Each Christmas season, I think about the gift we receive that is our Savior Jesus Christ...but I also think about how it came to be that this gift could come to us. Now, I'm not Catholic, but I feel Mary's situation needs to be considered. I love Mary, mother of Jesus. When she was conceived with the Divine Spirit, she was only a teenager...about 15.
15!!! Now I know there are shows out there that really elaborate on topics like unusual pregnancies...but this still blows my mind. When I was 15, I wouldn't have even THOUGHT about having a child...let alone the perfect child of God.
Can you picture Mary when the angel told her this amazing news? Do you realize what she went through with her family and fiance when she was conceived? Joseph almost left her because he thought she wasn't faithful. Her family and neighbors looked down on her because she was pregnant...which meant she had sex and broke the covenant she made with Joseph as his fiance. They couldn't believe this...they probably wouldn't.
Okay...and I worry about my problems today? I worry about getting everything done to the point where I am overwhelmed and stuttering in everything I do. I fear not getting things done right...I fear what man thinks of me. Mary sacrificed so much...including her reputation.
I heard this song today at work, which put me back into this mindset of Christmas. God has it all together...and sometimes in our hustle and bustle...we need to step back and breathe deep...really calm down and feel God's breath from heaven.
I try, but it's not hard for me to be overwhelmed...oh how much I just want to nod and do what I'm told, but I sigh and make a brief scene so you can all pity me. God wouldn't choose me to bear His Holy Child. So, as this holiday season comes closer and my life gets busier because of it, I will step back and celebrate the real reason for Christmas...that we were blessed to have the Christ-child among us to provide a way for us to be with our eternal Father. Mary was a special woman. Put yourself in her position (guys it's hard I know...but try) and tell yourself if your sufferings are so bad anymore?
I have traveled many moonless nights,
Cold and weary with a babe inside,
And I wonder what I've done.
Holy father you have come,
And chosen me now to carry your son.
I am waiting in a silent prayer.
I am frightened by the load I bear.
In a world as cold as stone,
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now.
Be with me now.
Breath of heaven,
Hold me together,
Be forever near me,
Breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven,
Lighten my darkness,
Pour over me your holiness,
For you are holy.
Breath of heaven.
Do you wonder as you watch my face,
If a wiser one should have had my place,
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of your plan.
Help me be strong.
Help me be.
Help me.
Breath of heaven,
Hold me together,
Be forever near me,
Breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven,
Lighten my darkness,
Pour over me your holiness,
For you are holy.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
It's Okay, It's Clean...Pure
Does God change His mind? How does me make you change yours? Would you believe that God can tell you something now and then change it later? Isn't God supposed to be unchangeable?
Yes, and He is. So...why the change in messages? Let me reflect on something that I was really hit with during the Bible study I'm part of Sunday nights.
Acts 11:9 "The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'"
Here's a little back story:
Peter saw a vision from God:
A large sheet came from heaven and on it where animals that were considered 'unclean.' God says to eat it and Peter refuses (honoring the laws that we can read about in Leviticus). Verse 9 is the response to Peter's refusal.
The meaning of this vision, as Peter explains later in the chapter, shows that the Gentiles should also be hearing the Gospel message and that they weren't to be considered "unclean" or "impure" in hearing the good news.
Although this is a powerful message we all need to remember in our lives, I want to take of part of this idea and elaborate on it...why did Peter say "No" to God in this vision? Was Peter being stubborn? Did Peter doubt?
We have seen mighty happenings occur through this bold man...I don't feel Peter was any of these things. Peter thought he was being obedient. God had ordained a law, and Peter was following it. It appears that Peter was so stuck on the law that he didn't see past the obvious right away; he was engrossed in what God had instructed him before that he didn't see the new thing God was telling him right away. God appeared to be telling him "eat this" when really he was saying "It's okay, it's clean...pure."
