for all of us!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
An old little chorus for a new big year
"I'll live for Jesus, day after day. I'll live for Jesus, let come what may. The Holy Spirit, I will obey. And live for Jesus, day after day.
Through every day, new joy I find. He gives to me, real peace of mind. Until that day, when Christ I'll see. I'll live for Him, who died for me!
I'll live for Jesus, day after day. I'll live for Jesus, let come what may. The Holy Spirit, I will obey. And live for Jesus, day after day."
This song has been going through my mind ever since I got up this morning. I find myself mentally flipping back through the past year:
January- family wedding, sleepless nights, school, church, doctor appointments, start music lessons, visit from Grammy and Grampy
February- sleepless nights, church, school, doctor appointments, closing of business, music lessons
March- school, sleepless nights, junior church/church, music lessons, doctor appointments, scary ct and mri scans, appointment with neurosurgeon, consult with onocologist, hospital stay, surgery, love of family and friends, answered prayer, recovery, sleepless nights return, phone calls
April- junior church/church, another trip to Madison for scans and surgery, answered prayer, love of family and friends, recovery, school, job searching, music lessons
May- school completed, job searching, junior church/church, Teddy plays soccer, music lessons, trip to Chicago to Museum of Science and Industry, resting, recovery, checkup in Madison, trip to Grammy and Grampy's, Teddy's birthday
June- recovery, summer time fun, answered prayer, junior church/church, job for Ted, Ashlynn and Alisa's birthdays, Ashlynn to camp for first time, Teddy plays soccer
July- summer fun, work, pool, junior church/church, visit from cousins, visit from Grammy and Grampy
August- junior church/church, summer fun, pool, VBS, A Day in the Country, Ted and Kari's anniversary, Kari's birthday
September- start of school, trip to apple orchard, work, start of Kid's club, music lessons start again, begin practicing for Christmas program, junior church/church
October- 6 month checkup in Chicago with new doctor, school, work, Kid's club, junior church/church
November- school, crazy work schedules, physical therapy for Alisa, Thanksgiving with Grammy and Grampy, junior church/church, Kid's club
December- school, crazy work schedules, Christmas program, Ted's birthday, physical therapy for Alisa, traditions and gatherings, break from school, junior church/church, Kid's club
At some point, we all find ourselves reviewing last year and planning for the new year. We have goals...resolutions...hopes...dreams...or whatever else we call those plans...BUT...how many of us actually plan to "live for Jesus...day after day...let come what may"? If our family has learned anything this past year, it has been to live for Jesus out of a heart of obedience because of what He did on the cross. God used many different things in our lives to show us where our focus needs to be. He did what He did for our good and for His glory.
What have you placed at the top of your list for the new year? God will rearrange your list if necessary! Is there something more important than living for the One who died for your sins? Who provides? Who gives real peace? Who loves you like no other?
If you know Him as your personal Lord and Savior, you owe Him your life and your obedience...He bought you!
I wonder how many can truly sing this little chorus..."I'll live for Jesus, let come what may. The Holy Spirit, I will obey." in 2011?
Through every day, new joy I find. He gives to me, real peace of mind. Until that day, when Christ I'll see. I'll live for Him, who died for me!
I'll live for Jesus, day after day. I'll live for Jesus, let come what may. The Holy Spirit, I will obey. And live for Jesus, day after day."
