Have you ever pondered the evaluation of communication?
Let's just skip a little and go to when we started with mail. Snail mail that is. It was special and unique. It was a great way to keep in touch with people. Eventually it got overrun by companies, bills, and junk mail.
Then we evolved to email (but we still have snail mail). You were so cool to have your own email account. It was a great way to keep in touch with people. Then slowly.....it became overrun by companies, bills, and junk mail.
Then we moved to FB (but we still have email, and snail mail). It was a great way to keep in touch with people. Then it became overrun with companies, drama, adds, and junk mail.
Are we seeing a pattern here? Not only are we now bombed with snail mail, email, and FB (or the like) but we are having to filter through more than ever before. While we gain new forms of communicating we never really seem to drop the old. It all just builds up.
What about talking? We have gone from face to face, to telegraphs,to telephones, to cell phones, to texting and video chat. Ok, we don't use telegraphs anymore, but I think you get the idea though.
Yes, these all have good that come from them. But can we have too much of a good thing?
It used to be (long long ago) that if you were home you didn't hear much of anything about what was happening outside your walls. Even if you went to town you were ingesting things more slowly.
Now we have flashing billboards, Internet, texting, the news, tv, commercials, smart phones, emails, and on and on. I don't know about you, but I feel in some ways all of these "advances" in communication have left us regressing in our communication with each other. We now get frustrated when we can get ahold of someone right away. We are saturated with instant everything. Remember the days not so long ago, when if you weren't home, people just left you a message?Remember when it was ok not to have people get ahold of you every second of every day? I miss those days. Rather than communicating with those far off, people got to know those around them.
For such an "advanced" people, we sure are lacking. Lacking in human contact. We live in an information overloaded world.
Now here's the kicker. How well are we communicating with God? Prayer hasn't changed. We have time to surf, click, text, chat, browse, etc. Where is our time for God? Are we allowing all this information overload and devices in our lives to consume our time? Do we spend more time checking status updates, or checking the scriptures? Do we spend more time texting 5 people at once or talking to God about those people? Hmmmm. Now that is interesting, isn't it? Who isn't guilty? We all are.
This coming week I'm going to stay away from as many of the above things as I can and start cutting back on all forms of media. We need to step back and declutter the things in our life that crowd out our time with God and family. I challenge you to do the same.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Penniless thoughts
A lot of my posts are about something I learn. This time I'm going to start out writing something I feel and see where it goes. Often the things that are there to be learned are in plain sight and we just need to lay it all out so we can look at it in its entirety.
I often think of myself as not a very emotional person. This is in fact, not correct. I think it is just that my emotions run very deep. I often struggle with how to express my emotions, yet I lay my heart on display in this blog. How does that work?? I like to hide my heartache behind a corny joke or sarcastic comments. I don't like to cry. I don't often cry, but when I do, you know something is very wrong.
In Bible class last night we read a little from the psalms. When I was younger I could never understand why people liked the psalms. To me they were emotional dribble that was a great thing to read to make you sleepy. Now I'm older and I've put away many (not all!) childish ways. Now when I read the psalms it is as if my heart is aching to speak the words that are spoken in that book. To read them is almost to speak them myself. Maybe I'm getting soft or maybe I'm realizing that not everything can be stuffed down and bottled up. If this great man, a man after Gods own heart, can lay his heart on paper, why can't I?
David messed up....a lot. So do I. So do you. Our mistakes just aren't written for all to read. But David kept coming back to God. He had a relationship with God. David craved his presence. When he messed up, he made it right.
Sometimes, I wish I could catch a glimpse of me through Gods eyes. Maybe he sees potential there that is unknown to me and all others. At the same time, I know God loves me. He loves everyone. It is just hard for us to imagine a love that is not displayed in this world. Lets just admit, no one can love like God can. Oh we can try, and we can have amazing love, but God's perfect love....we can't match that.
This week has been tough. Stuff came that I didn't see coming. I've been praying and trying to make sense of everything. Sometimes though, things just don't make sense, and never will. We just have to wade through them and come out better on the other side. When we go through a refiners fire, we learn what we are made of....you either get purged or you get burned up.