I believe God can do this for us. He can hold us off from something...but it doesn't mean "No, never." Jesus was known as the King of the Jews, but the Gospel was meant for more than the Jewish population. His direction changed, not His plan.
God may have told you to wait or take a different route, which may have had you interpret that answer as "No, never," when really He was saying "No, not now." Well my friends, are you able to hear God tell you when something goes from unclean to clean? Are you hearing God say "It's okay, it's clean...pure?" I believe the laws in Leviticus were written not just for pure obedience...but for health reasons as well. There was a purpose for those laws that made sense in those days. As time went on and civilization advanced, some of those laws weren't necessary. The direction changed. The plan was still in working progress.
Stop and pray about anything God may be trying to catch your attention with, and ask Him to help you understand the new things He is sharing with you. I had been asking God to make sense of a few things in my life, and the following passage has come up to me supernaturally. So, I broke it up and interpreted it by sections based on the direction God is taking me now. Maybe my answers fell between the lines.
Either way, ask God to show you what you may be able to pursue now that you couldn't before. Ask Him to reveal to you the things that are pure now that weren't pure before. Don't let the stubbornness of "Well, God said this first!" keep you from advancing in your faith and receiving His beautiful blessings.
Psalm 23
"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want...
There is only you Heavenly Father...I am your sheep in need of leading
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul...
You captivate me by the wonders you show me in your creation...it fills my heart and energizes me.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake...
You bring me to crossroads and instruct me of the right way...the way that is pleasing to you
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me...
If you are for me, who can be against me? I walk down paths that seem hopeless and I can't see the end...but I'm not afraid. The evil one is on pursuit...but I will not be scared...for you are with me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies...
You supply for me and protect me in the face on danger...I am taken care of in the midst of temptation and trials
You anoint my head with oil...
You anoint me with your Holy Spirit...you have anointed me with a purpose, and in due time will it be revealed...I am being prepared for it in everything you bring me to.
My cup overflows...
You give to those who ask for more until they overflow with your words, mercy and love.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life...
Despite everything else going on, all I need is your goodness and love in my life. I am blessed to have that.
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
I will forever be in your presence when my days down here are done...I can't wait...
Yes, and He is. So...why the change in messages? Let me reflect on something that I was really hit with during the Bible study I'm part of Sunday nights.
Acts 11:9 "The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'"
Here's a little back story:
Peter saw a vision from God:
A large sheet came from heaven and on it where animals that were considered 'unclean.' God says to eat it and Peter refuses (honoring the laws that we can read about in Leviticus). Verse 9 is the response to Peter's refusal.
The meaning of this vision, as Peter explains later in the chapter, shows that the Gentiles should also be hearing the Gospel message and that they weren't to be considered "unclean" or "impure" in hearing the good news.
Although this is a powerful message we all need to remember in our lives, I want to take of part of this idea and elaborate on it...why did Peter say "No" to God in this vision? Was Peter being stubborn? Did Peter doubt?
We have seen mighty happenings occur through this bold man...I don't feel Peter was any of these things. Peter thought he was being obedient. God had ordained a law, and Peter was following it. It appears that Peter was so stuck on the law that he didn't see past the obvious right away; he was engrossed in what God had instructed him before that he didn't see the new thing God was telling him right away. God appeared to be telling him "eat this" when really he was saying "It's okay, it's clean...pure."
I believe God can do this for us. He can hold us off from something...but it doesn't mean "No, never." Jesus was known as the King of the Jews, but the Gospel was meant for more than the Jewish population. His direction changed, not His plan.
God may have told you to wait or take a different route, which may have had you interpret that answer as "No, never," when really He was saying "No, not now." Well my friends, are you able to hear God tell you when something goes from unclean to clean? Are you hearing God say "It's okay, it's clean...pure?" I believe the laws in Leviticus were written not just for pure obedience...but for health reasons as well. There was a purpose for those laws that made sense in those days. As time went on and civilization advanced, some of those laws weren't necessary. The direction changed. The plan was still in working progress.
