Over Thirty days has passed since the new year began. The other morning I woke up in cheer. I quickly came to find that a huge and unexpected change had taken place in regards to this organization. This change makes it necessary to alter the immense plans for this year.
As I became aware of the change it was as if a shadow was starting to huddle around me, but as my eyes filled with tears, I began to remember what the Lord had done in 2009. I remembered how He took me out of the box that I shelled myself in, how He made a way out of no way. I recalled how He caused me to do things I never imagined and everything flowed because it was all Him activated within me. All of a sudden my confidence started popping like pop corn.
Instantly, I could see Peter in my mind that moment the disciples were in a boat. It was early in the morning and the boat was far from land as the water was roaring. Jesus stood a bit off on top of the water and started walking towards the disciples.
Initially they were scared but Jesus spoke saying, “"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid," "Lord, if it's You," Peter replied, "tell me to come to You on the water." "Come," He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink cried out, "Lord, save me!" Matthew 14:27-30.
Jesus had just fed over 5000 people, with little of nothing. As I continued thinking about my change my mind recalled more of how the Lord had just blessed me, giving me favor to do things far beyond my imagination.
I declared that moment “I am not going to call out to the Lord to come get me; I am not going to sink, because I have dominion to move forward.” When I got the news about the change it was as if the water was raising and wind was blowing. Yet, as I looked at the Lord’s creditability I could see this change was from HIM. He was standing there in the midst of my situation saying “Take courage, It is I don’t be afraid.” I don’t know how things are going to all work out, but I know God has taken care of it.
Today, someone else experiencing a change and the reality is it is a test of your faith: The Lord is standing right there in your situation. This is crunch time in your first quarter, show thyself approved.
Have you been hit with a major, unexpected change? Do you feel like after the first quarter your life has taken a turn? Maybe today you have been told you don’t have what you thought you had to get to where you need to go. Perhaps you lost all your possessions, or your marriage is on shaky ground and this thing called Doubt is over you like a shadow. Are you Peter crying out “Lord save me” or are you rooted in your faith saying the “The Lord is on my side.”
Consider using the two edged sword of God’s Word, allowing it to cut away low self-confidence. Don’t allow the enemy to get between you and the Father. Call upon the Lord to help you focus when the wind is coming towards you. Ask God to keep you and then rest assured that He will. “I will say of the Lord ‘He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. (Psalm 91:2)
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Listen Quick
A man went to compete in a singing competition. He was very excited and looking forward to singing. As he closed in singing one judge commented on his voice, saying, "You have a nice voice, but you need training." The young man began to sing more while another judge comments saying, "Your vocals are all over the place but practice..."
Now the young man is upset, he begins shouting vigorously, reacting as if his dream was now taken away. The final judge interrupted the contestant, saying, "You have to find humility in what you are doing. We are trying to help you". This man was so upset that he began shouting, "I can sing, you can't sing. You all are trying to tell me, I can't sing".
He was then escorted by security out of the room because he was quick to speak, react and unable to receive that the judges were advising him how to expand the gift he had of singing.
I am reminded of James speaking to the scattered tribe during trials. He said "let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God," James 1:19.
The text is pointing out to the believer qualities we should have in trials. First we should be quick to hear. The young man previously mentioned did not want to hear what the judges had to say. He was convinced he knew it all. We have to be attentive and quickly hear what God has to say.
The second quality we must have is being slow to speak because our point of view will overshadow God's point of view. If we condition ourselves to be quick to hear God's point of view, slow to speak our point of view, much will be accomplished. The reality is when we are going through we are going to hear God say something that is going to tick us off.
He told the rich young ruler to get rid of all your possessions and follow me. This ticked him off - he was declaring, "Look, I know all your ways and I have stuck to it, but now you tell me to get rid of my stuff? You must be tripping." Many of us hear what God says and react just like the rich young ruler.
The third quality we must have is being slow to wrath. James says slow down, proceed with caution when we are upset. Don't blow up and allow our emotions to override. Becoming heated acting out of control will cause us to miss the blessing based on us not managing our emotions. Anger is not going to produce righteousness. Anger will get you escorted out of a place. It will get you a free ride to jail. It will get you deep in a hole wondering, how can I get out?