I've also stepped away from some of my responsibilities this week. I let go of something that I didn't want to let go of, but something had to give. I am committed to so many things that I can't fully commit to any one thing. So I cut back. Was it hard? Extremely. Do I think it was the right thing to do? Absolutely. I'm sure people will wag their heads and say I "gave up" or "quit". But I am one person and if I am to be used effectively in any area I have to cut back in some area. So I did.
Tonight I'll be reading the psalms. Not to fall asleep though. No, not even to relax to. Rather, To pour my heart out to God.
So I'm not even sure if this post means anything or if it is even worth reading. But to those who read my blog, thank you. For what it's worth....these are my thoughts with no pennies.
I often think of myself as not a very emotional person. This is in fact, not correct. I think it is just that my emotions run very deep. I often struggle with how to express my emotions, yet I lay my heart on display in this blog. How does that work?? I like to hide my heartache behind a corny joke or sarcastic comments. I don't like to cry. I don't often cry, but when I do, you know something is very wrong.
In Bible class last night we read a little from the psalms. When I was younger I could never understand why people liked the psalms. To me they were emotional dribble that was a great thing to read to make you sleepy. Now I'm older and I've put away many (not all!) childish ways. Now when I read the psalms it is as if my heart is aching to speak the words that are spoken in that book. To read them is almost to speak them myself. Maybe I'm getting soft or maybe I'm realizing that not everything can be stuffed down and bottled up. If this great man, a man after Gods own heart, can lay his heart on paper, why can't I?
David messed up....a lot. So do I. So do you. Our mistakes just aren't written for all to read. But David kept coming back to God. He had a relationship with God. David craved his presence. When he messed up, he made it right.
Sometimes, I wish I could catch a glimpse of me through Gods eyes. Maybe he sees potential there that is unknown to me and all others. At the same time, I know God loves me. He loves everyone. It is just hard for us to imagine a love that is not displayed in this world. Lets just admit, no one can love like God can. Oh we can try, and we can have amazing love, but God's perfect love....we can't match that.
This week has been tough. Stuff came that I didn't see coming. I've been praying and trying to make sense of everything. Sometimes though, things just don't make sense, and never will. We just have to wade through them and come out better on the other side. When we go through a refiners fire, we learn what we are made of....you either get purged or you get burned up.
I've also stepped away from some of my responsibilities this week. I let go of something that I didn't want to let go of, but something had to give. I am committed to so many things that I can't fully commit to any one thing. So I cut back. Was it hard? Extremely. Do I think it was the right thing to do? Absolutely. I'm sure people will wag their heads and say I "gave up" or "quit". But I am one person and if I am to be used effectively in any area I have to cut back in some area. So I did.
Tonight I'll be reading the psalms. Not to fall asleep though. No, not even to relax to. Rather, To pour my heart out to God.
So I'm not even sure if this post means anything or if it is even worth reading. But to those who read my blog, thank you. For what it's worth....these are my thoughts with no pennies.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The problem is the problem.
There has been a lot of violence this year. It seems each week some new form of evil is rearing its ugly head to destroy the innocent. People are throwing the blame on anyone and everyone within reach. Fingers are pointing, voices are raising, laws are tightening. People are sick of the violence.
We want to line up the suspects and carry out a sentence. This country is broken. It's people are broken. The more we remove God, the more room evil has to wiggle. We try to change our laws and shake our fists at the air in rage. We have tried to put a band aid on a broken leg. It's not gonna fix it! We need to get to the root of the problem and treat the problem, not the symptoms.
We want someone to blame? Find a mirror. We let our families fall apart. We forget to take care of our children and teach them the value of a human life. We tweet, Facebook, and text (these things are fine IN MODERATION) our lives away while our children grow up without us! The weapons are not the problem, we are! We are responsible for molding the next generation. Our country is so self-absorbed and concerned with instant results, that we have failed to look at our future.
Forget political parties and agendas! It is all just band aids! Those politicians are people. People that were once children. Children that needed to be shaped. They are People who are now shaping children.
Little girls aren't taught how to be women, little boys are not taught how to be men. People don't know what commitment is or what promises are.
We are a broken people. We have come to accept our brokenness as the norm. In doing so, we have passed it on. We have to fix ourselves. We have to let God fix us. We have to sit down and talk to our children. Teach them what is good and honorable. Teach them that there is value to every single human life. Love them no matter what. Show them love in action.
Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6 NASB)
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Let us over shadow this evil with good.
Our country is once again left shell shocked and searching for answers. My post "this is when." may offer some comfort. Now is the time to act. Spend time, good quality, non-electronic, time with your kids. In my previous post I spoke of the fear we have to stand up for what is right. If there ever was a time to stand...this is it.
Just imagine the possibilities!! What would this world be like if we stopped blaming and started taking blame? I am as guilty as the next guy. Lets rip off the band aids, and treat the injury not the symptoms. On the count of three: ..one...two.....three!
"Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. (Matthew 7:1-5 NASB)
We want to line up the suspects and carry out a sentence. This country is broken. It's people are broken. The more we remove God, the more room evil has to wiggle. We try to change our laws and shake our fists at the air in rage. We have tried to put a band aid on a broken leg. It's not gonna fix it! We need to get to the root of the problem and treat the problem, not the symptoms.
We want someone to blame? Find a mirror. We let our families fall apart. We forget to take care of our children and teach them the value of a human life. We tweet, Facebook, and text (these things are fine IN MODERATION) our lives away while our children grow up without us! The weapons are not the problem, we are! We are responsible for molding the next generation. Our country is so self-absorbed and concerned with instant results, that we have failed to look at our future.
Forget political parties and agendas! It is all just band aids! Those politicians are people. People that were once children. Children that needed to be shaped. They are People who are now shaping children.
Little girls aren't taught how to be women, little boys are not taught how to be men. People don't know what commitment is or what promises are.
We are a broken people. We have come to accept our brokenness as the norm. In doing so, we have passed it on. We have to fix ourselves. We have to let God fix us. We have to sit down and talk to our children. Teach them what is good and honorable. Teach them that there is value to every single human life. Love them no matter what. Show them love in action.
Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6 NASB)
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Let us over shadow this evil with good.
Our country is once again left shell shocked and searching for answers. My post "this is when." may offer some comfort. Now is the time to act. Spend time, good quality, non-electronic, time with your kids. In my previous post I spoke of the fear we have to stand up for what is right. If there ever was a time to stand...this is it.
Just imagine the possibilities!! What would this world be like if we stopped blaming and started taking blame? I am as guilty as the next guy. Lets rip off the band aids, and treat the injury not the symptoms. On the count of three: ..one...two.....three!
"Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. (Matthew 7:1-5 NASB)
Monday, April 15, 2013
No god? Know fear. Know God? No fear.
Once again I had a post all put together. Once again it mysteriously disappeared from my drafts. So, yet again I am trying to rewrite what I had wanted to say. Often when I write it is about something I feel a passion for and so the words just flow. Once my passion is poured into something, it is hard to duplicate.
Everyone is afraid of something. One of my minor fears is bats..yuck. Or of my major fears is being buried alive. When you are afraid of something you generally try to stay far from it. Fear can help us in some situations. It can kick our adrenaline up and help us in crazy situations. However, the ways fear can help us are minimal. Although I do believe our country could do with a healthy dose of god fearing. Do I mean we should sit in a corner our whole lives and be afraid? No. I mean we should know our God enough to know that we should have a healthy respect for him and his omnipresence, omnipotence, and those other omni words. Basically he knows all, sees all, is everywhere, knows everyone, and is all powerful. Yep, sounds worthy of respect to me.
What I want to know is, when did we become a people afraid of the very truth we proclaim? Why do we fear we will offend others? Why to we dread discussion of our faith? Why are we afraid and what are we afraid of? Where have the fires gone that burned in our hearts? It's time to fan those flames!!
Why do we sit idly by as people smear the name of our Lord? We are just as the children of Israel in the bible. They turned from The Lord so many times! We sit in our comfy pews and ask why they were so dense. We like to think we would do differently. We'd like to think that when others are worshiping idols we will hold fast to the truth. We'd like to think that we won't bend the laws of god to fit the laws of man. But what are we doing?
The bible has much to say on the topic of fear.
