Life is so unpredictable. We are going along with life, as hard as it was a while back. God steps in and BOOM - turns our life upside down with change after change. Change is hard, change brings fears, but change from God also brings beautiful results.
The Holy Spirit does crazy stuff too. I was reading the story of Philip and the Ethiopian in Acts. So they stop on the road, go down in the water and Philip baptizes him. I thought what happens next was crazy - "When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddently took Philip away, and the eunich did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns..."
I don't have a great theological answer for this wonder - the Holy Spirit cannot be explained in human terms. We cannot explain away what happened here. It just happened. As Christians, we do have that Spirit within us. We do have access to the power. We need only be available and willing. We need not fear because the Holy Spirit is given to us, our comfortor and guide. I love that - we sing "Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me, melt me, mold me, fill me, use me."
May the Spirit of the one true and living God fall on you this day.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Worthlessness
I was talking with someone recently who was struggling with worthlessness. The enemy is so stupid. We are children of the most high Almighty God, creator of the universe, and our creator. How in the world can we be worthless? We can't. We have all had times when we have felt worthless. I was laying in bed the other night and a scene from a movie popped into my mind. Maybe it's a stretch - maybe not - depending how it hits you. Anyhow, I am putting a part of the movie here on my blog. Just so you know, this movie "You've Got Mail" happens to be our family girl movie. My girls and I practically have the movie memorized.
Starting at 1 min. 40 sec. until 2 min. 33 sec. Here in the scene Kathleen was feeling a sense of worthlessness, but was quickly rebuked by her boyfriend with the truth of who she is. I love that. After hearing the truth she walks away in confidence. (the subtitles are the new language I just learned - just kidding)
So when we get hit with feelings of worthlessness we must counter them with the truth. Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." The truth of our beauty in Christ will make us walk with confidence.
Starting at 1 min. 40 sec. until 2 min. 33 sec. Here in the scene Kathleen was feeling a sense of worthlessness, but was quickly rebuked by her boyfriend with the truth of who she is. I love that. After hearing the truth she walks away in confidence. (the subtitles are the new language I just learned - just kidding)
So when we get hit with feelings of worthlessness we must counter them with the truth. Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." The truth of our beauty in Christ will make us walk with confidence.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Just Give me You!
A while ago my daughter put this song on her blog as a favorite. More and more as this journey called life continues, these words ring so much more true. Do you realize that God knows all of our crap and still wants to be our friend? Seriously blows me away. He is not looking for perfect but for passionate. That is a question to ponder. We all know that we are not perfect, as much as we try not to sin and do bad things, we end up doing them anyway. If I could look you right in the eyes, right now, I would remind you (and myself) the deep longing love that Jesus has for you. Jesus longs to spend time with you and for you to hang out together. You may wonder "what does that look like? How do I do that?" If we look at the example of David in the bible, notice that he was always inquiring of the Lord. Every time something new was happening he was seeking the Lord's direction. He knew that he would receive direction from Him, but he needed to spend time with him. He was passionate for that relationship, amidst his failures.
Have you spent time getting to know God? I heard in a bible study this morning "The more you know God, the more you hear God." This begins with study in His Word. Ask God to reveal himself to you before you begin to read. Ask him to teach you and show himself to you as you read. Then pray to him - it matters not your posture - standing, sitting, laying down - he just wants to hang out with you and for you to know his presence.
It doesn't matter what the world brings, all we need is Jesus. You could give me all the riches and stuff in this world but that would bring no satisfaction. God has stripped away so much of what the world sees as securities in my life - a home, posessions, a steady job with a steady paycheck ...he is allowoing me the opportunity to trust him like I have not had to before. To rely completely on him. As I blog I thought of Cindy Lou Who from "The Grinch". With all the presents and hustle and bustle of Christmas she simply said "Isn't this just a little superfluous?"
The World is not enough for me.
You can take the world.
Just give me you.
Put your hands up and surrender control to the Almighty God. Surrender your life and all of who you are to the God that moves mountains.
Have you spent time getting to know God? I heard in a bible study this morning "The more you know God, the more you hear God." This begins with study in His Word. Ask God to reveal himself to you before you begin to read. Ask him to teach you and show himself to you as you read. Then pray to him - it matters not your posture - standing, sitting, laying down - he just wants to hang out with you and for you to know his presence.
It doesn't matter what the world brings, all we need is Jesus. You could give me all the riches and stuff in this world but that would bring no satisfaction. God has stripped away so much of what the world sees as securities in my life - a home, posessions, a steady job with a steady paycheck ...he is allowoing me the opportunity to trust him like I have not had to before. To rely completely on him. As I blog I thought of Cindy Lou Who from "The Grinch". With all the presents and hustle and bustle of Christmas she simply said "Isn't this just a little superfluous?"
The World is not enough for me.
