Psalm 16:8
The Voice
He is ever present with me; at all times He goes before me. I will not live in fear or abandon my calling because He stands at my right hand.
No matter how loud the distractions of life are, He doesn't change. Some days you do want to abandon where God has placed you because you feel like you think you cannot hear His voice anymore. Those things that distract us - and they are different for each of us - can get so loud at times. Spiritually, mentally and emotionally you feel like putting your hands over your ears and shutting it all out.
In a lot of ways, it does come down to fear. Fear of others, fear of a situation, fear of weakness...insert your own fear here. According to this scripture, and I love this particular version of it, He is always present, He is going before us, He has called us and He is the power in our lives.
Remember these things, take your hands off your ears and you'll find the distractions have dulled and faded to a whisper.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
Get Over Yourself
Luke 18:9-14
(Easy to Read Version)
9 There were some people who thought they were very good and looked down on everyone else. Jesus used this story to teach them: 10 “One time there was a Pharisee and a tax collector. One day they both went to the Temple to pray. 11 The Pharisee stood alone, away from the tax collector. When the Pharisee prayed, he said, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not as bad as other people. I am not like men who steal, cheat, or commit adultery. I thank you that I am better than this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, and I give a tenth of everything I get!’
13 “The tax collector stood alone too. But when he prayed, he would not even look up to heaven. He felt very humble before God. He said, ‘O God, have mercy on me. I am a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, when this man finished his prayer and went home, he was right with God. But the Pharisee, who felt that he was better than others, was not right with God. People who make themselves important will be made humble. But those who make themselves humble will be made important.”
I think this passage is pretty self-explanatory, so I won't bore the reader with a long dissertation about it. Now we all know that the Pharisee was not without sin - okay, maybe he didn't do the things he mentioned, but at the very least, he was guilty of a proud and haughty spirit. There were most likely other things he was guilty of, but maybe only his wife and children knew about those things. Maybe it was something he was even hiding from them...and only God knew. Either which way, regardless of his own opinion about himself, he was a sinner just like the tax collector.
The problem, as I see it, is when you look around and observe people and start to make judgments or assumptions about them and where they are at with their relationship with God, you step into God's shoes. Besides the fact that that is a really brave thing to attempt - have you seen the work of God in someones life? Have you seen where He has already brought them from? Do you know how much junk they had to crawl through just to touch the hem of His garment? Have you read the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector?
Here's some advice, if you find yourself looking around and thinking or saying anything that smacks of judgment like you must know everything about someone - seriously, get over yourself.
(Easy to Read Version)
9 There were some people who thought they were very good and looked down on everyone else. Jesus used this story to teach them: 10 “One time there was a Pharisee and a tax collector. One day they both went to the Temple to pray. 11 The Pharisee stood alone, away from the tax collector. When the Pharisee prayed, he said, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not as bad as other people. I am not like men who steal, cheat, or commit adultery. I thank you that I am better than this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, and I give a tenth of everything I get!’
13 “The tax collector stood alone too. But when he prayed, he would not even look up to heaven. He felt very humble before God. He said, ‘O God, have mercy on me. I am a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, when this man finished his prayer and went home, he was right with God. But the Pharisee, who felt that he was better than others, was not right with God. People who make themselves important will be made humble. But those who make themselves humble will be made important.”
I think this passage is pretty self-explanatory, so I won't bore the reader with a long dissertation about it. Now we all know that the Pharisee was not without sin - okay, maybe he didn't do the things he mentioned, but at the very least, he was guilty of a proud and haughty spirit. There were most likely other things he was guilty of, but maybe only his wife and children knew about those things. Maybe it was something he was even hiding from them...and only God knew. Either which way, regardless of his own opinion about himself, he was a sinner just like the tax collector.
The problem, as I see it, is when you look around and observe people and start to make judgments or assumptions about them and where they are at with their relationship with God, you step into God's shoes. Besides the fact that that is a really brave thing to attempt - have you seen the work of God in someones life? Have you seen where He has already brought them from? Do you know how much junk they had to crawl through just to touch the hem of His garment? Have you read the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector?
Here's some advice, if you find yourself looking around and thinking or saying anything that smacks of judgment like you must know everything about someone - seriously, get over yourself.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Call Me Crazy
2 Corinthians 5:17
Complete Jewish Bible
17 Therefore, if anyone is united with the Messiah, he is a new creation — the old has passed; look, what has come is fresh and new!
