I went to church yesterday morning. This church wasn't in a fancy building. This church didn't have a pastor. This church didn't take an offering. The congregation were not dressed in their Sunday best. This church gathers together three times a week. There is no heat in this church. This church was black, white, and Hispanic. This church was male and female. This church had 20 somethings through 60 somethings. This church does not have a name or board members. There was no worship team, sound system, or any other "bells and whistles". This church was absolutely beautiful.
The church I attended met in an old warehouse in the NoDa area of Charlotte. There were about 15-20 people in attendance (including myself and Olivia). About a dozen of those people are currently homeless. One man shared a message on the difference in religion and Christianity and then others shared their thoughts on the message. The location of the church is part of a free store. Items are donated and then people can come take 4 items per visit from the store. There are many people who come to the store. Some have jobs, some don't. Some have homes, some don't. The sign in front of the store says "Take what you need, give what you have."
I was both honored and humbled to be a part of this church. As I watched these beautiful people and listened to their sharing, I saw a glimpse into the New Testament church as it originally operated. One man, George, was homeless for 15 years. Think about that....15 YEARS! Last week, two young men moved to Charlotte from Gastonia and having known George for a few months, they "rented" their third bedroom to him for whatever he can afford. You should see the light in George's eyes when he talks about having a bed! When it was time for prayer, the requests were simple. Their request was this: Pray we stay warm and stay healthy. I didn't hear a request for a house, clothing, or anything material. I didn't hear prayers for increase or blessings.
"Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world." James 1:27 MSG
My prayer for all of you today is that God would completely invade your world. I pray things are shaken for you. I pray against the status quo. I pray for the desire and ability to step outside of your comfort zones. The beauty waiting for you there is endless!
**If anyone would like to join me at 10 on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday at "church", please let me know.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
A "Different" Kind of Christian
I want to come clean on something. I don't have scriptures memorized. Don't get me wrong, I know the basics of many scriptures, but please don't ask me to tell you the book and chapter. I'm working on becoming better, but in the mean time Psalm 23, John 3:16 and Jeremiah 29:11 are about the expanse of my reference. Oh yeah, and Genesis 1:1. Hey, maybe I know more than I think! I say this only to let you know if God tells me to go to a book of the bible, I KNOW it's truly Him speaking. More on that later.
Yesterday a friends status on Facebook created quite a stir. At this current moment there are 134 comments on her status. Something said in one of the early comments stayed with me all day and honestly made me very sad. Here is the comment a young woman wrote:
"I guess I'm a different kind of Christian bc while I respect the bible & worship Jesus, I also am not going to live word by word of the bible simply bc no one knows who wrote it & times have changed & I highly doubt that the Jesus I believe in would allow for a man to treat me the way the bible depicts."
OUCH! Does that not just make you want to cry? I know for me it did! Sadly, this is the viewpoint of many of today's Christians. She point blank says she is a Christian but is not going to live word by word of the bible because times have changed. This line of thinking that Christ is "outdated" has permeated our society. Sin runs rampant because so many people read scriptures and think it does not apply in 2010. I don't understand her comment about how men treat women, because Jesus was pretty clear about husbands loving their wives. I guess she was told to only focus on the "wives be submissive" part.
As I mentioned, her comment stayed on my mind all day after reading it. Our society is the way it is because of "different kinds" of Christians who do not take God's word seriously. When I was going to bed last night, I felt God telling me to read Jude. Huh? Really God? JUDE? I am reading a book by Judah Smith, so I thought "Duh God, I'm already reading that." Silly me. He reminded me there is a book in the bible titled Jude. Oh yeah, I remember those two pages just before Revelation. So, I decide to humor God and read Jude. Here is part of what I read:
"Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ......But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction. What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion......But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them......And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives." Jude 1:3-4, 1:10-11, 1:17-18, 1:22-23 NLT
I know that isn't just one scripture, but it was hard to pick out one part of it! How amazing that God gave me this after what had been on my mind all day. Does anyone else see the irony in this "outdated" scripture? Sounds pretty applicable to me! My prayer for you today is that you would hold steadfast in the defending of our faith. That you would not waiver from God's word nor back down when challenged by today's "different" thinking. Perhaps there are areas of you life where you know God is telling you one thing, but you are listening to the world's opinion instead. I pray today is the day when a change happens. Today is the day God speaks to you so clearly that His word will be undeniable in your soul.
Yesterday a friends status on Facebook created quite a stir. At this current moment there are 134 comments on her status. Something said in one of the early comments stayed with me all day and honestly made me very sad. Here is the comment a young woman wrote:
"I guess I'm a different kind of Christian bc while I respect the bible & worship Jesus, I also am not going to live word by word of the bible simply bc no one knows who wrote it & times have changed & I highly doubt that the Jesus I believe in would allow for a man to treat me the way the bible depicts."
OUCH! Does that not just make you want to cry? I know for me it did! Sadly, this is the viewpoint of many of today's Christians. She point blank says she is a Christian but is not going to live word by word of the bible because times have changed. This line of thinking that Christ is "outdated" has permeated our society. Sin runs rampant because so many people read scriptures and think it does not apply in 2010. I don't understand her comment about how men treat women, because Jesus was pretty clear about husbands loving their wives. I guess she was told to only focus on the "wives be submissive" part.
As I mentioned, her comment stayed on my mind all day after reading it. Our society is the way it is because of "different kinds" of Christians who do not take God's word seriously. When I was going to bed last night, I felt God telling me to read Jude. Huh? Really God? JUDE? I am reading a book by Judah Smith, so I thought "Duh God, I'm already reading that." Silly me. He reminded me there is a book in the bible titled Jude. Oh yeah, I remember those two pages just before Revelation. So, I decide to humor God and read Jude. Here is part of what I read:
"Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ......But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction. What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion......But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them......And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives." Jude 1:3-4, 1:10-11, 1:17-18, 1:22-23 NLT
I know that isn't just one scripture, but it was hard to pick out one part of it! How amazing that God gave me this after what had been on my mind all day. Does anyone else see the irony in this "outdated" scripture? Sounds pretty applicable to me! My prayer for you today is that you would hold steadfast in the defending of our faith. That you would not waiver from God's word nor back down when challenged by today's "different" thinking. Perhaps there are areas of you life where you know God is telling you one thing, but you are listening to the world's opinion instead. I pray today is the day when a change happens. Today is the day God speaks to you so clearly that His word will be undeniable in your soul.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Why I Just Can't Be Part Of It....
As almost everybody knows, Halloween is this coming Sunday. It's a day where I'm often the "outcast" because I have chosen to have no part of this event. I refuse to call it a holiday because to me, it isn't. The reason it is not is simply because the bible tells me I should have no part of witchcraft. Yes, you can water down the day and argue it's just about having fun with the children and letting them get candy. My counterpoint? We usually go to Chuck E. Cheese or similar, have a blast and I buy a bag of candy for the girls and they are happy. It has nothing to do with halloweeen. In fact, they get to pick the candy they want so it's even cooler than begging door to door (or trunk to trunk if you go to church....don't get me started there).
In researching information on this day and the meaning of it to those who practice witchcraft, this is what I've found:
Samhain / Halloween, our next sabbat on the 31st of October, is the third and final of the three harvest holidays. Samhain is a time to take care of our dead, and to remember the past year. It is traditional on Samhain night to leave a plate of food outside the home for the souls of the dead. A candle placed in the window guides them to the Lands of Eternal Summer, and burying apples in the hard-packed earth "feeds" the passed ones on their journey. Divination is commonplace and Samhain is known as a time of year where the veil 'tween the living and the dead is at it's thinnest. As the nights grow cold, the dark half begins.. (from http://www.witchway.net/)
In response to this, the bible tells this story in Acts 16:16: And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
Notice the bible refers to this "talent" as being POSSESSED WITH A SPIRIT.
In reading an example of a coven initiation ceremony (© Starhawk; "The Spiral Dance: Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Goddess"; HarperRow 1979 Valiente, Doreen; "Witchcraft for Tomorrow"; Phoenix Publishing 1985), this is an excerpt. At this point where we pick up, the participant is naked after her clothes have been cut away :
The candidate is brought back to the altar. The High Priest kneels and gives her the Five Fold Kiss; that is, he kisses her on both feet, both knees, womb, both breasts, and the lips,starting with the right of each pair. He says, as he does this:
"Blessed be thy feet, that have brought thee in these ways. Blessed be thy knees, that shall kneel at the sacred altar. Blessed be thy womb, without which we would not be. Blessed be thy breasts, formed in beauty. Blessed be thy lips, that shall utter the Sacred Names."
For the kiss on the lips, they embrace, length-to-length, with their feet touching each others. When he reaches the womb, she spreads her arms wide, and the same after the kiss on the lips.The candidate is then measured with the other piece of cord, from head to toe. The cord is cut. She is then measured around the head and chest and knots are tied to mark these lengths."
**So....she's naked in front of the whole coven and kissed by the "priest" It goes on to say:
"The High Priest then makes an X mark on the initiates forehead,breast and genitals while saying:
"May your mind be free. May your heart be free. May your body be free.
I give you the Craft name of ______"
The rest of the Coven members grab her suddenly, lift her if possible and carry her three times around the Circle, laughing and shrieking. They then lay her face down before the altar and press her into the ground. Gradually the pressure changes to stroking. They chant her new name, raising a Cone of Power over her."
So.....genitals? Breasts? They all press her face first into the ground and then fondle her? Orgy anyone?
This is how witches view halloween:
"Halloween, plain and simple is our favorite time of year. A true time for witches, Witchcraft itself, and Wiccans alike who feel that on this night the separation between the physical and spiritual realities is it's least guarded and it's veil the thinnest. It is a time for dimensional openings and workings, it is a somber holiday, one of dark clothes and thoughts for the dead, it is said to be the time when those of necromantic talents can speak with the dead and it is certainly a time to remember ones own dead. Witches believe it is a time of endings of relationships and bad situations and it is the time when one can see the glimmer of hope in the future. There are as many concepts attached to this holiday as any other, truly a time of remembrance of our ancestors and all those who have gone before."
