Are you TRUSTWORTHY?
Proverbs 31: 10-11
"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good not evil all the days of her life."
Trust in another person has several meanings (1)
1. Trust means that you feel that the person is honest and will not lie, cheat or steal from you.
2. It also means that you can count on the person to do as he or she promised and that the person is reliable.
3. Finally, trust in a person means that you feel he or she can be counted on to do something important, will not shirk from duties, and will take personal pride in what he or she does.
The word confidence could also be substituted for trust, meaning that one believes that another person has the capabilities to do that which is required or requested.
We learn from the Proverbs 31 Woman that as women of God we need to be trustworthy, that our lives need to demonstrate that confidence in all we do. People need to be able to count on us to be dependable day in and day out. Proverbs 11:13 reminds us that our integrity will guide us, but we can be destroyed by our unfaithfulness. As a wife I want my husband to have full confidence in my abilities to handle the household, keep our confidences, represent him and our Savior, and above all to meet my obligations and commitments I have made to others. If I am trustworthy, his name will be praised and if I maintain the household it is only to his gain and glory. Not just at home, but in all relationships we need to be trusted. As a mother, as an employee, as a friend, as a daughter when we are trustworthy, we thrive and give honor to ourselves and God.
So, ask yourself the following questions:
Are you honest with yourself, your spouse, and others?
Do you follow-up on your commitments? Are you a dependable person?
Do you care diligently for those things in which you are entrusted? Money, possessions, work and children...
Being Trustworthy is the first step in being a Godly woman outside of having a personal relationship with Christ. Ultimately, with a relationship with Christ - he can make us each of us trustworthy individuals. Ask Him today to show you the areas of your life that need work, and ask Him to help you become a Proverbs 31:11 Woman.
LDJ
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
You Are on God's Mind
You are on God's Mind
Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, "The Lord be magnified!" But I am poor and needy: yet the Lord thinks upon me. Psalm 40:15-16a
You are on God's mind today!!
I grew up in church knowing about God. My impression and thoughts of God were removed, remote focused on his transcendence.
God is certainly transcendent. There are many Scripture that confirm that.
Thus says the LORD: " Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool." Isaiah 66:1
But God is not only transcendent. He is also immanent. He is near.
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18
God is not only transcendent, and immanent. He is personal and He relates to each of us personally.
He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works. Psalm 33:15
And you are on His mind today.
How awesome is that!
Diane
Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, "The Lord be magnified!" But I am poor and needy: yet the Lord thinks upon me. Psalm 40:15-16a
You are on God's mind today!!
I grew up in church knowing about God. My impression and thoughts of God were removed, remote focused on his transcendence.
God is certainly transcendent. There are many Scripture that confirm that.
Thus says the LORD: " Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool." Isaiah 66:1
But God is not only transcendent. He is also immanent. He is near.
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18
God is not only transcendent, and immanent. He is personal and He relates to each of us personally.
He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works. Psalm 33:15
And you are on His mind today.
How awesome is that!
Diane
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
A Virtuos Women -- Who Can Find?
A Virtuous Woman who can Find?
Proverbs 31
So, are you like me... when you read about this woman you think - IMPOSSIBLE! I would like to take a few victory calls to really look at this woman and how we can become like her in character. Let me start right off by saying that this is a LIFELONG PURSUIT!
First, take some time with me now to look at the background to this Proverb. King Lemuel received this Proverb from his mother, in the form of mothers' Godly wisdom. I would like to believe that this is her counsel to her son in what he is to look for in a wife. All mother's want their sons to find the "right" woman. What we specifically know is that this is an Oracle from God. God is using a mother to teach a son - a very important role of mothers. What we don't know is if this is a direct quote or a summary of what she taught him, but that does not really matter - what matters is what he is told.
You may read it and say... how can I apply that to me today? Well, of course it is written and packed within the culture of the time, we need to look at the virtues described and put them into today's context. We must read it to unwrap the characteristics and conduct of the woman, rather than looking at what she is "doing". Yes, we are describing a married woman however; unmarried women can learn what characteristics to develop now as she is preparing for marriage.
Let's think about the word Virtuous for a moment. Today, you might describe her as a strong woman, a worthy woman or a noble woman. This woman is compared to Rubies which are the most precious of gemstones and can be more expensive than diamonds. A Ruby is harder than any stone, except for diamonds. A Virtuous Woman is a jewel - beautiful, valuable and durable. Just like diamonds, we learn here that "she is hard to find". Ladies, that means that being Virtuous doesn't come naturally - just like the making of precious stones it takes time, energy and work.
Ruth was one woman described as having noble character in scripture - read her story it may give you some insight into some of the characteristics we will be studying. Proverbs 12:4 tells us "a woman of noble character is her husbands crown", wow ladies we can be a "crown". Take some time and read about her, each verse is divided into two parts (vs. 15 has three). We will break down each verse to look at the characteristics and conduct described - as you read try to look at it from that angle and perspective.
Lynne
Proverbs 31
So, are you like me... when you read about this woman you think - IMPOSSIBLE! I would like to take a few victory calls to really look at this woman and how we can become like her in character. Let me start right off by saying that this is a LIFELONG PURSUIT!
First, take some time with me now to look at the background to this Proverb. King Lemuel received this Proverb from his mother, in the form of mothers' Godly wisdom. I would like to believe that this is her counsel to her son in what he is to look for in a wife. All mother's want their sons to find the "right" woman. What we specifically know is that this is an Oracle from God. God is using a mother to teach a son - a very important role of mothers. What we don't know is if this is a direct quote or a summary of what she taught him, but that does not really matter - what matters is what he is told.
You may read it and say... how can I apply that to me today? Well, of course it is written and packed within the culture of the time, we need to look at the virtues described and put them into today's context. We must read it to unwrap the characteristics and conduct of the woman, rather than looking at what she is "doing". Yes, we are describing a married woman however; unmarried women can learn what characteristics to develop now as she is preparing for marriage.
Let's think about the word Virtuous for a moment. Today, you might describe her as a strong woman, a worthy woman or a noble woman. This woman is compared to Rubies which are the most precious of gemstones and can be more expensive than diamonds. A Ruby is harder than any stone, except for diamonds. A Virtuous Woman is a jewel - beautiful, valuable and durable. Just like diamonds, we learn here that "she is hard to find". Ladies, that means that being Virtuous doesn't come naturally - just like the making of precious stones it takes time, energy and work.