You can take the world.
Just give me you.
Put your hands up and surrender control to the Almighty God. Surrender your life and all of who you are to the God that moves mountains.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
I Will be Found!
"Unless the Lord builds the house it's builders labor in vain." Psalm 127
Think about your home, your family, your daily life. Whose house are you building on? The thought of doing a task and feeling like it's not accomplishing anything is a frustrating feeling. If I tried to go out today and run a marathon I would certainly try in vain. I have not trained or prepared for such an event and I would certainly fail. It's the same with our life - if we try to do it on our own we will fail. It is not until we come before our Heavenly Father, seeking his direction in every area of our life that we will be able to build. God's way - not my way. I want God to lead my life not me. I can look back and see what happens to me when I attempt to lead. I become more stressed, more anxious, more fearful, more...etc. the list goes on. When I truly give my life to Jesus, I mean really give it - it is then that I have freedom from these things. I have actually had times when I can feel inside of me that I have really given my life to him to take care of and lead. I have such peace and confidence. Then I get hit with one of those days when I tried to pick it back up again and those fears and anxiety come right back. It is so important to recognize when Satan is attacking with doubts and fears. They can really take you down - but in Christ we are lifted up.
Acts 6 talks about Stephen. He was a man full of God's grace and power. Opposition arose from members of the Synagogue. I love what was said about Stephen. "All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel." I picture a face that is so peaceful and joyful looking. How could he have such a beautiful look on his face when he is standing trial. It was the Spirit of Christ shining through him. That same Spirit is there for us too. It was not for just "back then" but a gift for you and for me. As a Christian we already have the Spirit of Christ living within us. Do you realize that? You have the Spirit of Christ - the comforter! That is so amazing and powerful. Spend time in prayer - not just asking for everything in your life to work out, but just spend time with Jesus. I know that it seems hard - spending time with your invisible creator - but he asks us to spend time with him. This is where you will be filled up - and the Spirit of Christ that is already within you will begin to shine through you - yes, like it did for Stephen. People will begin to see that within you and your life will begin to change. Personal time in the word of God and personal prayer time is such precious time and when you make that a priority in your day you will long for it daily.
Here is the promise "Then you will call upon me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found declares the Lord." Claim this promise in your life - TODAY! I love this promise - may it bring comfort to you today.
Think about your home, your family, your daily life. Whose house are you building on? The thought of doing a task and feeling like it's not accomplishing anything is a frustrating feeling. If I tried to go out today and run a marathon I would certainly try in vain. I have not trained or prepared for such an event and I would certainly fail. It's the same with our life - if we try to do it on our own we will fail. It is not until we come before our Heavenly Father, seeking his direction in every area of our life that we will be able to build. God's way - not my way. I want God to lead my life not me. I can look back and see what happens to me when I attempt to lead. I become more stressed, more anxious, more fearful, more...etc. the list goes on. When I truly give my life to Jesus, I mean really give it - it is then that I have freedom from these things. I have actually had times when I can feel inside of me that I have really given my life to him to take care of and lead. I have such peace and confidence. Then I get hit with one of those days when I tried to pick it back up again and those fears and anxiety come right back. It is so important to recognize when Satan is attacking with doubts and fears. They can really take you down - but in Christ we are lifted up.
Acts 6 talks about Stephen. He was a man full of God's grace and power. Opposition arose from members of the Synagogue. I love what was said about Stephen. "All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel." I picture a face that is so peaceful and joyful looking. How could he have such a beautiful look on his face when he is standing trial. It was the Spirit of Christ shining through him. That same Spirit is there for us too. It was not for just "back then" but a gift for you and for me. As a Christian we already have the Spirit of Christ living within us. Do you realize that? You have the Spirit of Christ - the comforter! That is so amazing and powerful. Spend time in prayer - not just asking for everything in your life to work out, but just spend time with Jesus. I know that it seems hard - spending time with your invisible creator - but he asks us to spend time with him. This is where you will be filled up - and the Spirit of Christ that is already within you will begin to shine through you - yes, like it did for Stephen. People will begin to see that within you and your life will begin to change. Personal time in the word of God and personal prayer time is such precious time and when you make that a priority in your day you will long for it daily.
Here is the promise "Then you will call upon me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found declares the Lord." Claim this promise in your life - TODAY! I love this promise - may it bring comfort to you today.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Time with Jesus
Today's society has certainly changed how they see the role of a pastor. In reading Acts chapter 6 hear how men in ministry were chosen. The disciples were increasing but the widows were being overlooked. So the disciples came together and said "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attantion to prayer and the ministry of the word." I love that they didn't choose just anyone who was available for this ministry. They were hand chosen by their walk with the Lord. This help gave the disciples (leaders) more time to be in prayer and scripture.