Quite honestly, the only defense I should need to make for why Christians should not be a part of this "celebration" is found in Deuteronomy 18:9-14 (MSG): "When you enter the land that God, your God, is giving you, don't take on the abominable ways of life of the nations there. Don't you dare sacrifice your son or daughter in the fire. Don't practice divination, sorcery, fortunetelling, witchery, casting spells, holding séances, or channeling with the dead. People who do these things are an abomination to God. It's because of just such abominable practices that God, your God, is driving these nations out before you. Be completely loyal to God, your God. These nations that you're about to run out of the country consort with sorcerers and witches. But not you. God, your God, forbids it."
You may argue that you aren't practicing any of these things yourself, but notice in the last verse it mentions those that CONSORT with sorcerers and witches. A definition of consort is to associate with. By participating in the high holiday of those who do practice these thing, would you not say it is being associated with them? I know this may seem harsh, but it's time we wake up to all the ways the enemy uses to attack us. By watering down the truth of this day just so we can not be different, we are giving him a foothold into our lives. The truth is, we are CALLED to be different. What kind of witness are we to those living in darkness if we claim to walk in the light of Christ, yet participate in the most "holy" of days for those walking in the dark? Seems like an oxymoron to me.
This is something I am really writing for those who are Christians. Before any of you comment in defense, please take the time to research more, read what the bible has to say about these topics, spend time with God and see what He may want to reveal to you. We each have the option to choose as we wish for our families, but God has clearly told me to have no part in it.
In researching information on this day and the meaning of it to those who practice witchcraft, this is what I've found:
Samhain / Halloween, our next sabbat on the 31st of October, is the third and final of the three harvest holidays. Samhain is a time to take care of our dead, and to remember the past year. It is traditional on Samhain night to leave a plate of food outside the home for the souls of the dead. A candle placed in the window guides them to the Lands of Eternal Summer, and burying apples in the hard-packed earth "feeds" the passed ones on their journey. Divination is commonplace and Samhain is known as a time of year where the veil 'tween the living and the dead is at it's thinnest. As the nights grow cold, the dark half begins.. (from http://www.witchway.net/)
In response to this, the bible tells this story in Acts 16:16: And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
Notice the bible refers to this "talent" as being POSSESSED WITH A SPIRIT.
In reading an example of a coven initiation ceremony (© Starhawk; "The Spiral Dance: Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Goddess"; HarperRow 1979 Valiente, Doreen; "Witchcraft for Tomorrow"; Phoenix Publishing 1985), this is an excerpt. At this point where we pick up, the participant is naked after her clothes have been cut away :
The candidate is brought back to the altar. The High Priest kneels and gives her the Five Fold Kiss; that is, he kisses her on both feet, both knees, womb, both breasts, and the lips,starting with the right of each pair. He says, as he does this:
"Blessed be thy feet, that have brought thee in these ways. Blessed be thy knees, that shall kneel at the sacred altar. Blessed be thy womb, without which we would not be. Blessed be thy breasts, formed in beauty. Blessed be thy lips, that shall utter the Sacred Names."
For the kiss on the lips, they embrace, length-to-length, with their feet touching each others. When he reaches the womb, she spreads her arms wide, and the same after the kiss on the lips.The candidate is then measured with the other piece of cord, from head to toe. The cord is cut. She is then measured around the head and chest and knots are tied to mark these lengths."
**So....she's naked in front of the whole coven and kissed by the "priest" It goes on to say:
"The High Priest then makes an X mark on the initiates forehead,breast and genitals while saying:
"May your mind be free. May your heart be free. May your body be free.
I give you the Craft name of ______"
The rest of the Coven members grab her suddenly, lift her if possible and carry her three times around the Circle, laughing and shrieking. They then lay her face down before the altar and press her into the ground. Gradually the pressure changes to stroking. They chant her new name, raising a Cone of Power over her."
So.....genitals? Breasts? They all press her face first into the ground and then fondle her? Orgy anyone?
This is how witches view halloween:
"Halloween, plain and simple is our favorite time of year. A true time for witches, Witchcraft itself, and Wiccans alike who feel that on this night the separation between the physical and spiritual realities is it's least guarded and it's veil the thinnest. It is a time for dimensional openings and workings, it is a somber holiday, one of dark clothes and thoughts for the dead, it is said to be the time when those of necromantic talents can speak with the dead and it is certainly a time to remember ones own dead. Witches believe it is a time of endings of relationships and bad situations and it is the time when one can see the glimmer of hope in the future. There are as many concepts attached to this holiday as any other, truly a time of remembrance of our ancestors and all those who have gone before."
Quite honestly, the only defense I should need to make for why Christians should not be a part of this "celebration" is found in Deuteronomy 18:9-14 (MSG): "When you enter the land that God, your God, is giving you, don't take on the abominable ways of life of the nations there. Don't you dare sacrifice your son or daughter in the fire. Don't practice divination, sorcery, fortunetelling, witchery, casting spells, holding séances, or channeling with the dead. People who do these things are an abomination to God. It's because of just such abominable practices that God, your God, is driving these nations out before you. Be completely loyal to God, your God. These nations that you're about to run out of the country consort with sorcerers and witches. But not you. God, your God, forbids it."
You may argue that you aren't practicing any of these things yourself, but notice in the last verse it mentions those that CONSORT with sorcerers and witches. A definition of consort is to associate with. By participating in the high holiday of those who do practice these thing, would you not say it is being associated with them? I know this may seem harsh, but it's time we wake up to all the ways the enemy uses to attack us. By watering down the truth of this day just so we can not be different, we are giving him a foothold into our lives. The truth is, we are CALLED to be different. What kind of witness are we to those living in darkness if we claim to walk in the light of Christ, yet participate in the most "holy" of days for those walking in the dark? Seems like an oxymoron to me.
This is something I am really writing for those who are Christians. Before any of you comment in defense, please take the time to research more, read what the bible has to say about these topics, spend time with God and see what He may want to reveal to you. We each have the option to choose as we wish for our families, but God has clearly told me to have no part in it.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Stuff
I have a confession to make. Last week when I said I was going to clean my room, I didn't really clean my room. However, I did get half of it done on Sunday. So there is some progress being made. What I have realized (and not just recently either) is that I have a lot of stuff. I have closets full of stuff. Cabinets full of stuff. A storage closet in the back of my house that is full of stuff. My car? Yeah, there is some stuff in the trunk there too.
We are a society consumed by stuff. Companies pay thousands and millions of dollars for thirty seconds of commercial time just to sell their stuff. How often have you seen a food commercial and though "wow, I wasn't hungry, but now I'm thinking that looks good." Or the latest "beauty" product and thought "that's it! I have to try that!" Another example I have experienced myself is purchasing a new television. At first I was in awe of the size difference, better picture quality, etc. However, after a few weeks I started to gaze longingly at the bigger, better, newer models in the store. Did something suddenly become wrong with my t.v.? No, it's that we are constantly bombarded with messages telling us we need STUFF. There are even businesses (storage units) that make millions of dollars every year and all they do is store our stuff!
One of my favorite television shows is Hoarders. I can't exactly explain my fascination with this show. In ways it motivates me to clean. In other ways it makes me feel better about all my stuff because I think"well, I'm not THAT bad." Sometimes people are overtaken in their homes by trash. Other times it's because of a shopping addiction and they simply run out of places to put all the stuff. Frequently during the clean up process the owners discover their stuff has been infested with bugs, mold, etc. If only we (myself included) took scripture to heart when it comes to our stuff:
"Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:20 NLT
Imagine the decline in security system sales if we no longer stored our treasures here on earth? Until that day comes in our world, I'll start with another trip to donate some of this stuff I've recently uncovered and stay out of Wal-Mart for a while.
We are a society consumed by stuff. Companies pay thousands and millions of dollars for thirty seconds of commercial time just to sell their stuff. How often have you seen a food commercial and though "wow, I wasn't hungry, but now I'm thinking that looks good." Or the latest "beauty" product and thought "that's it! I have to try that!" Another example I have experienced myself is purchasing a new television. At first I was in awe of the size difference, better picture quality, etc. However, after a few weeks I started to gaze longingly at the bigger, better, newer models in the store. Did something suddenly become wrong with my t.v.? No, it's that we are constantly bombarded with messages telling us we need STUFF. There are even businesses (storage units) that make millions of dollars every year and all they do is store our stuff!
One of my favorite television shows is Hoarders. I can't exactly explain my fascination with this show. In ways it motivates me to clean. In other ways it makes me feel better about all my stuff because I think"well, I'm not THAT bad." Sometimes people are overtaken in their homes by trash. Other times it's because of a shopping addiction and they simply run out of places to put all the stuff. Frequently during the clean up process the owners discover their stuff has been infested with bugs, mold, etc. If only we (myself included) took scripture to heart when it comes to our stuff:
"Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:20 NLT
Imagine the decline in security system sales if we no longer stored our treasures here on earth? Until that day comes in our world, I'll start with another trip to donate some of this stuff I've recently uncovered and stay out of Wal-Mart for a while.
Healing
While I don't know all of you personally, I would bet that all of you have experienced some type of hurt in your life. For many, it could be as deep as sexual abuse as a child, a parent who left or maybe just wasn't there emotionally, or betrayal by a friend. The list of possible hurts is endless. However, our Father in heaven has seen them all. Not only has He seen them all, He has felt them all. Every time you have cried and felt nobody cared, He saw your tears and His heart broke for your pain. When that person was abusing you, He was crying and shouting NO! She's my daughter. Yet, He also saw your abuser and cried for the path they chose because they are His child too.
Many people live in denial and shame because of their past. The greater the hurt, the deeper the shame. Some of you may even blame yourselves for things that happened that were beyond your control.