Ruth was one woman described as having noble character in scripture - read her story it may give you some insight into some of the characteristics we will be studying. Proverbs 12:4 tells us "a woman of noble character is her husbands crown", wow ladies we can be a "crown". Take some time and read about her, each verse is divided into two parts (vs. 15 has three). We will break down each verse to look at the characteristics and conduct described - as you read try to look at it from that angle and perspective.
Lynne
Christmas Meditation (December 25th)
Christmas meditation
Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
Amen! And Amen!
Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
Amen! And Amen!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Daddy -- What Did You Bring Me?
"DADDY, WHAT DID YOU BRING ME?"
How many times have we heard - or spoken - those words? I know as a young child (and later on as a not-so-young child), I often asked that question. My dad was a salesman and especially in my early years, he was often away for two or three weeks at a time. And whenever he came home, I'd come running up to him, throw my arms around his knees (remember I was a little girl), and utter the question, "Daddy, what did you bring me?" And without fail, there was always something in his pocket, briefcase, or suitcase that he had chosen just for me. Many of those things have been lost over the years (although I still have a few of them on the desk he left me when he died), but for the most part they are long gone - broken, discarded, lost.
At this Christmas time of year, our thoughts often to gift-giving and what we will buy for a particular family member or friend. We spend time carefully thinking about the needs or likes of the recipient, trying to choose that "perfect" gift. Sometimes we are successful - sometimes we get stuck with the person who "has everything" or is "so hard to buy for."
Not so with our Heavenly Father. He chose the "Perfect Gift" over two thousand years ago in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. Because He knew our need - being saved from our damning sin and needing Jesus' blood to bring us into fellowship with Him. He sent the Son in whom He was well-pleased to die in order to give us the gifts of peace and joy, a loving and victorious relationship with Him, and life everlasting in Heaven. There never was and never will be a greater, more perfect gift than Jesus Christ. And His gift will never become broken, discarded, lost.
And so at this blessed time of year, we can run to our Father and throw our arms out to Him, and hear Him respond to our question, "What did you bring me?" What did He bring us? His only begotten Son.
Lynn Randall
How many times have we heard - or spoken - those words? I know as a young child (and later on as a not-so-young child), I often asked that question. My dad was a salesman and especially in my early years, he was often away for two or three weeks at a time. And whenever he came home, I'd come running up to him, throw my arms around his knees (remember I was a little girl), and utter the question, "Daddy, what did you bring me?" And without fail, there was always something in his pocket, briefcase, or suitcase that he had chosen just for me. Many of those things have been lost over the years (although I still have a few of them on the desk he left me when he died), but for the most part they are long gone - broken, discarded, lost.
At this Christmas time of year, our thoughts often to gift-giving and what we will buy for a particular family member or friend. We spend time carefully thinking about the needs or likes of the recipient, trying to choose that "perfect" gift. Sometimes we are successful - sometimes we get stuck with the person who "has everything" or is "so hard to buy for."
Not so with our Heavenly Father. He chose the "Perfect Gift" over two thousand years ago in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. Because He knew our need - being saved from our damning sin and needing Jesus' blood to bring us into fellowship with Him. He sent the Son in whom He was well-pleased to die in order to give us the gifts of peace and joy, a loving and victorious relationship with Him, and life everlasting in Heaven. There never was and never will be a greater, more perfect gift than Jesus Christ. And His gift will never become broken, discarded, lost.
And so at this blessed time of year, we can run to our Father and throw our arms out to Him, and hear Him respond to our question, "What did you bring me?" What did He bring us? His only begotten Son.
Lynn Randall
Daddy -- What Did You Bring Me?
"DADDY, WHAT DID YOU BRING ME?"
How many times have we heard - or spoken - those words? I know as a young child (and later on as a not-so-young child), I often asked that question. My dad was a salesman and especially in my early years, he was often away for two or three weeks at a time. And whenever he came home, I'd come running up to him, throw my arms around his knees (remember I was a little girl), and utter the question, "Daddy, what did you bring me?" And without fail, there was always something in his pocket, briefcase, or suitcase that he had chosen just for me. Many of those things have been lost over the years (although I still have a few of them on the desk he left me when he died), but for the most part they are long gone - broken, discarded, lost.
At this Christmas time of year, our thoughts often to gift-giving and what we will buy for a particular family member or friend. We spend time carefully thinking about the needs or likes of the recipient, trying to choose that "perfect" gift. Sometimes we are successful - sometimes we get stuck with the person who "has everything" or is "so hard to buy for."
Not so with our Heavenly Father. He chose the "Perfect Gift" over two thousand years ago in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. Because He knew our need - being saved from our damning sin and needing Jesus' blood to bring us into fellowship with Him. He sent the Son in whom He was well-pleased to die in order to give us the gifts of peace and joy, a loving and victorious relationship with Him, and life everlasting in Heaven. There never was and never will be a greater, more perfect gift than Jesus Christ. And His gift will never become broken, discarded, lost.
And so at this blessed time of year, we can run to our Father and throw our arms out to Him, and hear Him respond to our question, "What did you bring me?" What did He bring us? His only begotten Son.
Lynn Randall
How many times have we heard - or spoken - those words? I know as a young child (and later on as a not-so-young child), I often asked that question. My dad was a salesman and especially in my early years, he was often away for two or three weeks at a time. And whenever he came home, I'd come running up to him, throw my arms around his knees (remember I was a little girl), and utter the question, "Daddy, what did you bring me?" And without fail, there was always something in his pocket, briefcase, or suitcase that he had chosen just for me. Many of those things have been lost over the years (although I still have a few of them on the desk he left me when he died), but for the most part they are long gone - broken, discarded, lost.
At this Christmas time of year, our thoughts often to gift-giving and what we will buy for a particular family member or friend. We spend time carefully thinking about the needs or likes of the recipient, trying to choose that "perfect" gift. Sometimes we are successful - sometimes we get stuck with the person who "has everything" or is "so hard to buy for."
Not so with our Heavenly Father. He chose the "Perfect Gift" over two thousand years ago in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. Because He knew our need - being saved from our damning sin and needing Jesus' blood to bring us into fellowship with Him. He sent the Son in whom He was well-pleased to die in order to give us the gifts of peace and joy, a loving and victorious relationship with Him, and life everlasting in Heaven. There never was and never will be a greater, more perfect gift than Jesus Christ. And His gift will never become broken, discarded, lost.
And so at this blessed time of year, we can run to our Father and throw our arms out to Him, and hear Him respond to our question, "What did you bring me?" What did He bring us? His only begotten Son.