When we are able to position ourselves to be quick to listen to God’s point, slow to speak what our point of view or our friend's point of view, then when a crisis shows up at the door, having a fit will be far from the response toward the crisis.
Many Christians, like the contestant, are having tantrums during trials. Instead of reacting in a calm delightful manner, as it says in James 1:2 “count it all joy when you fall in various trials,” Christians are having fits. We have the Word implanted within, which is suppose to expand but when we act opposite of the traits that are righteous in our trials; we stop the growth process of the seed in us. The Word is implanted to grow, to expand for us to blossom.
Are you facing a trail today? Have you felt your dream has been shattered? Did you lose a child or loved one? Are you facing a financial disaster or sickness?
What quality are you displaying in your situation? Is it slow to hear, fast to speak and quick to get upset which produces nothing but mess. Or, is it swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger which produces righteousness.
Consider displaying the trait that will produce righteousness. Pray to God to help you clear your mind so you may hear his voice. Call upon the Lord to help you be slow to give your opinion and slow to become angry so your character will be built in a righteous manner.
Now the young man is upset, he begins shouting vigorously, reacting as if his dream was now taken away. The final judge interrupted the contestant, saying, "You have to find humility in what you are doing. We are trying to help you". This man was so upset that he began shouting, "I can sing, you can't sing. You all are trying to tell me, I can't sing".
He was then escorted by security out of the room because he was quick to speak, react and unable to receive that the judges were advising him how to expand the gift he had of singing.
I am reminded of James speaking to the scattered tribe during trials. He said "let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God," James 1:19.
The text is pointing out to the believer qualities we should have in trials. First we should be quick to hear. The young man previously mentioned did not want to hear what the judges had to say. He was convinced he knew it all. We have to be attentive and quickly hear what God has to say.
The second quality we must have is being slow to speak because our point of view will overshadow God's point of view. If we condition ourselves to be quick to hear God's point of view, slow to speak our point of view, much will be accomplished. The reality is when we are going through we are going to hear God say something that is going to tick us off.
He told the rich young ruler to get rid of all your possessions and follow me. This ticked him off - he was declaring, "Look, I know all your ways and I have stuck to it, but now you tell me to get rid of my stuff? You must be tripping." Many of us hear what God says and react just like the rich young ruler.
The third quality we must have is being slow to wrath. James says slow down, proceed with caution when we are upset. Don't blow up and allow our emotions to override. Becoming heated acting out of control will cause us to miss the blessing based on us not managing our emotions. Anger is not going to produce righteousness. Anger will get you escorted out of a place. It will get you a free ride to jail. It will get you deep in a hole wondering, how can I get out?
When we are able to position ourselves to be quick to listen to God’s point, slow to speak what our point of view or our friend's point of view, then when a crisis shows up at the door, having a fit will be far from the response toward the crisis.
Many Christians, like the contestant, are having tantrums during trials. Instead of reacting in a calm delightful manner, as it says in James 1:2 “count it all joy when you fall in various trials,” Christians are having fits. We have the Word implanted within, which is suppose to expand but when we act opposite of the traits that are righteous in our trials; we stop the growth process of the seed in us. The Word is implanted to grow, to expand for us to blossom.
Are you facing a trail today? Have you felt your dream has been shattered? Did you lose a child or loved one? Are you facing a financial disaster or sickness?
What quality are you displaying in your situation? Is it slow to hear, fast to speak and quick to get upset which produces nothing but mess. Or, is it swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger which produces righteousness.
Consider displaying the trait that will produce righteousness. Pray to God to help you clear your mind so you may hear his voice. Call upon the Lord to help you be slow to give your opinion and slow to become angry so your character will be built in a righteous manner.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Lay it Aside
A wife was furious with her husband and out of anger she began to take his items and throw them out the house. She got his shoes, all his suits, ties, coats, and underwear. Setting everything she could manage to pick up and set it out in the front of the house.
When she could not see any more of his belongings, she marched to the garage and saw a container of gasoline with matches on a nearby shelf and infuriately walked outside to the front of the lawn, pouring gasoline all over the items.
She reached in her pocket for the matches and as she pulled the container of matches out, it read, W.W.J.D? She paused in tears shouting, “NO GOD! NO!, I don't like what you're telling me - he hurt me one too many times. Lord, I am not supposed to be treated like this. God, why?”
