Ephesians 4:14-16,29-32
14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
I've been thinking more about the election. I've been talking to people about it and reading different opinions. I don't remember what made me think about the Westborough Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. And I came across their opinion of Obama which was (no surprise) that he was the Anti-Christ. And they constantly do whatever they can to spew hate into the world, as if there wasn't enough of that in the world already.
So, this makes me rethink my own opinion of him. I do not agree with these people at all! But, I do know what my gut says, and it has always said to proceed with caution because this man isn't transparent with his intentions. That, for me, is a huge caution sign. No one but God knows what is unfolding with this choice. But many of us who desire to earnestly follow God are uneasy about our future because we know what is said to be our fate when the Anti-Christ does come if we continue to stand strong in the Lord. Whether you believe we will be spared any of the tribulation or that we will endure some part of it, we are confident that we will have to stand under some level of persecution. I know this undesirable for most of us, but at the same time we long to be with our God. If the latter is true, then the former should be relatively easy to put out of our minds because of the joy being with the Lord will bring us.
It is for this reason that I am not concerned for what is coming. I want to live my life as a living sacrifice, though I know I am not where I should be in this endeavor. I truly want to fully trust God in His will for his people everywhere, and I find persecution as an honorably difficult thing that so many are enduring each day in India, Africa, Indonesia, and many other places all over our world.
So, as I meditate on all these things I was reminded of how we are to reach out in love and let our words reflect the love God has poured out to us by giving us the ultimate give of salvation. What is so easily understood by those who love God with all of who they are, is completely incomprehensible to those who can not wrap their minds around a God who can truly, fully love and yet be be the ultimate just judge.
May these words from Scripture open our minds to God's true love, and not our interpretation of what love should be. God please help us to be awesome witnesses for your Kingdom in the mist of this time of great uncertainty.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Fulfillment of a Completely Wayward Nation...
Psalm 39
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
1 I said, "I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
as long as the wicked are in my presence."
2 But when I was silent and still,
not even saying anything good,
my anguish increased.
3 My heart grew hot within me,
and as I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:
4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah
6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the scorn of fools.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth,
for you are the one who has done this.
10 Remove your scourge from me;
I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 You rebuke and discipline men for their sin;
you consume their wealth like a moth—
each man is but a breath.
Selah
12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD,
listen to my cry for help;
be not deaf to my weeping.
For I dwell with you as an alien,
a stranger, as all my fathers were.
13 Look away from me, that I may rejoice again
before I depart and am no more."
Tonight our lives are changed forever. I believe we are one step closer to Christ's return. This is strangely bittersweet. I always long for it, but I don't want to live in a nation that these men are running and being backed up by a liberal legislature. We are closer to becoming as godless as Europe. I believe this is the ultimate plan. Because I believe God is in control and behind this outcome it does make me think of what God has planned.
I know that this situation will mean the tax breaks that have helped us will be gone when they should have been a longterm solution. Also, I believe that the immorality that we struggle to swallow today will cause us to puke tomorrow. There will be greater pain and suffering to the American family because unwanted children will disappear as if they were never conceived. There will be an increase in skirting individuals' responsibilities, and we will have to bear the responsibility of the consequences of their instant self-gratification. There will be an increase in the sentiment that American's are entitled to things they do not earn.
Don't get me wrong because I am all for charity to those who truly need it, but today I have heard so many people say that they were in love with the winner of the election because he understands them. And he can provide what they need. What deepens the craziness of all this deep admiration for this mere man is that the young American's are in love with him because he is like Elvis in his time, or Paris Hilton is today. This man appears intelligent, well spoken, beautiful with a beautiful family, presidential, popular, but they don't see the man behind the curtain that is dangerous because none of these things will bring financial success, an actual end to the war they hate, health reform, or tax relief for the majority of us. What I see is the opposite because few understand that there is absolute truth in this life, and they will ultimately have to submit to it despite what they believe.
