Friday, September 7, 2012

CAPTIVE OR FREE?


"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principle of this world rather than on Christ." Colossians 2:8

As I listened to the speech makers and commentators at both conventions, this passage continued to come into view. How easily we can be influenced by the words of a good speech and the hype of the crowd. God
 became a central figure and a vote was taken whether he would be included or not in one party's agenda.



It is definitely time for us to focus on this passage to determine what is hollow and deceptive, depending on human tradition and the basic principles of this world. How do we know which is which? We must depend on Christ and his Holy Spirit to reveal truth to us. We must also remember than Christ gave us freedom. 





Listen carefully to the words. Watch the body language. What does it mean? Is it true, is it fair, is it reasonable? So many questions to be answered. Do we take the word of people we know and trust or people who are set up as authorities? 





We live in a complex world. It is sometimes very hard to determine what is right and what is wrong, who speaks the truth and who is influencing us in the wrong way. We often judge by the effect it will have on our finances, our homes, our health. Is it right for others as well as for us? Is it Christian?





Anything that takes freedom away is not of Christ. He transcends time and space, commentators and political parties. Don't be taken captive. Pray and listen.






Wednesday, September 5, 2012

A Praise Worthy Woman


"She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come." Pr 31:25

Can you laugh at the days to come? 

"She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Pr 31:26

Hmmm. Where does she get this wisdom and faithful instruction that she speaks?

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Pr 31:30

Can we mortal wo
men ever live up to this woman Proverbs speaks so highly of.

 We are surrounded by temptations and a world that teaches us everything that would oppose desiring to be like this woman.

 What about you? Are you asking God to help you be the woman he considers worthy of praise or are you more desirous of worldly praise? 

Read Proverbs 31:10-31 to find the answer. It's much easier today that it was in her day.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Joy...The Path to Life


JOY..The Path to Life

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." PS 16:11

Have you ever met the "gloom and doom" Christians? The ones who live behind sour faces and begin their complaints immediately when you meet them? Believe me, I've been turned off by many of these. 

Is "gloom and doom" the attitude Christ has planned for Christians? Indeed not! He has promised to make known to me the path of life and fill me with joy and eternal pleasures. My mind and my heart must stay focused on him, not what surrounds me. If all I see is pain, suffering and sadness with no hope, then I will never escape "gloom and doom." 

But, there is hope and joy in the Lord. When sadness comes, and it will, he is the one who can bring joy into our heart and our life. I know. He did it for me and he will do it for you. Ask him to turn your life around.

"Be joyful in hope; patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Rom 12:12
"You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy." Jn 16:20 b


Sunday, April 15, 2012

Are you Okay? Am I Okay?

Do you ever question your "okayness"? Remember the warm fuzzies that were popular in the 70's to let someone know they were okay? So without the fuzzies, how do we know we are okay today?


Jesus considered us okay enough to give up his life for us. I'm not sure I'm okay enough to give up my life, yet. But I am trying to be a living sacrifice, submitting to God daily, renewing my mind and not being conformed to this world. 


Jesus tells us we are okay when we love one another as he has loved us.


 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34 - 35)



I am trying to use my spiritual gifts in ways that are pleasing to God and will encourage others to follow his teachings. But I can not do this alone. As Hans Denck wrote. "For whoever thinks they belong to Christ must walk the way that Christ walked." He wants us to love him enough to take up our cross and follow him.





I think Martin Luther's words best describes how we will know we are okay: "God does not want hearers and repeaters of words, but doers and followers who exercise themselves in the faith that worketh by love."





Thursday, April 12, 2012

GET OFF THE HORSE


"Do not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress (Alfred A Montapert)

Why are you sitting on top of that horse, just rocking back and forth, going nowhere? Has the Lord inspired you to ministry or some other work in his name and you keep rocking instead of deciding what to do? Are you rocking in fear of failure, trying to figure out how to do this perfectly? Are you getting dizzy from going back and forth with all the negative thoughts that are destroying your confidence in your ability?

Have you forgotten what God has said? Didn't he tell you to "fear not for I am with you?" Didn't you hear him say to "be anxious for nothing, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to him?" So what is holding you back?