My precious sister, it's time to let it go. It's time to let go of the shame and start letting those wounds heal. If a physical wound is covered without attention, it will become infected and eventually affect the rest of the body and could even cause death. The same is true for our emotional wounds. Without dealing with them, they fester. They are toxic to our souls. Without allowing forgiveness to enter, we can never experience the freedom and joy Christ died to give us.
"Then they were on the road. They preached with joyful urgency that life can be radically different; right and left they sent the demons packing; they brought wellness to the sick, anointing their bodies, healing their spirits." Matthew 6:12 MSG
I pray today is the day you choose to send those demons packing and let Christ in to heal your spirit!
I've added this link to an amazing song by Matthew West. I pray it ministers to you today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Whb-XSOog8k
Many people live in denial and shame because of their past. The greater the hurt, the deeper the shame. Some of you may even blame yourselves for things that happened that were beyond your control.
My precious sister, it's time to let it go. It's time to let go of the shame and start letting those wounds heal. If a physical wound is covered without attention, it will become infected and eventually affect the rest of the body and could even cause death. The same is true for our emotional wounds. Without dealing with them, they fester. They are toxic to our souls. Without allowing forgiveness to enter, we can never experience the freedom and joy Christ died to give us.
"Then they were on the road. They preached with joyful urgency that life can be radically different; right and left they sent the demons packing; they brought wellness to the sick, anointing their bodies, healing their spirits." Matthew 6:12 MSG
I pray today is the day you choose to send those demons packing and let Christ in to heal your spirit!
I've added this link to an amazing song by Matthew West. I pray it ministers to you today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Whb-XSOog8k
True Love
Do you love Jesus? Lower your eyebrows because this is a valid question. Do you REALLY love Jesus? I mean, really LOVE Him? This is something I have been asking myself recently. I was thinking about this earlier this morning and then saw this scene outside my kitchen window:
A man and woman standing outside of their car embracing each other. I watched as they gently kissed each other and then pulled back to look at each other. They were gazing into each others eyes and caressing each others face and hair. Then they hugged each other. Then looked at each other again. Then kissed again. You get the picture.
I wonder if later today someone will ask him or her why they are smiling. I wonder if there will be something different in the look of their faces. I wonder if they will freely tell others of this love in their life. Or, will they not say anything because they don't want to offend anyone by telling them about their love.
As I was watching them, I asked myself if this is the LOVE I have for Jesus? Do I love His presence so much that I am hesitant to leave or do I look at my clock and wonder what I'm going to do next. Do I look into His eyes and rest against His chest as I feel Him caressing my face and hair. When others ask me what is different about me, do I tell them about the greatest love of my life or do I just grin and say "oh, nothing".
"You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: YOU HAVE FORSAKEN YOUR FIRST LOVE." Revelation 2: 3-4 (emphasis mine)
My prayer today is that I would return to my first love. That I would not be ashamed of telling others about this love. That I would run to His embrace and not rush to leave Him.
A man and woman standing outside of their car embracing each other. I watched as they gently kissed each other and then pulled back to look at each other. They were gazing into each others eyes and caressing each others face and hair. Then they hugged each other. Then looked at each other again. Then kissed again. You get the picture.
I wonder if later today someone will ask him or her why they are smiling. I wonder if there will be something different in the look of their faces. I wonder if they will freely tell others of this love in their life. Or, will they not say anything because they don't want to offend anyone by telling them about their love.
As I was watching them, I asked myself if this is the LOVE I have for Jesus? Do I love His presence so much that I am hesitant to leave or do I look at my clock and wonder what I'm going to do next. Do I look into His eyes and rest against His chest as I feel Him caressing my face and hair. When others ask me what is different about me, do I tell them about the greatest love of my life or do I just grin and say "oh, nothing".
"You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: YOU HAVE FORSAKEN YOUR FIRST LOVE." Revelation 2: 3-4 (emphasis mine)
My prayer today is that I would return to my first love. That I would not be ashamed of telling others about this love. That I would run to His embrace and not rush to leave Him.
No Comparison
How often do we compare ourselves to others? We look at someone who is on the worship team singing and criticize ourselves for not being able to sing. We see an amazing speaker and think "I wish I could speak like that in front of people!" Or maybe it's in the smaller things.
Personally, housekeeping is something I struggle with. Having a spotless house is just not high on my priority list. However, there are times when I do wish I cared a little bit more! If any of you saw my bedroom in it's current state, you would be tempted to call a reality show to come start filming and back up the dump trucks.
How do you compare yourself to others? Are you so focused on the gifts God has given someone else that you fail to see the gift He has placed inside of you? Maybe you aren't front and center singing on Sunday, but you are in the nursery providing care for a baby so her parents can be ministered to by that person singing. You may not be the speaker that gives an altar call and sees salvations, but you are the person who greeted that person as they walked in the door. Because of your smile, they felt relaxed as soon as they arrived and YOU were the one who placed the key in the door of their heart so Jesus could come and unlock it.
"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. " 1 Corinthians 12:12
Never forget that you and your gift is just as important as the gifts given to others. Without you and your talents, the body cannot function the way God intended. His design in the church and in YOU is perfect. I pray today that you focus more on the gifts He has placed inside of you and take time to unwrap those gifts for His glory!
Now, time for me to go clean my room!
Personally, housekeeping is something I struggle with. Having a spotless house is just not high on my priority list. However, there are times when I do wish I cared a little bit more! If any of you saw my bedroom in it's current state, you would be tempted to call a reality show to come start filming and back up the dump trucks.
How do you compare yourself to others? Are you so focused on the gifts God has given someone else that you fail to see the gift He has placed inside of you? Maybe you aren't front and center singing on Sunday, but you are in the nursery providing care for a baby so her parents can be ministered to by that person singing. You may not be the speaker that gives an altar call and sees salvations, but you are the person who greeted that person as they walked in the door. Because of your smile, they felt relaxed as soon as they arrived and YOU were the one who placed the key in the door of their heart so Jesus could come and unlock it.
"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. " 1 Corinthians 12:12
Never forget that you and your gift is just as important as the gifts given to others. Without you and your talents, the body cannot function the way God intended. His design in the church and in YOU is perfect. I pray today that you focus more on the gifts He has placed inside of you and take time to unwrap those gifts for His glory!
Now, time for me to go clean my room!
Waiting
How many of us like to wait? I'm guessing that if you are like me, the answer is a resounding NO! Personally, I am in a season of waiting. Last Spring, God told me that I was to leave my job of 13 years in the corporate world. He showed me that I need to be home with my daughters and also for reasons He would reveal later.
The end of July, I quit my job. I cashed out everything and have been living on my "retirement". Already I have seen amazing blessings from this obedience. My oldest daughter is doing much better in school and both girls are more secure in their relationship with me. My friendships with other women have blossomed in ways I never imagined. I have been offered ministry opportunities that had I still been working, I would not have been able to accept. However, I'm definitely in a "meantime" season.
I frequently get asked "what are you going to do?". My answer? I. don't. know. What I do know is that God is the one in control, not me. He would not have told me to leave what I saw as secure if He did not have an amazing plan already in place for me. I only wish He would fill me in a little faster than the information is coming!
"For since the beginning of the world, Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him" Isaiah 64:4
You see, I could be quick to find income. I have people suggest ways of earning money on a regular basis. While all of their suggestions and ideas are great and would indeed provide an income, I know that I would be disobedient in taking action if it is not what God has in store for me. Waiting is hard for us. Our society tells us to "seize the day" or "just do it." Scripture tells us differently. God has amazing plans for us, we simply have to step back, give Him room, and wait.
The end of July, I quit my job. I cashed out everything and have been living on my "retirement". Already I have seen amazing blessings from this obedience. My oldest daughter is doing much better in school and both girls are more secure in their relationship with me. My friendships with other women have blossomed in ways I never imagined. I have been offered ministry opportunities that had I still been working, I would not have been able to accept. However, I'm definitely in a "meantime" season.
I frequently get asked "what are you going to do?". My answer? I. don't. know. What I do know is that God is the one in control, not me. He would not have told me to leave what I saw as secure if He did not have an amazing plan already in place for me. I only wish He would fill me in a little faster than the information is coming!
"For since the beginning of the world, Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him" Isaiah 64:4
You see, I could be quick to find income. I have people suggest ways of earning money on a regular basis. While all of their suggestions and ideas are great and would indeed provide an income, I know that I would be disobedient in taking action if it is not what God has in store for me. Waiting is hard for us. Our society tells us to "seize the day" or "just do it." Scripture tells us differently. God has amazing plans for us, we simply have to step back, give Him room, and wait.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
A Child In Awe
I wanted to share a thought I had tonight while doing my word girl thing with the tech team. The worship team is singing this song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsGF9xJl9ZY) during the service tomorrow and while focusing on the words I had a serious "God moment".
The line "I will live a child in awe of you" hit me like a hammer. It reminded me of discussion I had on Thursday with some women friends I get together with once a week. We were discussing coming to God like a child. Think of how in awe of us our children are. There is nothing they don't think we can do. Even at 11, Kiara still thinks I know everything. Some of the questions she asks me shows how much she thinks I know. We are the heroes to our children. How much more is God our hero? Do we come to Him expecting answers to all of our questions? When we don't get an answer, do we think He just doesn't know? Or do we trust that He always knows best and He will share with us when the timing is right (or when we get older?) Do we come to Him knowing He will welcome us? Or do we hide in our rooms and think we would be bothering Him with our silly questions? Are we taking time, as a small child, to sit at His feet and just experience uninhibited, unrestrained awe?
He ALONE, is God of all. He ALONE is worthy. As the song says, with all I am, my SOUL will bless your name. Stop and consider how total a blessing our worship is if we are using not only our words, not only our hands, not only our outward actions, but our SOUL! I pray you take some time to truly let your SOUL bless Him today!
