Words from an old hymn come to mind this morning. "Like a tree planted by the waters, I shall not be moved." Am I preparing myself for what the Bible tells me has happened, is happening and will happen? 1 Thessalonians 3:1-4 ESV Therefore when we could stand it no longer, we were willing to be left behind in Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that NO ONE BE MOVED BY THESE AFFLICTIONS. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, WE KEPT TELLING YOU BEFOREHAND that we were to SUFFER AFFLICTION, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. (emphasis mine)
So, I know its there, I know whats coming, and my whole life I have done different things to skirt around it. I have totally ignored the warning, as a young girl trying to get the guy who I know doesn't know the Lord. I have joined in, becoming just like the persecutors. I spent two whole years of my life thinking that I deserved to act like someone who didn't know who Christ was because of my past. (You could say I was definitely moved.) Also, I have gone through my life recently, living on Grace and Mercy. Now, don't misunderstand me. Grace and mercy are there and they always will be, but I still need to be prepared so that I don't move again.
I was recently at a women's retreat where a speaker said, "You can't go into battle without your weapon, without your artillery. You can't go in without being prepared." That hit me like a wrecking ball. Am I prepared? Do I have enough of the word on my heart to keep me rooted by the water or am I going to let it carry me downstream, again?
I am here to say, I have decided to grow roots. I don't want to move anymore. The scenery down river may look good from here, but I found out it gets deeper and before you know it, rocks shoot up creating rapids and the water rushes faster and and then you keep getting pulled under making it difficult to breathe. Ask me how I know.
Let me be immovable.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Forgive Myself?
I am a huge nerd when it comes to Beth Moore Bible studies. I can't get enough. When a new one comes out, I'm online ordering it. If there isn't a new one, I'm begging a friend to do one with me that I've already done. I know she isn't the only person out there who does bible studies. I have done some really awesome ones not authored by Beth. I'm just saying, the way she words things, the way she speaks, speaks to me. In a recent study, on the margin of the page, "Sometimes it takes more faith to feel forgiven than it does to feel healed.", is written. Big huge bell ringing in my ears!
I have been down this road more times than I care to admit. Why is it so hard to believe that I am forgiven? I repented (repent all the time, more like it). I asked Him to forgive me in so many different ways (He has got to have a sense of humor). He says if we do those two things He'll forgive. OK, so what is my problem? Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.
I used to find it difficult to forgive others, and so easy to forgive myself. As I have drawn closer and closer to God, that ability has done a 180. I now have an a smidgeon of an idea of the miracle of forgiveness. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Would I give one of my daughters for someone else? Honestly? No. If it came down to that I would grab her and run away and hide. But to know that the only way to save your creation that you love so much is to make your son die for it? Can any other parent out there grasp that with me? That is why I think I have trouble accepting the forgiveness and then in turn forgiving myself. I am SO NOT WORTHY.
He loves me, and has called me righteous. Who am I to argue with God?
Thank You Jesus!
I have been down this road more times than I care to admit. Why is it so hard to believe that I am forgiven? I repented (repent all the time, more like it). I asked Him to forgive me in so many different ways (He has got to have a sense of humor). He says if we do those two things He'll forgive. OK, so what is my problem? Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.
I used to find it difficult to forgive others, and so easy to forgive myself. As I have drawn closer and closer to God, that ability has done a 180. I now have an a smidgeon of an idea of the miracle of forgiveness. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Would I give one of my daughters for someone else? Honestly? No. If it came down to that I would grab her and run away and hide. But to know that the only way to save your creation that you love so much is to make your son die for it? Can any other parent out there grasp that with me? That is why I think I have trouble accepting the forgiveness and then in turn forgiving myself. I am SO NOT WORTHY.
He loves me, and has called me righteous. Who am I to argue with God?
Thank You Jesus!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Am I Making Disciples?