Have you considered that it isn't all up to you? When God calls, he provides the skill and the way. Just trust and obey. Take the first step and he will guide the rest of your steps.
He even opens door for you. Remember what he says in Romans 12 about how he equips us for our calling:

"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith. if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosituy; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."

Get off your horse and walk into God's purpose and light being confident in his promises.

Monday, April 9, 2012

What Do You Feed 19 Kids?

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?  If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:9-10 NIV


Limited population growth is being advocated world wide because of growing scarcity of resources. Besides the cost of food, clothing, health care and shelter, parents are also concerned about the cost and availibility of good educational resources. Then many parents have unfulfilled goals they have set aside until the children are grown such as career development, continuing education, travel, pursuing a risky career move, etc. Each family has their own list of reasons to limit the size of the family. 

"What's for breakfast?" This was the theme of the Today show this morning as they visited the Duggan family in Arkansas. This is the family with 19 children and now the older ones are marrying and starting their own families. Just imagine how many eggs were colored and hidden in the yard for Easter egg finding. This family seems to be managing its growth financially and with open arms. They admit to having faith that the Lord will provide and he is doing just that. So why can't everyone believe that the Lord will gift us in caring for our families?

When we depend strictly on our own resources and think selfishly of ourselves, we indeed  need to worry about how we will manage. In doing so, we are limiting what God can give us. He is better than the bank because the gifts he gives are given freely with no interest charged. When we give our children everything they ask for, but don't give them God as their resource for all good gifts, we are depriving them of the greatest gift we can give them for living a good life...Jesus and the cross. 

Therefore when planning a family and how we will feed them, remember it's about more than just nourishment. They need nurturing which comes through love...the love of God through his son, Jesus. Feed your family on trust and faith. Believe that our Father in heaven will give us more than we ask.

"Father in heaven, give us faith and confidence that in whatever situation we are in need that we will depend on  your gifts to sustain and satisfy us. Help us to provide for the needs of our families by placing you in the center."












Saturday, April 7, 2012

THE EMPTY TOMB (revised)

"Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.  So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” (Jn 20:1-2)


Have you ever had something very precious to you stolen? How did you feel? Disappointed? Angry? Lost? Confused?  Those who loved Jesus were grief stricken. Even though he had foretold them his death, they did not fully understand. Their loved one was gone. They felt lost without him. Now to add insult to injury, the tomb was empty. Some one or some thing had stolen the body of their beloved friend. They were filled with emotion. So much so, they had forgotten his promise of resurrection.


Sometimes our lives feel like that tomb. Empty! Jesus isn't there. We feel lost, incomplete, confused, angry, disappointed? Who took him away from us? Consider which of our own attitudes leave us feeling empty. What about envy, negative thoughts, unforgiveness, pride, greed, stubborness, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, drunkenness, sexual imputities and the like? When we focus on these things, we leave little room for Christ in our lives.

He promised more to his disciples when he had to leave them to be with his father, God. He promised to send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. When we invite him into our lives we receive the gifts of the Spirit which include: love, joy, forbearance, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. When we are filled with the Spirit, we are never empty. Our lives are filled to overflowing and we can follow his command to love one another with great generosity.


"Lord, while we wait for your return, keep your Holy Spirit in our hearts so we can follow your example of loving generously and abide by your commands. Help us to be humble servants and worthy of your sacrifice on the cross." 

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Surviving the Colon Prep


I have always admired folks who could keep a fast but I've never been one of them. Today I wish I had taken up the practice so I could be in better shape for this colonoscopy prep.

I do take the colonoscopy seriously. My first husband died from colon cancer and it is indeed better to prep for the test than to face the treatment for the disease. I recommend that everyone talk to their doctor regarding their personal need and bite the bullet and do it.
The prep is the worse part of it and that is much easier than living with any cancer.

But I do wish someone out there would discover clear liquids that were filling. I'm starving and less than half way through the ordeal. I'll never eat lime jello again and I dislike black coffee. Can't wait to add the cream when this is over and fill up on solid food. And a steak would taste so great. One thing is for sure. I'll never be a laxative bulemic.