She fell to the ground heartbroken in tears, as she began collecting all the items, setting them in the garage.
My mind recaptures James 1:21 which says, "lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted Word of God which is able to save your souls."
This scripture is telling the believer to get rid of every corrupt affection, every prejudice, lay aside all sins which alter our judgment and blinds our mind. Anything that is dishonoring or defiling we have to cast it off. It continues saying whatever residue or remains of which are wicked that consumed us prior to converting, the day we announced Jesus as our Lord and Savior, lay it aside.
If you use to get so mad and curse people out, fight people at the drop of a dime, think about killing people, think about hurting others in any form or fashion we are drop that off at the door.
Isaiah 30:22 says it all so well, "you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, "Away with you!" A menstrual cloth is filthy. It has a stench like no other and all you can say is "Be gone, good riddance!”
James continues saying "to receive in meekness the implanted Word". Have your hands held out like a modest baby, ready to take hold of the moral perception of God which is already deposited within you; because the Word, the sayings of God is what will save you, keeping you safe, rescuing you from danger so you may live.
The woman mentioned previously might have had every right to be furious, but being a Christian, a child of God, disqualifies us from acting in any dishonoring manner.
Do you feel like you are at the edge? Are you feeling like any moment, "I am going to snap and that is it?" Are you aggravated because your life is irritating? Maybe someone has hurt you today. Perhaps you are fed up with how the world is treating you and are considering having a fit. Having a tantrum will not change the situation.
Consider receiving the Word of God. Allow his fruit to flourish; producing good stock not the expired, sour old stock. Pray to God to help you be willing to hear your faults and ask for forgiveness. Call upon the Lord to give you strength to jerk that stench of filthiness so the Lord may save your soul.
When she could not see any more of his belongings, she marched to the garage and saw a container of gasoline with matches on a nearby shelf and infuriately walked outside to the front of the lawn, pouring gasoline all over the items.
She reached in her pocket for the matches and as she pulled the container of matches out, it read, W.W.J.D? She paused in tears shouting, “NO GOD! NO!, I don't like what you're telling me - he hurt me one too many times. Lord, I am not supposed to be treated like this. God, why?”
She fell to the ground heartbroken in tears, as she began collecting all the items, setting them in the garage.
My mind recaptures James 1:21 which says, "lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted Word of God which is able to save your souls."
This scripture is telling the believer to get rid of every corrupt affection, every prejudice, lay aside all sins which alter our judgment and blinds our mind. Anything that is dishonoring or defiling we have to cast it off. It continues saying whatever residue or remains of which are wicked that consumed us prior to converting, the day we announced Jesus as our Lord and Savior, lay it aside.
If you use to get so mad and curse people out, fight people at the drop of a dime, think about killing people, think about hurting others in any form or fashion we are drop that off at the door.
Isaiah 30:22 says it all so well, "you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, "Away with you!" A menstrual cloth is filthy. It has a stench like no other and all you can say is "Be gone, good riddance!”
James continues saying "to receive in meekness the implanted Word". Have your hands held out like a modest baby, ready to take hold of the moral perception of God which is already deposited within you; because the Word, the sayings of God is what will save you, keeping you safe, rescuing you from danger so you may live.
The woman mentioned previously might have had every right to be furious, but being a Christian, a child of God, disqualifies us from acting in any dishonoring manner.
Do you feel like you are at the edge? Are you feeling like any moment, "I am going to snap and that is it?" Are you aggravated because your life is irritating? Maybe someone has hurt you today. Perhaps you are fed up with how the world is treating you and are considering having a fit. Having a tantrum will not change the situation.
Consider receiving the Word of God. Allow his fruit to flourish; producing good stock not the expired, sour old stock. Pray to God to help you be willing to hear your faults and ask for forgiveness. Call upon the Lord to give you strength to jerk that stench of filthiness so the Lord may save your soul.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Change Has Come
As this year has begun, it seems as if I have so much to do and at the same time many people are experiencing a spirit of brokenness . My creative mind is growing within every second of every day, my husband’s work load increases daily, needing my assistance in various aspects and my children are growing needing more of my time. Outside of my personal life is my extended family, the ministry and church family. I can’t help but wonder, “What must I do in the midst of so much brokenness? How can I be available in my life when I have so much to do?"