The line "I will live a child in awe of you" hit me like a hammer. It reminded me of discussion I had on Thursday with some women friends I get together with once a week. We were discussing coming to God like a child. Think of how in awe of us our children are. There is nothing they don't think we can do. Even at 11, Kiara still thinks I know everything. Some of the questions she asks me shows how much she thinks I know. We are the heroes to our children. How much more is God our hero? Do we come to Him expecting answers to all of our questions? When we don't get an answer, do we think He just doesn't know? Or do we trust that He always knows best and He will share with us when the timing is right (or when we get older?) Do we come to Him knowing He will welcome us? Or do we hide in our rooms and think we would be bothering Him with our silly questions? Are we taking time, as a small child, to sit at His feet and just experience uninhibited, unrestrained awe?
He ALONE, is God of all. He ALONE is worthy. As the song says, with all I am, my SOUL will bless your name. Stop and consider how total a blessing our worship is if we are using not only our words, not only our hands, not only our outward actions, but our SOUL! I pray you take some time to truly let your SOUL bless Him today!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Is HE the Right One?
I was forwarded the following by a friend. I knew most of this anyway (only recently learned), but it's so great to have a written reminder!
This is an awesome read! Please take the time to read it thoroughly! For my friends and loved ones who have found "the one", please pass this on to someone who may need this message.
Is HE the ONE? THE RIGHT ONE?
First we must allow our Heavenly Father to do the picking. And second, the decision for a mate must be made on a spiritual and intellectual basis before it's made on an emotional one.
"What about love? Shouldn't that be the third? You ask. No, and I'll tell you why. "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9).
The heart is willful and is driven by its own agenda. It does not consider things rationally and intelligently it just loves to love! Therefore you have to point it in the right direction: "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life" (Proverbs 4:23)!
Whenever you meet a man, you need to get clearance from God, check out his attributes, and then allow your heart to engage. Dating exists not for mating; it exists for collecting data. I believe that the biblical design would be friendship, courtship and then marriage.
Friendship is two people walking together in agreement and accountability, learning and growing together. Courtship follows the mutual agreement to commit to one another exclusively - it is the decisive turning toward the agreed-upon goal of the marriage altar. It is a period of laying a foundation and preparing your life together after marriage. But dating? Well, if you do date, use the time wisely to gather these facts.
1. Check out the fabric. Is the person mate material? Does this man have an intimate relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ? Does he care what God thinks about his behavior? Is he accountable to God as well as another co-laborer in the faith? Accountability is an important factor. It is imperative to maintaining a committed relationship. Is your potential spouse a member of the same family - the family of God? You need to have common interests and values and agree on the essentials of living day to day. You have a similar spiritual walk. You eat the same spiritual diet. You enjoy a lot of similar things. You have like interests, like goals in life, like opinions on basic life issues. You have had like experiences in your background. Though there is some truth to the idiom that opposites attract, like-minded folks fare better together. Furthermore, does he want to get married? If you want to be married and your dreamboat isn't interested, don't waste your time. Remember, women fall in love and get married. Men decide to get married and then look for a wife. Note the difference in order. So if a guy says he's not looking for anything serious, take his words seriously. If he's not going in your direction, get off the bus and wait for the right one.
2. Does this man want you? Is he pursuing you? The man who is right for you will pursue you, and God's hand in the relationship will be clear. No guessing, no fleeces, no dead ends. Scripture says: "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord" (Proverbs 18:22). Note -who finds whom? THE MAN FINDS THE WIFE. From the beginning of time, God has transported men and women across the world in order to put them together. At the RIGHT TIME, He will bring that man on the scene and he will find you. In God's perfect design, the man is the one who recognizes his mate. Adam had no problem recognizing that Eve was his missing rib. You do not need to strategically place yourself anywhere. You don't have to help a guy out because he's shy! Men will do whatever they have to do to get what they truly want. The man in your life should recognize you as the pearl of great price in his life and be willing to do whatever he must in order to gain your hand. If he is passive about gaining your affections, take it as a sign that he is not interested. Many a woman's mother has suggested that it is a good idea to marry a man who loves you more than you love him. As cold as that sounds, it actually might be scriptural if you stop to think about it: "We love him because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Until then, take the ultimate chill pill. You don't need a bunch of men in your life to make you feel all right about yourself. You need only one man - your man, the one God has selected to select you. And trust me, the right man at the wrong time can be just as awful as the wrong man at any time. So trust God's timing in this. He is the ultimate matchmaker. Relax, sit pretty and allow yourself to be found. Again - WAIT until the man voices his intentions. He should take the lead in establishing the relationship. You may have an inkling that he is the one, but God will use the man to set the tone of the relationship. Allow him the opportunity to woo you - this is your first act of submission. Jesus set the standard for all men to follow. They should love us first. And they should lead the relationship.
3. The man in your life should not desire to move into your house, only into your heart. A man who prepares for your future has made his intentions clear. A man who is husband material has the means to take care of a wife. He is a responsible human being who understands he needs to have something to offer. In short, a man should have the means to be a suitable lover for you.
4. Check out his buddies. Everyone knows birds of the same feather flock together, yet most women fail to see the connection between a man and his friends. A man's pals tell you a lot about the person that you haven't seen yet. They reveal things about the guy's character that might be hidden when he is on good behavior. Everyone knows how to put his best foot forward. Don't stay focused on the foot, check out the rest of the body!
5. Check out his relationship with his mother. How does he treat her? This is your preview of how he will treat you. There are lots of men who, because of a negative relationship with their mothers, really don't like women, yet say they do. Unresolved issues between mother and son continue between husband and wife.
6. Remember that a man's family reveals the cloth from which he's cut. Take note and decide whether you want your future with the man in your life to look like his present family situation.
7. Check out the patterns of his life. Do you see repeated cycles of drama in his personal kingdom? Broken relationships? Problems in making commitments --including the job market? Mood swings? Is a problem always someone else's fault? Does he embrace responsibility or shirk it? Does he keep his promises? Is he a man of good reputation? Remember all garments look wonderful hanging in the store, but with wear, some begin to unravel. Give yourself time and space to check out the man in your life. Time will always reveal whether or not he is made of the right stuff.
8. Does this man have a vision for his life? Is he running with that vision? Remember, God decided Adam needed help once Adam got busy DOING his assignment. As we saw Adam, a man doesn't need help until he is busy doing what he was created and called to do. Is the man in your life guided by sense of destiny and purpose, or does he just allow life to happen around him? A man who is not certain of his mission can be a most miserable person - and you'll be miserable too if you know where YOU want to go in life. A man who has vision is not intimidated by a woman whose mission statement is clear. He will be your best ally, cheerleader and assistant because he wants you both to make it! A man who cannot be supportive of your achievements because he is floundering in a sea of uncertainty over his own life is not a healthy partner to have and to hold forever. Creating dependencies or feelings of obligation is not the way to get the best out of your man. Somewhere along the way, he will resent you and flee from the smothering burden of obligation he associates you with. You want a man who is firmly anchored in his identity in Christ. Remember, we are looking for a man who will be priest and leader of his home. His first instinct should be to want to cover you, redeem you, and provide for you. Your job is to decide if this is the man God has ordained for you to complement.
9. Complimentary. Do your talents and gifts complement his? Do his gifts, compliment yours? What about your temperaments? Do you see the two of you as an effective team capable of bringing blessing to the lives of those around you? Do your futures mesh? Can you coordinate your gifts in an attractive and effective way? This is why knowing your purpose is so important. Make sure your hearts beat for mutual causes. When I go shopping I always consider the fabric, the fit and what I already have in my closet. Will my next purchase be a complimentary addition to what I already have? If I find that I am going to have to buy shoes and matching accessories to go with a new outfit, I leave it right on the rack. It is too expensive a proposition. If the man you meet makes you feel that you need to completely reinvent yourself, something is wrong. This is where I ask you to consider the relationship in terms of cost. Is this relationship expensive spiritually, emotional or physically? Does your longing for a mate make you willing to forfeit who you are in the process? Or does he see you as the gift that you are? The man in your life should consider you a rare find, a priceless jewel-because of you he is getting ready to get blessed big-time! Any relationship that causes you to feel unworthy, unlovely, unacceptable, undesirable or that you have to work for love, is too expensive! God has called the man to cover, protect and provide not only materially for a woman, but emotionally and spiritually as well. You should be richer in mind, body and spirit for your union with the man of your dreams. The man in your life should make rich deposits into your heart and spirit, not withdrawals.
10. Does he have a healthy love and acceptance of himself? Make sure the man in your life has taken time to heal from past relationships and has made peace with himself. How he cares for himself is how he will care for you. A man's relationship with God is crucial here. His love for himself will only be as strong as his love for God. This is not something that you can impart. You cannot be his savior or teacher. That is out of spiritual order. In his rightful place as your personal priest, he should be leading you to a richer relationship with Christ. If he is causing you to compromise your faith and destabilize your walk, if he is leading you into sexual sin or causing you to be distracted from your commitment to God, the relationship is too expensive. Offending the Lover of your soul, who promises you eternal love, is too high a fare to pay for a ride that has a limited run. If you and your man can't soar in the Spirit, when the force of your love for another is tested by the pull or gravity of the world, your union will not be able to survive.
So you decide. How much is your life worth? How much is your love worth? You will be able to accept only what you believe you deserve. God himself calculated the worth of your love and decided it was worth His life. He now pledges you His love for eternity. Yes, Jesus sets the example for all others to follow when He paid a ransom for His bride. Should you expect less from a mortal man? Throughout the Biblical age, men were willing to pay the cost for what they truly desired. The truth of the matter is everyone knows that anything worth having, costs and no one gets a ride in this life for free.