Please, God just give me patience and strength to get through this.  Turn my mind over to pleasant thoughts and thanfulness that early detetion is one step toward a cure for a devastating disease. Encourage your people to go the preventive route, even if it is unpleasant. I'm thankful for the doctors who continuously work on developing tests and cures. Give them wisdom and skill. And thank you that this is available.

Monday, March 26, 2012

A KIngdom Nobleman


"An honest man is the noblest work of God." (Alexander Pope)

Today I experienced one of God's Noblest Men. I was at the market and in a hurry. I ran in with a twenty dollar bill folded in my hand, grabbed the needed items and headed to the check stand. While stacking the items on the conveyer belt, I noticed the money was gone.

Explaining my situation to the checker, I asked her to hold my items back while I retraced my steps. The money was nowhere to be seen. I spoke very loudly explaining to shoppers in the aisles that I had dropped some money. None admitted seeing it.

I considered it a loss. I came back home, grabbed another $20.00 bill, put it in my billfold this time and headed back the Aldi's. I had a conversation with God about all the stress in my life and that this situation didn't help. I asked him to help me get a better handle on the stress, mentioning the lost money that was a result of my being stressed and in a hurry.

When I walked straight to the checker to see if my groceries were still there, a man in line came up to me and asked, "Are you the lady who lost the money."

I answered affirmatively and he reached in his pocket and handed me the folded bill...the money I never thought I'd see again. I thanked him profusely and complimented him on his honesty, even telling him that God loved him and he was my blessing for the day. He smiled and said, "I knew God I would not be pleasing God if I didn't try to find you. He honors honesty."

PTL! He heard the cry of the stressed out shopper and introduced me to one of his Kingdom's Noblemen.

"I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man." George Washington

"Thank you Lord for restoring my faith that honest men do still exist. Bless this nobel man who saved my money for me."

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Are We Becoming a Tower of Babel?

"The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them." Genesis 11:6 NIV. Thus the Lord created the Tower of Babel to keep the people dependent on him.


Although this was in reference to the Tower of Babel, it makes the point that if we want to get things done, we have to have a common language and goal. This is why it is essential to have an agreed upon vision and mission statement when beginning a project so everyone understands and is in agreement. If we aren't seeing the same vision, how can we expect agreement?


All around us we hear different voices, especially in the political arena. This country began with agreement on a Declaration of Independence and a US Constitution as a basis for government. Over the years changes have been made, so many in fact that it is hard to determine the true origin and intention of some of our laws.


Perhaps it is time we went back to focusing on agreement in terms of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. It means giving up selfish interests for the majority rule. It means interpretation based on a specific goal and mission instead of the opinions of a few.


The people had a common purpose, building a tower to heaven. God destroyed the Tower of Babel because the people would become so powerful they would assume God's authority. By confusing their speech, they would loose the power of a people united in one purpose. Are we loosing our power as a nation because we are not focused on a common vision and purpose and hearing too many different tongues?

Friday, March 23, 2012

Are You Aware?

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but reveal to them their own." (Disraeli)  Disraeli was a very wise man, but Jesus was wiser. So I would change this quote to read "but reveal to them their own riches through Christ Jesus and his grace."

Have you ever passed by someone who looked really downtrodden and sad? Did you keep on going or did you stop and offer them encouragement? Did you tell them everything will be all right? How do you know that to be true? With God it can be true, But do they know about his promises and what he can do?

Sharing Jesus with a stranger is difficult. But we know what the results of having him as a friend can be in someone's life. You would not only be sharing your riches, but the riches of heaven. It's important for eveyone to first of all realize that they were created by a loving God who has blessed them with gifts.

It's when we forget God's love and care for us depression sets in and the downtrodden look appears instead of a smile. Helping someone see they are loved and respected and cared for, can be their first step out of the pits. We have to make them aware of God's love and the riches they are heirs to in Jesus.

The first step is our own awareness. We can not share what we don't have, can we? Then we need to pray that God will give us the right words and believe that he will. We may need to pray for safety. Who can avoid a warm smile and loving demeanor? Put on that face and approach the person. God will take care of the rest.