Stop and pray about anything God may be trying to catch your attention with, and ask Him to help you understand the new things He is sharing with you. I had been asking God to make sense of a few things in my life, and the following passage has come up to me supernaturally. So, I broke it up and interpreted it by sections based on the direction God is taking me now. Maybe my answers fell between the lines.
Either way, ask God to show you what you may be able to pursue now that you couldn't before. Ask Him to reveal to you the things that are pure now that weren't pure before. Don't let the stubbornness of "Well, God said this first!" keep you from advancing in your faith and receiving His beautiful blessings.
Psalm 23
"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want...
There is only you Heavenly Father...I am your sheep in need of leading
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul...
You captivate me by the wonders you show me in your creation...it fills my heart and energizes me.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake...
You bring me to crossroads and instruct me of the right way...the way that is pleasing to you
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me...
If you are for me, who can be against me? I walk down paths that seem hopeless and I can't see the end...but I'm not afraid. The evil one is on pursuit...but I will not be scared...for you are with me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies...
You supply for me and protect me in the face on danger...I am taken care of in the midst of temptation and trials
You anoint my head with oil...
You anoint me with your Holy Spirit...you have anointed me with a purpose, and in due time will it be revealed...I am being prepared for it in everything you bring me to.
My cup overflows...
You give to those who ask for more until they overflow with your words, mercy and love.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life...
Despite everything else going on, all I need is your goodness and love in my life. I am blessed to have that.
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
I will forever be in your presence when my days down here are done...I can't wait...
Thursday, November 24, 2011
What am I truly Thankful for?
I celebrated Thanksgiving at my aunt and uncle's in Ida Grove today. All the guys went downstairs to watch football on my uncle's projection TV in his "man cave" while us ladies stayed upstairs and shared fun coffee ideas...then we experimented. My aunt has a mini version of an espresso machine with steaming wand. I had made some whip cream that was intended to be put on the dessert...but it didn't go there!
We made so many concoctions with my almond-flavored whipped cream on top...and it was amazing! Such a good time! We sat down with our drinks and watched a movie or two until the guys came up from their game.
I will admit, there were times when I dreaded family times because I felt like my life was so far from theirs...I felt like I couldn't connect or that I was just there to be there...I wasn't part of anything. I see a huge difference in my relations with everyone as this last year progressed...which encourages me that what happened last year was a God thing. I see blessings in my healed relationships in my family.
At one point, I looked outside and saw a beautiful sunset progressing...I was so blessed. I felt so blessed to be here. God deserves the praise in everything I have. He deserves the praise in everything that I will be going through. He deserves the praise with my life in general.
In this time of thanksgiving, I hope to be even closer to God...I hope to be quieting my life so I can hear Him speak more to me. I hope to be obedient and reflect the woman in Proverbs 31. I want to be hard-working. I want to be intelligent in my choices. I want to fear God above all else and not care what my appearance should be based on social standards.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for everything you give me. Thank you for a family who is so willing to help me, thank you for the privilege that I have to be your daughter. Thank you for using me. I couldn't do anything alone, and I need you to be the air I breathe. I need you to be my lover, and I your beloved. I need you to be my Father. I need you to be my King. Thank you for hearing my prayers Lord. Help me remember to be humbled in my low position compared to you and not to command you to do anything. Who am I to tell the Creator what to do? I don't even deserve to come before your very presence...but thanks for making that possible through your Son, Jesus Christ. It is through His name that great and amazing things happens before us today. It is through His name that we receive power through your Holy Spirit. It is through His name that hearts are changed and relationships begin. It is through His name and obedience to your will that we have a home in Heaven waiting for us. Thank you.
If the grace of God doesn't make you feel thankful this holiday season, shouldn't you be asking yourself why that's the case? Why isn't that in your hearts? God is real. His presence is real. His Word is true, and His intervention in our lives is no joke or hallucination...or even coincidence. If you don't believe me, ask Him to show Himself in all His glory in your lives. God won't hesitate...He wants to know you and if you are seeking Him with all your heart...He will meet you there.