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28 KJV)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV)
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (Hebrews 13:6 KJV)
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18 KJV)
How can we try to tell people how great and powerful God is if we have too much fear to do so? We must live what we believe! People will call us haters and discriminatory. Let them. We will still love them. Hating sin and standing for truth does NOT mean we hate the people, but rather we pray for them and shine the light of truth and love. {Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. (Romans 12:14 KJV)} Make them ask why it is that you still love and pray for a person when you don't approve of what they do. Wet the appetite of the world for God.
So, why is it that we are so afraid to stand up for what is good and right? I think there are a lot of reasons. One reason, I think people just don't want to get involved. It's easier to sit on the sidelines. How is remaining silent better than agreeing? I'm not sure it is. I also think a tiny voice in people likes to ask...what if I'm wrong? That is satan. He wants us to doubt our faith. He wants to weaken us, just enough to get his foot in the door. Perhaps we need to step back and ask why we doubt. We need to consume the word of God. People don't know the word like they used to. It is our sword...how can we fight without it?
Are we afraid of "persecution"?
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:10-16 KJV)
Why are we afraid?
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12 KJV)
I believe that in the next few generations being a Christian may be outlawed if we stay on this path. I hope that if I'm ever arrested for being a Christian that there will be enough evidence to convict me. If there isn't, then I have been doing something wrong.
We cannot be afraid. God did not give us a spirit of fear! We must speak the truth with gentleness...not silence. The world is searching for God. They are trying to fill the void with all manner of things. We must live our lives with Joy, and light. For as tough as this life may be, it will all have been worth it. How will they know the truth if no one will tell it?
Let your light shine!! Stand up for what is right. Help when others hide. Reach out when others retreat. Sing when others are silent. Cast out your fear and cling to God and his promises.
Everyone is afraid of something. One of my minor fears is bats..yuck. Or of my major fears is being buried alive. When you are afraid of something you generally try to stay far from it. Fear can help us in some situations. It can kick our adrenaline up and help us in crazy situations. However, the ways fear can help us are minimal. Although I do believe our country could do with a healthy dose of god fearing. Do I mean we should sit in a corner our whole lives and be afraid? No. I mean we should know our God enough to know that we should have a healthy respect for him and his omnipresence, omnipotence, and those other omni words. Basically he knows all, sees all, is everywhere, knows everyone, and is all powerful. Yep, sounds worthy of respect to me.
What I want to know is, when did we become a people afraid of the very truth we proclaim? Why do we fear we will offend others? Why to we dread discussion of our faith? Why are we afraid and what are we afraid of? Where have the fires gone that burned in our hearts? It's time to fan those flames!!
Why do we sit idly by as people smear the name of our Lord? We are just as the children of Israel in the bible. They turned from The Lord so many times! We sit in our comfy pews and ask why they were so dense. We like to think we would do differently. We'd like to think that when others are worshiping idols we will hold fast to the truth. We'd like to think that we won't bend the laws of god to fit the laws of man. But what are we doing?
The bible has much to say on the topic of fear.
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28 KJV)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV)
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (Hebrews 13:6 KJV)
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18 KJV)
How can we try to tell people how great and powerful God is if we have too much fear to do so? We must live what we believe! People will call us haters and discriminatory. Let them. We will still love them. Hating sin and standing for truth does NOT mean we hate the people, but rather we pray for them and shine the light of truth and love. {Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. (Romans 12:14 KJV)} Make them ask why it is that you still love and pray for a person when you don't approve of what they do. Wet the appetite of the world for God.
So, why is it that we are so afraid to stand up for what is good and right? I think there are a lot of reasons. One reason, I think people just don't want to get involved. It's easier to sit on the sidelines. How is remaining silent better than agreeing? I'm not sure it is. I also think a tiny voice in people likes to ask...what if I'm wrong? That is satan. He wants us to doubt our faith. He wants to weaken us, just enough to get his foot in the door. Perhaps we need to step back and ask why we doubt. We need to consume the word of God. People don't know the word like they used to. It is our sword...how can we fight without it?
Are we afraid of "persecution"?
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:10-16 KJV)
Why are we afraid?
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12 KJV)
I believe that in the next few generations being a Christian may be outlawed if we stay on this path. I hope that if I'm ever arrested for being a Christian that there will be enough evidence to convict me. If there isn't, then I have been doing something wrong.