Lynn Randall
Thursday, December 20, 2007
A Virtuous Woman -- Fears God
A Virtuous Woman - Fears God
Proverbs 31:30
"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised."
This is the foundational verse and characteristic of the woman described as "virtuous". All of the other verses and characteristics are centered on this principle. Ladies without the "Fear of God" in our lives nothing else will fall into place. Do you want to have confidence? That is a product of having the fear of God in our lives (Prov. 14:26). When we understand what this means in our lives... we will have both the praise of "men" and the praise of God which is far greater.
So, what does it mean to Fear God? It is having a complete reverence for who He is and what HE does in our lives. When we understand who God is and then live in response to that understanding that we can become virtuous women. Scripture tells us that when we fear God, he will instruct us in the way we should live (Psalms 25:12).
Take some time to read about the many benefits of Fearing God. When we understand who he is in our lives we really obtain such wonderful blessings and benefits in our daily lives.
• Intimacy with God: "The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant" Psalms 25:14 • Preservation in Trial: "Behold , the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His loving-kindness, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine" Psalms 33:18,19 • Provisions for Life: "O, fear the Lord, you his saints; for to those who fear Him, there is no want. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing" Psalms 34:9,10 • God's Love: "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving-kindness toward those who fear Him" (Psalms 103:11) • God's compassion: "Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him" (Psalms 103:13) • Physical Health: "do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. it will be healing to your body, and refreshment to your bones" (Pro. 3:7, 8) • Wisdom and Knowledge: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Pro. 9:10) • Life and Peace: "The Fear of the Lord leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil." (Proverbs 19:23) • Prosperity: "The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life" (Proverbs 22:4)
When we live in the abundance of the work of God in our lives - we truly will be giving praise to Him in all we do. Do you really rest in his benefits? When we stop trying to be "virtuous" on our own, God makes us something wonderful. When He makes us "virtuous" we give praise and honor to Him.
Lynne
Proverbs 31:30
"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised."
This is the foundational verse and characteristic of the woman described as "virtuous". All of the other verses and characteristics are centered on this principle. Ladies without the "Fear of God" in our lives nothing else will fall into place. Do you want to have confidence? That is a product of having the fear of God in our lives (Prov. 14:26). When we understand what this means in our lives... we will have both the praise of "men" and the praise of God which is far greater.
So, what does it mean to Fear God? It is having a complete reverence for who He is and what HE does in our lives. When we understand who God is and then live in response to that understanding that we can become virtuous women. Scripture tells us that when we fear God, he will instruct us in the way we should live (Psalms 25:12).
Take some time to read about the many benefits of Fearing God. When we understand who he is in our lives we really obtain such wonderful blessings and benefits in our daily lives.
• Intimacy with God: "The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant" Psalms 25:14 • Preservation in Trial: "Behold , the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His loving-kindness, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine" Psalms 33:18,19 • Provisions for Life: "O, fear the Lord, you his saints; for to those who fear Him, there is no want. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing" Psalms 34:9,10 • God's Love: "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving-kindness toward those who fear Him" (Psalms 103:11) • God's compassion: "Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him" (Psalms 103:13) • Physical Health: "do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. it will be healing to your body, and refreshment to your bones" (Pro. 3:7, 8) • Wisdom and Knowledge: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Pro. 9:10) • Life and Peace: "The Fear of the Lord leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil." (Proverbs 19:23) • Prosperity: "The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life" (Proverbs 22:4)
When we live in the abundance of the work of God in our lives - we truly will be giving praise to Him in all we do. Do you really rest in his benefits? When we stop trying to be "virtuous" on our own, God makes us something wonderful. When He makes us "virtuous" we give praise and honor to Him.
Lynne
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
What Do You Say Love Is?
What Do You Say Love Is?
One of my all time favorite songs is by Bette Midler titled "The Rose".
A few years ago I took my mom out to lunch and sitting in the parking lot of the restaurant I played the song for her. I'd recently checked the CD out from the local library and as I'd listened to the song with new ears, I'd thought of my Mom and the fact that she is in the winter of her life. Spring has passed and she has done so much living in her span of years as well as some dying -dying to hopes and dreams. My desire was to encourage her to dream new dreams and hope new hopes, plant new flowers and dance new dances, take a chance and plant new seeds in her garden for love -new love- to grow and flourish.
She's had a few more birthdays since then and it's been a blessing to watch her embrace her life and live it. It may be winter but she still has a graceful steady spring in her step...and more importantly the Son shines brightly in her soul and spirit.
My love for this beautiful woman is something my heart and life are not adequately able to express and what I say love is (in an earthly way) is Mom. A beautiful flower, like the crocus, that peeks its head above ground at the slightest hint of spring. Every year I am amazed to see this happen. The crocus shows up, having pushed through the hard, sometimes snow covered, winter ground...drawn upward by the sun. Nothing keeps it in the ground. It pops through and shows of its simple beauty, just by being itself.
Stephanie
One of my all time favorite songs is by Bette Midler titled "The Rose".
A few years ago I took my mom out to lunch and sitting in the parking lot of the restaurant I played the song for her. I'd recently checked the CD out from the local library and as I'd listened to the song with new ears, I'd thought of my Mom and the fact that she is in the winter of her life. Spring has passed and she has done so much living in her span of years as well as some dying -dying to hopes and dreams. My desire was to encourage her to dream new dreams and hope new hopes, plant new flowers and dance new dances, take a chance and plant new seeds in her garden for love -new love- to grow and flourish.
She's had a few more birthdays since then and it's been a blessing to watch her embrace her life and live it. It may be winter but she still has a graceful steady spring in her step...and more importantly the Son shines brightly in her soul and spirit.
My love for this beautiful woman is something my heart and life are not adequately able to express and what I say love is (in an earthly way) is Mom. A beautiful flower, like the crocus, that peeks its head above ground at the slightest hint of spring. Every year I am amazed to see this happen. The crocus shows up, having pushed through the hard, sometimes snow covered, winter ground...drawn upward by the sun. Nothing keeps it in the ground. It pops through and shows of its simple beauty, just by being itself.
Stephanie
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Wait ... Wait ... Wait
Wait....wait....wait
God speaks to me in many ways as I'm sure He does to you. When I read His Word, He always has something to say to me. I can read some passage 10 different times and there might be 10 different messages in there for me. His Word is alive as it says in Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
I have found that God uses people to "speak" to me at different times too. Sometimes it may be encouragement, at other times direction, and yet other times to help convict me of some sin or disobedience. I have to say I'm not always listening.