Our prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father God,
I confess that I have not always been as careful as I should've been with my heart. From time to time, my desire for love has caused me to leave my heart in the wrong hands. I now commit my heart into Your hands for safekeeping. Please help me to stop being so impulsive with what you deem so precious. As I learn to celebrate Your love for me, let me learn from Your example what a bridegroom should really be like. Help me to never settle for less than what you desire for me. As I embrace You as the Lover of my soul, keep my affections in the haven of Your own heart. As I rest in Your love, make me more discriminating of those who approach me. I ask that You take over this area of my life. Keep me from those You know would hurt my heart. I invite You to set a hedge around me and keep me from all who would draw me into unfruitful relationships until the day you present me to the mate that You have selected for me. Grant me the discernment to recognize him as he recognizes me. Cleanse me from the temptation to typecast the men I meet according to what I see. Help me to trust in Your knowledge and lean not on my own understanding. I know that You know what is best for me; therefore I yield to Your choice. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Ladies this is something you should definitely share with a friend, whether you are single or married... It is something to think about, When you ask is "He" the one! Minister Sheila A Minister of Praise http://www.ministerofpraise.com
This is an awesome read! Please take the time to read it thoroughly! For my friends and loved ones who have found "the one", please pass this on to someone who may need this message.
Is HE the ONE? THE RIGHT ONE?
First we must allow our Heavenly Father to do the picking. And second, the decision for a mate must be made on a spiritual and intellectual basis before it's made on an emotional one.
"What about love? Shouldn't that be the third? You ask. No, and I'll tell you why. "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9).
The heart is willful and is driven by its own agenda. It does not consider things rationally and intelligently it just loves to love! Therefore you have to point it in the right direction: "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life" (Proverbs 4:23)!
Whenever you meet a man, you need to get clearance from God, check out his attributes, and then allow your heart to engage. Dating exists not for mating; it exists for collecting data. I believe that the biblical design would be friendship, courtship and then marriage.
Friendship is two people walking together in agreement and accountability, learning and growing together. Courtship follows the mutual agreement to commit to one another exclusively - it is the decisive turning toward the agreed-upon goal of the marriage altar. It is a period of laying a foundation and preparing your life together after marriage. But dating? Well, if you do date, use the time wisely to gather these facts.
1. Check out the fabric. Is the person mate material? Does this man have an intimate relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ? Does he care what God thinks about his behavior? Is he accountable to God as well as another co-laborer in the faith? Accountability is an important factor. It is imperative to maintaining a committed relationship. Is your potential spouse a member of the same family - the family of God? You need to have common interests and values and agree on the essentials of living day to day. You have a similar spiritual walk. You eat the same spiritual diet. You enjoy a lot of similar things. You have like interests, like goals in life, like opinions on basic life issues. You have had like experiences in your background. Though there is some truth to the idiom that opposites attract, like-minded folks fare better together. Furthermore, does he want to get married? If you want to be married and your dreamboat isn't interested, don't waste your time. Remember, women fall in love and get married. Men decide to get married and then look for a wife. Note the difference in order. So if a guy says he's not looking for anything serious, take his words seriously. If he's not going in your direction, get off the bus and wait for the right one.
2. Does this man want you? Is he pursuing you? The man who is right for you will pursue you, and God's hand in the relationship will be clear. No guessing, no fleeces, no dead ends. Scripture says: "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord" (Proverbs 18:22). Note -who finds whom? THE MAN FINDS THE WIFE. From the beginning of time, God has transported men and women across the world in order to put them together. At the RIGHT TIME, He will bring that man on the scene and he will find you. In God's perfect design, the man is the one who recognizes his mate. Adam had no problem recognizing that Eve was his missing rib. You do not need to strategically place yourself anywhere. You don't have to help a guy out because he's shy! Men will do whatever they have to do to get what they truly want. The man in your life should recognize you as the pearl of great price in his life and be willing to do whatever he must in order to gain your hand. If he is passive about gaining your affections, take it as a sign that he is not interested. Many a woman's mother has suggested that it is a good idea to marry a man who loves you more than you love him. As cold as that sounds, it actually might be scriptural if you stop to think about it: "We love him because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Until then, take the ultimate chill pill. You don't need a bunch of men in your life to make you feel all right about yourself. You need only one man - your man, the one God has selected to select you. And trust me, the right man at the wrong time can be just as awful as the wrong man at any time. So trust God's timing in this. He is the ultimate matchmaker. Relax, sit pretty and allow yourself to be found. Again - WAIT until the man voices his intentions. He should take the lead in establishing the relationship. You may have an inkling that he is the one, but God will use the man to set the tone of the relationship. Allow him the opportunity to woo you - this is your first act of submission. Jesus set the standard for all men to follow. They should love us first. And they should lead the relationship.
3. The man in your life should not desire to move into your house, only into your heart. A man who prepares for your future has made his intentions clear. A man who is husband material has the means to take care of a wife. He is a responsible human being who understands he needs to have something to offer. In short, a man should have the means to be a suitable lover for you.
4. Check out his buddies. Everyone knows birds of the same feather flock together, yet most women fail to see the connection between a man and his friends. A man's pals tell you a lot about the person that you haven't seen yet. They reveal things about the guy's character that might be hidden when he is on good behavior. Everyone knows how to put his best foot forward. Don't stay focused on the foot, check out the rest of the body!
5. Check out his relationship with his mother. How does he treat her? This is your preview of how he will treat you. There are lots of men who, because of a negative relationship with their mothers, really don't like women, yet say they do. Unresolved issues between mother and son continue between husband and wife.
6. Remember that a man's family reveals the cloth from which he's cut. Take note and decide whether you want your future with the man in your life to look like his present family situation.
7. Check out the patterns of his life. Do you see repeated cycles of drama in his personal kingdom? Broken relationships? Problems in making commitments --including the job market? Mood swings? Is a problem always someone else's fault? Does he embrace responsibility or shirk it? Does he keep his promises? Is he a man of good reputation? Remember all garments look wonderful hanging in the store, but with wear, some begin to unravel. Give yourself time and space to check out the man in your life. Time will always reveal whether or not he is made of the right stuff.
8. Does this man have a vision for his life? Is he running with that vision? Remember, God decided Adam needed help once Adam got busy DOING his assignment. As we saw Adam, a man doesn't need help until he is busy doing what he was created and called to do. Is the man in your life guided by sense of destiny and purpose, or does he just allow life to happen around him? A man who is not certain of his mission can be a most miserable person - and you'll be miserable too if you know where YOU want to go in life. A man who has vision is not intimidated by a woman whose mission statement is clear. He will be your best ally, cheerleader and assistant because he wants you both to make it! A man who cannot be supportive of your achievements because he is floundering in a sea of uncertainty over his own life is not a healthy partner to have and to hold forever. Creating dependencies or feelings of obligation is not the way to get the best out of your man. Somewhere along the way, he will resent you and flee from the smothering burden of obligation he associates you with. You want a man who is firmly anchored in his identity in Christ. Remember, we are looking for a man who will be priest and leader of his home. His first instinct should be to want to cover you, redeem you, and provide for you. Your job is to decide if this is the man God has ordained for you to complement.
9. Complimentary. Do your talents and gifts complement his? Do his gifts, compliment yours? What about your temperaments? Do you see the two of you as an effective team capable of bringing blessing to the lives of those around you? Do your futures mesh? Can you coordinate your gifts in an attractive and effective way? This is why knowing your purpose is so important. Make sure your hearts beat for mutual causes. When I go shopping I always consider the fabric, the fit and what I already have in my closet. Will my next purchase be a complimentary addition to what I already have? If I find that I am going to have to buy shoes and matching accessories to go with a new outfit, I leave it right on the rack. It is too expensive a proposition. If the man you meet makes you feel that you need to completely reinvent yourself, something is wrong. This is where I ask you to consider the relationship in terms of cost. Is this relationship expensive spiritually, emotional or physically? Does your longing for a mate make you willing to forfeit who you are in the process? Or does he see you as the gift that you are? The man in your life should consider you a rare find, a priceless jewel-because of you he is getting ready to get blessed big-time! Any relationship that causes you to feel unworthy, unlovely, unacceptable, undesirable or that you have to work for love, is too expensive! God has called the man to cover, protect and provide not only materially for a woman, but emotionally and spiritually as well. You should be richer in mind, body and spirit for your union with the man of your dreams. The man in your life should make rich deposits into your heart and spirit, not withdrawals.
10. Does he have a healthy love and acceptance of himself? Make sure the man in your life has taken time to heal from past relationships and has made peace with himself. How he cares for himself is how he will care for you. A man's relationship with God is crucial here. His love for himself will only be as strong as his love for God. This is not something that you can impart. You cannot be his savior or teacher. That is out of spiritual order. In his rightful place as your personal priest, he should be leading you to a richer relationship with Christ. If he is causing you to compromise your faith and destabilize your walk, if he is leading you into sexual sin or causing you to be distracted from your commitment to God, the relationship is too expensive. Offending the Lover of your soul, who promises you eternal love, is too high a fare to pay for a ride that has a limited run. If you and your man can't soar in the Spirit, when the force of your love for another is tested by the pull or gravity of the world, your union will not be able to survive.
So you decide. How much is your life worth? How much is your love worth? You will be able to accept only what you believe you deserve. God himself calculated the worth of your love and decided it was worth His life. He now pledges you His love for eternity. Yes, Jesus sets the example for all others to follow when He paid a ransom for His bride. Should you expect less from a mortal man? Throughout the Biblical age, men were willing to pay the cost for what they truly desired. The truth of the matter is everyone knows that anything worth having, costs and no one gets a ride in this life for free.
