Last year, I was so encouraged by Mary Beth Whalen's blog to claim a verse for the year. As this year was coming to an end, I began pondering what verse I would want to claim for this year. I have narrowed it down to two.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Eph 3: 20-21
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works and let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, expecially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Heb 10:24
What's your verse for the upcoming year?
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Reading through the chronological Bible has truly been an awesome, life-changing experience. Each morning, I look forward to the time when I read His word, reflect on what it means to me, and then read the blogs of those who are following the same daily routine.
This morning, my path didn't seem to connect. Not a bad thing really, I must have been an earlier riser than the rest. Yet, I don't want to forget what happened this morning. So...here I am, recording what I gleamed.
The readings were from Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20 - 21. I was amused and surprised at how the disciples and followers of Jesus did not recognize Him. He died 3 days prior and told them previously he would rise again after 3 days. He even walked and talked with them for awhile before they knew it was him. Still yet, the stood in disbelief (Luke 24:41, Mark 16:14, John 20:27) Jesus told them, "Don't be faithless any longer. Believe" (John 20:27) and "that by believing in Him you will have life by the power of His name." (John 20:31) "He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief" (Mark 16:14) and told them to 1) feed my lambs, 2)take care of my sheep 3) feed my sheep (John 21) and to wait "until the Holy Spirit comes and fill you with power from heaven" (Luke 24:29). We are to be sure of this, He is with us always, even to the end of the age (Matt 28:20).
Even though I wasn't there, even though I didn't experience this personally, I have the written record of these events. Yet, do I live like I believe it? Do I live like I have life by the power of His name? Do I follow His commandments? or do I live as if I am waiting for Him to prove Himself again? Lord help me with my stubborn unbelief; just as you helped Thomas. I want to glorify You in all that I do.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Zechariah 13: 7 - 9
"I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure.
I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold.
They will call on my name, and I will answer them.
I will say, 'These are my people,' and they will say,'The LORD is our God'."
The ultimate relationship; don't you think? The relationship between God and His people illustrates a strong bond. This relationship is one that allows and even welcomes tough times because they know it is the purifying process to make them like silver and gold. This purifying process is where they are put through the fire to burn out the impurities leaving them more pure and beautiful then ever before.
This also illustrates a relationship of total trust. Do I trust God enough to know that He is in control when a crisis flares up? Do I realize that He is walking with me through the firey furnace?
I am excited to know that my relationship can be that beautiful.
I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold.
They will call on my name, and I will answer them.
I will say, 'These are my people,' and they will say,'The LORD is our God'."
The ultimate relationship; don't you think? The relationship between God and His people illustrates a strong bond. This relationship is one that allows and even welcomes tough times because they know it is the purifying process to make them like silver and gold. This purifying process is where they are put through the fire to burn out the impurities leaving them more pure and beautiful then ever before.
This also illustrates a relationship of total trust. Do I trust God enough to know that He is in control when a crisis flares up? Do I realize that He is walking with me through the firey furnace?
I am excited to know that my relationship can be that beautiful.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Even Though They Were Afraid....
Ezra 3: 3 Even though the people were afraid of he local residents, they rebuilt the altar at it old site.
Some time ago, I read a wise saying that went something like this: The right thing to do is often the harder thing to do. I know I am not quoting this word for word and really can't remember who said it; yet, the outcome is the same.
Have you ever been in a situation where the easiest thing to do was to give into what others thought was right? Maybe in your situation the easy way out wasn't necessairly "the right thing to do" but who would question your motive?
Recently, I came into such a situation. A friend of mine was abused by her spouse; she was terrified. As friends and family members worried about her, no one was doing anything. They simply didn't want to get involved. Meanwhile, she sat alone shaking with fear of the future for herself, her family, and anyone that would get involved. She felt helpless.
Knowing there was really only the right thing to do, I loaded her up and took her to file a report and hide away in the safety of a women's shelter. As we were leaving, I heard a family member say..."Well at least someone around here has some common sense and took her to get some help."