So ask Him...I dare you. Ask Him to do the impossible. Ask Him to show His glory so you may grow stronger in your faith with Him. Seeing isn't always believing...sometimes you need to believe it before you see it.
We made so many concoctions with my almond-flavored whipped cream on top...and it was amazing! Such a good time! We sat down with our drinks and watched a movie or two until the guys came up from their game.
I will admit, there were times when I dreaded family times because I felt like my life was so far from theirs...I felt like I couldn't connect or that I was just there to be there...I wasn't part of anything. I see a huge difference in my relations with everyone as this last year progressed...which encourages me that what happened last year was a God thing. I see blessings in my healed relationships in my family.
At one point, I looked outside and saw a beautiful sunset progressing...I was so blessed. I felt so blessed to be here. God deserves the praise in everything I have. He deserves the praise in everything that I will be going through. He deserves the praise with my life in general.
In this time of thanksgiving, I hope to be even closer to God...I hope to be quieting my life so I can hear Him speak more to me. I hope to be obedient and reflect the woman in Proverbs 31. I want to be hard-working. I want to be intelligent in my choices. I want to fear God above all else and not care what my appearance should be based on social standards.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for everything you give me. Thank you for a family who is so willing to help me, thank you for the privilege that I have to be your daughter. Thank you for using me. I couldn't do anything alone, and I need you to be the air I breathe. I need you to be my lover, and I your beloved. I need you to be my Father. I need you to be my King. Thank you for hearing my prayers Lord. Help me remember to be humbled in my low position compared to you and not to command you to do anything. Who am I to tell the Creator what to do? I don't even deserve to come before your very presence...but thanks for making that possible through your Son, Jesus Christ. It is through His name that great and amazing things happens before us today. It is through His name that we receive power through your Holy Spirit. It is through His name that hearts are changed and relationships begin. It is through His name and obedience to your will that we have a home in Heaven waiting for us. Thank you.
If the grace of God doesn't make you feel thankful this holiday season, shouldn't you be asking yourself why that's the case? Why isn't that in your hearts? God is real. His presence is real. His Word is true, and His intervention in our lives is no joke or hallucination...or even coincidence. If you don't believe me, ask Him to show Himself in all His glory in your lives. God won't hesitate...He wants to know you and if you are seeking Him with all your heart...He will meet you there.
So ask Him...I dare you. Ask Him to do the impossible. Ask Him to show His glory so you may grow stronger in your faith with Him. Seeing isn't always believing...sometimes you need to believe it before you see it.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thanksgiving Reflection Time
As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself thinking about this last year...I remember a year ago now I was getting more acquainted with people at Grace, I was pushing through a full-time internship and an almost full-time job...and I was hit with a devastating break-up. It was hard for me to find things to be thankful for...but somehow I did see a brightness in that break-up. It was the start of something...that moment started my growth in a whole new way. It changed my perspective on the bad things that happen to me. God was loving, but His love doesn't just come in what we picture as His blessings. In fact, I realized how fast I clung to God when I went through this. I didn't have time to cry. I didn't have time to vacate from life. Life was still happening rapidly, and my life outside my personal life showed no mercy on me. I needed God to get me through it, and He showed me just what I could do when He took my heart back.
Gradually, He had been taking my heart back more and more. Hosea's picture in chapter 2 took my breath away... "Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her." God wanted to allure me. God wanted to speak tenderly to me after the one thing I really clung to was taken from me (yes...I will admit my relationship ran my life over God). It ruled my life. I based my life on that relationship...and I needed to be cut from it.