Our prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father God,
I confess that I have not always been as careful as I should've been with my heart. From time to time, my desire for love has caused me to leave my heart in the wrong hands. I now commit my heart into Your hands for safekeeping. Please help me to stop being so impulsive with what you deem so precious. As I learn to celebrate Your love for me, let me learn from Your example what a bridegroom should really be like. Help me to never settle for less than what you desire for me. As I embrace You as the Lover of my soul, keep my affections in the haven of Your own heart. As I rest in Your love, make me more discriminating of those who approach me. I ask that You take over this area of my life. Keep me from those You know would hurt my heart. I invite You to set a hedge around me and keep me from all who would draw me into unfruitful relationships until the day you present me to the mate that You have selected for me. Grant me the discernment to recognize him as he recognizes me. Cleanse me from the temptation to typecast the men I meet according to what I see. Help me to trust in Your knowledge and lean not on my own understanding. I know that You know what is best for me; therefore I yield to Your choice. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Ladies this is something you should definitely share with a friend, whether you are single or married... It is something to think about, When you ask is "He" the one! Minister Sheila A Minister of Praise http://www.ministerofpraise.com
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Naked Man in the Garden
I am currently reading through the New Testament and I was wrapping up in Mark last night when I read this verse:
"Now a certain young man, having a linen cloth wrapped around his body, was following Him. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked." Mark 14:51-52
I don't know why, but I had to re-read that verse about five times. Then...I started laughing pretty hysterically. In the grand scheme of the Bible, WHY was this an important detail? Of all the things going on in the garden when Jesus was arrested, was THIS the most important detail to mention? Many times we have pictured the scene in the garden that night and have also seen numerous movie portrayals. Maybe it's just me, but I don't remember EVER seeing this detail included in the garden scene!
I will make a confession. I have often struggled in my discipline of reading scripture. It's something I'm working to improve on and with God's help, I am getting better. I think reading this verse made me laugh so much because I realized how many "hidden gems" there really ARE in scripture! Most of us have heard select verses hundreds, if not thousands of times if we have been in church for any amount of time. However, there are so many verses, like this one, that rarely make it into the Sunday morning notes. What are some of the verses you have "found" for the first time?
"Now a certain young man, having a linen cloth wrapped around his body, was following Him. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked." Mark 14:51-52
I don't know why, but I had to re-read that verse about five times. Then...I started laughing pretty hysterically. In the grand scheme of the Bible, WHY was this an important detail? Of all the things going on in the garden when Jesus was arrested, was THIS the most important detail to mention? Many times we have pictured the scene in the garden that night and have also seen numerous movie portrayals. Maybe it's just me, but I don't remember EVER seeing this detail included in the garden scene!
I will make a confession. I have often struggled in my discipline of reading scripture. It's something I'm working to improve on and with God's help, I am getting better. I think reading this verse made me laugh so much because I realized how many "hidden gems" there really ARE in scripture! Most of us have heard select verses hundreds, if not thousands of times if we have been in church for any amount of time. However, there are so many verses, like this one, that rarely make it into the Sunday morning notes. What are some of the verses you have "found" for the first time?
Friday, May 28, 2010
Anna
Anna died today.
So much lies within that one sentence. So many emotions and thoughts. I am trying to process why I am grieving so deeply for someone I've never met. Why do I weep over one who never knew me? Someone who I've never talked to or hugged or laughed. I know Anna was loved by Joe and Molly, her mom and dad, more than she had ever imagined was possible prior to coming to Springs of Hope Kenya. She had friends, family, love, and laughter in her life, however short it may have been.
What grieves me most is this thought....how many other "Annas" died today? While Anna was safe and loved within her home, there were others who lived on the streets and had no family. Who was there for them as they suffered? Who held their hands and fragile bodies as the complications of AIDS became their reality? Did they ever know a day of love while they were here with us?
The fact is, yes they were here with US. If it is not our responsibility to show the least of these love, then whose responsibility is it? Even though we may never see them in person, we can still help them. We can send money to those that ARE there and willing to help these precious little ones. I am honored to call several of these people my friends. Joe and Molly and also Benard live in Kenya. A normal day for them is working in the community and serving those that that have been discarded and abandoned. Ben ministers to those who are dying of AIDS, but still have to live here before they leave. He tries to give them some comfort and love while they are here. He goes into homes and helps feed and bathe those who are too weak to feed and bathe themselves. How do you see a mother of six laying in her bed, too weak to move, and not want to help her? How can you not send money to help her children eat today?
We don't help because we think we have to feed them all. The reality is a cup of coffee to us is a lifeline to them. How many "Annas" have to die before we get this fact? Maybe it's because "Anna" doesn't look like us. Would we have more compassion towards a Russian child? What if the child was dressed in Baby Phat and had designer shoes? Would we relate more to her? How do we see these naked, abused children and not care? We find it criminal if a parent in America leaves their 6 year old child for an hour to go to the grocery store, yet these children are the same age and RAISING their younger siblings with no parent around at all.
There are those there who WANT to care for them, they simply cannot afford it. There are those of us going to Kenya in August who still need financial support so we CAN be the hands and feet of Christ. I still need to raise $2,000 myself. I know SOHK operates on a budget. I doubt Anna's medical bills or the cost of her funeral were included in that budget. If you can, will you please help them? Will you sacrifice something this month to help alleviate some of their financial pain? Only Christ can heal their hearts, but we can help heal their financial burden. There is no reason someone who has sacrificed everything of comfort, to follow the greatest commandment of all, should have to worry about where the next meal will come from or how they will pay the medical bills. We hear medical bill and think thousands of dollars, when in Kenya it is only a few hundred. Even if you can only take the $10 challenge (www.springsofhopekenya.org) , please DO it! Your reward will be greater than you could ever imagine.
Most of all, please pray for the hearts of those at SOHK. I am sure Anna is missed by all those who called her daughter and sister. Her lights is gone from their home, but her spirit will not be forgotten. Please also pray for all the "Annas" whose names we don't know and faces we can't see. Pray in their time of need, someone will be the angel in their lives to show them love can exist this side of heaven.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Hummingbird
Earlier this evening a friend was sharing how her dad just accepted Christ earlier this week. Her mother has been praying for him for years (decades!) and the subject came up how oftentimes we pray for someone and after a few months or a year we think "okay, this isn't working, I give up." I made the comment that I am so thankful I had people in my life that didn't see me as a lost cause and never gave up on me. As soon as I finished the sentence, someone pointed to the window and said "oh look! A hummingbird".
My mom loved hummingbirds. We had several feeders around the house and she always took such joy from watching them. I have a tattoo of a hummingbird in memory of her. The anniversary of her death is next Thursday. Tears came to my eyes when I saw this bird right after making a comment of those who never gave up on me. Thank you Lord for this subtle little reminder of my mom and how she is one who never quit on me.
My mom loved hummingbirds. We had several feeders around the house and she always took such joy from watching them. I have a tattoo of a hummingbird in memory of her. The anniversary of her death is next Thursday. Tears came to my eyes when I saw this bird right after making a comment of those who never gave up on me. Thank you Lord for this subtle little reminder of my mom and how she is one who never quit on me.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Called to be Uncomfortable
Until recently, I would have said I am walking in God's plan for me. Until recently, I felt I was doing all I was supposed to do. Until recently, I felt I was trusting on God for all I need. Then recently, I "met" Francis Chan. I have had to stop and truly examine my life and hold it up for examination against what scripture says a Christian should be and how we should live.
In the area of trusting God, do I do what is crazy and makes no sense to the world, or do I live just like the rest of the world? Do I take risks or do I stick to the routine I'm told I am suppose to have? Keep the "safe" job. Look at your "benefits". You have retirement and you have to think about what will happen 40 years from now. Where in scripture does it say that is what we are required to do? In fact, scripture says the exact OPPOSITE of this principle! We are told in Matthew 6:19 to NOT store up our treasures on earth. Matthew 19 is where Jesus tells us to be COMPLETE to sell everything we own. Wow Jesus, seriously? EVERYTHING? But what about the big screen tv? What about my house with a bedroom for each of my children and the gameroom for entertaining company? What about that car I dreamed of since I was a child? Does everything really mean everything? Can't I be complete without following this command?
I don't want to be partial and incomplete. I want to be COMPLETE in Christ. I don't want to waste another day of precious breathe serving mammon and the standards of the world. What do you do when what has always made you comfortable suddenly is uncomfortable?
In the area of trusting God, do I do what is crazy and makes no sense to the world, or do I live just like the rest of the world? Do I take risks or do I stick to the routine I'm told I am suppose to have? Keep the "safe" job. Look at your "benefits". You have retirement and you have to think about what will happen 40 years from now. Where in scripture does it say that is what we are required to do? In fact, scripture says the exact OPPOSITE of this principle! We are told in Matthew 6:19 to NOT store up our treasures on earth. Matthew 19 is where Jesus tells us to be COMPLETE to sell everything we own. Wow Jesus, seriously? EVERYTHING? But what about the big screen tv? What about my house with a bedroom for each of my children and the gameroom for entertaining company? What about that car I dreamed of since I was a child? Does everything really mean everything? Can't I be complete without following this command?
I don't want to be partial and incomplete. I want to be COMPLETE in Christ. I don't want to waste another day of precious breathe serving mammon and the standards of the world. What do you do when what has always made you comfortable suddenly is uncomfortable?
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Healing Rain
I was listening to the song Healing Rain and the lyrics "healing rain is falling down I'm not afraid" and the "not afraid" part really stood out to me. We don't heal, because we are afraid of the hurt. Any type of healing requires us to walk through pain before we can be totally free and healed. In a physical ailment, we all know things get worse before they get better. Let's use the example of a simple cut. We all know that itchy sensation that comes as part of our body's natural healing process. It's painful, it's irritating, and necessary.
The same is true for our emotional healing. We can't expect a band-aid to work when what we need is full blown open-heart surgery. Our band-aids vary. Some of use use alcohol. Some use approval and acceptance of others. For some of us it's our jobs or our careers. They are all just band-aids. We don't open our hurts to the pain of looking at the root problems. What is it that is driving us? Are we more concerned on our career or what we DO? What is it that is defining us?
Answering these questions might require some pain. It takes pain to think back on what happened when we were 5, 15, or 25 that rocked our worlds. It may be an abusive situation. It may be that person who told you one time or a hundred times that you would never amount to anything. We have sat on those words and either have replayed them in our minds as we lay in our drunken stupor thinking "well, they always told me I would never be anything and they were right." Or we may take the opposite path and we work 70 hours a week at the cost of our loved ones, but we can say "I sure proved them wrong because I AM something now!" But are you really?
