As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them. But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him. Matthew 20:29-33
I'm not sure as Christians we are loud enough. Maybe it's not that we aren't loud enough, but maybe it's that we aren't desperate enough, we aren't in such complete need of HIM and HIS touch that we don't care what others think - what others say. When these two blind men heard that Jesus, the Son of David, the one who heals, was passing by them - they starting yelling. They didn't ask for money, they didn't ask for fame, they didn't ask for power, nothing but MERCY. They cried for MERCY! They cried for compassion, for pardon, for release, for forgiveness, tenderness, and grace. They knew what they needed, and they cried out for it. When the crowd told them to be quiet - THEY GOT LOUDER! These two blind men knew this was their one chance with Jesus - and they weren't going to be shushed by anyone. Be loud friend, be desperate, don't let anyone stand in your way with an encounter with Jesus.
When Jesus heard them - HE STOPPED, and HE RESPONDED. I imagine that he turned towards them when He asked them what they wanted. He listens friend, He listens and He responds. He asked them what they wanted - our God is in the details, and wants details - be specific with Him - He will be specific with you. He knew their need, He knew what they wanted - but He needed to hear it from them - He needs to hear from us too.
When the blind men told Jesus "We want to see!" - JESUS TOUCHED THEM. Back during that time if you were struck with an illness or born with a deformity like blindness, it was a very lonely life, begging for food and money. I can't imagine many people touched them, more people probably walked around them, ignored them even. Jesus didn't hesitate, He touched them - and He healed them! Just a touch from the Great Physician and they were healed. There is nothing about you that is untouchable by the hand of God. No matter who has walked around you, who has ignored you, or even looked down at you - JESUS DOESN'T DO THAT! He is not afraid to touch you, remember He created you - He loves His creation!
The bible says immediately they could see! IMMEDIATELY they were healed. They cried out for mercy, Jesus heard their cry, they asked to be healed, He healed them - and the bible says THEY FOLLOWED HIM. They followed Him. That's all the bible says about them - but I know the story doesn't end there. I can only imagine the testimony they shared with others, as they followed Jesus. The bible doesn't say they became perfect, or all their troubles and worries disappeared, or even their financial status changed - it just says "they followed Him".
Their day began as two blind beggars, and ended as two followers of Jesus who not only got their physical sight, but their spiritual sight opened as well. This all happened because Jesus passed by - and they got LOUD - they got desperate - they told Him their need - and HE ANSWERED!
Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
My Day
Kids late to school because homework became "all-night-and-morning-work". A few hours later the school calls, one of the kids not feeling well, pick up kid - car won't start - battery dead. Got a jump start head home and all is well. Few hours later an accident with a toilet tank lid results in a broken, cracked lid. Home phone won't work, after hours with a technician - we schedule for someone else to come next week.... it's been a busy day.
In all the things that have happened today - this has not changed: God is still good and He still loves me! Just because my day didn't go as planned, and I now have a few unexpected things to deal with - doesn't change WHO GOD IS, and how he feels about me. When I can rest in that security - I can make it through. I am not thankful for a broken toilet tank lid, a broken home phone, or a dead battery - but I can be thankful for a God who will go through it with me.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In all the things that have happened today - this has not changed: God is still good and He still loves me! Just because my day didn't go as planned, and I now have a few unexpected things to deal with - doesn't change WHO GOD IS, and how he feels about me. When I can rest in that security - I can make it through. I am not thankful for a broken toilet tank lid, a broken home phone, or a dead battery - but I can be thankful for a God who will go through it with me.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Lay it out
After Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it, he went up to the Lord’s Temple and spread it out before the Lord. 15 And Hezekiah prayed this prayer before the Lord... 2 Kings 19:14-15
This scripture about King Hezekiah and the battle he was in with Assyria was in our class lesson this past week in Bible Fellowship. This particular passage has really stuck with me all week. King Hezekiah got this letter it was not encouraging, it was not helpful - it was really just the opposite - a letter of doom and gloom. Under normal circumstances it might not have been so daunting but King Hezekiah and his people had already had a bad week of heckling and threats and discouragement - this was the "final straw".
At this point in the story King Hezekiah could have done a lot of different things: he could have thrown his hands up in the air and given up, he could have lost it - thrown a fit, he could have turned around and started dishing back what he'd been hit with all week, and many more options. But King Hezekiah "trusted the Lord and was faithful to the Lord" (2 Kings 18:5-6). He and God had an understanding - he knew who he needed to turn to, and what he needed to do.
King Hezekiah took that letter and he laid it out before the Lord, and prayed. He didn't just take it to the temple and sit it down, the bible says he "spread it out before the Lord" - every word for God to see, every detail. In my visual mind - I see a broken, tired, exhausted and king humbled in sackcloth on the floor of the temple with this letter - he and this letter spread out - on his face. His prayer wasn't full of woes and mes - it was a prayer of strength and need.
