Well it is almost the New Year and what a great time it has been reading through the entire Bible in a year chronologically. This practice is a repeat, but this year was a blessing to join others in the body of Christ and to have a focus on Sundays with a sermon based on what I had just read this week.
This week was a focus on the apostle Paul's writings while he was in chains. Prison Epistles they are often called. The book of Colossians has been one of my "need a tune up" books in my spiritual walk. When I'm having a bad attitude about my job I would turn to Col. 3 to be reminded that I'm working for God and not men. Well this morning I had some great reminders about prayer. Here are just a few of my thoughts from the book of Colossians.
Col. 1:3 "We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you..."
This denotes having a thankful heart...and a continued prayer life for other people
Col. 1:9-12 "For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light."
This passage was my grandmother's theme as she lived and loved us. She would spend hours in the mornings lifting us all up in prayer and she would often use the above words for us. She is now with the Lord. Reading this not only reminded me of the wonderful heritage God has given me, but also a challenge that it is my turn to now lift others up in prayer and to use these words of Paul, inspired by God.
Col. 4:2-4 "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak."
Devote--not to be taken lightly, but a commitment Attitude of thanksgiving--enough said!
Praying at the same time for us--lift others up in prayer that are in ministry and on the mission field
What to pray: that God will open up to us a door for the word--to pray for opportunities to share Christ with others, and that as they speak of the mystery of Christ, their words would be clear.
Well if that's not a great challenge for the next year I don't know what is. I'm excited to celebrate Christmas and the New Year with those I love. The gift of prayer is one gift that I can continue to give to others beyond this season. So I give thanks and pray...
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Stephen's Stones
Acts 7: 54-60 (NASB)
54 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. 55 But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; 56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. 58 When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.
Stephen was one of the seven chosen to help with the needs of feeding the widows and other similar tasks. He was known to be full of faith and the Holy Spirit. He also did great wonders and miraculous signs. Because of this he started getting some negative attention and persecution. Read the entire chapter of Acts 7 for the details.
The people's reaction of his defense seems overwhelmingly over the top! Stephen full of the Holy Spirit saw something that was all to wonderful for others to see! What a testimony!
The verse that really caught my attention-while Stephen is still being stoned and he is about to die he prays to God. His prayer "don't hold this sin against them" WHAT??? To be so right reacting filled with the Holy Spirit and full of grace to pray that on your death bed (or ground) as people are killing you for standing up for Christ!
I just recently had stones hurled at me. These were not physical stones, but verbal words of pain. The person throwing them had no right or reason to throw them. I was the one that just happened upon the verbal stone throwing arena. To be honest, my reaction was not even close to Stephens. No, I did not pick up any stones and throw them back. I didn't even put up a defense. I simply disappeared and cried for a bit.
My reaction later between myself and the Lord also did not reflect Stephen's reaction. It was a verbal frustration at how no one was stopping this person or punishing them for the obvious wrong that was done. It was not a first offense, thus I was overwrought with a continued helplessness as I knew I would perhaps endure these stones again.
After this discussion (me yelling aloud) with the Lord I was reminded it was my responsibility to forgive, no matter how many times the offense or how hurtful. Days later the pain and lack of protection would irk me and cause me to have to myself fall to my knees before God and confess unforgiveness.
I'm thankful for God's word the Bible. This section is such a reminder to me to let the Holy Spirit be the driving motivation for how I react to others, and not my selfish "it's not fair" judgmental heart.
So Heavenly Father, I pray to this end "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And may this be my first reaction when enduring future stones of any kind. In Jesus Name-Amen.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Another Miracle
As I've continued to join others in reading through the Bible chronologically this year, I am now in the gospels. Being raised in a very godly and Bible focused family, I have been very familiar with the miracles of Jesus.
When reading these passages again, thankfully I took the time to ask God to help me see His word as if it were fresh. There is always something new we can learn every time we go to God's word.
While reading Mark 6, I was familiar with the great miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000. As a child I remember coloring and cutting out the fish and loaves as a reminder of what God can do with anything we are willing to give Him.