I am fully confident that God is in control and that He is orchestrating all that is going on right now. But, it does cause me to wonder where we are headed. Are we headed to pure socialistic secularism society just as Europe is? This is what our new president has been conveying will be his intent to move in that directions. Wasn't that why he went to Europe? Isn't that why they love him? Didn't he want the American people to consider how wonderful life would be like if we didn't have anything to worry about because the government would tell us what we want and take all our money? This doesn't give me any comfort because I see the future of our nation becoming so foolish, and they are completely blinded to this fact.
This cements the thoughts that I have to do my absolute best in teaching my girls that this sort of foolishness isn't the way they should go even though it isn't popular. God will not bless those who are popular, but he blesses those who are humbled before Him as well as those who serve Him fully unashamed. We have to stand in one accord to make truth once again reside in this great nation.
One thing I hope this puts an end to is the constant over exaggeration of racism in this country. I believe this proves that sexism is much greater than racism. The worse offenders of this are women themselves. If you don't believe me then talk to some one who feels strongly on either side of the conversation about whether stay-at-home moms' work is equal to their working counterparts. Or even talk about the issues that mean so much to feminist. Palin received the worse critizism from the women on the left because she was pro-life which was blown way out of proportion was the fact that her daughter made a poor choice that pushed theses individuals to crucify her as a terrible mother that worked too much to teach her daughther how to put a condom on her boyfriend instead of actually having any expectations for her daughter to live up to. Also, they said that she was inhumaine because she hunted animals that were placed on this earth for clothing and food, but again she was critisized because she wouldn't murder a baby that wasn't perfect because that's not inhumaine at all in their mind at all.
Lord help our eyes see Your Truth not what we perceive as truth that can only apply to us!
Amen!!!
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
1 I said, "I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
as long as the wicked are in my presence."
2 But when I was silent and still,
not even saying anything good,
my anguish increased.
3 My heart grew hot within me,
and as I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:
4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah
6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the scorn of fools.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth,
for you are the one who has done this.
10 Remove your scourge from me;
I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 You rebuke and discipline men for their sin;
you consume their wealth like a moth—
each man is but a breath.
Selah
12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD,
listen to my cry for help;
be not deaf to my weeping.
For I dwell with you as an alien,
a stranger, as all my fathers were.
13 Look away from me, that I may rejoice again
before I depart and am no more."
Tonight our lives are changed forever. I believe we are one step closer to Christ's return. This is strangely bittersweet. I always long for it, but I don't want to live in a nation that these men are running and being backed up by a liberal legislature. We are closer to becoming as godless as Europe. I believe this is the ultimate plan. Because I believe God is in control and behind this outcome it does make me think of what God has planned.
I know that this situation will mean the tax breaks that have helped us will be gone when they should have been a longterm solution. Also, I believe that the immorality that we struggle to swallow today will cause us to puke tomorrow. There will be greater pain and suffering to the American family because unwanted children will disappear as if they were never conceived. There will be an increase in skirting individuals' responsibilities, and we will have to bear the responsibility of the consequences of their instant self-gratification. There will be an increase in the sentiment that American's are entitled to things they do not earn.
Don't get me wrong because I am all for charity to those who truly need it, but today I have heard so many people say that they were in love with the winner of the election because he understands them. And he can provide what they need. What deepens the craziness of all this deep admiration for this mere man is that the young American's are in love with him because he is like Elvis in his time, or Paris Hilton is today. This man appears intelligent, well spoken, beautiful with a beautiful family, presidential, popular, but they don't see the man behind the curtain that is dangerous because none of these things will bring financial success, an actual end to the war they hate, health reform, or tax relief for the majority of us. What I see is the opposite because few understand that there is absolute truth in this life, and they will ultimately have to submit to it despite what they believe.
I am fully confident that God is in control and that He is orchestrating all that is going on right now. But, it does cause me to wonder where we are headed. Are we headed to pure socialistic secularism society just as Europe is? This is what our new president has been conveying will be his intent to move in that directions. Wasn't that why he went to Europe? Isn't that why they love him? Didn't he want the American people to consider how wonderful life would be like if we didn't have anything to worry about because the government would tell us what we want and take all our money? This doesn't give me any comfort because I see the future of our nation becoming so foolish, and they are completely blinded to this fact.