(you can read his prayer here: 2 Kings 19:15-19)
Here's what struck me - LAY IT OUT BEFORE GOD - HE CAN HANDLE IT.
Did you get some unexpected news this week? How about a letter or a bill you don't know what to do with? Maybe you need to just write it out what is overwhelming you and keeping you up at night. and then LAY IT OUT BEFORE YOUR ALMIGHTY GOD. Spread it out before him and let Him see every word. He can handle it, and He will.
This scripture about King Hezekiah and the battle he was in with Assyria was in our class lesson this past week in Bible Fellowship. This particular passage has really stuck with me all week. King Hezekiah got this letter it was not encouraging, it was not helpful - it was really just the opposite - a letter of doom and gloom. Under normal circumstances it might not have been so daunting but King Hezekiah and his people had already had a bad week of heckling and threats and discouragement - this was the "final straw".
At this point in the story King Hezekiah could have done a lot of different things: he could have thrown his hands up in the air and given up, he could have lost it - thrown a fit, he could have turned around and started dishing back what he'd been hit with all week, and many more options. But King Hezekiah "trusted the Lord and was faithful to the Lord" (2 Kings 18:5-6). He and God had an understanding - he knew who he needed to turn to, and what he needed to do.
King Hezekiah took that letter and he laid it out before the Lord, and prayed. He didn't just take it to the temple and sit it down, the bible says he "spread it out before the Lord" - every word for God to see, every detail. In my visual mind - I see a broken, tired, exhausted and king humbled in sackcloth on the floor of the temple with this letter - he and this letter spread out - on his face. His prayer wasn't full of woes and mes - it was a prayer of strength and need.
(you can read his prayer here: 2 Kings 19:15-19)
Here's what struck me - LAY IT OUT BEFORE GOD - HE CAN HANDLE IT.
Did you get some unexpected news this week? How about a letter or a bill you don't know what to do with? Maybe you need to just write it out what is overwhelming you and keeping you up at night. and then LAY IT OUT BEFORE YOUR ALMIGHTY GOD. Spread it out before him and let Him see every word. He can handle it, and He will.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
I Choose
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42
Today I choose:
Love over pain
Forgiveness over bitterness
Peace over chaos
Joy over anger
Grace over grudges
Mercy over mumbling
Surrender over stubbornness
Today I choose to sit at His feet, rest in His word, and soak in the moments in His presence.
What do you choose?
Today I choose:
Love over pain
Forgiveness over bitterness
Peace over chaos
Joy over anger
Grace over grudges
Mercy over mumbling
Surrender over stubbornness
Today I choose to sit at His feet, rest in His word, and soak in the moments in His presence.
What do you choose?
Saturday, February 19, 2011
What HE says
Sometimes that "still small voice" I listen to is NOT the voice of God - but the voice of the one whose purpose is to destroy me. It's in the quiet moments that he likes to shout - and tell me about all that I am NOT and remind of the messes I have made in my life. It is at those moments that the VOICE OF TRUTH reminds of who I am in Christ. God's word is "sharper than a two edged sword" and can cut down and destroy the empty words of this world. Here are some incredible reminders of just that. Hold onto these promises friends! HIS word is true!
We say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.” Luke 18:27
We say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Mat.11:28-30
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. Psalm 91:15
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.Philippians 4:13
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.Romans 8:2
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7
You say: "I don't have enough faith"
God says: A little faith goes a long way
Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Matthew 17:20
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5
We say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.” Luke 18:27
We say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Mat.11:28-30
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. Psalm 91:15
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.Philippians 4:13
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.Romans 8:2
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7
You say: "I don't have enough faith"
God says: A little faith goes a long way
Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Matthew 17:20
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Spilled Tea
Last night right before bedtime a child in my house spilled a gallon of tea while trying to reach the milk that was in the back of the refrigerator. It was a full gallon but it was at least half full. It went EVERYWHERE inside the refrigerator, outside the refrigerator, on the floor - everywhere. A thousand apologies, some tears, a few frustrating words by me and lots of paper towels and cleanup - and it was over. I apologized for my too quick response, assured our child it was OK - an accident - and offered the friendly parenting advice to ask for help next time - instead of trying to do it on her own.
Being a parent is hard most of the time, especially when you are watching your children grow up and making mistakes. Some things we want to fix for them right away, other times we don't even want them to try it on their own, and yet other times we have to let them figure it out - mistakes and all. We can give all the "friendly parenting advice" we want, but when it comes down to it - they have to make that choice. If you only knew how many times I say to myself (and sometimes out loud) "If you had just done what I told you to in the first place this wouldn't have happened!". Last night when I was thinking that, I heard God's still small voice say "Uh-huh,I know what you mean." OUCH!
2 Timothy 3:16 says "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right."My heavenly Father is constantly giving me "friendly parenting advice" in fact He even wrote a book with pages full of direction and help, and yet I STILL try to do things on my own. I still think I can go around something, or better yet that I know better than He does. The result of all those actions is that I fail - I spill the milk, the tea, and make a mess.