No one wants to re-create or re-invent something that's already been done. Well, unless they are just a little bit crazy. Generally, though, we don't do that because we are already benefiting from the original creation. And once something is invented or created pretty much all you can do is improve on it. The proverbial wheel, for example. At some point way back when, someone had a great idea and figured out that with a round shaped object, things move faster. Today the wheel has been improved and upgraded to the point of being way faster than the original inventor, I'm sure, ever dreamed of. But, it's never been re-invented. In fact, if someone was to attempt to re-invent the wheel, they would probably end up in an asylum somewhere. You can't do it, it's been done.
Well, call me crazy. I do believe in re-inventing, re-creating. Only, not the physical, the emotional and spiritual. So many of us feel the need to cope and trudge along in the things that overwhelm us. You know, just find a way to improve ourselves or our situation and circumstance. And there are plenty of self-help ways to attempt to do this. And one might find themselves improving. Awesome, right?
That is, until you read this scripture. I don't care how long you have been filled with the Spirit, I don't care if you grew up on a church pew, I don't care how many self-help books one has read, I don't even care how "improved" someone might be...it is not the same as being in unity with Christ. While the words are not in this passage, this sounds like healing to me. This sounds like something beautiful. This sounds like something joyful!
I'm not looking for or settling for an improved self...I am going to let the re-invention power of the Holy Spirit take over - and create a fresh and new me!
2 Corinthians 5:17
Complete Jewish Bible
17 Therefore, if anyone is united with the Messiah, he is a new creation — the old has passed; look, what has come is fresh and new!
No one wants to re-create or re-invent something that's already been done. Well, unless they are just a little bit crazy. Generally, though, we don't do that because we are already benefiting from the original creation. And once something is invented or created pretty much all you can do is improve on it. The proverbial wheel, for example. At some point way back when, someone had a great idea and figured out that with a round shaped object, things move faster. Today the wheel has been improved and upgraded to the point of being way faster than the original inventor, I'm sure, ever dreamed of. But, it's never been re-invented. In fact, if someone was to attempt to re-invent the wheel, they would probably end up in an asylum somewhere. You can't do it, it's been done.
Well, call me crazy. I do believe in re-inventing, re-creating. Only, not the physical, the emotional and spiritual. So many of us feel the need to cope and trudge along in the things that overwhelm us. You know, just find a way to improve ourselves or our situation and circumstance. And there are plenty of self-help ways to attempt to do this. And one might find themselves improving. Awesome, right?
That is, until you read this scripture. I don't care how long you have been filled with the Spirit, I don't care if you grew up on a church pew, I don't care how many self-help books one has read, I don't even care how "improved" someone might be...it is not the same as being in unity with Christ. While the words are not in this passage, this sounds like healing to me. This sounds like something beautiful. This sounds like something joyful!
I'm not looking for or settling for an improved self...I am going to let the re-invention power of the Holy Spirit take over - and create a fresh and new me!
2 Corinthians 5:17
Complete Jewish Bible
No one wants to re-create or re-invent something that's already been done. Well, unless they are just a little bit crazy. Generally, though, we don't do that because we are already benefiting from the original creation. And once something is invented or created pretty much all you can do is improve on it. The proverbial wheel, for example. At some point way back when, someone had a great idea and figured out that with a round shaped object, things move faster. Today the wheel has been improved and upgraded to the point of being way faster than the original inventor, I'm sure, ever dreamed of. But, it's never been re-invented. In fact, if someone was to attempt to re-invent the wheel, they would probably end up in an asylum somewhere. You can't do it, it's been done.
Well, call me crazy. I do believe in re-inventing, re-creating. Only, not the physical, the emotional and spiritual. So many of us feel the need to cope and trudge along in the things that overwhelm us. You know, just find a way to improve ourselves or our situation and circumstance. And there are plenty of self-help ways to attempt to do this. And one might find themselves improving. Awesome, right?
That is, until you read this scripture. I don't care how long you have been filled with the Spirit, I don't care if you grew up on a church pew, I don't care how many self-help books one has read, I don't even care how "improved" someone might be...it is not the same as being in unity with Christ. While the words are not in this passage, this sounds like healing to me. This sounds like something beautiful. This sounds like something joyful!
I'm not looking for or settling for an improved self...I am going to let the re-invention power of the Holy Spirit take over - and create a fresh and new me!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Throwback Thursday
Psalm 78:7
The Voice
7Tell them to put their confidence and hope in God, and never forget the wondrous things He has done...