Was there really a choice? Not really, it was the right thing to do. Even though I was afraid of what he would do if he found out, I realize the spirit that lives in me is greater than a spirit of fear. It was the right thing to do.
Some time ago, I read a wise saying that went something like this: The right thing to do is often the harder thing to do. I know I am not quoting this word for word and really can't remember who said it; yet, the outcome is the same.
Have you ever been in a situation where the easiest thing to do was to give into what others thought was right? Maybe in your situation the easy way out wasn't necessairly "the right thing to do" but who would question your motive?
Recently, I came into such a situation. A friend of mine was abused by her spouse; she was terrified. As friends and family members worried about her, no one was doing anything. They simply didn't want to get involved. Meanwhile, she sat alone shaking with fear of the future for herself, her family, and anyone that would get involved. She felt helpless.
Knowing there was really only the right thing to do, I loaded her up and took her to file a report and hide away in the safety of a women's shelter. As we were leaving, I heard a family member say..."Well at least someone around here has some common sense and took her to get some help."
Was there really a choice? Not really, it was the right thing to do. Even though I was afraid of what he would do if he found out, I realize the spirit that lives in me is greater than a spirit of fear. It was the right thing to do.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Praise!
...Let all that I am praise the LORD... Psalm 104:1 and 35
"All that I am"...everything about me...my thoughts, my words, my actions, my dress, my everything! When I praise Him with my everything, it's easy to realize that He is so much bigger than any earthly issue. He loves us with an everlasting love..."The LORD takes pleasure in all He has made." Psalm 104:31.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Words
Words...they can edify or crucify. What are my words doing?
Proverbs 18:21 says..."
Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose. (The Message)
"Do not add to his words..." Proverbs 30:6
How often do I speak before I think? I need to carefully measure my words just like ingredients to a recipe before I dump them on anyone. Just what I'm pondering on this today....as I see my friends hurt by what someone else said. Did that someone realize that gossip hurts...my friend is hurting..I wish I could take it away for her.
Another example:
Recently, I was in one of our local restraunts having lunch with a friend. At the table next to us, four women were seated and talking rather loudly. Soon after we sat down it became apparent they were talking negatively about their pastor....in this very public restraunt! I couldn't sit still and asked my friend if we could leave. This wasn't my pastor, but he still didn't deserve this.
Small talk can come from small minds and hearts. May I always keep my own words in check.
Proverbs 18:21 says..."
Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose. (The Message)"Do not add to his words..." Proverbs 30:6
How often do I speak before I think? I need to carefully measure my words just like ingredients to a recipe before I dump them on anyone. Just what I'm pondering on this today....as I see my friends hurt by what someone else said. Did that someone realize that gossip hurts...my friend is hurting..I wish I could take it away for her.
Another example:
Recently, I was in one of our local restraunts having lunch with a friend. At the table next to us, four women were seated and talking rather loudly. Soon after we sat down it became apparent they were talking negatively about their pastor....in this very public restraunt! I couldn't sit still and asked my friend if we could leave. This wasn't my pastor, but he still didn't deserve this.
Small talk can come from small minds and hearts. May I always keep my own words in check.
Monday, June 22, 2009
You're Just Like Me"
Florida tells her friend Jodi..."know what your problem is, Jodi Baxter? You don't want to accept that you're just like me. I didn't deserve God's love when I was strung out on drugs, now did I? But the thing that turned me around? I discovered He loved me anyway. Jesus died on that bloody cross to save me- - and look how far He's brought me! With all your blessings, all your middle-class-white American privileges, you don't deserve God's love, either. But you seem to forget that He loves you anyway, that He saved you, and ain't nothin' yo can do gonna change that."
This book has really made me wonder,...do I ...have I forgotten what it's like ... that I am really no better than anyone else? Do I treat others as if they are just as important as the next person? Read Psalm 139 ...put the name of your friends...those who are not your friends...and your own name in the place of "I". Let it speak to your soul.
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