This song has been going through my mind ever since I got up this morning. I find myself mentally flipping back through the past year:
January- family wedding, sleepless nights, school, church, doctor appointments, start music lessons, visit from Grammy and Grampy
February- sleepless nights, church, school, doctor appointments, closing of business, music lessons
March- school, sleepless nights, junior church/church, music lessons, doctor appointments, scary ct and mri scans, appointment with neurosurgeon, consult with onocologist, hospital stay, surgery, love of family and friends, answered prayer, recovery, sleepless nights return, phone calls
April- junior church/church, another trip to Madison for scans and surgery, answered prayer, love of family and friends, recovery, school, job searching, music lessons
May- school completed, job searching, junior church/church, Teddy plays soccer, music lessons, trip to Chicago to Museum of Science and Industry, resting, recovery, checkup in Madison, trip to Grammy and Grampy's, Teddy's birthday
June- recovery, summer time fun, answered prayer, junior church/church, job for Ted, Ashlynn and Alisa's birthdays, Ashlynn to camp for first time, Teddy plays soccer
July- summer fun, work, pool, junior church/church, visit from cousins, visit from Grammy and Grampy
August- junior church/church, summer fun, pool, VBS, A Day in the Country, Ted and Kari's anniversary, Kari's birthday
September- start of school, trip to apple orchard, work, start of Kid's club, music lessons start again, begin practicing for Christmas program, junior church/church
October- 6 month checkup in Chicago with new doctor, school, work, Kid's club, junior church/church
November- school, crazy work schedules, physical therapy for Alisa, Thanksgiving with Grammy and Grampy, junior church/church, Kid's club
December- school, crazy work schedules, Christmas program, Ted's birthday, physical therapy for Alisa, traditions and gatherings, break from school, junior church/church, Kid's club
At some point, we all find ourselves reviewing last year and planning for the new year. We have goals...resolutions...hopes...dreams...or whatever else we call those plans...BUT...how many of us actually plan to "live for Jesus...day after day...let come what may"? If our family has learned anything this past year, it has been to live for Jesus out of a heart of obedience because of what He did on the cross. God used many different things in our lives to show us where our focus needs to be. He did what He did for our good and for His glory.
What have you placed at the top of your list for the new year? God will rearrange your list if necessary! Is there something more important than living for the One who died for your sins? Who provides? Who gives real peace? Who loves you like no other?
If you know Him as your personal Lord and Savior, you owe Him your life and your obedience...He bought you!
I wonder how many can truly sing this little chorus..."I'll live for Jesus, let come what may. The Holy Spirit, I will obey." in 2011?
Friday, November 12, 2010
"It doesn't matter what everyone else is doing..."
We are to be looking at what God's Word tells us. Searching the Scriptures daily. People fail and fall. Proverbs 13:20 "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." Who are we surrounding ourselves with?
Romans 14:11-12 "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." There is nothing mentioned in Scripture about a group effort! There won't be a buddy system or a crowd consensus when we stand before God. It won't matter at that point to God what everyone else was doing...He will be asking about you! Look at the words He used...."knee (singular), tongue (singular), one of us (singular), and himself "(singular).
Interesting to me...we spend more time looking at what everyone else is doing and then we use that as our standard. Then we can shift the blame on them too. And the people that we followed and eventually blame for our mistakes/problems/sin...won't be standing there with us! And you know...they won't accept the blame either! Romans 13 would be a good place to start reading right about now! It doesn't matter what everyone else is doing! What are YOU doing? Romans 13:14 "But put ye one the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof."
Saturday, October 30, 2010
A song in my heart...is truly a desire of mine.
I have been humming the song, that I sang last Tuesday night, all week long and thinking about the words.
"Dear Lord, I'll be a witness...Help now, Lord, my weakness... Jesus use me. And, O Lord, don't refuse me. For surely there's a work that I can do. And even though it's humble, help my will to crumble. Though the cost be great, I'll work for you!
One of the missionaries told us, "I am going to pray for God to put someone in front of your face this week that needs Jesus." I thought about how my week would go...I'd be home all day every day in our schoolroom with our children. They each know Jesus as their personal Savior. They still need to see Jesus in me as we go through our daily routines. I don't want to be a stumblingblock! We'd be at church for the evening services. I didn't see any opportunities from my perspective. And then I got an email...from a friend. We had plans. We had a friend who didn't have plans. I need to start thinking differently about plans I make. I need to remember the simple, casual times as opportunities...not just the big, wowzer activities! God led a friend to our home to sit at our table, so we could water seeds that have been sown. When we ask for God's help, He leads in ways that often we are too dense to see for ourselves!
"Dear Lord, I'll be a witness...Help now, Lord, my weakness... Jesus use me. And, O Lord, don't refuse me. For surely there's a work that I can do. And even though it's humble, help my will to crumble. Though the cost be great, I'll work for you!