Finding out who God made you to be can be painful. It most often means be willing to give up OUR plans for His. God uses the most unlikely of people to show His power because the world notices when a hopeless, helpless, lowest of the low person completely changes their life. It is by no power of their own that it is done. I know it's painful to make change. It's painful to forgive the one who hurt you. It's painful to acknowledge where we have failed. But remember, it's only though pain that we can truly begin to heal.
It's raining healing. Leave the umbrella at home and go play in the rain.
The same is true for our emotional healing. We can't expect a band-aid to work when what we need is full blown open-heart surgery. Our band-aids vary. Some of use use alcohol. Some use approval and acceptance of others. For some of us it's our jobs or our careers. They are all just band-aids. We don't open our hurts to the pain of looking at the root problems. What is it that is driving us? Are we more concerned on our career or what we DO? What is it that is defining us?
Answering these questions might require some pain. It takes pain to think back on what happened when we were 5, 15, or 25 that rocked our worlds. It may be an abusive situation. It may be that person who told you one time or a hundred times that you would never amount to anything. We have sat on those words and either have replayed them in our minds as we lay in our drunken stupor thinking "well, they always told me I would never be anything and they were right." Or we may take the opposite path and we work 70 hours a week at the cost of our loved ones, but we can say "I sure proved them wrong because I AM something now!" But are you really?
Finding out who God made you to be can be painful. It most often means be willing to give up OUR plans for His. God uses the most unlikely of people to show His power because the world notices when a hopeless, helpless, lowest of the low person completely changes their life. It is by no power of their own that it is done. I know it's painful to make change. It's painful to forgive the one who hurt you. It's painful to acknowledge where we have failed. But remember, it's only though pain that we can truly begin to heal.
It's raining healing. Leave the umbrella at home and go play in the rain.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
"Missionaries"
Like most people probably did, I grew up with a picture of what a missionary is supposed to be. A missionary is some super-human person who loves Jesus just a little too much. We would always do the Lottie Moon Missionary offering at church and put our change in our little coconuts that we would leave at the altar. To me, a missionary was someone "out there." A missionary was almost like a mythical creature to me. I don't think I ever personally knew one growing up. I think I even had this picture of a missionary as someone just a bit too radical and extreme to be in a "real" church.
Last night, I had the extreme honor and privilege to have fellowship with two missionary couples. One are from Kenya and the other from Thailand. The differences in these two couples are unbelievable, yet their similarities are amazing. One has been given the gift of preaching and teaching. He can speak to a group of 20 or a stadium of tens of thousands (and he has!). The other readily admits he can't quote scripture, he is not an eloquent speaker, but he can hold, and touch, and love those that nobody else has ever held, touched or loved before. One has attended bible college, one has attended the school of life and every hard "knock" you could imagine. Yet, both sold or gave away every earthly possession they had to travel to the other side of the world to share the love of Christ. Both heard God's voice and LISTENED.
I read the following in a book this morning: "You guys are all into that born again thing, which is great. We do need to be born again, since Jesus said that to a guy named Nicodemus. But if you tell me I have to be born again to enter the kingdom of God, I can tell you that you have to sell everything you have and give it to the poor, because Jesus said that to a guy too.....But I guess that's why God invented highlighters, so we can highlight the parts we like and ignore the rest."
See, missionaries aren't some strange, mythical group of people. Missionaries are simply TRUE Christ followers. They have read the gospel and seen it for what it truly is. They haven't picked out all the happy, feel good parts of the Bible and left the rest on the cutting room floor. I am so extremely honored to call these people not just friends, but my brothers and sisters. I'm thankful for the opportunity to spend time with them and learn more about how to take those steps of faith.
I love how just when I think I have this whole God thing figure out, he sends people into my life to totally rock my world. I am constantly reminded of how HUGE God is and how there is no way I could ever even BEGIN to comprehend Him! I pray that when I sing "my whole life is yours, I give it all surrendered to your name" that I will truly mean it. I pray for the strength to do all He has laid out for me. Arms open wide to you Lord and all that you want.....just as these amazing couples before me have done.
Last night, I had the extreme honor and privilege to have fellowship with two missionary couples. One are from Kenya and the other from Thailand. The differences in these two couples are unbelievable, yet their similarities are amazing. One has been given the gift of preaching and teaching. He can speak to a group of 20 or a stadium of tens of thousands (and he has!). The other readily admits he can't quote scripture, he is not an eloquent speaker, but he can hold, and touch, and love those that nobody else has ever held, touched or loved before. One has attended bible college, one has attended the school of life and every hard "knock" you could imagine. Yet, both sold or gave away every earthly possession they had to travel to the other side of the world to share the love of Christ. Both heard God's voice and LISTENED.
I read the following in a book this morning: "You guys are all into that born again thing, which is great. We do need to be born again, since Jesus said that to a guy named Nicodemus. But if you tell me I have to be born again to enter the kingdom of God, I can tell you that you have to sell everything you have and give it to the poor, because Jesus said that to a guy too.....But I guess that's why God invented highlighters, so we can highlight the parts we like and ignore the rest."
See, missionaries aren't some strange, mythical group of people. Missionaries are simply TRUE Christ followers. They have read the gospel and seen it for what it truly is. They haven't picked out all the happy, feel good parts of the Bible and left the rest on the cutting room floor. I am so extremely honored to call these people not just friends, but my brothers and sisters. I'm thankful for the opportunity to spend time with them and learn more about how to take those steps of faith.
I love how just when I think I have this whole God thing figure out, he sends people into my life to totally rock my world. I am constantly reminded of how HUGE God is and how there is no way I could ever even BEGIN to comprehend Him! I pray that when I sing "my whole life is yours, I give it all surrendered to your name" that I will truly mean it. I pray for the strength to do all He has laid out for me. Arms open wide to you Lord and all that you want.....just as these amazing couples before me have done.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Praying for Life
I went to the local abortion clinic to pray as part of the Spring 40 Days for Life event. I wanted to share with you a little about my experience today.
Today was my first time out during this campaign. As I turned onto Latrobe, my heart was immediately heavy. I look at my 4 year old daughter who was with me and was overwhelmed with thankfulness that I chose life for her. I had only known her "dad" two weeks when I became pregnant. I was already a single mother and knew all that was involved with having another child. However, because of the culture of life I was a part of, I KNEW abortion was not an option. Standing on that sidewalk today and watching as about every 10 minutes another woman showed up to end an innocent life, my heart was breaking. We may not always understand God's plans, but that is okay. We don't know why He chooses us to carry the precious life inside of us, yet He knows why. So many women abort because a baby doesn't fit into her plans, but God's plans are so much greater than anything we could ever imagine or dream.
As the "supporters" of these women gathered outside and began talking to each other I found it interesting how abortion either unites or divides us. These people from various walks of life were on the steps of the clinic conversing. Most likely it was about us praying for them and the women and babies inside. They don't want to hear us or talk to us because then they have to face what they already know to be truth. A life is at stake. A blessing is being turned away. A baby is dying.
I am still grieving over each life lost today. Even more I am grieving for the mother. Just because the baby dies, it doesn't make them any less of a mother. She is still a mom. She will always be a mom. She is just rejecting all the blessings God had planned for that little life and her own. I pray for the Holy Spirit to manifest in ways she never imagines around her. Even now I am praying for the women currently there. The one who is being convicted and really isn't sure of her decision. I pray she knows how much Christ loves her and He will NEVER leave her alone. Not even on an abortion table.
Today was my first time out during this campaign. As I turned onto Latrobe, my heart was immediately heavy. I look at my 4 year old daughter who was with me and was overwhelmed with thankfulness that I chose life for her. I had only known her "dad" two weeks when I became pregnant. I was already a single mother and knew all that was involved with having another child. However, because of the culture of life I was a part of, I KNEW abortion was not an option. Standing on that sidewalk today and watching as about every 10 minutes another woman showed up to end an innocent life, my heart was breaking. We may not always understand God's plans, but that is okay. We don't know why He chooses us to carry the precious life inside of us, yet He knows why. So many women abort because a baby doesn't fit into her plans, but God's plans are so much greater than anything we could ever imagine or dream.
As the "supporters" of these women gathered outside and began talking to each other I found it interesting how abortion either unites or divides us. These people from various walks of life were on the steps of the clinic conversing. Most likely it was about us praying for them and the women and babies inside. They don't want to hear us or talk to us because then they have to face what they already know to be truth. A life is at stake. A blessing is being turned away. A baby is dying.
I am still grieving over each life lost today. Even more I am grieving for the mother. Just because the baby dies, it doesn't make them any less of a mother. She is still a mom. She will always be a mom. She is just rejecting all the blessings God had planned for that little life and her own. I pray for the Holy Spirit to manifest in ways she never imagines around her. Even now I am praying for the women currently there. The one who is being convicted and really isn't sure of her decision. I pray she knows how much Christ loves her and He will NEVER leave her alone. Not even on an abortion table.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Persecution
I read an article today about the church in Laos and how they are being driven from their homes and villages unless they renounce their faith in Christ. Their animals (income) are being taken away. They are forced to leave with only what they can carry. As I think about this, I can't help but compare it to our Christianity in America.
In America, our Christianity is convenient. If we have any belief in Christ, we consider ourselves to be Christian. Even when nothing about our life reflects or "walks out" the commandments of Christ, we still consider ourselves Christian. We are "good people" so that ought to be enough, right? It doesn't matter if I'm trying to sleep with every girl or guy I date, God knows my heart, right? Yeah, I watch things on t.v. that mock God (i.e. Family Guy), but it's all in good fun. So what if I drink a little too much every now and then or smoke a little weed. God made it, so it's all good! I haven't been to church in years, but I still believe in Jesus. He knows I love him. He's my homeboy! Maybe these jeans are a little tight and this shirt dips just a bit too low, but they accentuate my figure and make me look HOT! It's not my fault if the married guy at the office looks just a little bit too long. If you've got it, flaunt it!