This is not the way most pastors focus on their ministry. It is so much a "get done" mentality. They are watched by church leaders to make sure they are getting in their "hours". Be thankful if your pastor spends a couple of hours each day in the word and in prayer. He is following the example of Jesus and getting filled up in the right place. Encourage your pastor do do this. This is where his strength will come from and the people around him will reap the harvest. I know as a wife I am so blessed when my husband spends his quiet time with God. I can tell that he is filled up and equipped to be the man of God that he wants to be. I am so thankful for that.
Jesus was our example as well. He would go off to pray - to be with his Father. We cannot go life alone. If we try to we will certainly fail. Spend your quiet time each day with Jesus. Don't let other things get in your way. When this becomes part of your day you will miss it so much when you miss a day. (that will happen) Just keep coming back - worship - pray - read scripture with a desire to grow and understand. You will be amazed what this will do in your life, your marriage, your other relationships and in yourself. His promises are true every morning. "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." Hear the promise? Claim it........
Smile today, you are a son or daughter of the King!
This is not the way most pastors focus on their ministry. It is so much a "get done" mentality. They are watched by church leaders to make sure they are getting in their "hours". Be thankful if your pastor spends a couple of hours each day in the word and in prayer. He is following the example of Jesus and getting filled up in the right place. Encourage your pastor do do this. This is where his strength will come from and the people around him will reap the harvest. I know as a wife I am so blessed when my husband spends his quiet time with God. I can tell that he is filled up and equipped to be the man of God that he wants to be. I am so thankful for that.
Jesus was our example as well. He would go off to pray - to be with his Father. We cannot go life alone. If we try to we will certainly fail. Spend your quiet time each day with Jesus. Don't let other things get in your way. When this becomes part of your day you will miss it so much when you miss a day. (that will happen) Just keep coming back - worship - pray - read scripture with a desire to grow and understand. You will be amazed what this will do in your life, your marriage, your other relationships and in yourself. His promises are true every morning. "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." Hear the promise? Claim it........
Smile today, you are a son or daughter of the King!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
O Happy Day
I love how scripture just blows me away. I was reading in Acts chapter 6 this morning. The apostles were teaching and healing. They were brought before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. I am loving what they said "We must obey God rather than men! . . . They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go." Listen to what they did - "The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."
This brings tears to my eyes. It did not matter to them what man thought. It did not matter to them what kind of attacks from others that they might face. They had one mission and one alone - to share the message of Jesus - no matter the cost! They thought about what Jesus went through. They knew that Jesus went through unimaginable desertion, pain and torture for you and me, for them. I want to have this much passion to reach the lost. I want to step out of my comfort areas so that others can know and hear about the love of Jesus for them.
We too are apostles. It wasn't just for "back then". When Jesus gave the Great Commission - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" it was us who are the disciples. Notice that right before Jesus said this scripture says that "the disciples met Jesus on the mountain and worshiped him; but some doubted." These same men that sat with Jesus at the Last Supper, followed him, talked with him after the resurrection - doubted. These were the men that were teaching and healing in Acts. Those men I wrote about that were rejoicing that they were suffering for the name of Jesus. THEY DOUBTED AND LOOK HOW GOD USED THEM! What an example for us. We all know that we doubt sometimes. We doubt our abilities - God will use you - God will use me. Let us allow God full access to every part of our life. Not holding on to controling things our way, but "God, all that I am is yours - help me to give all areas of my life over to you." Name some areas that you know that you need to give to him. Give it to him knowing the truth that he has it - expect that he will take care of it.
May we rejoice for the name of Jesus! Oh happy day!
This brings tears to my eyes. It did not matter to them what man thought. It did not matter to them what kind of attacks from others that they might face. They had one mission and one alone - to share the message of Jesus - no matter the cost! They thought about what Jesus went through. They knew that Jesus went through unimaginable desertion, pain and torture for you and me, for them. I want to have this much passion to reach the lost. I want to step out of my comfort areas so that others can know and hear about the love of Jesus for them.
We too are apostles. It wasn't just for "back then". When Jesus gave the Great Commission - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" it was us who are the disciples. Notice that right before Jesus said this scripture says that "the disciples met Jesus on the mountain and worshiped him; but some doubted." These same men that sat with Jesus at the Last Supper, followed him, talked with him after the resurrection - doubted. These were the men that were teaching and healing in Acts. Those men I wrote about that were rejoicing that they were suffering for the name of Jesus. THEY DOUBTED AND LOOK HOW GOD USED THEM! What an example for us. We all know that we doubt sometimes. We doubt our abilities - God will use you - God will use me. Let us allow God full access to every part of our life. Not holding on to controling things our way, but "God, all that I am is yours - help me to give all areas of my life over to you." Name some areas that you know that you need to give to him. Give it to him knowing the truth that he has it - expect that he will take care of it.