God even "speaks" to me through His beautiful creation...but I have never heard God "speak" to me like He did a few weeks ago. One morning while I was reading scripture, praying and spending a little quiet time with the Lord, I heard 3 words. It was awesome! The words seemed to come from nowhere. It seemed as though I "heard" it in my head. God was trying to tell me something but I'm still seeking God on what it means for me.
What I heard was "wait...wait...wait." I thought...hold on! What does that mean? Lord can't you give me a little more information? I've never heard you before...can you elaborate just a bit...please?
There was a time when I was an extremely impatient person...trials taught me patience in so many areas of my life. I must admit that it doesn't flow over to all areas of my life. There are times I grow impatient; some are "godly" things I've been praying for like the salvation of my son John. Some are not so "godly" like a remodeled kitchen. I decided to see what the Bible had to say on waiting and here are a few verses that spoke the loudest to me.
Psalm 27:4 "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
Isaiah 40:31 "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Psalm 25:4-5 "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."
You know it really doesn't matter what God is asking me to "wait" on because I think He is telling me to just wait on His timing and sovereignty in...whatever. It's in the waiting that I will find peace and strength.
I think I've been holding out on you Lord and need to lay a few more things at the foot of the cross. Teach me Lord and guide me in all my thoughts, ways and deeds because all my hope is in you.
Mary Ann
God speaks to me in many ways as I'm sure He does to you. When I read His Word, He always has something to say to me. I can read some passage 10 different times and there might be 10 different messages in there for me. His Word is alive as it says in Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
I have found that God uses people to "speak" to me at different times too. Sometimes it may be encouragement, at other times direction, and yet other times to help convict me of some sin or disobedience. I have to say I'm not always listening.
God even "speaks" to me through His beautiful creation...but I have never heard God "speak" to me like He did a few weeks ago. One morning while I was reading scripture, praying and spending a little quiet time with the Lord, I heard 3 words. It was awesome! The words seemed to come from nowhere. It seemed as though I "heard" it in my head. God was trying to tell me something but I'm still seeking God on what it means for me.
What I heard was "wait...wait...wait." I thought...hold on! What does that mean? Lord can't you give me a little more information? I've never heard you before...can you elaborate just a bit...please?
There was a time when I was an extremely impatient person...trials taught me patience in so many areas of my life. I must admit that it doesn't flow over to all areas of my life. There are times I grow impatient; some are "godly" things I've been praying for like the salvation of my son John. Some are not so "godly" like a remodeled kitchen. I decided to see what the Bible had to say on waiting and here are a few verses that spoke the loudest to me.
Psalm 27:4 "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
Isaiah 40:31 "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Psalm 25:4-5 "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."
You know it really doesn't matter what God is asking me to "wait" on because I think He is telling me to just wait on His timing and sovereignty in...whatever. It's in the waiting that I will find peace and strength.
I think I've been holding out on you Lord and need to lay a few more things at the foot of the cross. Teach me Lord and guide me in all my thoughts, ways and deeds because all my hope is in you.
Mary Ann
Monday, December 17, 2007
Humble Yourself or Be Humbled
Humble yourself, or be humbled.
"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6
I remember this statement made in Beth Moore's book, Praying God's Word: "If we don't presently have an issue that is actively humbling us, we veer with disturbing velocity toward arrogance and self-righteousness" (pg. 58).
As I have grown in my walk with Jesus Christ, 24+ years, He has graciously revealed pockets of my heart where humility has not had its way.
Several weeks ago, I was praying with some urgency that God would give me a humble heart. I don't want to just put on humility; I want to be genuinely humble. I desire humility to overflow from my walk with Jesus Christ, as I live and breathe.
Within the first 7 days of beginning to pray that prayer, I had 3 different individuals 'correct' me. Oh, my prideful heart wanted to defend myself but soon I realized that God was answering my prayer. After all, how could He make me a humble person if He didn't provide opportunities to practice humility?
I needed to follow-up with one of the individuals and that morning in my devotional reading, I read: "Peace cannot be found except with a lowly heart. And a lowly heart is not something that you can conjure up. Meekness of heart is a gift from God every time you experience it. The perfect time to experience a humble heart is when someone disapproves of you, or when you experience inward temptations and weakness. Learn to get used to both of these trials: They are a part of life." (The Seeking Heart-Fenelon; pg.165).
God gives grace to the humble....
Diane
"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6
I remember this statement made in Beth Moore's book, Praying God's Word: "If we don't presently have an issue that is actively humbling us, we veer with disturbing velocity toward arrogance and self-righteousness" (pg. 58).
As I have grown in my walk with Jesus Christ, 24+ years, He has graciously revealed pockets of my heart where humility has not had its way.
Several weeks ago, I was praying with some urgency that God would give me a humble heart. I don't want to just put on humility; I want to be genuinely humble. I desire humility to overflow from my walk with Jesus Christ, as I live and breathe.
Within the first 7 days of beginning to pray that prayer, I had 3 different individuals 'correct' me. Oh, my prideful heart wanted to defend myself but soon I realized that God was answering my prayer. After all, how could He make me a humble person if He didn't provide opportunities to practice humility?
I needed to follow-up with one of the individuals and that morning in my devotional reading, I read: "Peace cannot be found except with a lowly heart. And a lowly heart is not something that you can conjure up. Meekness of heart is a gift from God every time you experience it. The perfect time to experience a humble heart is when someone disapproves of you, or when you experience inward temptations and weakness. Learn to get used to both of these trials: They are a part of life." (The Seeking Heart-Fenelon; pg.165).
God gives grace to the humble....
Diane
Friday, December 14, 2007
You Have Today
You Have Today
"If at anytime in your life you're looking past where you are, if anytime in your life you're kind of waiting through a season to get to the next season, I feel like we're missing something extreme." ~~Bebo Norman ¹ I went on a retreat this weekend with the sisters from my church and without a doubt it was the best "retreat" I've ever been privileged to attend.
One tiny nugget from the retreat was the handful on conversations I had with young mothers who are in a stage of life I've already lived through. We had some emotional moments where a small group of us "40 something" moms -whose children have left the nest- were sharing with these new moms, about how quickly time flies. We lovingly encouraged them to savor the moments of peanut butter kisses and sticky fingered hands grabbing your face to give you an eyeball-to-eyeball grin like only a two year old can. We encouraged them to endure the days of seeming drudgery, remembering that "the joy of the Lord is their strength."