Matthew 28:19, 20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Okay, so do I love people? Yes. Do I accept them unconditionally? Honestly, I'm working on that. ( I struggle with certain things that unfortunately have to do with my nose not lifestyles.This is bad, I know. Lord help me not be bothered by bad breath and body odor.) Do I want people to know the loving God that I know? Yes. So what is stopping me?
Time for all out honesty here. I am afraid that if I say something, people will one, not like me anymore, (that's to say if they did anyway). Two, what if I offend them? Three, what if they like to argue and are better at presenting their reasons to not know Jesus than I am at presenting the ones why I do?
Alright, so I have read books on getting over insecurity. I know God has called me to minister to women. I even know that the biggest part of that ministry is to share the Good News. The very reason I am forgiven and covered with grace and mercy. I know that He will give me the words, I have scriptures written and listed everywhere, I am committing them to memory so I have them ready, but still I remain quiet with the people who don't believe. It is a whole different story when I am speaking with someone who already believes in Jesus and has Him in their heart. I can talk all day to those people.
I could blame it on the rules of society. Let us all be politically correct and not offend anyone. It isn't professional, etc. Blah Blah Blah! I'm just going to say it. I AM A CHICKEN! Jesus came to heal the sick, not the ones who are already healed. He told parables about and talked with the very people He knew would tick off the people in authority.
My pastor asked a question this past Sunday that hit me right in the middle of the forehead. Are we (am I) making disciples? My answer? No, I'm not. I have been trying to build up the ones who know but need encouragement. Now, that isn't wrong. We all need encouragement and prayer from our fellow believers and friends. At times that is what gets me through, knowing that someone is agreeing with me, however, there are still people who don't know they can have someone to rely on at all times, even when they feel that no human could understand.
So Pastor, here is my answer to your question. No I am not making disciples...YET! I am asking God at this very moment to prick my heart and I am asking His Spirit within me to push my boundaries down and to not let me rest until I share the good news. I am asking Him to point people out to me who need Him.
Who's with me?
Okay, so do I love people? Yes. Do I accept them unconditionally? Honestly, I'm working on that. ( I struggle with certain things that unfortunately have to do with my nose not lifestyles.This is bad, I know. Lord help me not be bothered by bad breath and body odor.) Do I want people to know the loving God that I know? Yes. So what is stopping me?
Time for all out honesty here. I am afraid that if I say something, people will one, not like me anymore, (that's to say if they did anyway). Two, what if I offend them? Three, what if they like to argue and are better at presenting their reasons to not know Jesus than I am at presenting the ones why I do?
Alright, so I have read books on getting over insecurity. I know God has called me to minister to women. I even know that the biggest part of that ministry is to share the Good News. The very reason I am forgiven and covered with grace and mercy. I know that He will give me the words, I have scriptures written and listed everywhere, I am committing them to memory so I have them ready, but still I remain quiet with the people who don't believe. It is a whole different story when I am speaking with someone who already believes in Jesus and has Him in their heart. I can talk all day to those people.
I could blame it on the rules of society. Let us all be politically correct and not offend anyone. It isn't professional, etc. Blah Blah Blah! I'm just going to say it. I AM A CHICKEN! Jesus came to heal the sick, not the ones who are already healed. He told parables about and talked with the very people He knew would tick off the people in authority.
My pastor asked a question this past Sunday that hit me right in the middle of the forehead. Are we (am I) making disciples? My answer? No, I'm not. I have been trying to build up the ones who know but need encouragement. Now, that isn't wrong. We all need encouragement and prayer from our fellow believers and friends. At times that is what gets me through, knowing that someone is agreeing with me, however, there are still people who don't know they can have someone to rely on at all times, even when they feel that no human could understand.
So Pastor, here is my answer to your question. No I am not making disciples...YET! I am asking God at this very moment to prick my heart and I am asking His Spirit within me to push my boundaries down and to not let me rest until I share the good news. I am asking Him to point people out to me who need Him.