My mind is captured by Proverbs 3:2-6 it says, “If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
This scripture speaks volumes about treating people with compassion and trusting God to direct thy path. It begins pointing out that in order to live a long life and be satisfied in your life, we must cling to being a dependable person as well as compassionate. Our expression of being reliable and kindhearted has to become our life style. These aspects have to be our very nature that it is strapped to our neck, deep within our heart. Once we have conquered being a devoted and most compassionate person then we will find favor with not only people, but God.
I can’t be a reliable person, someone you can depend on to listen to in your time of need, be there in your storm and turn around and be deficient in being compassionate. If I don’t have the two loyalty and compassion wrapped up within then I will lack favor from God and people. Being a person that is tenderhearted towards others and loyal gains us access of having a satisfying long life, favor among God and the people; in addition, to a good standing reputation.
The scripture continues in saying when we trust God with all our heart and don’t consider trying to figure everything out; while seeking in all our plans His will, He is going to direct us on the appropriate path to take. When we go to God and say this is what I know. I need your help Father, how do I execute this? How do I do what you want me to do according to your will in knowing I have all this to do? The Father will direct you in what to do first, next and last.
We have to be available to Him and empty our things to do and give Him our will; allowing His will to take place. In Proverbs 16:9 it says we can make our plans but it is God who directs them. Planning our day and even the months to come is great but we must honor the Father and let Him direct us. His direction gives us access to carry on.
Life is all about changes. Today someone died and their family is experiencing a sudden change, today some family had a divorce take place and change is being experienced, today someone lost their job and change is taking place, someone lost their house and change is moving about, today someone was told they have a life threatening illness and their family is experiencing great change, someone was raped or beat and a drastic change is taking place. Today a change is taken place in each home, each city, state, all over the world there are changes but we have to be willing to go to the Father and give Him our changes, kneel to Him allow Him to direct our ways so we may be sane enough to manage within the change.
When life is most constraining that is when we must be all so near to the Father. It is through Him we are able to get through the hard times. When we feel neglected, when we feel we are not being heard, when we are sick and need a healer, when our marriage is in shambles, when our life is like an ultimate shipwreck we have to be so close to God so He can keep us in His arms and carry us along the way.
What change is occurring in your life today? Do you feel you have so much to do that you are overwhelmed and bombarded? Are you stepping back from the Word of God because of your load? Are you looking to the Father in the midst of your change? Have you had your top management meeting with the Lord? Maybe you are so out of it that you don’t know if you are coming or going. Perhaps so much has changed you don’t even know what normal is anymore? What change has come your way?
Change is a natural part of life but in change it’s a season for each change. Consider not being in rage. Don’t allow the change to alter your focus on the Lord. Call to the Father to cool you off in your time of being sick and tired of being sick and tired. Pray to God to help you manage your emotions. Look to God to give you strength when you feel like, “I can’t take any more”. Don’t give up the good fight for the Lord is all so near and you are all so dear to His heart.
My mind is captured by Proverbs 3:2-6 it says, “If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
This scripture speaks volumes about treating people with compassion and trusting God to direct thy path. It begins pointing out that in order to live a long life and be satisfied in your life, we must cling to being a dependable person as well as compassionate. Our expression of being reliable and kindhearted has to become our life style. These aspects have to be our very nature that it is strapped to our neck, deep within our heart. Once we have conquered being a devoted and most compassionate person then we will find favor with not only people, but God.
I can’t be a reliable person, someone you can depend on to listen to in your time of need, be there in your storm and turn around and be deficient in being compassionate. If I don’t have the two loyalty and compassion wrapped up within then I will lack favor from God and people. Being a person that is tenderhearted towards others and loyal gains us access of having a satisfying long life, favor among God and the people; in addition, to a good standing reputation.
The scripture continues in saying when we trust God with all our heart and don’t consider trying to figure everything out; while seeking in all our plans His will, He is going to direct us on the appropriate path to take. When we go to God and say this is what I know. I need your help Father, how do I execute this? How do I do what you want me to do according to your will in knowing I have all this to do? The Father will direct you in what to do first, next and last.
We have to be available to Him and empty our things to do and give Him our will; allowing His will to take place. In Proverbs 16:9 it says we can make our plans but it is God who directs them. Planning our day and even the months to come is great but we must honor the Father and let Him direct us. His direction gives us access to carry on.