We remembered the "I can't wait until..." days of wanting to hurry up and get through one phase to get to the next. What were we thinking? It all passed so quickly.
One of the things a mom older than me missed most was being able to cradle her children on her lap. There's something about rocking your babies that compares to nothing else. It's pure sweetness and delight.
Sisters, we all have today. Whatever stage or phase of life you are in right now don't waste any time looking past where you are to get to where you think you're going. Sure look past in terms of being excited about where you're headed but be careful not to miss where you are.
Is there someone in your life who needs you to see them right now? Do they need somebody to affirm and encourage them today?
Maybe it's the Lord Himself who is waiting for you to simply be still, to wait on Him, to talk to Him and then listen to all the wonderful things He wants to say to you.
We have today. Let's taste it and savor for the glory of God. Selah Stephanie ¹ familylife.com/Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, Part 1 Broadcast Date: 09/01/06
"If at anytime in your life you're looking past where you are, if anytime in your life you're kind of waiting through a season to get to the next season, I feel like we're missing something extreme." ~~Bebo Norman ¹ I went on a retreat this weekend with the sisters from my church and without a doubt it was the best "retreat" I've ever been privileged to attend.
One tiny nugget from the retreat was the handful on conversations I had with young mothers who are in a stage of life I've already lived through. We had some emotional moments where a small group of us "40 something" moms -whose children have left the nest- were sharing with these new moms, about how quickly time flies. We lovingly encouraged them to savor the moments of peanut butter kisses and sticky fingered hands grabbing your face to give you an eyeball-to-eyeball grin like only a two year old can. We encouraged them to endure the days of seeming drudgery, remembering that "the joy of the Lord is their strength."
We remembered the "I can't wait until..." days of wanting to hurry up and get through one phase to get to the next. What were we thinking? It all passed so quickly.
One of the things a mom older than me missed most was being able to cradle her children on her lap. There's something about rocking your babies that compares to nothing else. It's pure sweetness and delight.
Sisters, we all have today. Whatever stage or phase of life you are in right now don't waste any time looking past where you are to get to where you think you're going. Sure look past in terms of being excited about where you're headed but be careful not to miss where you are.
Is there someone in your life who needs you to see them right now? Do they need somebody to affirm and encourage them today?
Maybe it's the Lord Himself who is waiting for you to simply be still, to wait on Him, to talk to Him and then listen to all the wonderful things He wants to say to you.
We have today. Let's taste it and savor for the glory of God. Selah Stephanie ¹ familylife.com/Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, Part 1 Broadcast Date: 09/01/06
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Fear
Fear
I've been thinking a lot about fear lately, asking myself what I am afraid of and why on earth I am afraid of it. For example, I have been afraid of the dark for as long as I can remember. At various times over the years I have made intentional steps toward victory. The first one came because I was simply tired of being afraid of the dark; tired of running up the stairs at night so the dark (or whatever I was afraid was in it) wouldn't get me. I remember standing and speaking to the darkness and to the enemy in it, saying, "No more! Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world." After that I turned and walked slowly and deliberately up the stairs, choosing to fight the "feeling" of fear.
There are many other things I could list, but frankly speaking, I don't wish to spend one more second pondering on or talking about the things that fill me with fear. I'd rather tell myself the truth, "God did not give me a spirit of fear. Rather, He gave me a spirit of power, and of love and of a sound mind. So that means, empowered by the Holy Spirit of God in me, I can take captive stinky thinking and with a sound mind tell myself the truth "greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world- and because the love of Christ is in me, I will not be afraid!
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." ~~ 1John 4:18 (NKJV) ¹ "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." ~~1 John 4:4 (NKJV) ¹ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." ~~2Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) ¹ Dear sister, there is no fear in Christ. Our life in Christ removes all fear.
Stephanie
"Don't fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have." ~~ Louis E. Boone ²
"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy." ~~Dale Carnegie ²
"It is the nature of slavery to render its victims so abject that at last, fearing to be free, they multiply their own chains. You can liberate a free man, but you cannot liberate a slave."
~~Louis J. Hall ²
All forms of fear produce fatigue. ~~Bertrand Russell Fear is the prison of the heart. ~~ Anonymous ¹ biblegateway.com ² heatquotes.net
I've been thinking a lot about fear lately, asking myself what I am afraid of and why on earth I am afraid of it. For example, I have been afraid of the dark for as long as I can remember. At various times over the years I have made intentional steps toward victory. The first one came because I was simply tired of being afraid of the dark; tired of running up the stairs at night so the dark (or whatever I was afraid was in it) wouldn't get me. I remember standing and speaking to the darkness and to the enemy in it, saying, "No more! Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world." After that I turned and walked slowly and deliberately up the stairs, choosing to fight the "feeling" of fear.
There are many other things I could list, but frankly speaking, I don't wish to spend one more second pondering on or talking about the things that fill me with fear. I'd rather tell myself the truth, "God did not give me a spirit of fear. Rather, He gave me a spirit of power, and of love and of a sound mind. So that means, empowered by the Holy Spirit of God in me, I can take captive stinky thinking and with a sound mind tell myself the truth "greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world- and because the love of Christ is in me, I will not be afraid!
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." ~~ 1John 4:18 (NKJV) ¹ "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." ~~1 John 4:4 (NKJV) ¹ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." ~~2Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) ¹ Dear sister, there is no fear in Christ. Our life in Christ removes all fear.
Stephanie
"Don't fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have." ~~ Louis E. Boone ²
"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy." ~~Dale Carnegie ²
"It is the nature of slavery to render its victims so abject that at last, fearing to be free, they multiply their own chains. You can liberate a free man, but you cannot liberate a slave."
~~Louis J. Hall ²
All forms of fear produce fatigue. ~~Bertrand Russell Fear is the prison of the heart. ~~ Anonymous ¹ biblegateway.com ² heatquotes.net
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
My Precious Legacy
My Precious Legacy
After getting to know my husband's family I became envious of the legacy that he had. His family is full of fun traditions that I had not grown up with. More important than the traditions were the people behind them. Dave was blessed to still have living grandparents when I had already lost my parents. Dave had "Little Mom" and "Pop" both until they were 90 years old. And we are blessed to still have his Mom and Dad. Dad is looking forward to 80/60 next year! Eighty years old and 60 years married he told us when we saw him last. What a blessed legacy!