The story of Ruth had changed with me as well, and here were the main themes that I had gone through with Ruth:
-A love story based on boldness in initiation
-A love story based on waiting and trusting
-A love story based on loyalty and devotion to loved ones and God
All these were points I saw with Ruth...but the bottom line reflects on that last point I made. Yes she was bold...yes she trusted and waited...but it's because she was loyal to the person that told her to. Naomi had told her to "uncover Boaz's feet." Naomi told Ruth to "wait until you find out what happens." Ruth followed Naomi after her husband had passed away, saying "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God...." She says more along these lines...THAT is loyalty. She loved Naomi and Naomi's God.
What does that mean for me? What has God really been doing within me this last year when it came to my devastation and growth from it? How am I still the Ruth character in this love story God is writing for me?
Basically, I need to love God. I need to be loyal to God above all else, even if it means leaving the area I am comfortable with. If He really means that much to me, I would give up everything like Ruth did to follow Naomi and serve God. I need to give my heart up to God continuously and stop trying to put it into other guys' hands. I need to let my true Kinsman-Redeemer give it away when it's the right time. "Wait until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today." God will give my heart to a man who is looking up to receive it. If he is looking up and searching for it through God, He will grant it.
In the mean time, God is showing me some amazing things that I wouldn't see if I was so intoxicated with a relationship like I had. God knows when my heart will be ready to be handed off into the arms of another man, whom I trust will become my husband. He is preparing me for it, and no matter how hard life gets I know it's a blessing in disguise...so I embrace it.
Thank you God for the tests and trials...for the tests are truly tests to show me how far I've gone. It shows me what I've learned and what I need to learn more of. The hard times bring me closer to you. Thank you for healing relationships with those close to me, and for softening my heart to those that I need to be closer to. Thank you God for friends that love you and are used by you to guide me and encourage me. Thank you for revealing yourself to me as the powerful, gracious, and fatherly God you are. Thank you for taking me as your adopted child, your beloved bride, and your closest friend. Thank you for holding my heart safe, and I trust you will give it away. Thank you for reigning in your throne in Heaven, and still allowing little me to come before you.
Reflect on the blessings in your life and be thankful for where God has brought you.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving all.
Gradually, He had been taking my heart back more and more. Hosea's picture in chapter 2 took my breath away... "Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her." God wanted to allure me. God wanted to speak tenderly to me after the one thing I really clung to was taken from me (yes...I will admit my relationship ran my life over God). It ruled my life. I based my life on that relationship...and I needed to be cut from it.
The story of Ruth had changed with me as well, and here were the main themes that I had gone through with Ruth:
-A love story based on boldness in initiation
-A love story based on waiting and trusting
-A love story based on loyalty and devotion to loved ones and God
All these were points I saw with Ruth...but the bottom line reflects on that last point I made. Yes she was bold...yes she trusted and waited...but it's because she was loyal to the person that told her to. Naomi had told her to "uncover Boaz's feet." Naomi told Ruth to "wait until you find out what happens." Ruth followed Naomi after her husband had passed away, saying "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God...." She says more along these lines...THAT is loyalty. She loved Naomi and Naomi's God.
What does that mean for me? What has God really been doing within me this last year when it came to my devastation and growth from it? How am I still the Ruth character in this love story God is writing for me?
Basically, I need to love God. I need to be loyal to God above all else, even if it means leaving the area I am comfortable with. If He really means that much to me, I would give up everything like Ruth did to follow Naomi and serve God. I need to give my heart up to God continuously and stop trying to put it into other guys' hands. I need to let my true Kinsman-Redeemer give it away when it's the right time. "Wait until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today." God will give my heart to a man who is looking up to receive it. If he is looking up and searching for it through God, He will grant it.
In the mean time, God is showing me some amazing things that I wouldn't see if I was so intoxicated with a relationship like I had. God knows when my heart will be ready to be handed off into the arms of another man, whom I trust will become my husband. He is preparing me for it, and no matter how hard life gets I know it's a blessing in disguise...so I embrace it.