This cements the thoughts that I have to do my absolute best in teaching my girls that this sort of foolishness isn't the way they should go even though it isn't popular. God will not bless those who are popular, but he blesses those who are humbled before Him as well as those who serve Him fully unashamed. We have to stand in one accord to make truth once again reside in this great nation.
One thing I hope this puts an end to is the constant over exaggeration of racism in this country. I believe this proves that sexism is much greater than racism. The worse offenders of this are women themselves. If you don't believe me then talk to some one who feels strongly on either side of the conversation about whether stay-at-home moms' work is equal to their working counterparts. Or even talk about the issues that mean so much to feminist. Palin received the worse critizism from the women on the left because she was pro-life which was blown way out of proportion was the fact that her daughter made a poor choice that pushed theses individuals to crucify her as a terrible mother that worked too much to teach her daughther how to put a condom on her boyfriend instead of actually having any expectations for her daughter to live up to. Also, they said that she was inhumaine because she hunted animals that were placed on this earth for clothing and food, but again she was critisized because she wouldn't murder a baby that wasn't perfect because that's not inhumaine at all in their mind at all.
Lord help our eyes see Your Truth not what we perceive as truth that can only apply to us!
Amen!!!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Are We Seeking the Correct Justice In Our World?
Habakkuk 1:2-4
Habakkuk's Complaint
2 How long, O LORD, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, "Violence!"
but you do not save?
3 Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
4 Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
so that justice is perverted.
Habakkuk was crying out for God to right the wrong in His people. God's response to Habakkuk was basically, "If I told you wouldn't believe me, so just sit tight and watch what I'm going to do. I am going to send the most violent, arrogant, opulent people to deliver my justice on My people. I've warned them, and they still refuse to listen and obey."
I have been meditating on the concept of justice for awhile now. I am a person that wants to see people get what they deserve like when you see someone driving recklessly. It was about a year ago when Ryan, the girls, and myself were going out to Mexican. There was this chick in an Explorer that was driving erratically to the point she almost slammed into the back of us several times. The last time she almost hit us she slammed on her breaks so hard her tires were squealing, and she had to pull off onto the shoulder. As if this wasn't egregious enough she proceeded to pass us in a no passing zone where she really couldn't see the on-coming traffic. I have to admit I wasn't happy to say the least because I had two little girls, one being a little over 6 months old. I felt the safety of my family and myself was being compromised and there wasn't anyone to correct this maniac's behavior. After it was all over, I asked Ryan, "Why is it there is never a cop around to see this type of recklessness?!?!?!? But if you or I have a stupid light out on our licence plate there always is one to make sure we are aware?"
Maybe you have asked yourself the same question because of a similar situation. Perhaps you've even cried out for justice, but haven't seen any. I think many times we even experience similar situations with those whom we share a pew. These individuals seem to live without any thought of the consequences of their decisions, and God seems to not do anything. Perhaps you've done what we've all done at least once because we felt led to spread the truth about true Christian living was to really look like, and later learned that you pushed that person further from God. I think sometimes we get wrapped up in the legalistic list that make us feel like we are godly, and we forget that we were commanded to speak to each other in love. (Ephesians 4:15)
Tonight is the eve of the presidential election, and I sense an air of apprehension. There are so many factors that are in play in this election that has gotten a lot of people feeling trapped. Many are questioning if either of the candidate can save us, if they can steer us out of this darkness. I think this speaks volumes to where our nation is in terms of it's faith. This really saddens me because it's hard to know how this will factor into who will win.
I have to admit that I am like a lot of people and feel that there isn't a right choice in this vote. It's truly picking the lesser of two evils. I am not afraid of what is to come because I know that God is ultimately in control, and neither of these guys can do anything apart from God. I trust God to provide and protect my family. He will be our Savior, not some politician in Washington. Still I pray because I know I still need His strength to hang in there and not be shaken by the uncertainty that the future holds no matter who is in charge next year.
Habakkuk's Complaint
2 How long, O LORD, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, "Violence!"
but you do not save?
3 Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
4 Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
so that justice is perverted.