We cannot be afraid. God did not give us a spirit of fear! We must speak the truth with gentleness...not silence. The world is searching for God. They are trying to fill the void with all manner of things. We must live our lives with Joy, and light. For as tough as this life may be, it will all have been worth it. How will they know the truth if no one will tell it?
Let your light shine!! Stand up for what is right. Help when others hide. Reach out when others retreat. Sing when others are silent. Cast out your fear and cling to God and his promises.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Trust and talent
I apologize now if this post seems short.
I never tire of the parallels between my relationship with my children and my relationship with God. So often I scold my kids for something then as soon as the words have left my mouth I think about how I am towards God, my father.
In this entry I want to share with you one of the lessons I learn while trying to teach my children.
My daughter is amazing. She has a pure heart, and a passion for God. She can be a goofball and I love it. Today though, she broke my heart a little.
Lately she's been trying her hand at a little of everything, and just can't find where she excels. She came to me broken hearted and crying wanting to know what her talent was. She wanted to know why she had no special talent. She wanted to know why she couldn't run fast, go across monkey bars, or write songs like she wanted to. In her heart these are important to her. She wanted to know why she wasn't naturally good at these things.
What am I good at? What are my talents? These were the questions she was asking.
From my perspective, as her parent, I can see her talents. I can watch her grow every day and see the ways she is growing. I can see how good her heart is. I can see her kindness. I can see so many talents she has. She is amazing with young children. Yet, she cannot see these things. I try to praise her and show her what a great person God is making her into. Yet, she cannot see these things.
In the end we talked, prayed and cried. I gave her glimpses of what I see, and assured her we all feel like this at some time.
Now, after I was done talking to my daughter, I had a thought. How many times have we sat there, convinced God has no way to use us? Convinced we have no talents? Convinced that We feel as nobody has felt before? Many times.
I know for me, it has been just within the past couple years that I feel I'm finding my talents. So many times, God tried to show me what my talents were. But,they weren't what I wanted them to be, so I dismissed them. Are we open to what God's will is? Or are we convinced the things we want are better?
The older I get the more I realize what a wide range of talents there are and how they are all equally important. When I was young, if I didn't have a popular, well known, or huge talent....it wasn't a talent.
Our talents and gifts can change with time. Or God may not be ready to reveal them to us because he's still helping to equip us to use our talent. Whatever the case, we have to have faith that he can see us in a way we cannot understand. God really does love us with an immeasurable love.
What is your gift? Will you trust God to reveal it when the time is right? Will you trust you are worth more than you know? My daughter had to trust me, that I can see her talents, and her worth more than she can. I have to do the same, and trust God. Will you?
I never tire of the parallels between my relationship with my children and my relationship with God. So often I scold my kids for something then as soon as the words have left my mouth I think about how I am towards God, my father.
In this entry I want to share with you one of the lessons I learn while trying to teach my children.
My daughter is amazing. She has a pure heart, and a passion for God. She can be a goofball and I love it. Today though, she broke my heart a little.
Lately she's been trying her hand at a little of everything, and just can't find where she excels. She came to me broken hearted and crying wanting to know what her talent was. She wanted to know why she had no special talent. She wanted to know why she couldn't run fast, go across monkey bars, or write songs like she wanted to. In her heart these are important to her. She wanted to know why she wasn't naturally good at these things.
What am I good at? What are my talents? These were the questions she was asking.
From my perspective, as her parent, I can see her talents. I can watch her grow every day and see the ways she is growing. I can see how good her heart is. I can see her kindness. I can see so many talents she has. She is amazing with young children. Yet, she cannot see these things. I try to praise her and show her what a great person God is making her into. Yet, she cannot see these things.
In the end we talked, prayed and cried. I gave her glimpses of what I see, and assured her we all feel like this at some time.
Now, after I was done talking to my daughter, I had a thought. How many times have we sat there, convinced God has no way to use us? Convinced we have no talents? Convinced that We feel as nobody has felt before? Many times.
I know for me, it has been just within the past couple years that I feel I'm finding my talents. So many times, God tried to show me what my talents were. But,they weren't what I wanted them to be, so I dismissed them. Are we open to what God's will is? Or are we convinced the things we want are better?