I mentioned all the above scenarios because I used to be all of them. I thought sex equalled love and didn't really care if the person receiving my affection was only using me. I lived with my boyfriend and even though deep inside I knew it was wrong, I didn't care. It is what people these days do and it's normal. ("Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." 1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
I laughed hard at episodes of Family Guy even when their Jesus character made a mockery of Christ. (For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man." Matthew 15:19-20)
My weekends consisted of going out at least one night of the weekend and drinking (Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Proverbs 20:1) until I was "feeling good." My friends smoked weed so why not try that too?
Even though I had once been actively involved in my local church, I had stopped going for years. I still believed in Christ and knew all that He had done for me, but I didn't want to give up all the "fun" I was having. I use the word "fun" here very loosely because deep inside I was miserable. There was no joy in my life. Only an endless pursuit of the things I thought would bring me happiness. ("Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25)
I dressed the way the world told me was cool. If you are going out to the club, you have to show as much skin as possible. If you dress modestly, you are an "old maid" and who wants to be seen that way? ("As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion." Proverbs 11:22)
You see, in my "christianity" I was still living worldly. There was nothing in my life that reflected the true love and sacrifice of Christ. One day I had a wake up and realized the path I was on was miserable. I figured, why not just TRY giving myself 100% to Christ. I'll give it an honest run and see what happens. Trust me, when you make this decision, satan WILL attack you. It's never a question of IF, but WHEN.
A big influence in my life has always been music. Satan is very aware of this. Recently he used music to get back into my life. Before I realized it, I was making some of the wrong choices that had caused me so much heartache and pain in years prior. God revealed to me what was happening and I had to earnestly repent of my choices. Repentance doesn't mean a simple, oh God, I'm sorry.....until next time. Sorry means you regret your actions and you don't do them again. Repentance is apologizing for breaking God's heart and turning away from the things that grieve Him. I had to move away from the influences that had caused me to stumble. The only music I have allowed myself to listen to recently are all Christian artists. I have had to make changes to what I watch on television and cast out the idols I had allowed to be raised up in my home. I am the guardian of my children's hearts and it is up to me what I allow them to watch and hear. If these things affect me negatively, how much more do they influence their young minds and hearts? There is no double standard in my home any longer. If I would not let my children watch or listen to something, I do not allow myself to do so either.
All of this is to say, what would I do if told to leave my home or renounce Christ? Several years ago my choices would have been to stay home. Because I now see the joy and peace and eternal life that ONLY Christ can bring, I would gladly sacrifice all that I have to follow Him. Someday this may mean following His call into a foreign land to share the hope and grace of all He has done for us. It may mean leaving behing friends and family to be obedient to Christ. After all, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world "(James 1:27). God, please plant in me the heart, desire and ability to walk out your TRUE RELIGION.
In America, our Christianity is convenient. If we have any belief in Christ, we consider ourselves to be Christian. Even when nothing about our life reflects or "walks out" the commandments of Christ, we still consider ourselves Christian. We are "good people" so that ought to be enough, right? It doesn't matter if I'm trying to sleep with every girl or guy I date, God knows my heart, right? Yeah, I watch things on t.v. that mock God (i.e. Family Guy), but it's all in good fun. So what if I drink a little too much every now and then or smoke a little weed. God made it, so it's all good! I haven't been to church in years, but I still believe in Jesus. He knows I love him. He's my homeboy! Maybe these jeans are a little tight and this shirt dips just a bit too low, but they accentuate my figure and make me look HOT! It's not my fault if the married guy at the office looks just a little bit too long. If you've got it, flaunt it!
I mentioned all the above scenarios because I used to be all of them. I thought sex equalled love and didn't really care if the person receiving my affection was only using me. I lived with my boyfriend and even though deep inside I knew it was wrong, I didn't care. It is what people these days do and it's normal. ("Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." 1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
I laughed hard at episodes of Family Guy even when their Jesus character made a mockery of Christ. (For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man." Matthew 15:19-20)
My weekends consisted of going out at least one night of the weekend and drinking (Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Proverbs 20:1) until I was "feeling good." My friends smoked weed so why not try that too?
Even though I had once been actively involved in my local church, I had stopped going for years. I still believed in Christ and knew all that He had done for me, but I didn't want to give up all the "fun" I was having. I use the word "fun" here very loosely because deep inside I was miserable. There was no joy in my life. Only an endless pursuit of the things I thought would bring me happiness. ("Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25)
I dressed the way the world told me was cool. If you are going out to the club, you have to show as much skin as possible. If you dress modestly, you are an "old maid" and who wants to be seen that way? ("As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion." Proverbs 11:22)
You see, in my "christianity" I was still living worldly. There was nothing in my life that reflected the true love and sacrifice of Christ. One day I had a wake up and realized the path I was on was miserable. I figured, why not just TRY giving myself 100% to Christ. I'll give it an honest run and see what happens. Trust me, when you make this decision, satan WILL attack you. It's never a question of IF, but WHEN.
A big influence in my life has always been music. Satan is very aware of this. Recently he used music to get back into my life. Before I realized it, I was making some of the wrong choices that had caused me so much heartache and pain in years prior. God revealed to me what was happening and I had to earnestly repent of my choices. Repentance doesn't mean a simple, oh God, I'm sorry.....until next time. Sorry means you regret your actions and you don't do them again. Repentance is apologizing for breaking God's heart and turning away from the things that grieve Him. I had to move away from the influences that had caused me to stumble. The only music I have allowed myself to listen to recently are all Christian artists. I have had to make changes to what I watch on television and cast out the idols I had allowed to be raised up in my home. I am the guardian of my children's hearts and it is up to me what I allow them to watch and hear. If these things affect me negatively, how much more do they influence their young minds and hearts? There is no double standard in my home any longer. If I would not let my children watch or listen to something, I do not allow myself to do so either.
All of this is to say, what would I do if told to leave my home or renounce Christ? Several years ago my choices would have been to stay home. Because I now see the joy and peace and eternal life that ONLY Christ can bring, I would gladly sacrifice all that I have to follow Him. Someday this may mean following His call into a foreign land to share the hope and grace of all He has done for us. It may mean leaving behing friends and family to be obedient to Christ. After all, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world "(James 1:27). God, please plant in me the heart, desire and ability to walk out your TRUE RELIGION.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Gluttony
POT LUCK!!!! So we had a potluck at work today. Why is it that when you are around a potluck, you tend to eat WAY more than you normally ever would at any other time? You may also find yourself eating things you never would. It was a football themed potluck so of course we had chicken wings and your over-abundance of chips and dip. There was also the one required "mystery" dish. You know the one. The one everyone looks at and says WHAT THE HECK IS THAT? Bless the heart of whomever actually brought the dish. You just hope they aren't standing the room when someone says....WHAT THE HECK IS THAT?
You also always have the coworkers that refuse to participate because they don't "do" potlucks. Since they don't know what everybody's kitchen looks like or what kind of "critters" they may have running around, they don't want to take any chances. I find this HILAROUS! These are the same people I see going out every day for lunch at restaurants around town. Have they inspected THEIR kitchens? My guess is that in most cases, someone's home kitchen is probably cleaner and "critter-free."
I think of people all over the world that have no choice but to find their meals from trash. One of the places we are visiting in Kenya in August is the landfill. This is a place where the trash is dumped and people live ON the landfill. I'm not talking about next to the landfill. Not across the street. ON the landfill. How blessed we are here in America that we can be picky about where our food comes from and what we eat. We often go out and in one meal for our family spend more money than most of the world sees in a whole MONTH. $30 for us is a MONTH of income for the majority of the world. Seriously! Stop and think about that. If you gave up going out ONE night of the month with your family of four, you could donate that same $30 and perhaps save a life. The reality is, it isn't even a "perhaps" scenario. It's a definite.
I'm feeling a bit guilty about all the food I have consumed today. Lord, thank you for the blessings and abundance of your provision in my life. Please forgive me for every time I have taken your provisions for granted.
You also always have the coworkers that refuse to participate because they don't "do" potlucks. Since they don't know what everybody's kitchen looks like or what kind of "critters" they may have running around, they don't want to take any chances. I find this HILAROUS! These are the same people I see going out every day for lunch at restaurants around town. Have they inspected THEIR kitchens? My guess is that in most cases, someone's home kitchen is probably cleaner and "critter-free."
I think of people all over the world that have no choice but to find their meals from trash. One of the places we are visiting in Kenya in August is the landfill. This is a place where the trash is dumped and people live ON the landfill. I'm not talking about next to the landfill. Not across the street. ON the landfill. How blessed we are here in America that we can be picky about where our food comes from and what we eat. We often go out and in one meal for our family spend more money than most of the world sees in a whole MONTH. $30 for us is a MONTH of income for the majority of the world. Seriously! Stop and think about that. If you gave up going out ONE night of the month with your family of four, you could donate that same $30 and perhaps save a life. The reality is, it isn't even a "perhaps" scenario. It's a definite.
I'm feeling a bit guilty about all the food I have consumed today. Lord, thank you for the blessings and abundance of your provision in my life. Please forgive me for every time I have taken your provisions for granted.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Is This Thing On
There is so much going on in my life right now, I figured...WHY NOT ADD A BLOG!?!?! As if I don't currently have enough going on. Single mom of 2, life group leader, tech team member, big bank employee, planning vacation to Disney next month, planning group missions trip to Kenya in August, and what else.....oh yeah...dishwasher extraordinaire!
I don't really know where this blog will take me. I don't know what my "purpose" is in even starting one, but what I do know is that I will try to keep it current. Yeah, tell that to my last journal entry dated July 2008. Oh well. Maybe since I spend all day on the computer anyway, this blogging thing will come a bit easier for me.
Cool. Now time to get back to my beloved bejeweled blitz.
I don't really know where this blog will take me. I don't know what my "purpose" is in even starting one, but what I do know is that I will try to keep it current. Yeah, tell that to my last journal entry dated July 2008. Oh well. Maybe since I spend all day on the computer anyway, this blogging thing will come a bit easier for me.
Cool. Now time to get back to my beloved bejeweled blitz.
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