Habakkuk was crying out for God to right the wrong in His people. God's response to Habakkuk was basically, "If I told you wouldn't believe me, so just sit tight and watch what I'm going to do. I am going to send the most violent, arrogant, opulent people to deliver my justice on My people. I've warned them, and they still refuse to listen and obey."
I have been meditating on the concept of justice for awhile now. I am a person that wants to see people get what they deserve like when you see someone driving recklessly. It was about a year ago when Ryan, the girls, and myself were going out to Mexican. There was this chick in an Explorer that was driving erratically to the point she almost slammed into the back of us several times. The last time she almost hit us she slammed on her breaks so hard her tires were squealing, and she had to pull off onto the shoulder. As if this wasn't egregious enough she proceeded to pass us in a no passing zone where she really couldn't see the on-coming traffic. I have to admit I wasn't happy to say the least because I had two little girls, one being a little over 6 months old. I felt the safety of my family and myself was being compromised and there wasn't anyone to correct this maniac's behavior. After it was all over, I asked Ryan, "Why is it there is never a cop around to see this type of recklessness?!?!?!? But if you or I have a stupid light out on our licence plate there always is one to make sure we are aware?"
Maybe you have asked yourself the same question because of a similar situation. Perhaps you've even cried out for justice, but haven't seen any. I think many times we even experience similar situations with those whom we share a pew. These individuals seem to live without any thought of the consequences of their decisions, and God seems to not do anything. Perhaps you've done what we've all done at least once because we felt led to spread the truth about true Christian living was to really look like, and later learned that you pushed that person further from God. I think sometimes we get wrapped up in the legalistic list that make us feel like we are godly, and we forget that we were commanded to speak to each other in love. (Ephesians 4:15)
Tonight is the eve of the presidential election, and I sense an air of apprehension. There are so many factors that are in play in this election that has gotten a lot of people feeling trapped. Many are questioning if either of the candidate can save us, if they can steer us out of this darkness. I think this speaks volumes to where our nation is in terms of it's faith. This really saddens me because it's hard to know how this will factor into who will win.
I have to admit that I am like a lot of people and feel that there isn't a right choice in this vote. It's truly picking the lesser of two evils. I am not afraid of what is to come because I know that God is ultimately in control, and neither of these guys can do anything apart from God. I trust God to provide and protect my family. He will be our Savior, not some politician in Washington. Still I pray because I know I still need His strength to hang in there and not be shaken by the uncertainty that the future holds no matter who is in charge next year.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Random Thoughts
2 Timothy 3
Godlessness in the Last Days
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
Paul's Charge to Timothy
10You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I came across this passage, and was intrigued with it. I don't know why I keep coming across these type of Scriptures right now, but I do. I don't know that I have any great revelation about this passage, but I felt I should share it here for what it's worth. I hope that God can help us to become more of who we should be in Him.
I will say this though, I have felt at times I relate to verse 7 where it says that these people are "...always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth." I don't know this to be true, but I feel that way at times, especially when I try to memorize Scripture. God help me in my struggles in this life to put them off and follow you unashamedily (is this even a word? I have a B.A., so I'm going with it!) with all of my being.
The only deep thought I have on this is something that I've felt for a few years now. These Scriptures resonate with what I see happening around me. I don't always know how to view these things, but I see them. I don't know what they mean in the grand sceem of things. I don't know what God is unvealing. I am doing my best to be watchful, but not be consumed with the process of watching as Jesus worned his disciples at his accention.
God help ready your people for the fulfillment of your will for us at this time in history. Help those who struggle, help those who have lost their way on this journey, and help your Church heal within, so that it can be the vessel which you can use to pour out your Spirit on this generation to raise them up for your purposes. Amen!
Godlessness in the Last Days
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
Paul's Charge to Timothy
10You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I came across this passage, and was intrigued with it. I don't know why I keep coming across these type of Scriptures right now, but I do. I don't know that I have any great revelation about this passage, but I felt I should share it here for what it's worth. I hope that God can help us to become more of who we should be in Him.