Though these thoughts came again to my head, I was struck anew with another miracle that I never realized was there. I had never quite considered the events prior to this feeding of 5 thousand.
I read how John the Baptist was killed. After Jesus heard the news he told his diciples "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while."
Not only were they hungry--they were tired. I pondered the thought of Jesus hearing about his dear cousin dying and the sadness that would have overcome any of us. Jesus knew that the diciples needed to get away.
That was a reminder to me that there are times where we need rest--as Jesus Himself often went to be alone to pray.
I continued to read how the crowds followed them and went to the other side as the diciples and Jesus had gotten in a boat. Now here is the miracle. Remember Jesus had just lost his cousin John and was tired and spent. Now for the verse--Mark 6:34 "When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things."
I know and agree that feeding 5 thousand from five loaves and two fish is quite amazing and notably miracle worthy. Yet I could not help but seeing a miracle in how Jesus felt compassion for these people in the midst of His current circumstances. He cousin had just died!
I just sat and mulled over what a miracle it was for Jesus to love these people so much. It really spoke to me how Jesus always rightly reacted. I took some time to evaluate my own life and realized my first reaction when people call me away from my own plan or schedule very rarely is compassion an emotion I am feeling.
And that is on a great day...put in a death in my family...oh woe is me! I am a woman lacking compassion!
I am so thankful for not only the miracle of God's physical provision such as feeding 5,000 people. I'm also grateful for the compassion and care He has for our spiritual well being.
The miracle of the feeding of the 5 thousand will continue to be a favorite and much mentioned in Bible retelling. I think though, that I may begin to add the compassion Jesus had and still has for us. Another miracle worth retelling.
When reading these passages again, thankfully I took the time to ask God to help me see His word as if it were fresh. There is always something new we can learn every time we go to God's word.
While reading Mark 6, I was familiar with the great miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000. As a child I remember coloring and cutting out the fish and loaves as a reminder of what God can do with anything we are willing to give Him.
Though these thoughts came again to my head, I was struck anew with another miracle that I never realized was there. I had never quite considered the events prior to this feeding of 5 thousand.
I read how John the Baptist was killed. After Jesus heard the news he told his diciples "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while."
Not only were they hungry--they were tired. I pondered the thought of Jesus hearing about his dear cousin dying and the sadness that would have overcome any of us. Jesus knew that the diciples needed to get away.
That was a reminder to me that there are times where we need rest--as Jesus Himself often went to be alone to pray.
I continued to read how the crowds followed them and went to the other side as the diciples and Jesus had gotten in a boat. Now here is the miracle. Remember Jesus had just lost his cousin John and was tired and spent. Now for the verse--Mark 6:34 "When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things."
I know and agree that feeding 5 thousand from five loaves and two fish is quite amazing and notably miracle worthy. Yet I could not help but seeing a miracle in how Jesus felt compassion for these people in the midst of His current circumstances. He cousin had just died!
I just sat and mulled over what a miracle it was for Jesus to love these people so much. It really spoke to me how Jesus always rightly reacted. I took some time to evaluate my own life and realized my first reaction when people call me away from my own plan or schedule very rarely is compassion an emotion I am feeling.
And that is on a great day...put in a death in my family...oh woe is me! I am a woman lacking compassion!
I am so thankful for not only the miracle of God's physical provision such as feeding 5,000 people. I'm also grateful for the compassion and care He has for our spiritual well being.
The miracle of the feeding of the 5 thousand will continue to be a favorite and much mentioned in Bible retelling. I think though, that I may begin to add the compassion Jesus had and still has for us. Another miracle worth retelling.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Revolution in World Missions by K.P. Yohannan
I'm currently reading through this book...I hope to finish it by this week. As I'm part of a Global Outreach Team at my church, a team member gave us all a copy of this book. I am thankful that I read the majority of it prior to our meeting tonight. I got to church an hour before and let myself in. I had to just spend sometime praying not only about my personal blind sightedness regarding missions, but also that our team would be sensitive to the reality that those who we were supporting had better align with what God has called us to do. Yet we don't know what He has called us to do unless we spend time in prayer.