Thank you God for the tests and trials...for the tests are truly tests to show me how far I've gone. It shows me what I've learned and what I need to learn more of. The hard times bring me closer to you. Thank you for healing relationships with those close to me, and for softening my heart to those that I need to be closer to. Thank you God for friends that love you and are used by you to guide me and encourage me. Thank you for revealing yourself to me as the powerful, gracious, and fatherly God you are. Thank you for taking me as your adopted child, your beloved bride, and your closest friend. Thank you for holding my heart safe, and I trust you will give it away. Thank you for reigning in your throne in Heaven, and still allowing little me to come before you.
Reflect on the blessings in your life and be thankful for where God has brought you.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving all.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Dear Eternal God,
"Hear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. You are forgiving and good, O LORD, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.
Among the gods there is none like you, O LORD; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O LORD; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.
Teach me your ways, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.
The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life--men without regard for you. But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant. Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me."
(Psalms 86)
Speak to me Lord, for your child is here...listening...unveil my eyes let me see you...unveil my heart let me know you.
There's a raging sea, right in front of me. Tries to pull me in, brings me to my knees....so let the waters rise, if you want them to. I will follow you...I will follow you.
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31)
"Hold on just a little bit longer, the pain ain't going to last forever...believe me this is going to make you stronger."
"The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."
Among the gods there is none like you, O LORD; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O LORD; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.
Teach me your ways, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.
The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life--men without regard for you. But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant. Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me."
(Psalms 86)
Speak to me Lord, for your child is here...listening...unveil my eyes let me see you...unveil my heart let me know you.
There's a raging sea, right in front of me. Tries to pull me in, brings me to my knees....so let the waters rise, if you want them to. I will follow you...I will follow you.
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31)
"Hold on just a little bit longer, the pain ain't going to last forever...believe me this is going to make you stronger."
"The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Trusting
How far would you trust God?
"In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, 'Ananias!'
'Yes, Lord,' he answered.
The Lord told him, 'Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.'
'Lord,' Ananias answered, 'I have heard many reports about this man and all the hard he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.'
But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man in my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I wills how him how much he must suffer for my name.'
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord--Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'"
(Acts 9:10-17)
How far would you trust God?
If He brought you to a situation that seemed completely hopeless...then told you to pursue it...would you?
What if...by your knowledge of a situation...you knew it could harm you, maybe kill you?
What if it didn't appear to be in sync with what you are seeing?
...would you trust God enough to do it still?
Ananias trusted God...but he questioned Him as well because it didn't add up to what he knew of the situation at hand...it could kill Him...this man was risking a lot...or so he thought.
What is God commanding you to do? Is it to start a small group? To introduce yourself to that one person that's just too weird? To reach out and preach to a dude that looks like he could smother you? To stand up against what your friends are saying because you know it's not right?
What about opening your heart up to that one person...allowing them to hold your heart and trusting them with your tender treasure? Maybe God is telling you to be the holder.
The book of Ruth is all about God/Jesus as our true Kinsman Redeemer...Boaz needed the closest of kin to allow him the property, and the girl. Is God allowing you to 'redeem'...are you willing to accept it despite the appearance of the situations?
Whatever your situation...reflect on how far God has brought you...look back on what you were and see the change God has brought before you. Praise Him for that! He got you this far. Now hold that truth...and trust Him more. Ananias trusted, and witnessed to the chosen vessel for the Gentiles.
We aren't perfect...and thank God I can say that! He can still use me!! He used Saul...the persecutor of the Christians! Look how far he had gone?? How can I argue with that?
Now, I will ask one more time....
How far would you trust God?
"In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, 'Ananias!'
'Yes, Lord,' he answered.
The Lord told him, 'Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.'
'Lord,' Ananias answered, 'I have heard many reports about this man and all the hard he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.'
But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man in my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I wills how him how much he must suffer for my name.'
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord--Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'"
(Acts 9:10-17)
How far would you trust God?
If He brought you to a situation that seemed completely hopeless...then told you to pursue it...would you?
What if...by your knowledge of a situation...you knew it could harm you, maybe kill you?