Life is all about changes. Today someone died and their family is experiencing a sudden change, today some family had a divorce take place and change is being experienced, today someone lost their job and change is taking place, someone lost their house and change is moving about, today someone was told they have a life threatening illness and their family is experiencing great change, someone was raped or beat and a drastic change is taking place. Today a change is taken place in each home, each city, state, all over the world there are changes but we have to be willing to go to the Father and give Him our changes, kneel to Him allow Him to direct our ways so we may be sane enough to manage within the change.
When life is most constraining that is when we must be all so near to the Father. It is through Him we are able to get through the hard times. When we feel neglected, when we feel we are not being heard, when we are sick and need a healer, when our marriage is in shambles, when our life is like an ultimate shipwreck we have to be so close to God so He can keep us in His arms and carry us along the way.
What change is occurring in your life today? Do you feel you have so much to do that you are overwhelmed and bombarded? Are you stepping back from the Word of God because of your load? Are you looking to the Father in the midst of your change? Have you had your top management meeting with the Lord? Maybe you are so out of it that you don’t know if you are coming or going. Perhaps so much has changed you don’t even know what normal is anymore? What change has come your way?
Change is a natural part of life but in change it’s a season for each change. Consider not being in rage. Don’t allow the change to alter your focus on the Lord. Call to the Father to cool you off in your time of being sick and tired of being sick and tired. Pray to God to help you manage your emotions. Look to God to give you strength when you feel like, “I can’t take any more”. Don’t give up the good fight for the Lord is all so near and you are all so dear to His heart.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
When Minds Change
A person came to me saying, “how did you get to be so happy being married and what did you do to change your husband?" My eye brows rose as I thought and stated, "Once I stopped trying to change my husband and concentrated the center of my attention on praying to be the wife God created me to be everything fell in its originated place."
Being married is a relationship that both people have to work at to get the best out of it. In a business, the manager and employees work to get the best results to get a pay check and occasionally pay raises. The employee that slacks at doing his/her job has a greater chance of losing their job in comparison to the person that works to the best of their ability.
When a person goes to work they go with a certain mind frame. When a person is married they too should have a certain mind frame that is to not give up. Our mind plays a big role on the outcome of the decisions we make in conjunction to our feelings. I know people at work today that do not feel like being there, but because they have made up their mind, they push them self to go. In marriage, I likewise know people that are married and say they do not want to be married. Some are working their best for better results and others are working them self out of the marriage.
It puzzles me that people weigh working at a place of employment at a higher esteem verses working at the relationship of marriage. Some think, “I am going to keep working at this place even though they don't pay me much, even though they chose to give the promotion to another and overlooked me, even though they are not very respectful, not considerate and not very dependable. But these same people will opt to get out of a marriage and they are having the same complaints, he is not brining much to the table, she doesn't respect me, my spouse is not considerate at all or dependable and I am getting a divorce. It is like a brainteaser to see people staying in the relationship of being employed with such bad treatment but hesitate not to relinquish their marriage.
The Bible states for us to "not be conformed of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. That you might prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God," Romans 12:2.
This passage tells us that when we resist the ways of the world and renew our mind we will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. We will be able to stand as a testimony to others that we are a victor not a victim by renewing our mind of the Word.
Every relationship requires work on both parts rather it is your place of employment, church, friendship, family or marriage. When you have made up in your mind I am going to work even though I don't feel like it, your mind is renewed. When you have made up in your mind to not be focused on being treated unfair but God restoring your pain of hurt you are being renewed. When you have decided I am going to be considerate to my spouse even though he/she is not considerate to me, then you are being renewed.
How is your mind set today? Are you constantly set on things of the world? Do you consider your feelings and no one else? Are you selfish?
Consider allowing God's Word to replenish your thoughts and soul so you will see a new you, this New Year. Allow God in your mind, in your heart and soul and let Him direct your ways. For “some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities," Psalm 107:17.
Being married is a relationship that both people have to work at to get the best out of it. In a business, the manager and employees work to get the best results to get a pay check and occasionally pay raises. The employee that slacks at doing his/her job has a greater chance of losing their job in comparison to the person that works to the best of their ability.