One quote from the book: When a church or a mission board spends more time in consultation, planning and committee meetings than in prayer, it is a clear indication the members have lost touch with the supernatural and have ended up, in Watchman Nede's words, "serving the house of God and forgot the Lord Himself."
God answered my plea and softened all of our hearts to the realization that we need to focus more on praying about our decisions than making them in an hour's time. God spared us and I am so grateful. Today I realized that God is so powerful even in the small quietness of our hearts, but He can speak volumes in those moments as well--especially when a group of His people are aligned with His will.
Reading this book has also caused me to realize that I need to spend some hefty time re-evaluating my own life in so many aspects. My time, money, efforts, etc. I'm hoping to spend a day of retreat before the Lord this weekend. God is using this book as a discipleship tool to remind me of His heartbeat...may mine beat the same way His does.
One quote from the book: When a church or a mission board spends more time in consultation, planning and committee meetings than in prayer, it is a clear indication the members have lost touch with the supernatural and have ended up, in Watchman Nede's words, "serving the house of God and forgot the Lord Himself."
God answered my plea and softened all of our hearts to the realization that we need to focus more on praying about our decisions than making them in an hour's time. God spared us and I am so grateful. Today I realized that God is so powerful even in the small quietness of our hearts, but He can speak volumes in those moments as well--especially when a group of His people are aligned with His will.
Reading this book has also caused me to realize that I need to spend some hefty time re-evaluating my own life in so many aspects. My time, money, efforts, etc. I'm hoping to spend a day of retreat before the Lord this weekend. God is using this book as a discipleship tool to remind me of His heartbeat...may mine beat the same way His does.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Pride in the Lord
Last night as I was reading Psalm 65 a new experience came upon me. I had to think about it for a while in order to communicate it.
And to You the (A)vow will be performed.
2O You who hear prayer,
To You (B)all men come.
3(C)Iniquities prevail against me;
As for our transgressions, You (D)forgive them.
4How (E)blessed is the one whom You (F)choose and bring near to You
To dwell in Your courts
We will be (G)satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
Your holy temple.
5By (H)awesome deeds You answer us in righteousness, O (I)God of our salvation,
You who are the trust of all the (J)ends of the earth and of the farthest (K)sea;
6Who (L)establishes the mountains by His strength,
Being (M)girded with might;
7Who (N)stills the roaring of the seas,
The roaring of their waves,
And the (O)tumult of the peoples.
8They who dwell in the (P)ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs;
You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.
9You visit the earth and (Q)cause it to overflow;
You greatly (R)enrich it;
The (S)stream of God is full of water;
You prepare their (T)grain, for thus You prepare the earth.
10You water its furrows abundantly,
You settle its ridges,
You soften it (U)with showers,
You bless its growth.
11You have crowned the year with Your (V)bounty,
And Your paths (W)drip with fatness.
12(X)The pastures of the wilderness drip,
And the (Y)hills gird themselves with rejoicing.
13The meadows are (Z)clothed with flocks
And the valleys are covered with grain;
They shout for joy, yes, they sing.
I've been in some fun community theatre performances as well as in high school. I know the work and effort it takes to pull off this type of entertainment. Recently I've had the opportunity to watch the shows rather that perform in them. As I've watched I know many of the actors as I had been in shows with them previously. I get so excited and a sense of pride as I know them and they are on stage!
I guess the next closest thing would be seeing my siblings successful in the public light and me saying "he's my brother." As if I have anything to do with his success...but still I am associated with him so I'm able to have that joy and pride.
That is the type of emotion I experienced last night. I was reading about what my God has done and I began to have a sense of pride. Look at what He did! I know that Guy! Not that I can attribute any of my own effort, but because I am associated with Him, through Christ, I can be proud of Him.
Usually I have joy and thankfullness in my heart when I read and see what God has done--but to have a sense of pride--now I know what Paul meant when he said "I will boast in the Lord"
Galations 6:14 (NASB)
14But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Psalm 65
God's Abundant Favor to Earth and Man.