Lord, make us aware of the needs of others, especially the stranger you have placed in our path who needs to know you. Give us your strength and wisdom to say the right thing that will bring them the gift of Jesus.


Thursday, March 22, 2012

The Rainbow's Promise

"Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking." (Ezekial 1:28)


After the Flood, God sent a rainbow to reassure us that he will never destroy the earth by water again. The Rainbow can also represent the SON coming. Even in our darkest days, we are reassured that the SON will bring light to us. His glory will shine all around us. It's like when the clouds disapear and the sun brightens the day.


The Rainbow is a sign of hope just like the SON is a sign of hope. When you have a rainy day, look to the sky and find the rainbow. See his radiance coming down for you. Remember that God keeps his promises. By seeing the SON in the rainbow we are assured of his love and eternal life through him.


Lord, thank you for the rain that nourishes the earth and your Son who nourishes our spirit and will be with us forever.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Contentment


I don't think I can ever be content according to worldly standards. I'll never drive a Rolls Royce or live in a penthouse in Manhattan or a mansion in Beverly Hills. Nor do I really long for these symbols of opulence. To me contentment rests in my relationship with God.

Like Paul in Philippians, I've learned to be content whatever my circumstances because of my faith in God. I may not have everything I want, but I will have everything I need and probably more. Having the strength to endure and persevere in trials and temptations are more important than having a black belt in Karate. I don't have to depend totally on my own skills. It is through God and his strenghtening that I can do all that I need to be content in my life.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)

Lord, thank you for helping me to finally realize that all I need for contentment is you.

Contentment


I don't think I can ever be content according to worldly standards. I'll never drive a Rolls Royce or live in a penthouse in Manhattan or a mansion in Beverly Hills. Nor do I really long for these symbols of opulence. To me contentment rests in my relationship with God.

Like Paul in Philippians, I've learned to be content whatever my circumstances because of my faith in God. I may not have everything I want, but I will have everything I need and probably more. Having the strength to endure and persevere in trials and temptations are more important than having a black belt in Karate. I don't have to depend totally on my own skills. It is through God and his strenghtening that I can do all that I need to be content in my life.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)

Lord, thank you for helping me to finally realize that all I need for contentment is you.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Storms Predicted


Instead of prophets, we have meteorologists warning us of troubles to come. For the past couple of days we've been warned about the storm moving into North Texas, including the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Warnings include threat of rain, wind, flooding, hail and possible tornadoes. This weather threat is THE news.

Unfortunately there is little we can do in preparation because we do not know the exact time or location where this weather event will hit. If we live in a flood prone area, we can make sandbags. We can see that our vehicles are covered to protect from hail. We can plan family drills so everyone knows were to go when the sirens come on. We can store up food and water. But there is little we can do physically that would alter the direction and damage the storm will cause.

What we CAN do is pray and have a Bible in our sheltered area. Memorizing scripture verses that celebrate God's goodness and tell of his great love and protection can be a valuable tool in dealing with a disaster. Faith and hope are what get folks thru these events. We have to press forward, helping our neighbors and our community with recovery. Remember the God who took the Israelites through a parting of the Red Sea to bring them out of bondage in Israel? He is still here for us.


"The clouds poured out water; the skies thundered; your arrows flashed on every side. The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lit up the world; the earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea, your path, through the mighty waters; yet your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron." Psalm 77:16-20

When we are threatened by harmful weather, remember God sent us a shepherd to lead his flock to safety.

Lord, we know you will protect us as the storms come through our area. Give us your strength and increase our faith and hope in you.



Sunday, March 18, 2012

COME WITH ME

"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.
 Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves is heard in our land.
The fig tree forms its early fruit; The blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling; My beautiful one, come with me.” (Song of Solomon 2:11-13)



Like Solomon, could this be a song we sing to the lover of our soul? Although for most of us this was the year Winter forgot, Spring is here bringing needed rain to the area around me. New life appears everywhere, evidence of God's creative power. 


It is the season of lent, the time we seek the meaning of the Cross....that symbol of the lover of our soul. He died on the cross for our transgressions but on the third day he arose in all his glory. There is no greater love or promise than eternal life with him. We were dead in our sins, but he lifted us up. All he asks of us is, "Come with me."



Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Divine Power

Are we productive in our calling or crippled by the corruption of the world and evil forces?  How can our calling and election be assured?
2 Peter 1:2-9 holds the answer. First, Jesus' divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him and His promises so we can participate in His divine nature.
"For this very reason make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness knowledge; to knowledge self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love." (2 Peter 1:5-7)
How can these qualities keep us from being ineffective and unproductive? Without them we become nearsigted and blind. We forget we have been cleansed from sin.
When we take on these qualities of Christ's divine power we are assured we will be welcomed into the eternal kingdom. With God's love and Jesus beside us and the Holy Spirit guiding us, we will be able to lead others to him and fullfill our calling to go out into the world and disciple others.
Lord, help us to grow in your love and divine power so we can perform the acts you have called us to.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Eager Willingness to Support His Work

We are often told to give sacrificially. What does that mean?
So often when I am asked to contribute to a specific need I regret that I can not do more. Yet, I know that if God sanctions the need, whatever is needed for it will be available by his hand. It is certainly not all up to me.
I love what 2 Corinthians 8:10-11 tells us: "My advice for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give, but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not acording to what he does not have."
No pressure, there. God knows our hearts and our ability and accepts what we are able to do. He is more interested in our willingness to support his work, than the amount given. And don't forget, he tells us to finish the work. Our willingness to begin the work must be matched by our willingness to complete it. And it must be in eager willingness according to what we are able to do, not through guilt or coersion.




Eager Willingness to Support His Work

We are often told to give sacrificially. What does that mean?
So often when I am asked to contribute to a specific need I regret that I can not do more. Yet, I know that if God sanctions the need, whatever is needed for it will be available by his hand. It is certainly not all up to me.
I love what 2 Corinthians 8:10-11 tells us: "My advice for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give, but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not acording to what he does not have."
No pressure, there. God knows our hearts and our ability and accepts what we are able to do. He is more interested in our willingness to support his work, than the amount given. And don't forget, he tells us to finish the work. Our willingness to begin the work must be matched by our willingness to complete it. And it must be in eager willingness according to what we are able to do, not through guilt or coersion.




Saturday, March 10, 2012

Time's Up, Lord

You ask God for help. What is your expectation? How long do you give him to bring the help you ask for? A day? A week? A year? When do you take matters into your own hands?
"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more." Psalm 71:14
Remember God is the creator and deliverer of time. When we ask for his help, we do so with hope and expectation. When we start putting time limits on God, we actually limit his helpfulness.
So ask, then wait. Praise him. Walk in his strength. Do what is right, pray unceasingly and get out of God's way.
So what can we expect?
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Friday, March 9, 2012

Alive or Withered


"Remain in me and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself: it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." (John 15:4-8) Four times remain is mentioned in the first 3 sentences of this passage. Continuing through verse 8, remain is listed a total of 8 times. Would you agree with me that Jesus wants us to remain in him?

What happens if we don't remain in him? Think about what happens with the broken or cut branch from a tree. Without the source of life the tree provides, it withers and dies. It is no longer productive for shade or bearing fruit. 

This is what happens to us when we do not remain in Christ, the source of our spiritual life and survival. As we spend less time in him and he in us, we wither and die and, no longer able to bear the fruit for God's glory, we cease to be functioning disciples.

The secret to remaining fruitful for our Lord then is simple. Read and study scripture, pray and meditate on the Word, spend quiet time in his presence and follow where he is leading, in full faith and trust. Remain (abide) in him and he will remain (abide in you). Stay connected to the vine, our life source, and remain fully alive.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

When God Calls, Just Do It.


Is God calling you to a job or action he wants you to take for him? What's holding you back? Even King Solomon with all his wisdom had reservations about his ability to build the temple. I love David's advice, "be strong and corageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you untill all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished," (1Chron 28:20)
Still not sure? "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." (Prov 16:9)
Okay. Try trusting in the Lord and leaning not on your own understanding. "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." (Prov. 16:3)
Perhaps now is the time to begin. If you follow God's will, you are guaranteed success. Just remember you are doing it for his glory.
So go ahead. When he calls, just do it.