"But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it." James 1:22-24
Sometimes listening and doing aren't always easy. I mean some things are pretty simple - "Do not kill" - OK I get that - no problem. How about "Love your neighbor as yourself"? - Hmmm - alright I'll give it a try. Now, "pray for those who persecute you" - OK that's going a little far Lord... God's Word is true, and even when we stick our fingers in our ears, pretend we didn't hear that, or better yet roll our eyes at what our Heavenly Father tells us - it's still RIGHT. What's funny is when we fight God on something it's exhausting - and we feel so bound down by "the rules" - it's "unfair" and "not right" - but yet - when we finally give in and realize our FATHER really does know best - just like the scriptures says it "sets us free" and "God will bless you for doing it." Just like the rules and directions we give our children - God isn't doing it to spite us but to HELP us. - (OH HOW I WISH I COULD REMEMBER THAT!)
Here's the beautiful part. When we do "spill the tea" and make a mess - He is right there to help us clean it up. As we wallow and how stupid we are, and what a mess we have made - He is quick to forgive, and reassures us it will be OK. Some messes take longer to clean up, some are sticky and require some creative cleaning. But He doesn't leave us to do it ourselves, He doesn't lecture us about what we should have done instead, He loves us through it - and somehow He will use it for His glory.
"Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
Being a parent is hard most of the time, especially when you are watching your children grow up and making mistakes. Some things we want to fix for them right away, other times we don't even want them to try it on their own, and yet other times we have to let them figure it out - mistakes and all. We can give all the "friendly parenting advice" we want, but when it comes down to it - they have to make that choice. If you only knew how many times I say to myself (and sometimes out loud) "If you had just done what I told you to in the first place this wouldn't have happened!". Last night when I was thinking that, I heard God's still small voice say "Uh-huh,I know what you mean." OUCH!
2 Timothy 3:16 says "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right."My heavenly Father is constantly giving me "friendly parenting advice" in fact He even wrote a book with pages full of direction and help, and yet I STILL try to do things on my own. I still think I can go around something, or better yet that I know better than He does. The result of all those actions is that I fail - I spill the milk, the tea, and make a mess.
"But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it." James 1:22-24
Sometimes listening and doing aren't always easy. I mean some things are pretty simple - "Do not kill" - OK I get that - no problem. How about "Love your neighbor as yourself"? - Hmmm - alright I'll give it a try. Now, "pray for those who persecute you" - OK that's going a little far Lord... God's Word is true, and even when we stick our fingers in our ears, pretend we didn't hear that, or better yet roll our eyes at what our Heavenly Father tells us - it's still RIGHT. What's funny is when we fight God on something it's exhausting - and we feel so bound down by "the rules" - it's "unfair" and "not right" - but yet - when we finally give in and realize our FATHER really does know best - just like the scriptures says it "sets us free" and "God will bless you for doing it." Just like the rules and directions we give our children - God isn't doing it to spite us but to HELP us. - (OH HOW I WISH I COULD REMEMBER THAT!)
Here's the beautiful part. When we do "spill the tea" and make a mess - He is right there to help us clean it up. As we wallow and how stupid we are, and what a mess we have made - He is quick to forgive, and reassures us it will be OK. Some messes take longer to clean up, some are sticky and require some creative cleaning. But He doesn't leave us to do it ourselves, He doesn't lecture us about what we should have done instead, He loves us through it - and somehow He will use it for His glory.
"Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Plans
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Yesterday my plan was to be in church today, all three services - worshiping together, being challenged by God's word and encouraged by those around me. But when fever hit my son, and then the croupy cough I soon realized that those plans were going to change. Not thrilled with my plans changing, as a mom my obligation is to my children - and he needed me. So a night on the couches, meds, fluids, and high fever hallucinations became my reality.
Plans change. Doesn't matter how organized or precise we are, no matter how many scenarios we THINK we have worked out in our head - plans change. Sometimes those plans are minor, and sometimes those plans are life changing. When plans change in our favor like dinner burns and you have to go out to eat instead (yes, I'm speaking from experience)they are almost like nice little surprises - and we don't seem to mind too much. But when plans change so severe that it feels like the very floor has dropped out from underneath us - it's almost too much to bear. Jeremiah 29:11 gives us reassurance that no matter how bad we think things are at the moment - GOD HAS A PLAN! And even better those plans are to prosper us, not to harm us - and most importantly are full of HOPE and a future.
So how do we hold onto that hope when when we can't see it? When the present is so dark that the future doesn't look bright at all? Our hope and our future is the Lord himself. He will walk with us through the darkness, HE will carry us when we can't walk anymore, HE will be our strength when there is not one more ounce of strength in us. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 When all that is within us is exhausted and worn out - all we can do is fall into HIS arms. What are you waiting for? Aren't you tired of doing it all on your own?