The older I get the more I realize what a wide range of talents there are and how they are all equally important. When I was young, if I didn't have a popular, well known, or huge talent....it wasn't a talent.
Our talents and gifts can change with time. Or God may not be ready to reveal them to us because he's still helping to equip us to use our talent. Whatever the case, we have to have faith that he can see us in a way we cannot understand. God really does love us with an immeasurable love.
What is your gift? Will you trust God to reveal it when the time is right? Will you trust you are worth more than you know? My daughter had to trust me, that I can see her talents, and her worth more than she can. I have to do the same, and trust God. Will you?
Thursday, March 21, 2013
The battle.
Life is a battle. Sometimes we watch the battle helplessly, and other times we are in the midst. Whichever the case, the battle is for us. Really, it's true. Every single day Satan wants you to join him. Every day you must fight or be fought for.
Each soul is a battle ground in the war for souls. We know that God wins the war. The bible assures us of this throughout scripture.
What about the battle? That's where we come in. Our free will plays out. We can choose to seek shelter in Christ our Lord, or we can choose to give in and stop fighting. Stop fighting.....it sounds so nice, doesn't it? Just give in and stop the exhausting battle. No more struggling, heartache, or care. At least it would seem that way.
God is always at work for us and it often goes undiscovered. Your pulse. Your breath. The sunshine. The air. Take God out of this life and what are we left with? Hell. That is the best description I can muster for hell....it is a place where God isn't. Think about that. Let it sink in and stew.
Now, misery loves company. Satan is misery and he wants all the company he can get. He is going to coax, lie, and allude. As wonderful, and tempting as his offers may seem, we know he is a liar. We are armed with that knowledge.
When you are frustrated, discouraged, and feel hopeless, know this; this battle is worth fighting. Shall we go into battle naked? Certainly not!!
Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth , and having put on the breastplate of righteousness , and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace ; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation , and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:11-17 NASB)
How is your armor? Are you familiar with your sword? Do you know how to use it? What of your shield? Is your faith strong?
Too often I've heard people tell me,"I don't need to read the bible, I know what it says."
How sad! Do we really think we can come to a place when there is nothing more we can learn from the word of God? I hope not. Our hearts should always be open to the different ways scripture can apply to our lives. Never. Stop. Learning.
Lately I've felt overwhelmed by life. Moving stinks. That is only one small piece of what is going on. I am guilty of not reading God's word daily. Shame on me!! Even a single psalm or verse. I need to improve on this. How could I go to battle with no sword?
This battle we fight may not seem like a battle every moment of every day. It may not be a loud, epic event. It may be quiet, even silent. The person you sit next to could be at battle at this moment and you may not know. You could even be at battle without knowing. Those little things that slowly creep into your life, that you get used to being there. They could be your destruction. A word of caution; if you aren't at battle or haven't been for sometime, you may want to step back and see which side you're on. You may have changed sides without knowing. Believe it or not, if you're under fire from satan, it's because he knows you are a threat. He knows he will have to fight hard for you. Perhaps you're crying yourself to sleep at night because you just don't think you can do it anymore. But you can. You can.
We will slip up, and make mistakes. We will faultier and fumble. At the end of the day pick yourself up, dust yourself off and make sure you know WHO you are fighting and that YOU are worth fighting for. Our battles will not all be the same, but they are worth fighting. Keep your sword sharp, your shield strong, and your armor ready. You are precious to God.
But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:11, 12 NASB)
Each soul is a battle ground in the war for souls. We know that God wins the war. The bible assures us of this throughout scripture.
What about the battle? That's where we come in. Our free will plays out. We can choose to seek shelter in Christ our Lord, or we can choose to give in and stop fighting. Stop fighting.....it sounds so nice, doesn't it? Just give in and stop the exhausting battle. No more struggling, heartache, or care. At least it would seem that way.
God is always at work for us and it often goes undiscovered. Your pulse. Your breath. The sunshine. The air. Take God out of this life and what are we left with? Hell. That is the best description I can muster for hell....it is a place where God isn't. Think about that. Let it sink in and stew.
Now, misery loves company. Satan is misery and he wants all the company he can get. He is going to coax, lie, and allude. As wonderful, and tempting as his offers may seem, we know he is a liar. We are armed with that knowledge.