I will say this though, I have felt at times I relate to verse 7 where it says that these people are "...always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth." I don't know this to be true, but I feel that way at times, especially when I try to memorize Scripture. God help me in my struggles in this life to put them off and follow you unashamedily (is this even a word? I have a B.A., so I'm going with it!) with all of my being.
The only deep thought I have on this is something that I've felt for a few years now. These Scriptures resonate with what I see happening around me. I don't always know how to view these things, but I see them. I don't know what they mean in the grand sceem of things. I don't know what God is unvealing. I am doing my best to be watchful, but not be consumed with the process of watching as Jesus worned his disciples at his accention.
God help ready your people for the fulfillment of your will for us at this time in history. Help those who struggle, help those who have lost their way on this journey, and help your Church heal within, so that it can be the vessel which you can use to pour out your Spirit on this generation to raise them up for your purposes. Amen!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Are We?
Psalm 139
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
This is an interesting Psalm to me. Verses 13 to 16 are used to encourage women to see themselves as God sees them and not as the world or how they see themselves. But I find the whole even more interesting. It is a great reminder of the fact that no matter what we thing we can not keep anything away from God. He knows the worst of ourselves and still he loves us, pursues us, and longs for deep relationship with us. Yet, we deceive ourselves to believe that we are crafty enough to keep our deepest sins from everyone...even God. But this just isn't the truth and this is why we have to be honest with ourselves and those around us. This is why we must be humble and not judgemental. But the best part of this Psalm is the last two verses because David gives us a great example of being honest with ourselves that since we can't deceive God we should give into His will of being free from all sin. We have to ask for all that is rebellious against God that is in us to be laid bare so that nothing will fester in the darkness of deception.
I'm reminded of all the things I struggle with each day, and how I fail to find freedom from this sin, these strongholds. I am encouraged though because I know that God's will is for me to be free and to be mastered by nothing. I know he promises me that I do not have to be tomorrow who I was when I woke up this morning. But I do feel very much like Paul when he wrote:
14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
I've often wondered when I will see freedom in the many areas that I know I struggle with. The only thing I can be certain of is that I will continue to struggle until I am on the flip side. The pushes me further towards desiring heaven. But I remember that the journey is as important as anything in this life. Just living life gives us greater opportunities to be refined, to grow in God, and find the total freedom that Jesus died to give us. Perseverance is the ultimate struggle in this life. It is the hardest thing because life is tough, rough, and intense. It is easy for us to become weary and distracted with all the ups and downs that can occur on a day-to-day basis. This is why I struggle so much because I understand that no matter how hard I try I can do nothing apart from God, yet I still forget and try in my own strength. When will I ever learn?
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
This is an interesting Psalm to me. Verses 13 to 16 are used to encourage women to see themselves as God sees them and not as the world or how they see themselves. But I find the whole even more interesting. It is a great reminder of the fact that no matter what we thing we can not keep anything away from God. He knows the worst of ourselves and still he loves us, pursues us, and longs for deep relationship with us. Yet, we deceive ourselves to believe that we are crafty enough to keep our deepest sins from everyone...even God. But this just isn't the truth and this is why we have to be honest with ourselves and those around us. This is why we must be humble and not judgemental. But the best part of this Psalm is the last two verses because David gives us a great example of being honest with ourselves that since we can't deceive God we should give into His will of being free from all sin. We have to ask for all that is rebellious against God that is in us to be laid bare so that nothing will fester in the darkness of deception.
I'm reminded of all the things I struggle with each day, and how I fail to find freedom from this sin, these strongholds. I am encouraged though because I know that God's will is for me to be free and to be mastered by nothing. I know he promises me that I do not have to be tomorrow who I was when I woke up this morning. But I do feel very much like Paul when he wrote:
14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
I've often wondered when I will see freedom in the many areas that I know I struggle with. The only thing I can be certain of is that I will continue to struggle until I am on the flip side. The pushes me further towards desiring heaven. But I remember that the journey is as important as anything in this life. Just living life gives us greater opportunities to be refined, to grow in God, and find the total freedom that Jesus died to give us. Perseverance is the ultimate struggle in this life. It is the hardest thing because life is tough, rough, and intense. It is easy for us to become weary and distracted with all the ups and downs that can occur on a day-to-day basis. This is why I struggle so much because I understand that no matter how hard I try I can do nothing apart from God, yet I still forget and try in my own strength. When will I ever learn?