So how do we do that? Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Just give it to HIM. Start telling him, He's listening. Too hard to talk? Write it down, all you are holding onto - all the plans YOU have - and then rip it up. When you rip it up, you are giving it up, and giving it to HIM. It's not easy to do - and you might have to do more than once, but worth doing. And remember that plans change - but GOD DOES NOT! "I am the Lord, and I do not change." Malachi 3:6
Here's the exciting thing - we can't even begin to imagine what God has for us!
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
If we rest in HIS WAYS - and believe HE has the BEST for us - then our plans seems meaningless compared to HIS plans. Does that make the painful situation you are in right now less painful? NO! Your pain is real, your loss is real, your anxiety is real - but GOD IS REAL TOO! Really into YOU!
Proverbs 19:21 You can make many plans,but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. We can make all the plans we want but God has the final say.
Yesterday my plan was to be in church today, all three services - worshiping together, being challenged by God's word and encouraged by those around me. But when fever hit my son, and then the croupy cough I soon realized that those plans were going to change. Not thrilled with my plans changing, as a mom my obligation is to my children - and he needed me. So a night on the couches, meds, fluids, and high fever hallucinations became my reality.
Plans change. Doesn't matter how organized or precise we are, no matter how many scenarios we THINK we have worked out in our head - plans change. Sometimes those plans are minor, and sometimes those plans are life changing. When plans change in our favor like dinner burns and you have to go out to eat instead (yes, I'm speaking from experience)they are almost like nice little surprises - and we don't seem to mind too much. But when plans change so severe that it feels like the very floor has dropped out from underneath us - it's almost too much to bear. Jeremiah 29:11 gives us reassurance that no matter how bad we think things are at the moment - GOD HAS A PLAN! And even better those plans are to prosper us, not to harm us - and most importantly are full of HOPE and a future.
So how do we hold onto that hope when when we can't see it? When the present is so dark that the future doesn't look bright at all? Our hope and our future is the Lord himself. He will walk with us through the darkness, HE will carry us when we can't walk anymore, HE will be our strength when there is not one more ounce of strength in us. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 When all that is within us is exhausted and worn out - all we can do is fall into HIS arms. What are you waiting for? Aren't you tired of doing it all on your own?
So how do we do that? Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Just give it to HIM. Start telling him, He's listening. Too hard to talk? Write it down, all you are holding onto - all the plans YOU have - and then rip it up. When you rip it up, you are giving it up, and giving it to HIM. It's not easy to do - and you might have to do more than once, but worth doing. And remember that plans change - but GOD DOES NOT! "I am the Lord, and I do not change." Malachi 3:6
Here's the exciting thing - we can't even begin to imagine what God has for us!
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
If we rest in HIS WAYS - and believe HE has the BEST for us - then our plans seems meaningless compared to HIS plans. Does that make the painful situation you are in right now less painful? NO! Your pain is real, your loss is real, your anxiety is real - but GOD IS REAL TOO! Really into YOU!
Proverbs 19:21 You can make many plans,but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. We can make all the plans we want but God has the final say.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Burned
This morning while trying to clean my nasty stove top I burned my fingers - and it HURT! I put them under cold water and after about a minute tried to move on, but they still HURT. I grabbed a piece of ice held that on them for a little bit thought it was all better, only to still feel more pain. Eventually after about 5-10 mins of ice the sting went away enough to be able to do something else. Yet even now several hours later they still hurt, and I am typing clumsily minus a few fingers because of it.
At the time when it happened I didn't realize the burner was still hot (actually it was hot from the heat of the oven that was on). As soon as it happened I felt so stupid - I think I even said "That was stupid!", and was even more irritated at the fact that that I should have known better. But then when the pain started I was mad and more annoyed at how long it took to subside the sting. No matter what I wanted to do, the pain was greater - and it needed to be dealt with right then and there.
That got me thinking. Last night I wrote a blog about friends and how important it is to have special people in your lives to share you heart with, share your good and bad with - to be accountable to. It really is vital for our growth as better human being - mentally, physically, and spiritually (Hebrews 10:24-25). BUT - when you put yourself out there - sharing your heart and your life - you can get BURNED. And when you get burned it is devastating, painful, and it damages us inside and out.
Just like this morning with my fingers we don't realize it's happening until we feel the sharp pain -the sting of betrayal, and boy do we react. We jump back look at the situation in almost disbelief that it just happened - but the searing pain alone makes it very clear it happened. At that moment I have a choice I can ignore it, or I can find a away to heal it.
When I burned my fingers this morning I wanted to kick the stove, throw the burner, jump and down and yell at it. I was mad at the stove top, the oven, and more than anything myself. Didn't I know better? What is wrong me? I'm the one who turned the oven on, I'm the one who was cleaning the top. Why didn't I think for just a minute? We say the same thing when someone hurts us - in retrospect we should have been more careful. My immediate reaction when I get burned by a friend is a fortress of walls quickly surround me. I become Fort Knox locking away my heart, my mind, my life, - vowing that will NEVER-NEVER-NEVER happen again. How stupid it is to say "Well, I'm never going to cook again!" that's completely unrealistic. (Though I must say there are times when I cook that I think my family WISHED I would say that...- but that's a different blog.)