For the choir director. A Psalm of David. A Song.
1There will be silence before You, and praise in Zion, O God,And to You the (A)vow will be performed.
2O You who hear prayer,
To You (B)all men come.
3(C)Iniquities prevail against me;
As for our transgressions, You (D)forgive them.
4How (E)blessed is the one whom You (F)choose and bring near to You
To dwell in Your courts
We will be (G)satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
Your holy temple.
5By (H)awesome deeds You answer us in righteousness, O (I)God of our salvation,
You who are the trust of all the (J)ends of the earth and of the farthest (K)sea;
6Who (L)establishes the mountains by His strength,
Being (M)girded with might;
7Who (N)stills the roaring of the seas,
The roaring of their waves,
And the (O)tumult of the peoples.
8They who dwell in the (P)ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs;
You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.
9You visit the earth and (Q)cause it to overflow;
You greatly (R)enrich it;
The (S)stream of God is full of water;
You prepare their (T)grain, for thus You prepare the earth.
10You water its furrows abundantly,
You settle its ridges,
You soften it (U)with showers,
You bless its growth.
11You have crowned the year with Your (V)bounty,
And Your paths (W)drip with fatness.
12(X)The pastures of the wilderness drip,
And the (Y)hills gird themselves with rejoicing.
13The meadows are (Z)clothed with flocks
And the valleys are covered with grain;
They shout for joy, yes, they sing.
I've been in some fun community theatre performances as well as in high school. I know the work and effort it takes to pull off this type of entertainment. Recently I've had the opportunity to watch the shows rather that perform in them. As I've watched I know many of the actors as I had been in shows with them previously. I get so excited and a sense of pride as I know them and they are on stage!
I guess the next closest thing would be seeing my siblings successful in the public light and me saying "he's my brother." As if I have anything to do with his success...but still I am associated with him so I'm able to have that joy and pride.
That is the type of emotion I experienced last night. I was reading about what my God has done and I began to have a sense of pride. Look at what He did! I know that Guy! Not that I can attribute any of my own effort, but because I am associated with Him, through Christ, I can be proud of Him.
Usually I have joy and thankfullness in my heart when I read and see what God has done--but to have a sense of pride--now I know what Paul meant when he said "I will boast in the Lord"
Galations 6:14 (NASB)
14But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Friends
I remember in high school I didn't have many that I would consider my friends. I was well liked by most and everyone knew me in a positive light...but the "best friend"... I don't know that I truly had that growing up.
I wonder if that's why it is so easy to commune with the Lord--He's been my only constant in my life. He knows all my history and background. I don't have to re-explain everything.
As I've continued into adulthood it has been such a blessing to have those good earthly deep friendships. I'm so grateful for who God has put into my life...even though several of those good friends are far away--our bond is so much deeper as it is grounded in Christ.
God knew even in the beginning of creation how we needed each other as humans. None of us can survive on our own. Our dependence should be fully on Christ, but the need for others is still there.
This past weekend I had the blessing of hanging out and visiting with two very dear friends of mine. And talking with another via skype. What blessed godly women He has put in my life. They help me to be a better person and to want to glorify the Lord. They help me to desire to know the Lord more.
Thank you Father for not only giving me Christ as a friend--but also your dear children here on earth.
I wonder if that's why it is so easy to commune with the Lord--He's been my only constant in my life. He knows all my history and background. I don't have to re-explain everything.
As I've continued into adulthood it has been such a blessing to have those good earthly deep friendships. I'm so grateful for who God has put into my life...even though several of those good friends are far away--our bond is so much deeper as it is grounded in Christ.
God knew even in the beginning of creation how we needed each other as humans. None of us can survive on our own. Our dependence should be fully on Christ, but the need for others is still there.
This past weekend I had the blessing of hanging out and visiting with two very dear friends of mine. And talking with another via skype. What blessed godly women He has put in my life. They help me to be a better person and to want to glorify the Lord. They help me to desire to know the Lord more.