Monday, October 20, 2008
This Is Our New Home!!!
This is the Front of the house. Kind of cute, eh?
Next we have the entry. It's small, but not toobad.
This is the kitchen. It's bigger than it looks in this picture.
Next is the bathroom. It has a strange shower. It's not too small.
This is the upstairs living area. This will be our dinning room/tv area/play area for the girls.
The girl's bedroom. It is very small. They don't do much in they're room anyway so it shouldn't be a big deal yet.
This is our room. The swags are going, and I will replace them with chocolate colored curtains. I have a chocolate colored rug to go in here too.
This is the upstairs living area. This will be our dinning room/tv area/play area for the girls.
The girl's bedroom. It is very small. They don't do much in they're room anyway so it shouldn't be a big deal yet.
This is our room. The swags are going, and I will replace them with chocolate colored curtains. I have a chocolate colored rug to go in here too.
This is the 3rd bedroom that is down stairs. This will be the spare bedroom/study/arts and craft studio.
This is the "Man Bench". This is just outside the downstairs bedroom. And to the left of the bench is the laundry area. It's nothing to write home about so I haven't added it. :)
This is the "Man Cave"/Theater room. This is a new style called "Retro". ;) The panelling that is.
This is the HUGE garage. This should be really nice for us since we don't have too much storage in the house.
So that is the house. I now realize I've not taken a picture of the back yard yet. I will post more pictures when I have everything in place. I hope that won't take too long!
Monday, October 13, 2008
What Are You To Do When God Calls For Change In Your Life?
Jeremiah 29:11-14a
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.
I am writing this from the basement of our new home. Yes, I did say home...a house...you know one of those things you live in that isn't an apartment! I'm trying to contain my excitement about being in a house for the first time since I left my family's home 11 years ago, but I don't think it's working. :)
It isn't a huge house, but it is spacious enough for me. It has 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 living areas (the one in the basement has been dubbed "The Man Cave" by my handsome hubby), next to that is "The Man Bench" that he can work on his manly projects. The kitchen is put together a little oddly and there is NO DISHWASHER, so Ryan said that he would be my new dishwasher since he chose this house for the Man Bench, Man Cave, and the huge garage. There is also a built-in desk in the kitchen. The entry is very small and just to the right is this planter filled with rock. It reminds me of a couple of Chinese restaurants in Houston, so I'm resisting the urge to stick a sign in the rocks that says, "Please Wait To Be Seated". The front and back yards are pretty small, but that just means less grass to mow for the 3 weeks...er...I mean 3 months that you can mow, right?
So that's the house. It has taken us a lot longer to complete the move because of almost a week of snowfall. I prayed that we'd be able to find a house and move in before November 1st because my husband said that the weather would be fine until then. In hindsight, maybe before the first snow would have been a better indicator. ;) We still have about 1/3 or so of our things still in our other apartment, so we have to get those things this week hopefully.
I'm so ready for everything to be settled. I'm so thankful that we are moving now because the girls have been cool with the whole process. I remember the couple of moves I did in Jr. and Sr. high, and how hard those were for me. It's really like a fun adventure for the girls, and that is exciting for me too. For weeks before our packing and moving the girls have had runny noses with a little fever and then I would feel ill from my gallbladder issues and allergies. We've gone back and forth that way for 3 weeks or so. It's made me so unmotivated to do the whole moving thing, well really anything. Though, who really ever wants to move?