If you are at all aware of social media trends, the title of this post will sound familiar. Throwback Thursday's, a way to basically reminisce about a time that you remember with nostalgia. Plus, everyone else gets to see a photo of how you looked back in the day!
Well, as I contemplated this little trend, it made me think of another way to "throwback" and "share". Life seems to be so full of trials and tribulations. If it isn't me dealing with something, someone I know is dealing with something. Regardless of the reasons and whys, we all deal with life.
It is so easy to get caught up in the daily struggle. When you're in the middle of something, it is hard to see the end of it. And depending on how long the struggle lasts, sometimes it's hard to remember life before that struggle. But, what if we all did a Throwback Thursday about the things that God has done in our life? This scripture in Psalms just says it how I feel today. And to rearrange the wording just a little...if I can remember the wonderful things He has done, that puts hope and confidence in my heart for my current situation or struggle.
And what would happen if we used social media to promote confidence and hope in God? Maybe this particular trend won't ever catch on, but to those reading this post, maybe the next time you think of Thursday, you will at the very least think of something wonderful that God has done in your life...which will put hope and confidence back into your heart!
The Voice
7Tell them to put their confidence and hope in God, and never forget the wondrous things He has done...
If you are at all aware of social media trends, the title of this post will sound familiar. Throwback Thursday's, a way to basically reminisce about a time that you remember with nostalgia. Plus, everyone else gets to see a photo of how you looked back in the day!
Well, as I contemplated this little trend, it made me think of another way to "throwback" and "share". Life seems to be so full of trials and tribulations. If it isn't me dealing with something, someone I know is dealing with something. Regardless of the reasons and whys, we all deal with life.
It is so easy to get caught up in the daily struggle. When you're in the middle of something, it is hard to see the end of it. And depending on how long the struggle lasts, sometimes it's hard to remember life before that struggle. But, what if we all did a Throwback Thursday about the things that God has done in our life? This scripture in Psalms just says it how I feel today. And to rearrange the wording just a little...if I can remember the wonderful things He has done, that puts hope and confidence in my heart for my current situation or struggle.
And what would happen if we used social media to promote confidence and hope in God? Maybe this particular trend won't ever catch on, but to those reading this post, maybe the next time you think of Thursday, you will at the very least think of something wonderful that God has done in your life...which will put hope and confidence back into your heart!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Seasons
Ecclesiastes 3:1
(New Century Version)
1There is a time for everything, and everything on earth has its special season.
If you continue to read this chapter, you will find that both the positive and negative aspects of life are mentioned. Looking at it through this perspective makes life make a little more sense. If not really easier sometimes.
Any of you who have read my blog from the beginning know that it started as a result of my oldest child turning 18 and leaving home for college and my angst and struggle with that transition. Well, here we are, almost two years later. Another child, my youngest child, is getting ready to head out into life on his own. Another wrenching of my heart. Another piece of it out there walking around bound to bump into hard times and all the things life tends to throw at us.
I find myself with the same worries as my baby graduates from high school and leaves for his military training as I did two years ago. Who is going to gently wake him up in the mornings? How will I be able to go to sleep at night not being able to make sure he's safely tucked into bed? I know some (mostly the dads) will read that and raise an eyebrow, but some (all the moms) will know or imagine what these feelings are like.
Yes, I have to let go. Yes, I will. And yes, I know it is an important season in both our lives. But with this season there comes a little rain, too. I remember the day this boy of mine was born. Showing you to your big brother. Having no idea that within a month colic would set in and I would have many, many sleepless nights. But those were seasons, too. Too many to mention in a short post about feelings.
So, for this next season of life, while hard and painful, it is with pride and love that I will let my last child go. Mom's prayers will be going continually before God, son of mine, you are loved so much!!
(New Century Version)
1There is a time for everything, and everything on earth has its special season.
If you continue to read this chapter, you will find that both the positive and negative aspects of life are mentioned. Looking at it through this perspective makes life make a little more sense. If not really easier sometimes.
Any of you who have read my blog from the beginning know that it started as a result of my oldest child turning 18 and leaving home for college and my angst and struggle with that transition. Well, here we are, almost two years later. Another child, my youngest child, is getting ready to head out into life on his own. Another wrenching of my heart. Another piece of it out there walking around bound to bump into hard times and all the things life tends to throw at us.