Thank you Father for not only giving me Christ as a friend--but also your dear children here on earth.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Easter
Easter is the most cherished holiday of a believer of Christ. Or is it? The reason for celebrating Easter is to rejoice in the resurrection of who we consider to be our Savior of our spiritual welfare. The fully God and fully man Jesus died on the cross bearing the shame and taking the punishment of every sin of every human being to ever exist. The need to believe and recieve this forgiveness is the avenue for our entry into a relationship with Christ and a hope of eternal life after death.
It's not just fire proof from Hell...is the most cherished and blessed realationship that any person could have with another. The One who created all things...giving us the opportunity to live in a relationship with Him. To live and be lead by Him. To have purpose...not because of anything that we've done...but because of the love and empowerment from God.
Thank you oh my Father for giving us your Son and leaving your Spirit till your work on earth is done.
He is Risen...that's the reason for the season
It's not just fire proof from Hell...is the most cherished and blessed realationship that any person could have with another. The One who created all things...giving us the opportunity to live in a relationship with Him. To live and be lead by Him. To have purpose...not because of anything that we've done...but because of the love and empowerment from God.
Thank you oh my Father for giving us your Son and leaving your Spirit till your work on earth is done.
He is Risen...that's the reason for the season
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Fear of God
As I'm joining my church body in reading through the Bible chronologically, I came across these verses in late January:
It appears to me that the only proper fear is to have fear in God. Not just awe, but an understanding of who God really is and why we have reason to fear Him. When we understand the power of someone and what he/she is capable of-there begins a reverence or a tentativeness to be careful in our interaction with that person. We add caution to our actions.
As I continue to grow in the Lord and learn more aspects of who He is, I'm often set back and reminded...do I really understand who I'm talking to? Because of sin, we are unable to have an intimate and close relationship with God. Yet because of Christ Jesus and His death and resurrection, we are invited to be in relation with the Godhead. That brought be to the next passage:
Exodus 20:18-20 (New American Standard Bible)
18All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance.
19Then they said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, or we will die."
20Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin."
I began thinking of my own life and the current culture I live in and realized how unsacred our fear or even respect of God is so contrary to these verses above. The purpose of fearing God in this passage, was so the people of Israel would enable them to not sin. I then thought of a verse in a song from a famous hymn:
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Amazing Grace Lyrics
John Newton (1725-1807)
It appears to me that the only proper fear is to have fear in God. Not just awe, but an understanding of who God really is and why we have reason to fear Him. When we understand the power of someone and what he/she is capable of-there begins a reverence or a tentativeness to be careful in our interaction with that person. We add caution to our actions.
As I continue to grow in the Lord and learn more aspects of who He is, I'm often set back and reminded...do I really understand who I'm talking to? Because of sin, we are unable to have an intimate and close relationship with God. Yet because of Christ Jesus and His death and resurrection, we are invited to be in relation with the Godhead. That brought be to the next passage:
Hebrews 4:13-15 (New International Version, ©2010)
13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
We can have a wonderful relationship with the same God that those in Exodus shook in fear of--for good reason. They understood the power of this God. Though Christ has made it possible for us to go before God, I need to be reminded that He is not just a fair weather friend...He is the God of the universe and it would do my heart well to fear Him. Not because of power He holds over me...but because I know He has that power and I don't. I didn't earn this relationship with God--He gave it to me. So even though I am invited into a wonderful communion with the Godhead, I still need to remember who this God is--and respect Him accordingly. That is what I'm finding the fear of God to be.
We can have a wonderful relationship with the same God that those in Exodus shook in fear of--for good reason. They understood the power of this God. Though Christ has made it possible for us to go before God, I need to be reminded that He is not just a fair weather friend...He is the God of the universe and it would do my heart well to fear Him. Not because of power He holds over me...but because I know He has that power and I don't. I didn't earn this relationship with God--He gave it to me. So even though I am invited into a wonderful communion with the Godhead, I still need to remember who this God is--and respect Him accordingly. That is what I'm finding the fear of God to be.
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