When a person goes to work they go with a certain mind frame. When a person is married they too should have a certain mind frame that is to not give up. Our mind plays a big role on the outcome of the decisions we make in conjunction to our feelings. I know people at work today that do not feel like being there, but because they have made up their mind, they push them self to go. In marriage, I likewise know people that are married and say they do not want to be married. Some are working their best for better results and others are working them self out of the marriage.
It puzzles me that people weigh working at a place of employment at a higher esteem verses working at the relationship of marriage. Some think, “I am going to keep working at this place even though they don't pay me much, even though they chose to give the promotion to another and overlooked me, even though they are not very respectful, not considerate and not very dependable. But these same people will opt to get out of a marriage and they are having the same complaints, he is not brining much to the table, she doesn't respect me, my spouse is not considerate at all or dependable and I am getting a divorce. It is like a brainteaser to see people staying in the relationship of being employed with such bad treatment but hesitate not to relinquish their marriage.
The Bible states for us to "not be conformed of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. That you might prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God," Romans 12:2.
This passage tells us that when we resist the ways of the world and renew our mind we will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. We will be able to stand as a testimony to others that we are a victor not a victim by renewing our mind of the Word.
Every relationship requires work on both parts rather it is your place of employment, church, friendship, family or marriage. When you have made up in your mind I am going to work even though I don't feel like it, your mind is renewed. When you have made up in your mind to not be focused on being treated unfair but God restoring your pain of hurt you are being renewed. When you have decided I am going to be considerate to my spouse even though he/she is not considerate to me, then you are being renewed.
How is your mind set today? Are you constantly set on things of the world? Do you consider your feelings and no one else? Are you selfish?
Consider allowing God's Word to replenish your thoughts and soul so you will see a new you, this New Year. Allow God in your mind, in your heart and soul and let Him direct your ways. For “some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities," Psalm 107:17.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Healing for the Broken
The other day my 9 year old daughter and I were coming home from Bible study and as I drove down the road ‘This Christmas’ was playing and I began to tell her… I remember when I was a little girl I would dash to the radio each time this song would come on. “For what,” nonchalantly said my daughter. “Well as you know I wasn’t as fortunate as you to have married parents. My mom and dad ‘were divorced,’ jointly said by my daughter. I stopped at a red light and looked back in the rear view mirror, laughing saying, “Hush your little mouth.” “So why did you rush for this song, what’s so great about it, mom?” I commenced telling her the story as I a proceeded down the road. Well, because my parents were divorced, I would sit and listen to the song and dream that my imaginary family was sitting around the fire place singing Christmas carols, with presents and my world being filled with cheer.
As we got out the car she said to me with her big starry eyes, “I am happy to have you for Christmas mom.” I am happy to have you, as I urged her to get out the car. A few days later she told me about one of her classmates. She said, “mom I have a friend at school and she came to class crying because her parents got a divorced.” My heart dropped imagining the pain her friend felt. As I began to speak, “I know how she feels,” my daughter interrupted saying yes, I know and I told her that you used to make believe your family sitting around the fire place after your parents got a divorced. She told me her friend was so sad walking away with her head dropped to the floor.
As I ponder my mind is captured by God’s mercy. Luke 1:78-79 says, “With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will dawn upon us. It will shine on those who live in darkness, in the shadow of death. It will guide us into the path of peace."
This scripture is saying God has a desire to help and will help the miserable and afflicted. It continues to say a new day from heaven will dawn upon us; the rising of the sun (Christ) will look after the afflicted; shining light to those who dwell in misery. Through Christ reflecting light we will be able to see our journey to peace. We will then be lead to a path way of safety and prosperity.
Christmas is a time to share the love of Christ but what do we do if we feel the love of our life has left? Perhaps you feel all alone, as if you are in the dark. Are you in misery from a divorce, a death in your family, loss of a house or loss of a job? Is your spirit low? When we find our self consumed by pain, the throbbing circumstance in our life, our heavenly Father desires to help us by His grace. Only peace from God can restore the shattered spirit we have and make things secure and prosperous.
Consider not imagining love and share the love of Christ to others? Pray to God to help you revise a list to give His Spirit of love to others. Ask God to help narrow your thoughts to the sacrifice of Christ. Call upon the Lord to give you strength and remind you how nothing or no one is bigger than our Lord. God desires to heal our brokenness for “He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds,” Psalm 147:3.