I find myself with the same worries as my baby graduates from high school and leaves for his military training as I did two years ago. Who is going to gently wake him up in the mornings? How will I be able to go to sleep at night not being able to make sure he's safely tucked into bed? I know some (mostly the dads) will read that and raise an eyebrow, but some (all the moms) will know or imagine what these feelings are like.
Yes, I have to let go. Yes, I will. And yes, I know it is an important season in both our lives. But with this season there comes a little rain, too. I remember the day this boy of mine was born. Showing you to your big brother. Having no idea that within a month colic would set in and I would have many, many sleepless nights. But those were seasons, too. Too many to mention in a short post about feelings.
So, for this next season of life, while hard and painful, it is with pride and love that I will let my last child go. Mom's prayers will be going continually before God, son of mine, you are loved so much!!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Original Love
1 John 4:19
The Message (MSG)
19We, though, are going to love--love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.
I have been thinking about this concept the last couple of days and being unable to get it off my mind, I decided it must be put into words. This is not my first mention of love in this blog, but I do feel like there is an important element of love, especially God's love, that we miss sometimes.
As mentioned in a previous post, some of us don't really even know what love is. Society, for sure, has confused it with so many different things. But, if you really want to get down to it, love originated with God. He is love. I don't know about you, but there have been times in my own life where my perception of God was a little skewed. I pictured Him sitting up in the sky somewhere on a big throne...with a stick of some kind. Yep! I figured He would use that on me if I did something bad.
That picture, even at this moment, makes me grin a little sheepishly. I realize that that concept of God and love is a bit backwards and turned around. He loved me, you, first!! He is not waiting for us to love Him. He is not waiting for us to get our lives all straightened out. He is not waiting until we feel worthy of His love. He is not waiting for us to even know how to love. He loved us first. Already. Before. In spite of!!
If you feel unworthy, sinful, ugly, guilty, shameful and somehow you think that means you don't deserve or can't be loved by God. It's too late! He already loves you and me and proved it via the cross. And all He wants in return is for us to love Him back with that same kind of love.
The Message (MSG)
19We, though, are going to love--love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.
I have been thinking about this concept the last couple of days and being unable to get it off my mind, I decided it must be put into words. This is not my first mention of love in this blog, but I do feel like there is an important element of love, especially God's love, that we miss sometimes.
As mentioned in a previous post, some of us don't really even know what love is. Society, for sure, has confused it with so many different things. But, if you really want to get down to it, love originated with God. He is love. I don't know about you, but there have been times in my own life where my perception of God was a little skewed. I pictured Him sitting up in the sky somewhere on a big throne...with a stick of some kind. Yep! I figured He would use that on me if I did something bad.
That picture, even at this moment, makes me grin a little sheepishly. I realize that that concept of God and love is a bit backwards and turned around. He loved me, you, first!! He is not waiting for us to love Him. He is not waiting for us to get our lives all straightened out. He is not waiting until we feel worthy of His love. He is not waiting for us to even know how to love. He loved us first. Already. Before. In spite of!!
If you feel unworthy, sinful, ugly, guilty, shameful and somehow you think that means you don't deserve or can't be loved by God. It's too late! He already loves you and me and proved it via the cross. And all He wants in return is for us to love Him back with that same kind of love.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Power of Love
Romans 13:10
(New Century Version)
Love never hurts a neighbor, so loving is obeying all the law.
As my fingers try to articulate my thought today, I find it difficult to put into a few simple words the overwhelming sense I have of the power that love has. The word love is thrown about carelessly so much of the time. Some mistake other feelings for love. Some think love hurts. Some have no idea what love even looks like.
Notice I did not say what love feels like. While the love Jesus has for us is perfect because He is perfect, I believe the love we have for each other is not perfect, we are not perfect...because feelings do get involved.
Thankfully, our imperfections to not preclude love. When one obeys and fulfills the law...that is love. That's when the power of love happens.
(New Century Version)
Love never hurts a neighbor, so loving is obeying all the law.
As my fingers try to articulate my thought today, I find it difficult to put into a few simple words the overwhelming sense I have of the power that love has. The word love is thrown about carelessly so much of the time. Some mistake other feelings for love. Some think love hurts. Some have no idea what love even looks like.
Notice I did not say what love feels like. While the love Jesus has for us is perfect because He is perfect, I believe the love we have for each other is not perfect, we are not perfect...because feelings do get involved.
Thankfully, our imperfections to not preclude love. When one obeys and fulfills the law...that is love. That's when the power of love happens.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)