Let's face it people can be mean, nasty, hurtful, and very deliberate. It's not right, it's not fair, it just SUCKS!(Sorry - but I think this is a proper place to use this word). I'm not excusing anyone's behavior - they will answer for that - God sees it all, and He also sees our heart. We can only be responsible for our response. If I had ignored my fingers this morning and focused on anger, revenge, and my pain - I would have ugly blisters, and eventually callouses, hard spots that would constantly remind me of the day the stove top "betrayed" me. And my choice to not ever cook again would have a profound effect on my life, and my family's life. I would begin to hate stove tops everywhere, refusing to be anywhere a stove or oven was. Doesn't that sound like the most absurd thing ever?? Yet - we do this when are betrayed by someone we called "friend". We close ourselves up so quick and so fast - we can't even see the bigger damage we are doing to ourselves and those around us.
So what do we do? Do we go around letting people "beat us up"? Do we walk around sticking our hands out on stove tops everywhere saying "burn me again, please"?
No. The Bible says our heart is the "wellspring of life" Proverbs 4:23 and that we are to guard it. Guarding it doesn't mean building walls made of anger and resentment or pain - it means protecting it, being smart about who we share our hearts with. Proverbs 12:26 says that "The godly are cautious in their friendships, the wicked lead them astray". Proverbs 13:20 says: Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Choose your friends carefully, and don't do this alone - God will give you counsel, if you ask Him.
But what do we do about the pain we are feeling right now? What do we do with the searing, seeping, sharp, severe, sting of deception? We seek healing. We seek first aid from the Great Physician, the Balm of Gilead, the one who loves us most. Just as I found comfort in the cold water and the ice, and eventually a burn cream - we too can find comfort in the Lord. He is right there to sooth our souls. When I was a kid and I'd burn myself my mom or grandmother would immediately begin to blow on it, to help take away the sting. I don't know if it did a lot of good, but I sure thought it did. It was the attention, the love, and care, that I felt that help alleviate the hurt and pain I had at that moment. Your heavenly father wants to do the same for you.
If anyone in this world understands being deceived and betrayed it would be Jesus. He was given up for money, by someone he called friend for 3 years. Judas gave him up with a kiss on the cheek - for a bag full of coins. The amazing thing I think about this is that Jesus KNEW that whole time Judas would do that, and never once treated him any differently than any other disciple. He poured his life and his ministry into Judas, loved him anyway. Jesus watched all his friends and followers abandon him in His last hours - He gets what you are going through.
In order to begin the healing you have to give it God. If I had closed my hand up, I would have never been able to fix the pain. The burn is still there, and it still hurts - but the healing has begun and it eventually it will be done. Let the healing begin friend, give it to Him.
Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalm 55:22
At the time when it happened I didn't realize the burner was still hot (actually it was hot from the heat of the oven that was on). As soon as it happened I felt so stupid - I think I even said "That was stupid!", and was even more irritated at the fact that that I should have known better. But then when the pain started I was mad and more annoyed at how long it took to subside the sting. No matter what I wanted to do, the pain was greater - and it needed to be dealt with right then and there.
That got me thinking. Last night I wrote a blog about friends and how important it is to have special people in your lives to share you heart with, share your good and bad with - to be accountable to. It really is vital for our growth as better human being - mentally, physically, and spiritually (Hebrews 10:24-25). BUT - when you put yourself out there - sharing your heart and your life - you can get BURNED. And when you get burned it is devastating, painful, and it damages us inside and out.
Just like this morning with my fingers we don't realize it's happening until we feel the sharp pain -the sting of betrayal, and boy do we react. We jump back look at the situation in almost disbelief that it just happened - but the searing pain alone makes it very clear it happened. At that moment I have a choice I can ignore it, or I can find a away to heal it.
When I burned my fingers this morning I wanted to kick the stove, throw the burner, jump and down and yell at it. I was mad at the stove top, the oven, and more than anything myself. Didn't I know better? What is wrong me? I'm the one who turned the oven on, I'm the one who was cleaning the top. Why didn't I think for just a minute? We say the same thing when someone hurts us - in retrospect we should have been more careful. My immediate reaction when I get burned by a friend is a fortress of walls quickly surround me. I become Fort Knox locking away my heart, my mind, my life, - vowing that will NEVER-NEVER-NEVER happen again. How stupid it is to say "Well, I'm never going to cook again!" that's completely unrealistic. (Though I must say there are times when I cook that I think my family WISHED I would say that...- but that's a different blog.)