As we got out the car she said to me with her big starry eyes, “I am happy to have you for Christmas mom.” I am happy to have you, as I urged her to get out the car. A few days later she told me about one of her classmates. She said, “mom I have a friend at school and she came to class crying because her parents got a divorced.” My heart dropped imagining the pain her friend felt. As I began to speak, “I know how she feels,” my daughter interrupted saying yes, I know and I told her that you used to make believe your family sitting around the fire place after your parents got a divorced. She told me her friend was so sad walking away with her head dropped to the floor.
As I ponder my mind is captured by God’s mercy. Luke 1:78-79 says, “With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will dawn upon us. It will shine on those who live in darkness, in the shadow of death. It will guide us into the path of peace."
This scripture is saying God has a desire to help and will help the miserable and afflicted. It continues to say a new day from heaven will dawn upon us; the rising of the sun (Christ) will look after the afflicted; shining light to those who dwell in misery. Through Christ reflecting light we will be able to see our journey to peace. We will then be lead to a path way of safety and prosperity.
Christmas is a time to share the love of Christ but what do we do if we feel the love of our life has left? Perhaps you feel all alone, as if you are in the dark. Are you in misery from a divorce, a death in your family, loss of a house or loss of a job? Is your spirit low? When we find our self consumed by pain, the throbbing circumstance in our life, our heavenly Father desires to help us by His grace. Only peace from God can restore the shattered spirit we have and make things secure and prosperous.
Consider not imagining love and share the love of Christ to others? Pray to God to help you revise a list to give His Spirit of love to others. Ask God to help narrow your thoughts to the sacrifice of Christ. Call upon the Lord to give you strength and remind you how nothing or no one is bigger than our Lord. God desires to heal our brokenness for “He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds,” Psalm 147:3.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Remember Your First Love
When I was a young teen I liked being in the choir. My first choir director in middle school was fun, stern and loving. She would challenge me do things I never expected myself to do. I remember the first time she told me to sing a solo. I told her, “no one wants to hear me sing.” I went to high school dedicated in the choir but this choir director would take us to churches to sing. I would get chills when we sang not knowing the presence of the Spirit. I stayed in choir year after year getting chills never knowing His presence but I loved it.
I would look around at my peers wondering, “Do they feel what I feel?” I would say, “I am cold” and they would laugh saying, “it is hot.” The day came that the choir director would appoint me to sing a solo and again thinking to myself “no one wants to hear me.”
I sang Till We Meet Again and a rush of chills consumed my body at the age of 17, still not knowing His presence. I thought, I can’t do this, I can’t even control myself. I went to college singing, still not knowing His presence. As an adult after many years of being removed from singing, I attempted to join the choir and tears flowed as a river. I knew His presence and I welcomed it but still couldn’t control my emotions.
Reminiscing on my first love reminded me of Jesus telling the church, “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love,” Revelations 2:4.
A church, like people can love something more than Christ. The church can love the building more than it loves Jesus; its history and traditions more than it loves Jesus; its worship songs more than it loves Jesus; its programs and missions more than it loves Jesus; the fellowship or love of the lost more than it loves Jesus.
Consider why the church was created. Paul writes in Ephesians 1:13-14: “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
Consider why humans were created. Isaiah 43:6-7 says “Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
So the purpose for all God’s creation is for the fulfilling of His glory, is it not? Jesus tells the church rendering your first love will channel your focus on results rather than the Messiah. Focusing on the program and not the Precious Lamb will put us in danger.
But focusing on Christ, our first love takes care of how great the program does, how effective the mission will be. When we are engulfed with our first love, we can’t help but talk on and on about our love. Worshiping fuels the mission. You can’t brag on and praise God if you neglect the first love of Christ.
When I worship the Father I am reflecting on the glory of God, valuing Christ above all things. My first love with Christ was through music. He touched me like no other before and continues to use music to minister to my heart, to touch me, feel me, move mountains, cast out fear by me opening my mouth blessing and praising His name.
My first love helped me in my lowest point, when I didn’t have anyone to understand me, when I didn’t have anyone else to talk to, when I thought I lost my mind, on my face in a pool of tears, the redeemer, the restorer, the reviver came in my heart rescued me when I had no one else feeling lost and empty. I would sing out Jesus, Jesus and he gave me sanity, He kept me safe and continues to revive me.