So to the verse. I chose it because this move to Montana has been a very long journey. It has been just over 4 years since this process started for me, at least. I can't speak for Ryan. When I have prayed about moving to Montana this scripture has come to mind very often. It came up again when Ryan and I started talking about moving this spring. Ryan was really unsure if we should do it or not. It almost seemed I was more for it than he was. After many, many, many hours (like a $1,000 worth of calls) I began to see that he really wanted it but any apprehension I had would stop him from even considering the move. It was probably almost a week of talking and praying when I heard from God. (Wow, that sounds so cheesy.) I know it was God because it wasn't so much what I wanted to hear, but when I heard I knew it was truth. Do you know what I mean? It's like when your dad looks at you and tells you that your behavior, friends, clothing, make-up or whatever isn't becoming. You feel hurt or anxious by his words but you know that there is the truth that pushes you to make changes that will make you a much better person in the long run. But you know that the change will require lots of hard work. I felt God telling me that I needed to step out in faith, to trust Him, and that this move was a part of His plan for my family and I. One thing that really held me back was my brother's accident. I had considered saying no to the move because of what my family was going through because I knew it would put more stress on them, but I felt God was saying that I could choose Him or my extended family. This Scripture came to mind:
Matthew 19:16-30:The Rich Young Man
16Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
17"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
18"Which ones?" the man inquired.
Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19honor your father and mother,'[d] and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'[e]"
20"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"
21Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
23Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"
26Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
27Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?"
28Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother[f] or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
It was and it still is unbelievably hard for me. I don't know if anyone will ever totally know how hard it has been, but at the same time I've felt an unbelievable peace throughout this process. I have always been an insecure and anxious person. but this hasn't been true for this adventure. That is SO GOD and SO NOT ME! :)
So, anyway, I felt God was also saying that I needed to take one for the team in a way because Ryan needed to get away from his former job. His job wasn't good for him or for our family. He was suffering and it was causing us to suffer as well. I basically needed to do this for the well being of my family. This is so true because I have seen Ryan become much lighter in his countenance than he has been since he took over the management position at his former employer, or maybe even ever. So we've all been much happier. Praise the Lord!
The other aspect of this adventure is that I felt like God was calling us to some sort of ministry. There is so much that has been going on with this aspect of our lives, but I will reserve that story for another entry since this one is SO long. I will say that Ryan and I have been helping his brother and sister-in-law with their youth group on Sunday night. They are super excited because they have not helpers since they started 2 years ago. I am going to go to the youth convention this coming weekend. It will be cool to be able to be away from the girls though I will miss them something awful, but it will also be cool to have the opportunity to serve. I also get to experience something Ryan did growing up. I hope to understand him more through this experience.
In conclusion, I love the Scriptures above and find it interesting that we so often focus on only verse 11. I love what the next few verses in Jeremiah say: 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. Maybe sometimes we get ourselves into a place of captivity when we become complacent with much less than what God plans for us because we don't trust God to do the impossible in our lives which in the end pushes us farther from Him. The plans God has for us is to draw us closer to Him, not closer to greater wealth, more friends, extra busyness, or any other worldly endeavor. He does bless His children, but his blessings aren't be be worshiped. We are to worship Him. How far do you have to grow in this area? I know I have a long way to go. But I am encouraged because I know God has promised that I will not be the same person today that I was yesterday. Praise the Lord!
I will post more often now that we have internet at home, and I will also post pictures when we get the other laptop to our new home.
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.
I am writing this from the basement of our new home. Yes, I did say home...a house...you know one of those things you live in that isn't an apartment! I'm trying to contain my excitement about being in a house for the first time since I left my family's home 11 years ago, but I don't think it's working. :)
It isn't a huge house, but it is spacious enough for me. It has 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 living areas (the one in the basement has been dubbed "The Man Cave" by my handsome hubby), next to that is "The Man Bench" that he can work on his manly projects. The kitchen is put together a little oddly and there is NO DISHWASHER, so Ryan said that he would be my new dishwasher since he chose this house for the Man Bench, Man Cave, and the huge garage. There is also a built-in desk in the kitchen. The entry is very small and just to the right is this planter filled with rock. It reminds me of a couple of Chinese restaurants in Houston, so I'm resisting the urge to stick a sign in the rocks that says, "Please Wait To Be Seated". The front and back yards are pretty small, but that just means less grass to mow for the 3 weeks...er...I mean 3 months that you can mow, right?
So that's the house. It has taken us a lot longer to complete the move because of almost a week of snowfall. I prayed that we'd be able to find a house and move in before November 1st because my husband said that the weather would be fine until then. In hindsight, maybe before the first snow would have been a better indicator. ;) We still have about 1/3 or so of our things still in our other apartment, so we have to get those things this week hopefully.