Let's face it people can be mean, nasty, hurtful, and very deliberate. It's not right, it's not fair, it just SUCKS!(Sorry - but I think this is a proper place to use this word). I'm not excusing anyone's behavior - they will answer for that - God sees it all, and He also sees our heart. We can only be responsible for our response. If I had ignored my fingers this morning and focused on anger, revenge, and my pain - I would have ugly blisters, and eventually callouses, hard spots that would constantly remind me of the day the stove top "betrayed" me. And my choice to not ever cook again would have a profound effect on my life, and my family's life. I would begin to hate stove tops everywhere, refusing to be anywhere a stove or oven was. Doesn't that sound like the most absurd thing ever?? Yet - we do this when are betrayed by someone we called "friend". We close ourselves up so quick and so fast - we can't even see the bigger damage we are doing to ourselves and those around us.
So what do we do? Do we go around letting people "beat us up"? Do we walk around sticking our hands out on stove tops everywhere saying "burn me again, please"?
No. The Bible says our heart is the "wellspring of life" Proverbs 4:23 and that we are to guard it. Guarding it doesn't mean building walls made of anger and resentment or pain - it means protecting it, being smart about who we share our hearts with. Proverbs 12:26 says that "The godly are cautious in their friendships, the wicked lead them astray". Proverbs 13:20 says: Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Choose your friends carefully, and don't do this alone - God will give you counsel, if you ask Him.
But what do we do about the pain we are feeling right now? What do we do with the searing, seeping, sharp, severe, sting of deception? We seek healing. We seek first aid from the Great Physician, the Balm of Gilead, the one who loves us most. Just as I found comfort in the cold water and the ice, and eventually a burn cream - we too can find comfort in the Lord. He is right there to sooth our souls. When I was a kid and I'd burn myself my mom or grandmother would immediately begin to blow on it, to help take away the sting. I don't know if it did a lot of good, but I sure thought it did. It was the attention, the love, and care, that I felt that help alleviate the hurt and pain I had at that moment. Your heavenly father wants to do the same for you.
If anyone in this world understands being deceived and betrayed it would be Jesus. He was given up for money, by someone he called friend for 3 years. Judas gave him up with a kiss on the cheek - for a bag full of coins. The amazing thing I think about this is that Jesus KNEW that whole time Judas would do that, and never once treated him any differently than any other disciple. He poured his life and his ministry into Judas, loved him anyway. Jesus watched all his friends and followers abandon him in His last hours - He gets what you are going through.
In order to begin the healing you have to give it God. If I had closed my hand up, I would have never been able to fix the pain. The burn is still there, and it still hurts - but the healing has begun and it eventually it will be done. Let the healing begin friend, give it to Him.
Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalm 55:22
Friends
As iron sharpens iron,so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17
Growing up I moved around a lot. In fact from 1st grade to 10th grade I changed schools 9 times. I would start school with one set of friends, and end it with a whole set of others. Didn't matter if we lived in the same town - somehow we'd always move just slightly out of that school district, and there I'd be "the new kid" again. I remember setting on my bedroom floor talking to my father as he explained one-more-time why we had to move (he was in the Coast Guard) and I would cry and beg him to promise me this would be the last time. He never could make that promise, because he didn't know. As a parent now, I realize how that must of broken his heart a thousand times.
When you grow up moving around that much it's hard to make friends. It's hard to develop meaningful relationships when you're never sure how long you'll be around. You start to develop a pretty good outer-shell to protect your heart, and because of that you really don't make many deep friendships. Being a military brat is very similar to being in the ministry - I see now how God was preparing me - even then.
We need friends in our lives. We need people we can trust, we can share our heart with, and we can be real with. We live in a busy world where people are coming and going in and out of our lives so quickly. It can be easy to know a lot of people - but not really KNOW anyone. We think just because Facebook says we have 1,000 friends we're not alone, but really we are. God created us for companionship, with Him and with others.
I am not claiming to be a very good friend - in fact I don't really think I'm very good at it. I have to work at, being willing to put down that outer-shell I've built and invest my life into someone else. We need friends who will "sharpen us" like the scripture says, who challenge us to be better in our marriage, with our kids, with our calling. We need people who will be honest and real with us, and we can do the same. When iron sharpens iron there can be sparks, but the results are worth the heat. I am thankful for the friends God has placed in my life, and the investment they have seen fit to put into me. I can only hope that I can pour back into their lives like they have poured into mine.
I pray that whether you have one friend or 20, that you find rest in the "one that sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24)
God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13
For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Growing up I moved around a lot. In fact from 1st grade to 10th grade I changed schools 9 times. I would start school with one set of friends, and end it with a whole set of others. Didn't matter if we lived in the same town - somehow we'd always move just slightly out of that school district, and there I'd be "the new kid" again. I remember setting on my bedroom floor talking to my father as he explained one-more-time why we had to move (he was in the Coast Guard) and I would cry and beg him to promise me this would be the last time. He never could make that promise, because he didn't know. As a parent now, I realize how that must of broken his heart a thousand times.