I never knew my Dad's mother and I never knew my Mom's father. Both died before I was born. My Mom's mother died when I was 12 so I have few memories of her and my Dad's father died when I was 19 but I was into my life and so I really didn't spend a lot of time with him. After both my parents had died I went to the cemetery where they are buried. I went to "talk". There were issues I needed to resolve and unfortunately I only had headstones to talk to. I was reminded that day that my grandparents were also buried at the same cemetery. I began to walk around and after awhile I came to the family plot where my grandparents, great- aunts and uncles are buried. There was a large family stone and then a number of smaller stones in a row. I came to my Grandmother's resting place and found that on the headstone was John 14:19b "Because I live, you also will live." I looked in amazement at my legacy! I never knew my grandmother. Did my Grandmother request that verse? Did my Grandfather choose that verse? Did I have a legacy that I didn't even know about? I thanked God for this knowledge that somewhere in my past was a godly heritage and that I would continue to be part of it! As I turned to go back to my car I heard that still small voice of God tell me to turn around. I took a few more steps and again felt the need to turn around. As I turned I saw the other side of the family headstone. In large capital letters it read "SAVED BY GRACE"! I hardly could believe it! There was my heritage! I had a legacy too!
I don't want those who come behind me to have to look so hard for their legacy. I want them to know that they have a godly heritage. It will be each one's choice to take that heritage for themselves but they will know that I chose Jesus Christ and as we pray and pour our lives into our kids and grandkids who knows how our legacy will touch their lives!
1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."
It is never too late to leave a legacy, one that will last for eternity!
Kathy
After getting to know my husband's family I became envious of the legacy that he had. His family is full of fun traditions that I had not grown up with. More important than the traditions were the people behind them. Dave was blessed to still have living grandparents when I had already lost my parents. Dave had "Little Mom" and "Pop" both until they were 90 years old. And we are blessed to still have his Mom and Dad. Dad is looking forward to 80/60 next year! Eighty years old and 60 years married he told us when we saw him last. What a blessed legacy!
I never knew my Dad's mother and I never knew my Mom's father. Both died before I was born. My Mom's mother died when I was 12 so I have few memories of her and my Dad's father died when I was 19 but I was into my life and so I really didn't spend a lot of time with him. After both my parents had died I went to the cemetery where they are buried. I went to "talk". There were issues I needed to resolve and unfortunately I only had headstones to talk to. I was reminded that day that my grandparents were also buried at the same cemetery. I began to walk around and after awhile I came to the family plot where my grandparents, great- aunts and uncles are buried. There was a large family stone and then a number of smaller stones in a row. I came to my Grandmother's resting place and found that on the headstone was John 14:19b "Because I live, you also will live." I looked in amazement at my legacy! I never knew my grandmother. Did my Grandmother request that verse? Did my Grandfather choose that verse? Did I have a legacy that I didn't even know about? I thanked God for this knowledge that somewhere in my past was a godly heritage and that I would continue to be part of it! As I turned to go back to my car I heard that still small voice of God tell me to turn around. I took a few more steps and again felt the need to turn around. As I turned I saw the other side of the family headstone. In large capital letters it read "SAVED BY GRACE"! I hardly could believe it! There was my heritage! I had a legacy too!
I don't want those who come behind me to have to look so hard for their legacy. I want them to know that they have a godly heritage. It will be each one's choice to take that heritage for themselves but they will know that I chose Jesus Christ and as we pray and pour our lives into our kids and grandkids who knows how our legacy will touch their lives!
1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."
It is never too late to leave a legacy, one that will last for eternity!
Kathy
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Turn ... Turn ... Turn
Turn...turn...turn
"To everything turn, turn, turn, there is a season. Turn, turn, turn, and a time for every purpose under heaven." Maybe some of you remember that song from a few years back. The Byrds made this song famous in the 1960's. Back then I thought it was a neat song but had no idea that it was based on Ecclesiastes chapter 3.
Our world turns and everything changes. Nothing is as certain as change. Some changes are pleasant...some difficult. Some changes we make....some changes are made for us. Some changes bring happiness and laughter....some changes sadness and tears. Many of us don't like change because it requires something of or from us...to do something differently, to change ourselves in some way. We get comfortable in the way things are in the present. There are some who will fight change tooth and nail EVEN IF it means a change for the better. As miserable as things may be at least you "know" it well....but change? What will that be like? How will I handle it? All the uncertainly can cause so much anxiety!
But it doesn't have to be this way. The Bible tells us to expect change and then put our trust and hope in our sovereign Lord because God has a purpose and plan for it all. We witness change all around us every day. All we have to do is look at the seasons. We have just witnessed all our green trees turn into beautiful hues of yellow, gold, red and brown...and watched them fall to the ground. Then "turn, turn, turn" and in spring the trees will once again be green.
Sometimes, I'm the one resisting change. All my resisting only makes change all that much more difficult. Where is my trust? Where is my hope?
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight."
Psalm 42:5 "Why are you downcast oh my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
If I'm clinging to Him, resting in Him, trusting in Him I will not have any fear of the changes that will come.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
TO EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted, A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up, A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, A time to get and a time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away, A time to rend and a time to sew, a time to keep silence and a time to speak, A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. 1
Change is certain, but God in His sovereignty has a purpose in it...and in that I will find peace.
Mary Ann
"To everything turn, turn, turn, there is a season. Turn, turn, turn, and a time for every purpose under heaven." Maybe some of you remember that song from a few years back. The Byrds made this song famous in the 1960's. Back then I thought it was a neat song but had no idea that it was based on Ecclesiastes chapter 3.
Our world turns and everything changes. Nothing is as certain as change. Some changes are pleasant...some difficult. Some changes we make....some changes are made for us. Some changes bring happiness and laughter....some changes sadness and tears. Many of us don't like change because it requires something of or from us...to do something differently, to change ourselves in some way. We get comfortable in the way things are in the present. There are some who will fight change tooth and nail EVEN IF it means a change for the better. As miserable as things may be at least you "know" it well....but change? What will that be like? How will I handle it? All the uncertainly can cause so much anxiety!
But it doesn't have to be this way. The Bible tells us to expect change and then put our trust and hope in our sovereign Lord because God has a purpose and plan for it all. We witness change all around us every day. All we have to do is look at the seasons. We have just witnessed all our green trees turn into beautiful hues of yellow, gold, red and brown...and watched them fall to the ground. Then "turn, turn, turn" and in spring the trees will once again be green.