What is your first love? When did you first hear His voice, feel His presence, tremble at His touch? Maybe you have gone astray? Became faint in your worship? Possibly you focused on the things you have, focus on the places you go or don’t get to go. Perhaps you became consumed with being in a church that has everything you want except the presence of God?
Remember what worship is, acting and thinking in a way that reflects the glory of God. When we let go of our first love it says in Revelations 2:5 that the lampstand will be removed. There will no longer be light shining, just acting without glorifying God.
What are you promoting? What are your eyes fixed on this morning, this day, these weeks and month to come? Are you sharing the love of God with others or sharing your problems? Are you showing how deep God’s love is or how deep in debt you are? Have you lost your first love? Have you stop going to the church that helps you grow in your faith?
Consider not abandoning your first love. Ask God to forgive you for letting Him go. Call upon God to forgive you for satisfying temptations and not satisfying Him. Pray to God to keep you strong in your faith, to keep you active in going to church, going to Bible study, going to be taught the Word. For “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God,” Revelation 2:7.
I would look around at my peers wondering, “Do they feel what I feel?” I would say, “I am cold” and they would laugh saying, “it is hot.” The day came that the choir director would appoint me to sing a solo and again thinking to myself “no one wants to hear me.”
I sang Till We Meet Again and a rush of chills consumed my body at the age of 17, still not knowing His presence. I thought, I can’t do this, I can’t even control myself. I went to college singing, still not knowing His presence. As an adult after many years of being removed from singing, I attempted to join the choir and tears flowed as a river. I knew His presence and I welcomed it but still couldn’t control my emotions.
Reminiscing on my first love reminded me of Jesus telling the church, “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love,” Revelations 2:4.
A church, like people can love something more than Christ. The church can love the building more than it loves Jesus; its history and traditions more than it loves Jesus; its worship songs more than it loves Jesus; its programs and missions more than it loves Jesus; the fellowship or love of the lost more than it loves Jesus.
Consider why the church was created. Paul writes in Ephesians 1:13-14: “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
Consider why humans were created. Isaiah 43:6-7 says “Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
So the purpose for all God’s creation is for the fulfilling of His glory, is it not? Jesus tells the church rendering your first love will channel your focus on results rather than the Messiah. Focusing on the program and not the Precious Lamb will put us in danger.
But focusing on Christ, our first love takes care of how great the program does, how effective the mission will be. When we are engulfed with our first love, we can’t help but talk on and on about our love. Worshiping fuels the mission. You can’t brag on and praise God if you neglect the first love of Christ.
When I worship the Father I am reflecting on the glory of God, valuing Christ above all things. My first love with Christ was through music. He touched me like no other before and continues to use music to minister to my heart, to touch me, feel me, move mountains, cast out fear by me opening my mouth blessing and praising His name.
My first love helped me in my lowest point, when I didn’t have anyone to understand me, when I didn’t have anyone else to talk to, when I thought I lost my mind, on my face in a pool of tears, the redeemer, the restorer, the reviver came in my heart rescued me when I had no one else feeling lost and empty. I would sing out Jesus, Jesus and he gave me sanity, He kept me safe and continues to revive me.
What is your first love? When did you first hear His voice, feel His presence, tremble at His touch? Maybe you have gone astray? Became faint in your worship? Possibly you focused on the things you have, focus on the places you go or don’t get to go. Perhaps you became consumed with being in a church that has everything you want except the presence of God?
Remember what worship is, acting and thinking in a way that reflects the glory of God. When we let go of our first love it says in Revelations 2:5 that the lampstand will be removed. There will no longer be light shining, just acting without glorifying God.
What are you promoting? What are your eyes fixed on this morning, this day, these weeks and month to come? Are you sharing the love of God with others or sharing your problems? Are you showing how deep God’s love is or how deep in debt you are? Have you lost your first love? Have you stop going to the church that helps you grow in your faith?
Consider not abandoning your first love. Ask God to forgive you for letting Him go. Call upon God to forgive you for satisfying temptations and not satisfying Him. Pray to God to keep you strong in your faith, to keep you active in going to church, going to Bible study, going to be taught the Word. For “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God,” Revelation 2:7.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