When you grow up moving around that much it's hard to make friends. It's hard to develop meaningful relationships when you're never sure how long you'll be around. You start to develop a pretty good outer-shell to protect your heart, and because of that you really don't make many deep friendships. Being a military brat is very similar to being in the ministry - I see now how God was preparing me - even then.
We need friends in our lives. We need people we can trust, we can share our heart with, and we can be real with. We live in a busy world where people are coming and going in and out of our lives so quickly. It can be easy to know a lot of people - but not really KNOW anyone. We think just because Facebook says we have 1,000 friends we're not alone, but really we are. God created us for companionship, with Him and with others.
I am not claiming to be a very good friend - in fact I don't really think I'm very good at it. I have to work at, being willing to put down that outer-shell I've built and invest my life into someone else. We need friends who will "sharpen us" like the scripture says, who challenge us to be better in our marriage, with our kids, with our calling. We need people who will be honest and real with us, and we can do the same. When iron sharpens iron there can be sparks, but the results are worth the heat. I am thankful for the friends God has placed in my life, and the investment they have seen fit to put into me. I can only hope that I can pour back into their lives like they have poured into mine.
I pray that whether you have one friend or 20, that you find rest in the "one that sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24)
God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13
For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Not One
But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy and loving-kindness and truth. Psalm 86:15
If I judged the world - we'd all be obliterated by now. That's just the truth - sorry. I can just watch the evening news and begin ranting and raving about how crazy this world is and just wrong. Hello God!! Where are you?? Send the fire and the brimstone - Sodom and Gomorrah looks like Disney World compared to this world we live in now! Hey God! What are you waiting for??
But He waits...and He waits...and He waits...because He loves. He sees that one lost sheep, the one who is wandering right now looking for greener pastures. He sees that lonely young woman who searches for love and attention in the eyes of another. He sees that angry young man who tries to drink away the pain that aches his heart. He hears the cries of that broken marriage, the sobs in the night of the widow and He waits.
The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9
His anger is slow, his mercy long and his love gracious not because we deserve it - but because He wants all of us to be with Him! For US He waits.
So thankful that I am not "in charge" that I am not the judge - and that He waits.
He waited for me and He waits for you.
If I judged the world - we'd all be obliterated by now. That's just the truth - sorry. I can just watch the evening news and begin ranting and raving about how crazy this world is and just wrong. Hello God!! Where are you?? Send the fire and the brimstone - Sodom and Gomorrah looks like Disney World compared to this world we live in now! Hey God! What are you waiting for??
But He waits...and He waits...and He waits...because He loves. He sees that one lost sheep, the one who is wandering right now looking for greener pastures. He sees that lonely young woman who searches for love and attention in the eyes of another. He sees that angry young man who tries to drink away the pain that aches his heart. He hears the cries of that broken marriage, the sobs in the night of the widow and He waits.
The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9
His anger is slow, his mercy long and his love gracious not because we deserve it - but because He wants all of us to be with Him! For US He waits.
So thankful that I am not "in charge" that I am not the judge - and that He waits.
He waited for me and He waits for you.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Unfailing Love
The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. Psalm 103:8
Oh how I NEED his unfailing love! Oh how I am SOOO thankful for his UNFAILING LOVE! I fail Him over and over again - and yet - HE is UNFAILING in His love. He has more reasons than I care to admit to or count to not love me, to give up on me, to throw up His hands and walk away - and yet HIS LOVE NEVER FAILS - UNFAILING.
My God's love is:
changeless, consistent, constant, invariable, same, unchanging, existing or occurring without interruption or end: around-the-clock, ceaseless, constant, continual, continuous, endless, eternal, everlasting, incessant, interminable, nonstop, ongoing, perpetual, persistent, relentless, round-the-clock, timeless, unceasing, unending, uninterrupted, unremitting, inexhaustible, tireless, unflagging, untiring, unwearied, weariless,could not possibly fail or disappoint: certain, infallible, secure, sure, unerring, sure-fire.
Wow!
Lord, help me to walk in the confidence and the strength of your unfailing love, with my head held high and my heart full. Your love NEVER FAILS!
Oh how I NEED his unfailing love! Oh how I am SOOO thankful for his UNFAILING LOVE! I fail Him over and over again - and yet - HE is UNFAILING in His love. He has more reasons than I care to admit to or count to not love me, to give up on me, to throw up His hands and walk away - and yet HIS LOVE NEVER FAILS - UNFAILING.
My God's love is:
changeless, consistent, constant, invariable, same, unchanging, existing or occurring without interruption or end: around-the-clock, ceaseless, constant, continual, continuous, endless, eternal, everlasting, incessant, interminable, nonstop, ongoing, perpetual, persistent, relentless, round-the-clock, timeless, unceasing, unending, uninterrupted, unremitting, inexhaustible, tireless, unflagging, untiring, unwearied, weariless,could not possibly fail or disappoint: certain, infallible, secure, sure, unerring, sure-fire.