One of the missionaries told us, "I am going to pray for God to put someone in front of your face this week that needs Jesus." I thought about how my week would go...I'd be home all day every day in our schoolroom with our children. They each know Jesus as their personal Savior. They still need to see Jesus in me as we go through our daily routines. I don't want to be a stumblingblock! We'd be at church for the evening services. I didn't see any opportunities from my perspective. And then I got an email...from a friend. We had plans. We had a friend who didn't have plans. I need to start thinking differently about plans I make. I need to remember the simple, casual times as opportunities...not just the big, wowzer activities! God led a friend to our home to sit at our table, so we could water seeds that have been sown. When we ask for God's help, He leads in ways that often we are too dense to see for ourselves!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Signs along the road...
are there to give directions, warnings, and helpful information.
As we drove along last Thursday, traffic as far as the eye could see, I thought about the fact that we were all going somewhere. I felt we were going somewhere pretty important...and so did everyone else on the expressway! Doctor appointments, work, shopping, family gatherings, or whatever the destination...it was important to each and every person.
How many of us truly think about the importance of our eternal destiny and the impact it has on our everyday life? I wondered how many of these drivers knew where they were headed...beyond the committments of their day. It is a sobering thought when you look at all the traffic...each vehicle held at least one person...one life. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world..." He is not talking about the physical lay of the land. "...that He gave His only begotten Son..." He is talking about those people who live on that land. "...that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Just like the signs along the road give direction, warnings, and helpful information, God has given us His Word to give us those same things for life's road.
John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
God gives us the option to choose!
Ignoring the road signs and "doing our own thing" will not help us get to where we are going. Most likely...it will cause a big mess! Many will be affected...possibly never making their scheduled appointments or their destination!
Whether or not we heed God's Word will determine the smoothness of our trip...and ultimately...our final destination. I didn't say there are never any slow downs (trials) or fender benders (temptations) along the way. But we have the answers to help us in those situations that we experience...things don't always have to fall completely apart! God loves us...and He has everything under control.
I am always thankful for smooth trips...especially when there are so many factors (and vehicles) involved in the whole picture! I don't have to worry...because I know where I'm going. Do you?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
I pulled this out of my file...
to post on our fridge and in our schoolroom. I used this picture all the time when I taught. I taught my students to use their arms/hands to point like the arrows. There is something that happens when you physically take your arms/hands and point them to yourself. It is humbling to admit who you are being like at certain moments! Maybe that is why we have such a hard time admitting it...we have to agree with God that we are being self-serving. I have caught myself a couple times all ready this morning. It is a daily battle...correction...it is a minute by minute battle sometimes! So...if you pass by me and my arms/hands are pointing upward and outward...I might be struggling with a choice! How about you...or won't you admit it?
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
"Live ever aware of God's presence."
What a way to sum up how Christians should live their lives!
I just finished reading A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller. It took me just a few short days to read, because I did have to put it down and take care of my responsibilities as wife and mother. There was a time when I was able to read a whole book in one day! Not now!
I strongly recommend this book...as it was recommended to me. You can't read it without it impacting your thinking!
I couldn't read this book without tears...picturing myself as a sheep...it makes sense why God chose that animal. This author has a way with words and he had the experience as a sheepman, as he called himself. As he explained the life of a sheepman (sheep rancher or shepherd), each verse of Psalm 23 came alive for me. I just naturally assumed that if someone was a rancher, they enjoyed animals, wide-open spaces, and caring for the land and animals. Not so! He told of a fellow rancher who didn't care for his sheep in the best ways possible. He was cruel. The author told how those emaciated sheep would stand at the fence and look longingly at his good pastures. He told about how they would find ways to get to his pastures. He told how the sheep would gorge themselves on the green pastureland and of the sickness that followed. He told how the cruel rancher slit the throats of the sheep that had escaped to the good pastures...with no thought of the investment that was made or lost by his actions. He used that rancher and those sheep as a picture of what satan does to people.