When you are frustrated, discouraged, and feel hopeless, know this; this battle is worth fighting. Shall we go into battle naked? Certainly not!!
Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth , and having put on the breastplate of righteousness , and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace ; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation , and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:11-17 NASB)
How is your armor? Are you familiar with your sword? Do you know how to use it? What of your shield? Is your faith strong?
Too often I've heard people tell me,"I don't need to read the bible, I know what it says."
How sad! Do we really think we can come to a place when there is nothing more we can learn from the word of God? I hope not. Our hearts should always be open to the different ways scripture can apply to our lives. Never. Stop. Learning.
Lately I've felt overwhelmed by life. Moving stinks. That is only one small piece of what is going on. I am guilty of not reading God's word daily. Shame on me!! Even a single psalm or verse. I need to improve on this. How could I go to battle with no sword?
This battle we fight may not seem like a battle every moment of every day. It may not be a loud, epic event. It may be quiet, even silent. The person you sit next to could be at battle at this moment and you may not know. You could even be at battle without knowing. Those little things that slowly creep into your life, that you get used to being there. They could be your destruction. A word of caution; if you aren't at battle or haven't been for sometime, you may want to step back and see which side you're on. You may have changed sides without knowing. Believe it or not, if you're under fire from satan, it's because he knows you are a threat. He knows he will have to fight hard for you. Perhaps you're crying yourself to sleep at night because you just don't think you can do it anymore. But you can. You can.
We will slip up, and make mistakes. We will faultier and fumble. At the end of the day pick yourself up, dust yourself off and make sure you know WHO you are fighting and that YOU are worth fighting for. Our battles will not all be the same, but they are worth fighting. Keep your sword sharp, your shield strong, and your armor ready. You are precious to God.
But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:11, 12 NASB)
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Faith in Timing. Timing in Faith.
Time is an interesting topic. There are many layers and aspects to time. It is said that the older you get the faster time goes. While it doesn't actually speed up it is a smaller fraction of your life. When your 2 a year is half your life! When your 80, it's 1/80 of your life.
Time is also a gift. God gave us time to repent. Can you imagine never having time to make things right? It is an interesting thought. Time to God is like us looking at a wall. He can see the beginning, end, and everything between. Time does not apply to God though. He always has been and always will be.
10 minutes can seem like 10 seconds when we are with the ones we love. Then there are times in our lives when 10 min seems like an eternity. When we are sitting in a hospital waiting room. When we are holding someone's hand as they pass from this life. When we are waiting for Gods response.
Myself and several people I know are waiting on God's response for one thing or another. Waiting is a tough thing to do, isn't it? I keep reminding myself that God is not late, ever. We have mapped out in our head exactly how and when things are to happen. But Gods timing and ours are very different. We live in a world of instant response. We go nuts when we can't get a hold of someone NOW. We can text, call, email, and face time. Gone are the days when people were ok not to hear from you until you got home and checked your answering machine. I think we have come to expect the same of God. God's timing is perfect. He is perfect and therefore everything he does is perfect. Our view is so limited that we can't see Gods plans and think that if God hasn't made an obvious answer in our time frame, that he has ignored or denied our requests. We are impatient creatures.
God loves us. He really does. When we look at our children and tell them to wait for something that they want an answer to now, often it is because we know something they don't know yet. How then, can we expect our children to trust us, if we will not show that we will trust God?
Right now my kids and I are studying the life of Abraham. God promised Abraham and Sarah a child. As many times as I have heard this story something new stuck out to me. The waiting. From the time God promised them a child to the time he was born was (I think) 14 years. Sarah got impatient with Gods methods and told Abraham to have a child with Hagar. as I was reading this I thought....that sounds like something I'd do! I mean, I can see myself getting impatient and trying to force God to hurry up. I can just imagine me trying to figure out a way to make happen what I want to happen rather than waiting on God.
I have also been reflecting on this scripture.
Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the L ord came to him, and He said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He said, "I have been very zealous for the L ord , the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." So He said, "Go forth and stand on the mountain before the L ord ." And behold, the L ord was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the L ord ; but the L ord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the L ord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake a fire, but the L ord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:9-13 NASB)
Often we expect God to be obvious. We like to think we know how he works and that we can predict him. We like to stuff him into a box and keep him within our limits. Shame. On. Us. God has no limits and he does not follow our rules. He is God and he makes the rules. In Psalms 46 we are told to "be still and know that he is God." Be *still* ??? In this information overload, instant gratification, instant everything society?? Yes. It has been said that if you are too busy for God than you are busier than he ever intended you to be. Do we spend the time in meditation and prayer that we should? I know I certainly don't. Do we count our blessings?
Every difficult time is meant to make us grow. To purify our hearts. Is it pleasant waiting? Certainly not. I encourage you to find someone to confide your desires in. Pray together. Just because something good will come of it in the end doesn't mean the experience will be pleasant. It does mean that you can make it through. It does mean that God will reveal his purpose. God will not ignore his children. Let's make it through this together.
"Farther along we'll know all about it. Farther along we'll understand why. Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine. We'll understand it, all by and by."
Ecc. 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Things will work perfectly...in HIS time.
Time is also a gift. God gave us time to repent. Can you imagine never having time to make things right? It is an interesting thought. Time to God is like us looking at a wall. He can see the beginning, end, and everything between. Time does not apply to God though. He always has been and always will be.
10 minutes can seem like 10 seconds when we are with the ones we love. Then there are times in our lives when 10 min seems like an eternity. When we are sitting in a hospital waiting room. When we are holding someone's hand as they pass from this life. When we are waiting for Gods response.
Myself and several people I know are waiting on God's response for one thing or another. Waiting is a tough thing to do, isn't it? I keep reminding myself that God is not late, ever. We have mapped out in our head exactly how and when things are to happen. But Gods timing and ours are very different. We live in a world of instant response. We go nuts when we can't get a hold of someone NOW. We can text, call, email, and face time. Gone are the days when people were ok not to hear from you until you got home and checked your answering machine. I think we have come to expect the same of God. God's timing is perfect. He is perfect and therefore everything he does is perfect. Our view is so limited that we can't see Gods plans and think that if God hasn't made an obvious answer in our time frame, that he has ignored or denied our requests. We are impatient creatures.
God loves us. He really does. When we look at our children and tell them to wait for something that they want an answer to now, often it is because we know something they don't know yet. How then, can we expect our children to trust us, if we will not show that we will trust God?
Right now my kids and I are studying the life of Abraham. God promised Abraham and Sarah a child. As many times as I have heard this story something new stuck out to me. The waiting. From the time God promised them a child to the time he was born was (I think) 14 years. Sarah got impatient with Gods methods and told Abraham to have a child with Hagar. as I was reading this I thought....that sounds like something I'd do! I mean, I can see myself getting impatient and trying to force God to hurry up. I can just imagine me trying to figure out a way to make happen what I want to happen rather than waiting on God.
I have also been reflecting on this scripture.
Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the L ord came to him, and He said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He said, "I have been very zealous for the L ord , the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." So He said, "Go forth and stand on the mountain before the L ord ." And behold, the L ord was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the L ord ; but the L ord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the L ord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake a fire, but the L ord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:9-13 NASB)
Often we expect God to be obvious. We like to think we know how he works and that we can predict him. We like to stuff him into a box and keep him within our limits. Shame. On. Us. God has no limits and he does not follow our rules. He is God and he makes the rules. In Psalms 46 we are told to "be still and know that he is God." Be *still* ??? In this information overload, instant gratification, instant everything society?? Yes. It has been said that if you are too busy for God than you are busier than he ever intended you to be. Do we spend the time in meditation and prayer that we should? I know I certainly don't. Do we count our blessings?
Every difficult time is meant to make us grow. To purify our hearts. Is it pleasant waiting? Certainly not. I encourage you to find someone to confide your desires in. Pray together. Just because something good will come of it in the end doesn't mean the experience will be pleasant. It does mean that you can make it through. It does mean that God will reveal his purpose. God will not ignore his children. Let's make it through this together.
"Farther along we'll know all about it. Farther along we'll understand why. Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine. We'll understand it, all by and by."
Ecc. 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Things will work perfectly...in HIS time.
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