Wow!
Lord, help me to walk in the confidence and the strength of your unfailing love, with my head held high and my heart full. Your love NEVER FAILS!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Party for 1
The psalmist David and I have a lot in common, in fact I think we must be related! The book of Psalm is full of "highs" and "lows" - one moment full of praise for all that God has done, and then the next wondering where God had gone. Take for instance Psalm 88 any of the translations will do - but The Message translation sounds like the conversation I have had with God many times - just check a few of excerpts:
"God, you're my last chance of the day. I spend the night on my knees before you. Put me on your salvation agenda; take notes on the trouble I'm in. I've had my fill of trouble;I'm camped on the edge of hell."
"I'm caught in a maze and can't find my way out, blinded by tears of pain and frustration."
"I'm standing my ground, God, shouting for help, at my prayers every morning, on my knees each daybreak. Why, God, do you turn a deaf ear? Why do you make yourself scarce?"
Any of this sound familiar??
I throw a good pity party for 1 - with balloon animals and all! I think we all can, we all can loose focus on the big picture - look down at ourselves and start an inward cry that ends with a chorus of "woe-is-me". Sometimes it may be good for us, but we can't stay there, it's not good for any of us to stay there. Even Job was allowed his 37 chapters, but then God stepped in - He will always step in.
When we cry out to God - He WILL answer, sometimes not as quickly as we want Him to - or even in the manner we think. He is our Father, He loves us - and HE only wants the best for us. Our inward moments only lead us back to the One who created our inward parts. It puts us back into His arms, right where we belong. God doesn't miss ONE TEAR, not one moment of your life.
"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." Psalm 56:8
Let your Father hold you, - "Be still and know that HE is God" Psalm 46:10
"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zephaniah 3:17
"God, you're my last chance of the day. I spend the night on my knees before you. Put me on your salvation agenda; take notes on the trouble I'm in. I've had my fill of trouble;I'm camped on the edge of hell."
"I'm caught in a maze and can't find my way out, blinded by tears of pain and frustration."
"I'm standing my ground, God, shouting for help, at my prayers every morning, on my knees each daybreak. Why, God, do you turn a deaf ear? Why do you make yourself scarce?"
Any of this sound familiar??
I throw a good pity party for 1 - with balloon animals and all! I think we all can, we all can loose focus on the big picture - look down at ourselves and start an inward cry that ends with a chorus of "woe-is-me". Sometimes it may be good for us, but we can't stay there, it's not good for any of us to stay there. Even Job was allowed his 37 chapters, but then God stepped in - He will always step in.
When we cry out to God - He WILL answer, sometimes not as quickly as we want Him to - or even in the manner we think. He is our Father, He loves us - and HE only wants the best for us. Our inward moments only lead us back to the One who created our inward parts. It puts us back into His arms, right where we belong. God doesn't miss ONE TEAR, not one moment of your life.
"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." Psalm 56:8
Let your Father hold you, - "Be still and know that HE is God" Psalm 46:10
"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zephaniah 3:17
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Never Abandoned
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
There are days I feel so squeezed that I feel like I can't breathe. Squeezed by the pressures of life - please tell me I am NOT alone! This scripture in Corinthians PROMISES me that I will NEVER be abandoned by God. I will rest in that - we should ALL rest in that. We may feel crushed, we may feel abandoned at times - but we are NOT alone.
Perplexed: confused, mixed-up, astonished, baffled, bewildered, jumbled, muddled... Have you ever been there? OH MY - all the time! Some days hit me so hard, I'm not sure which way is up! And yet - I am NEVER ABANDONED BY GOD.
Hunted down, knocked down - but NEVER destroyed!
I LOVE the antonyms for "abandoned" check this out: cherished, defended, kept, pursued, retained, supported.
Isn't that beautiful?? Not only will He never leave you - but the Creator Of The Universe - cherishes you, is your defender, He keeps you, He purses you, He retains you, He supports you!!!
Rest in that friends... rest in that.
There are days I feel so squeezed that I feel like I can't breathe. Squeezed by the pressures of life - please tell me I am NOT alone! This scripture in Corinthians PROMISES me that I will NEVER be abandoned by God. I will rest in that - we should ALL rest in that. We may feel crushed, we may feel abandoned at times - but we are NOT alone.
Perplexed: confused, mixed-up, astonished, baffled, bewildered, jumbled, muddled... Have you ever been there? OH MY - all the time! Some days hit me so hard, I'm not sure which way is up! And yet - I am NEVER ABANDONED BY GOD.
Hunted down, knocked down - but NEVER destroyed!
I LOVE the antonyms for "abandoned" check this out: cherished, defended, kept, pursued, retained, supported.
Isn't that beautiful?? Not only will He never leave you - but the Creator Of The Universe - cherishes you, is your defender, He keeps you, He purses you, He retains you, He supports you!!!
Rest in that friends... rest in that.
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