Who's with me?
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Faithful Steward?
I know we aren't supposed to test God. You know like, if You just get me out of this mess, I'll never do this again, or, okay God, if You really are who You say you are, then do this...
Alright, then I got confused. Malachi 3:10 says, Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and TEST Me (infasis mine) now in this, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and poor out for you a blessing until it overflows. Here is my take on it. I was at a point in my life of desperation. I really felt like I didn't have enough money to make my bills, let alone give 10% of it to the church I attended. I felt so desperate, I tried it. Not only did all my bills get met, I was able to get into a work place where I built a considerable clientele and I was making more money than I ever had.
Here I go asking for forgiveness again. I quit doing it. I am now married and money isn't tight. We are blessed in so many ways, however, this past Sunday I came across this verse and I got a sinking feeling in my chest. I no longer want to test God. I just want to bless Him. I want Him to be able to bless others through the church I now attend. I can't say I tested Him before as much as I was desperate and willing to try anything. Now I feel that tithing is more a part of who I want to be in Christ.
Please understand, I am not trying to condemn or preach at anyone. This is my experience. This is my conviction. However, I know that when I was in God's financial plan, finances were not a problem. He is the creator of all things, including money, why would I ever think that I could do a better ob of controlling it than the one who gave it?
Alright, then I got confused. Malachi 3:10 says, Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and TEST Me (infasis mine) now in this, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and poor out for you a blessing until it overflows. Here is my take on it. I was at a point in my life of desperation. I really felt like I didn't have enough money to make my bills, let alone give 10% of it to the church I attended. I felt so desperate, I tried it. Not only did all my bills get met, I was able to get into a work place where I built a considerable clientele and I was making more money than I ever had.
Here I go asking for forgiveness again. I quit doing it. I am now married and money isn't tight. We are blessed in so many ways, however, this past Sunday I came across this verse and I got a sinking feeling in my chest. I no longer want to test God. I just want to bless Him. I want Him to be able to bless others through the church I now attend. I can't say I tested Him before as much as I was desperate and willing to try anything. Now I feel that tithing is more a part of who I want to be in Christ.
Please understand, I am not trying to condemn or preach at anyone. This is my experience. This is my conviction. However, I know that when I was in God's financial plan, finances were not a problem. He is the creator of all things, including money, why would I ever think that I could do a better ob of controlling it than the one who gave it?
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Independance Day
Happy 4th of July! I just want to take a little time to say how thankful I am to live in the USA. Even with all the political junk on the forefront, we are a blessed nation. There are so many people who have fought to uphold that freedom over the years. If you get to spend time with any of them today, make sure you say thank you.
From a biblical point of view, what is freedom? Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners...Romans 8:21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
The use of the word freedom, drawn from the Greek/Hebrew translation, isn't just freedom from the mosaic law, but from the dominion of sinful appetites and passions, also from a state of calamity and death. It stood for being a citizen, and in those days, only a free man, meaning someone without debt, could be one. So not only are we free from sin and death, but we are citizens of the Kingdom of God. Are you getting that? Only free men can be citizens and Jesus paid for our citizenship. A debt I could never pay, ever, has been paid and I am going to eternity with my Jesus. Not only that, I get to tell others about it. I get to be a christian, which is to be Christ like. What did Christ do? He served. He got dirty. There is a song that makes me think of this. If you get a chance, listen to Trevor Morgan's "Jesus Rides the Subway". Hallelujah!
Comparatively, we live in a nation where our freedoms were fought for by others and we get to reep the benifits. Jesus, fought for our freedom, and we get to live in the benifits. Thank You Jesus. Do you want to make this your Independence Day ? John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Now that is freedom.