May we rejoice for the name of Jesus! Oh happy day!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Lake Huron
I can't believe that I went all weekend without blogging. I don't like missing sharing. It was a very full weekend. I wanted to blog at the end of my day on Saturday but there was not a moment to spare. I must say that Saturday was an awesome day from start to finish. Tim and I both had great starts to our day, we went for a power walk, walking through the Arts and Apples Festival here in Rochester. That was so fun, it was beautiful weather. We came home and got ready and headed to the church where Tim is filling a vacancy for a while. They were having a community outdoor picnic which we thought we would attend. It was nice to meet some people there and for me to see the church. It is 3 blocks from Lake Huron. Just beautiful! Then we headed home, took a nap and joined another pastor and his wife for dinner. It was a great evening of fellowship and sharing life and ministry together. We connected great - too bad they are moving soon.
Sunday morning was Tim's first full Sunday at the church. Angela and I joined him and we were blown away by the welcome that we received from the people there. They are so genuinely happy that we are there. God continues to place us in different places for a time. We do not know how long we will be there but for the time being it is a gift to be celebrated. We just felt loved on and that is something that God knew we needed. We've already been invited over to dinner and joined a couple families for dinner yesterday.
God is so amazingly good. This picture is the view of Lake Huron. Those who know me well know that the Great Lakes are my (and Tim's) most rejuvinating place to be. I stood on the shore looking out at all the sailboats - then closed my eyes and listened to the sound of the water lapping on the shore. It is so beautiful and peaceful. It just clears my mind, I love it.
Being with Jesus is the best ever. Most of my life I didn't understand what it meant to really be with Jesus. I mean really be with him. It was so hard to grasp. But I feel like the more God calls me to trust him, the closer I become with him. You know those times in life when your in a situation that is just so hard but a solution is out of your reach. You know that you can't do anything about it and yet you continue to fret and worry about it? Been there done that way too much. I would encourage you to seek the Lord like you never have before. Get desperate for him - cry out to him. David had no problem crying out to him, just read the Psalms. He wants us to cry out to him, he wants us to draw near to him. Realize and recognize that Satan does not want that to happen. We can be convinced that we can't get really close to Jesus. That is a lie - the truth is that Jesus promises to draw near to us. The Holy Spirit is a powerful gift. Ask Jesus to fill you - to pour His Spirit within you. Spend time with Jesus and you will find joy like you have never had it before. A good starting point is to find a quiet place alone. Open up your bible - I love the book of John - meditate on what you read asking God to reveal himself to you. Close your eyes to take away any distractions and just talk, out loud, to Jesus. I think talking out loud is powerful communication. Ask him to reveal himself to you in your life. He loves you so much and wants to have a relationship with you. It's not about a religion, but a relationship with Jesus. Close your eyes and listen to the following song. Listen like it's your prayer today.
Sunday morning was Tim's first full Sunday at the church. Angela and I joined him and we were blown away by the welcome that we received from the people there. They are so genuinely happy that we are there. God continues to place us in different places for a time. We do not know how long we will be there but for the time being it is a gift to be celebrated. We just felt loved on and that is something that God knew we needed. We've already been invited over to dinner and joined a couple families for dinner yesterday.
God is so amazingly good. This picture is the view of Lake Huron. Those who know me well know that the Great Lakes are my (and Tim's) most rejuvinating place to be. I stood on the shore looking out at all the sailboats - then closed my eyes and listened to the sound of the water lapping on the shore. It is so beautiful and peaceful. It just clears my mind, I love it.
Being with Jesus is the best ever. Most of my life I didn't understand what it meant to really be with Jesus. I mean really be with him. It was so hard to grasp. But I feel like the more God calls me to trust him, the closer I become with him. You know those times in life when your in a situation that is just so hard but a solution is out of your reach. You know that you can't do anything about it and yet you continue to fret and worry about it? Been there done that way too much. I would encourage you to seek the Lord like you never have before. Get desperate for him - cry out to him. David had no problem crying out to him, just read the Psalms. He wants us to cry out to him, he wants us to draw near to him. Realize and recognize that Satan does not want that to happen. We can be convinced that we can't get really close to Jesus. That is a lie - the truth is that Jesus promises to draw near to us. The Holy Spirit is a powerful gift. Ask Jesus to fill you - to pour His Spirit within you. Spend time with Jesus and you will find joy like you have never had it before. A good starting point is to find a quiet place alone. Open up your bible - I love the book of John - meditate on what you read asking God to reveal himself to you. Close your eyes to take away any distractions and just talk, out loud, to Jesus. I think talking out loud is powerful communication. Ask him to reveal himself to you in your life. He loves you so much and wants to have a relationship with you. It's not about a religion, but a relationship with Jesus. Close your eyes and listen to the following song. Listen like it's your prayer today.
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