I'm so ready for everything to be settled. I'm so thankful that we are moving now because the girls have been cool with the whole process. I remember the couple of moves I did in Jr. and Sr. high, and how hard those were for me. It's really like a fun adventure for the girls, and that is exciting for me too. For weeks before our packing and moving the girls have had runny noses with a little fever and then I would feel ill from my gallbladder issues and allergies. We've gone back and forth that way for 3 weeks or so. It's made me so unmotivated to do the whole moving thing, well really anything. Though, who really ever wants to move?
So to the verse. I chose it because this move to Montana has been a very long journey. It has been just over 4 years since this process started for me, at least. I can't speak for Ryan. When I have prayed about moving to Montana this scripture has come to mind very often. It came up again when Ryan and I started talking about moving this spring. Ryan was really unsure if we should do it or not. It almost seemed I was more for it than he was. After many, many, many hours (like a $1,000 worth of calls) I began to see that he really wanted it but any apprehension I had would stop him from even considering the move. It was probably almost a week of talking and praying when I heard from God. (Wow, that sounds so cheesy.) I know it was God because it wasn't so much what I wanted to hear, but when I heard I knew it was truth. Do you know what I mean? It's like when your dad looks at you and tells you that your behavior, friends, clothing, make-up or whatever isn't becoming. You feel hurt or anxious by his words but you know that there is the truth that pushes you to make changes that will make you a much better person in the long run. But you know that the change will require lots of hard work. I felt God telling me that I needed to step out in faith, to trust Him, and that this move was a part of His plan for my family and I. One thing that really held me back was my brother's accident. I had considered saying no to the move because of what my family was going through because I knew it would put more stress on them, but I felt God was saying that I could choose Him or my extended family. This Scripture came to mind:
Matthew 19:16-30:The Rich Young Man
16Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
17"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
18"Which ones?" the man inquired.
Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19honor your father and mother,'[d] and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'[e]"
20"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"
21Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
23Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"
26Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
27Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?"
28Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother[f] or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
It was and it still is unbelievably hard for me. I don't know if anyone will ever totally know how hard it has been, but at the same time I've felt an unbelievable peace throughout this process. I have always been an insecure and anxious person. but this hasn't been true for this adventure. That is SO GOD and SO NOT ME! :)
So, anyway, I felt God was also saying that I needed to take one for the team in a way because Ryan needed to get away from his former job. His job wasn't good for him or for our family. He was suffering and it was causing us to suffer as well. I basically needed to do this for the well being of my family. This is so true because I have seen Ryan become much lighter in his countenance than he has been since he took over the management position at his former employer, or maybe even ever. So we've all been much happier. Praise the Lord!
The other aspect of this adventure is that I felt like God was calling us to some sort of ministry. There is so much that has been going on with this aspect of our lives, but I will reserve that story for another entry since this one is SO long. I will say that Ryan and I have been helping his brother and sister-in-law with their youth group on Sunday night. They are super excited because they have not helpers since they started 2 years ago. I am going to go to the youth convention this coming weekend. It will be cool to be able to be away from the girls though I will miss them something awful, but it will also be cool to have the opportunity to serve. I also get to experience something Ryan did growing up. I hope to understand him more through this experience.
In conclusion, I love the Scriptures above and find it interesting that we so often focus on only verse 11. I love what the next few verses in Jeremiah say: 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. Maybe sometimes we get ourselves into a place of captivity when we become complacent with much less than what God plans for us because we don't trust God to do the impossible in our lives which in the end pushes us farther from Him. The plans God has for us is to draw us closer to Him, not closer to greater wealth, more friends, extra busyness, or any other worldly endeavor. He does bless His children, but his blessings aren't be be worshiped. We are to worship Him. How far do you have to grow in this area? I know I have a long way to go. But I am encouraged because I know God has promised that I will not be the same person today that I was yesterday. Praise the Lord!
I will post more often now that we have internet at home, and I will also post pictures when we get the other laptop to our new home.
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