And then the author wrote of how the Good Shepherd is alert to every need and possible disaster that threatens His people...His sheep. A good shepherd puts his comfort and his very life at risk for the care of his sheep. At the end of the Psalm, we read, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Through the whole year, the shepherd is always leading his sheep to the best food sources, finding safe water to drink, watching for poisonous plants and dangerous predators, applying ointments and oils to protect them from seasonal irritants, correcting their wandering, and taking them from home pastures through valleys to tablelands then home again. "The shepherd is always alert, always caring, always managing; and has brought the sheep through each season satisfactorily." I had never thought much about how the Psalmist, David, wrote from the standpoint of a sheep reflecting a whole year in its life. "The word 'house' refers to the family, household, or flock of the Good Shepherd."
The sickly sheep tried to get into the good rancher's pastures on their own. It was their doom, even though they probably would have starved during the winter due to lack of care and proper food. "This old world is a pretty wretched ranch and satan is a heartless owner. He cares not a whit for men's souls or welfare. Under his tyranny there are hundreds of hungry, discontented hearts who long to enter into the household of God- who ache for His care and concern. Yet there is only one way into this fold. That way is through the owner, Christ Himself- the Good Shepherd! John 10:9"
Oh what a picture of the quietness and contentment I can have as one of His sheep as I respond to the voice of the Shepherd and move in obedience to His will and direction! I needed this refreshment from Psalm 23. He has gone and is going before me...gently leading, caring for each concern, providing for every need, pointing out dangers...because I belong to Him! God expects me to obey His voice and He will do what is necessary to bring me back to His way.
I just finished reading A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller. It took me just a few short days to read, because I did have to put it down and take care of my responsibilities as wife and mother. There was a time when I was able to read a whole book in one day! Not now!
I strongly recommend this book...as it was recommended to me. You can't read it without it impacting your thinking!
I couldn't read this book without tears...picturing myself as a sheep...it makes sense why God chose that animal. This author has a way with words and he had the experience as a sheepman, as he called himself. As he explained the life of a sheepman (sheep rancher or shepherd), each verse of Psalm 23 came alive for me. I just naturally assumed that if someone was a rancher, they enjoyed animals, wide-open spaces, and caring for the land and animals. Not so! He told of a fellow rancher who didn't care for his sheep in the best ways possible. He was cruel. The author told how those emaciated sheep would stand at the fence and look longingly at his good pastures. He told about how they would find ways to get to his pastures. He told how the sheep would gorge themselves on the green pastureland and of the sickness that followed. He told how the cruel rancher slit the throats of the sheep that had escaped to the good pastures...with no thought of the investment that was made or lost by his actions. He used that rancher and those sheep as a picture of what satan does to people.
And then the author wrote of how the Good Shepherd is alert to every need and possible disaster that threatens His people...His sheep. A good shepherd puts his comfort and his very life at risk for the care of his sheep. At the end of the Psalm, we read, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Through the whole year, the shepherd is always leading his sheep to the best food sources, finding safe water to drink, watching for poisonous plants and dangerous predators, applying ointments and oils to protect them from seasonal irritants, correcting their wandering, and taking them from home pastures through valleys to tablelands then home again. "The shepherd is always alert, always caring, always managing; and has brought the sheep through each season satisfactorily." I had never thought much about how the Psalmist, David, wrote from the standpoint of a sheep reflecting a whole year in its life. "The word 'house' refers to the family, household, or flock of the Good Shepherd."
The sickly sheep tried to get into the good rancher's pastures on their own. It was their doom, even though they probably would have starved during the winter due to lack of care and proper food. "This old world is a pretty wretched ranch and satan is a heartless owner. He cares not a whit for men's souls or welfare. Under his tyranny there are hundreds of hungry, discontented hearts who long to enter into the household of God- who ache for His care and concern. Yet there is only one way into this fold. That way is through the owner, Christ Himself- the Good Shepherd! John 10:9"
Oh what a picture of the quietness and contentment I can have as one of His sheep as I respond to the voice of the Shepherd and move in obedience to His will and direction! I needed this refreshment from Psalm 23. He has gone and is going before me...gently leading, caring for each concern, providing for every need, pointing out dangers...because I belong to Him! God expects me to obey His voice and He will do what is necessary to bring me back to His way.
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