Sometimes, I'm the one resisting change. All my resisting only makes change all that much more difficult. Where is my trust? Where is my hope?
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight."
Psalm 42:5 "Why are you downcast oh my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
If I'm clinging to Him, resting in Him, trusting in Him I will not have any fear of the changes that will come.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
TO EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted, A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up, A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, A time to get and a time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away, A time to rend and a time to sew, a time to keep silence and a time to speak, A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. 1
Change is certain, but God in His sovereignty has a purpose in it...and in that I will find peace.
Mary Ann
Monday, December 10, 2007
Of Infinite Worth
Of Infinite Worth...
Those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches, none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him-for the redemption of their souls is costly...Psalm 49:7-8
I love it when God hands me a new piece to the theological puzzle. Oh, I don't mean He gives me some new revelation no one else has, I mean, He reveals a little more of Himself to me.
Recently, the topic in our small group was about the necessity of the atonement to have occurred as it did. The question posed to us was, "Could the atonement have happened differently? Did Jesus' blood have to be shed?"
Having been asked this question in advance, I had a week to mull it over and was convinced that it had to happen that way only because God said it had to happen that way, but that He could have chosen a different way had He been so inclined. Once He choose His Son's blood as the atoning sacrifice, that is the way it had to be.
In the course of our discussion that night, our small group leader made this statement:
A single one of our sins is an infinite offense against Almighty God and therefore it takes a sacrifice of infinite worth to atone for it.
I can still remember the dawning of light as God reached down and handed me a new puzzle piece. A simple truth that penetrated my heart deeply: The only sacrifice that could possibly have infinite worth is the blood of God Himself, God the Son.
That, my sisters, is pure grace!
Diane
Those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches, none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him-for the redemption of their souls is costly...Psalm 49:7-8
I love it when God hands me a new piece to the theological puzzle. Oh, I don't mean He gives me some new revelation no one else has, I mean, He reveals a little more of Himself to me.
Recently, the topic in our small group was about the necessity of the atonement to have occurred as it did. The question posed to us was, "Could the atonement have happened differently? Did Jesus' blood have to be shed?"
Having been asked this question in advance, I had a week to mull it over and was convinced that it had to happen that way only because God said it had to happen that way, but that He could have chosen a different way had He been so inclined. Once He choose His Son's blood as the atoning sacrifice, that is the way it had to be.
In the course of our discussion that night, our small group leader made this statement:
A single one of our sins is an infinite offense against Almighty God and therefore it takes a sacrifice of infinite worth to atone for it.
I can still remember the dawning of light as God reached down and handed me a new puzzle piece. A simple truth that penetrated my heart deeply: The only sacrifice that could possibly have infinite worth is the blood of God Himself, God the Son.
That, my sisters, is pure grace!
Diane
Thursday, December 06, 2007
ZINZENDORF
ZINZENDORF
"In 1722 Count Nicholaus von Zinzendorf of Saxony founded a colony of pietist ("holy person who devoutly fulfills religious obligations¹") believers called "herrnhut," later known as Moravians. He also traveled to America and set up communities that began to send out missionaries, first to Greenland, then to the West Indies, then beyond. By the time Zinzendorf died in 1760 some 300 missionaries, all laypersons, had gone out from the various colonies. In 1738 when some of the challenges of missionary life had become clear, Zinzendorf wrote his famous instructions, many of which sound strangely modern, despite their 18th century language. It is better to send people into the wide world than to send no one. But you should be warned about the following temptations." (I share 1-10 of 20) 1. To have even the slightest dealings with clergymen.
2. To think about your purpose in the land only when you get there.
* What is your purpose in the land?
3. To test your vocation on the heathen once you are among them.
4. To give up because something doesn't work immediately.
* Are you ready to give up? Don't!
5. To begin to make your home too comfortable, forgetting that you are really a traveler, a pilgrim among the nations.
* Ouch! Have we become too comfortable in this land of blessing?
6. To be prejudiced against the heathen because they are neither efficient nor pious, and to be irritated by how badly they run things.
* This is a big one for all us Christians, especially those of us who are in ministry. What are the areas we prejudge with little to no information?
7. To seek even the slightest advantage at the expense of your brothers.
* Another big one. One of the ways it shows up in our lives is gossip. Y'all know what I'm talking about!
8. To fill up whole diaries with descriptions of difficulties but write little or nothing about the ways in which our Savior has helped you.
* Let us never ever forget or grow weary of praising God in all our circumstances.
9. To forget that one can do far more with a believing heart than with many words.
10. To judge your colleagues, and particularly your superiors, according to their personalities and then allow your relationship to be influenced by whether or not you approve of them.
* Come on now! We all know about this one. Repent and be set free from a critical spirit!
Tune in tomorrow for 11-20.
Stephanie
"In 1722 Count Nicholaus von Zinzendorf of Saxony founded a colony of pietist ("holy person who devoutly fulfills religious obligations¹") believers called "herrnhut," later known as Moravians. He also traveled to America and set up communities that began to send out missionaries, first to Greenland, then to the West Indies, then beyond. By the time Zinzendorf died in 1760 some 300 missionaries, all laypersons, had gone out from the various colonies. In 1738 when some of the challenges of missionary life had become clear, Zinzendorf wrote his famous instructions, many of which sound strangely modern, despite their 18th century language. It is better to send people into the wide world than to send no one. But you should be warned about the following temptations." (I share 1-10 of 20) 1. To have even the slightest dealings with clergymen.
2. To think about your purpose in the land only when you get there.
* What is your purpose in the land?
3. To test your vocation on the heathen once you are among them.
4. To give up because something doesn't work immediately.
* Are you ready to give up? Don't!
5. To begin to make your home too comfortable, forgetting that you are really a traveler, a pilgrim among the nations.
* Ouch! Have we become too comfortable in this land of blessing?
6. To be prejudiced against the heathen because they are neither efficient nor pious, and to be irritated by how badly they run things.
* This is a big one for all us Christians, especially those of us who are in ministry. What are the areas we prejudge with little to no information?
7. To seek even the slightest advantage at the expense of your brothers.
* Another big one. One of the ways it shows up in our lives is gossip. Y'all know what I'm talking about!
8. To fill up whole diaries with descriptions of difficulties but write little or nothing about the ways in which our Savior has helped you.
* Let us never ever forget or grow weary of praising God in all our circumstances.
9. To forget that one can do far more with a believing heart than with many words.
10. To judge your colleagues, and particularly your superiors, according to their personalities and then allow your relationship to be influenced by whether or not you approve of them.