From a biblical point of view, what is freedom? Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners...Romans 8:21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
The use of the word freedom, drawn from the Greek/Hebrew translation, isn't just freedom from the mosaic law, but from the dominion of sinful appetites and passions, also from a state of calamity and death. It stood for being a citizen, and in those days, only a free man, meaning someone without debt, could be one. So not only are we free from sin and death, but we are citizens of the Kingdom of God. Are you getting that? Only free men can be citizens and Jesus paid for our citizenship. A debt I could never pay, ever, has been paid and I am going to eternity with my Jesus. Not only that, I get to tell others about it. I get to be a christian, which is to be Christ like. What did Christ do? He served. He got dirty. There is a song that makes me think of this. If you get a chance, listen to Trevor Morgan's "Jesus Rides the Subway". Hallelujah!
Comparatively, we live in a nation where our freedoms were fought for by others and we get to reep the benifits. Jesus, fought for our freedom, and we get to live in the benifits. Thank You Jesus. Do you want to make this your Independence Day ? John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Now that is freedom.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Job Description
Have any of you ever come to conclusion about something in your life that you wish you could have figured out a long time ago? I do it all the time. For example, I have been a hair dresser since 1991. During my career, I have tried on a lot of hats so to speak. I started out as an assistant. I then received my own chair and started to build a clientele. I moved into management positions, and even into ownership. I taught within my field, and finally, after twenty years, discovered why renting space in someone else's salon is the perfect fit for me. I don't like being told what to do, (what to wear, when to show up, when to eat etc.) nor do I want to tell others what to do. I want to go to work, service my clients, and leave to go home. I want weekends with my family and friends. It pains me to think that all the moving from salon to salon trying to find the perfect fit could have been a one stop shop. I finally figured it out.
However, I have been a christian since 1980, and I still try to figure out what God wants me to do. Its in His word. I don't have to hop from church to church to find it. I don't have to let people who are just like me, imperfect, determine where my walk takes me. Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit... That's it. There's my job. I know He tweaks us and guides us all in different directions to reach different nations, and even parts of nations. He can even direct us toward one gender over another. The great thing is, I didn't have to do much work to find my job description. He handed it to me already written down.
Thank you Jesus. I love you too.
However, I have been a christian since 1980, and I still try to figure out what God wants me to do. Its in His word. I don't have to hop from church to church to find it. I don't have to let people who are just like me, imperfect, determine where my walk takes me. Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit... That's it. There's my job. I know He tweaks us and guides us all in different directions to reach different nations, and even parts of nations. He can even direct us toward one gender over another. The great thing is, I didn't have to do much work to find my job description. He handed it to me already written down.
Thank you Jesus. I love you too.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Have Never Been Eloquent
Exodus 4:10-12
Moses said to the Lord, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." The Lord said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."
Thank goodness for that. Coming from someone with a lisp who has been called to talk to people. That makes me feel so much better. I have all these ideas in my head, that when they come out on paper or from my mouth, they never sound right. I thank Him that He will give me the words. He will tell me what to say and when to say it.
I wonder how much better we would all be doing if we really sought His wisdom in situations where a good "talk" needs to be had. I know in my past, present and ( I'm sure ) my future, there have been and will be times when I will say what ever comes to my head. There seems to be an express route from thought to verbalization in my body. However, I am trying to seek God first before I go and become a vocal waterfall of unnecessary opinion. I'll pray for you, so please pray for me.
Moses said to the Lord, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." The Lord said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."
Thank goodness for that. Coming from someone with a lisp who has been called to talk to people. That makes me feel so much better. I have all these ideas in my head, that when they come out on paper or from my mouth, they never sound right. I thank Him that He will give me the words. He will tell me what to say and when to say it.
I wonder how much better we would all be doing if we really sought His wisdom in situations where a good "talk" needs to be had. I know in my past, present and ( I'm sure ) my future, there have been and will be times when I will say what ever comes to my head. There seems to be an express route from thought to verbalization in my body. However, I am trying to seek God first before I go and become a vocal waterfall of unnecessary opinion. I'll pray for you, so please pray for me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)