* Come on now! We all know about this one. Repent and be set free from a critical spirit!
Tune in tomorrow for 11-20.
Stephanie
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Gift Giving for a Lifetime
Gift Giving for a Lifetime
This December I will once again pass the anniversaries of my parent's deaths. My father will be gone 18 years this December 10th and my Mom will be gone 14 years on Christmas Eve. I never would have thought that I would no longer have my parents by time I barely got into my 30s. They were too young to die and I was too young to be left without parents. My son, Michael, remembers little about his grandparents. One day I wore a perfume I had once given my mother and as I walked by he said, "I smell Grandma". Such a precious thing that he could recall her perfume! My daughter, Kerri, has only a slight recollection of her Grandmother. One day when she was about 10 she noticed the picture of my parents on the shelf in the living room. She stopped to ponder then asked me, "Who is that guy dancing with Grandma in that picture?" It broke my heart that she had no memory of her Grandfather.
Memories and legacies are so precious to pass down. As this anniversary comes near once again I am reminded of how much I want to touch the lives of my children and hopefully in the future, my grandchildren. I am also reminded of a project that I heard about years ago and still have not done. Maybe if I share it with you I will have the accountability needed to complete it and maybe also inspire you to do the same. What I would like to do for each of my children is to get a new Bible and for one year use only that Bible. As I read through I would write short prayers for them in the margins or give a brief insight into that verse, or tell them why that verse spoke to me. Then at the end of the year I have a precious gift for my child. After doing this for your children move on to your children- in- law and grandchildren and leave them your thoughts and prayers for them in a tangible way.
I received my Grandfather's Bible along the way but there are no notes. I have my mom's Bible but there is nothing to let me know how precious the Word was to her. God has shown me my legacy in a unique way-I will share that with you next time but for now I hope you are inspired to leave a legacy, a gift that lasts forever!
"Give ear O my people, to my law; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from our children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done." Psalm 78:1-4 Kathy
This December I will once again pass the anniversaries of my parent's deaths. My father will be gone 18 years this December 10th and my Mom will be gone 14 years on Christmas Eve. I never would have thought that I would no longer have my parents by time I barely got into my 30s. They were too young to die and I was too young to be left without parents. My son, Michael, remembers little about his grandparents. One day I wore a perfume I had once given my mother and as I walked by he said, "I smell Grandma". Such a precious thing that he could recall her perfume! My daughter, Kerri, has only a slight recollection of her Grandmother. One day when she was about 10 she noticed the picture of my parents on the shelf in the living room. She stopped to ponder then asked me, "Who is that guy dancing with Grandma in that picture?" It broke my heart that she had no memory of her Grandfather.
Memories and legacies are so precious to pass down. As this anniversary comes near once again I am reminded of how much I want to touch the lives of my children and hopefully in the future, my grandchildren. I am also reminded of a project that I heard about years ago and still have not done. Maybe if I share it with you I will have the accountability needed to complete it and maybe also inspire you to do the same. What I would like to do for each of my children is to get a new Bible and for one year use only that Bible. As I read through I would write short prayers for them in the margins or give a brief insight into that verse, or tell them why that verse spoke to me. Then at the end of the year I have a precious gift for my child. After doing this for your children move on to your children- in- law and grandchildren and leave them your thoughts and prayers for them in a tangible way.
I received my Grandfather's Bible along the way but there are no notes. I have my mom's Bible but there is nothing to let me know how precious the Word was to her. God has shown me my legacy in a unique way-I will share that with you next time but for now I hope you are inspired to leave a legacy, a gift that lasts forever!
"Give ear O my people, to my law; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from our children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done." Psalm 78:1-4 Kathy
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Singing and Dancing
Singing and dancing
I know some of you grew up in churches that didn't allow dancing. I grew up in an atmosphere where singing and dancing were very much a part of my Ukrainian culture. Whenever family and friends gathered you could bet there would be folk songs sung and couples twirling to polkas. I loved dancing the polka with my Poppa, my brother Adolf and my Uncle Albert. When you polka you can't help but smile and laugh. I recall those times with a bitter sweetness. My brother Adolf died in 1976 and with his death, the polka died too. My parents no longer danced.
In this past week I've discovered a scripture through my "Grace Walk" study by Steve McVey that has opened my eyes in a whole new way.
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing.1
Steve McVey pointed out that the word "exalt" means "to twirl, to dance with enthusiasm. He rejoices over you with shouts of joy." 2Can you imagine our Father God loving us so much, we who are His children through spiritual rebirth, that He sings and dances...not just dances but twirls (I like to think it's a polka) over us!!! Wow...that's my Abba Father, dancing over me! Me? Can I believe that He would dance over me even though I still mess up? Yes! Yes! Yes! And He dances and sings over you too! Doesn't that just put a smile on your face?
The polka hasn't died. It's alive and well and today...my God, my Savior is dancing over you and me! May this truth sink deep in your heart and soul. When someone asks why your smiling...you can tell them, you can't help but smile and rejoice because God is dancing the polka over you today!
MaryAnn
I know some of you grew up in churches that didn't allow dancing. I grew up in an atmosphere where singing and dancing were very much a part of my Ukrainian culture. Whenever family and friends gathered you could bet there would be folk songs sung and couples twirling to polkas. I loved dancing the polka with my Poppa, my brother Adolf and my Uncle Albert. When you polka you can't help but smile and laugh. I recall those times with a bitter sweetness. My brother Adolf died in 1976 and with his death, the polka died too. My parents no longer danced.
In this past week I've discovered a scripture through my "Grace Walk" study by Steve McVey that has opened my eyes in a whole new way.
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing.1
Steve McVey pointed out that the word "exalt" means "to twirl, to dance with enthusiasm. He rejoices over you with shouts of joy." 2Can you imagine our Father God loving us so much, we who are His children through spiritual rebirth, that He sings and dances...not just dances but twirls (I like to think it's a polka) over us!!! Wow...that's my Abba Father, dancing over me! Me? Can I believe that He would dance over me even though I still mess up? Yes! Yes! Yes! And He dances and sings over you too! Doesn't that just put a smile on your face?
The polka hasn't died. It's alive and well and today...my God, my Savior is dancing over you and me! May this truth sink deep in your heart and soul. When someone asks why your smiling...you can tell them, you can't help but smile and rejoice because God is dancing the polka over you today!
MaryAnn
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