What if it didn't appear to be in sync with what you are seeing?
...would you trust God enough to do it still?
Ananias trusted God...but he questioned Him as well because it didn't add up to what he knew of the situation at hand...it could kill Him...this man was risking a lot...or so he thought.
What is God commanding you to do? Is it to start a small group? To introduce yourself to that one person that's just too weird? To reach out and preach to a dude that looks like he could smother you? To stand up against what your friends are saying because you know it's not right?
What about opening your heart up to that one person...allowing them to hold your heart and trusting them with your tender treasure? Maybe God is telling you to be the holder.
The book of Ruth is all about God/Jesus as our true Kinsman Redeemer...Boaz needed the closest of kin to allow him the property, and the girl. Is God allowing you to 'redeem'...are you willing to accept it despite the appearance of the situations?
Whatever your situation...reflect on how far God has brought you...look back on what you were and see the change God has brought before you. Praise Him for that! He got you this far. Now hold that truth...and trust Him more. Ananias trusted, and witnessed to the chosen vessel for the Gentiles.
We aren't perfect...and thank God I can say that! He can still use me!! He used Saul...the persecutor of the Christians! Look how far he had gone?? How can I argue with that?
Now, I will ask one more time....
How far would you trust God?
Friday, November 4, 2011
How Has Your Past Shaped You?
Looking at Michal: David's wife, ex-wife, back to wife
I Samuel 18:20-21; 19:11-17 Michal before II Samuel 3:14-16
Michal was in love, but she was used to hurt David by Saul. It appears to be punishment, but Michal's marriage with David is ripped from her. She remarries and has settled down to make her new husband very happy and pleased with her. David demands her back, and rips from her another part of her heart she gave to her other husband. After two rips from love (at least this is all that's recorded of her life), she turns into Michal from II Samuel 6.
Does she have good reasons? Does she have good defense? Must not have, for her punishment was she "had no children to the day of her death." She judged David's heart...when he was fully worshiping. Do you do this? Sometimes I do, but I am letting myself break from what people expect to see in worship and do what I am led to do, just like David did. Now, my words fade. Let the Spirit make connections in your own heart with what He has shown me.
Getting Pride out of Prayer (from a book Empowered to Pray by Woodrow Kroll)
Jesus' Prayer Luke 23:33-43
"Forgiveness is not an emotional response to sin...
1) Forgiveness is a choice
2) Prayer is a choice
3) Expect others to respond as the mob responded to Jesus' prayer.
"Remember, forgiveness is a choice. It's up to you. Jesus chose to forgive; so can you."
"When the crowd was at its worst, Jesus was at his best."
From the study Anointed Transformed Redeemed: A Study of David
"Sin will take you farther than you ever expected to go; it will keep you longer than you ever intended to stay, and it will cost you more than you ever expected to pay."
Paraphrase of part of Kay Arthur's message: Stop questioning where God was in your hurt relationships, your broken marriages, your deaths, your abuse. You are God's workmanship, so stop complaining about how you've been molded and let God use you because of it! Don't question how God had to mold you...just use it.
To close, these verses are needed in my life right now. I pray God shows you what you need to see in your life through this blog that He put together. (Really, it was cool to watch Him show me what to put and how it connected together)
Colossians 4:2 "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Amen....
I Samuel 18:20-21; 19:11-17 Michal before II Samuel 3:14-16
- She was in love and lied to protect her man from her own father
- After being separated from David, he demanded her back after Saul's death
- "Her husband, however, went with her, weeping behind her all the way to Bahurim." (Verse 16)
- Judgmental, blunt, disheartening, critical
- "...she despised him in her heart." (verse 16)
Michal was in love, but she was used to hurt David by Saul. It appears to be punishment, but Michal's marriage with David is ripped from her. She remarries and has settled down to make her new husband very happy and pleased with her. David demands her back, and rips from her another part of her heart she gave to her other husband. After two rips from love (at least this is all that's recorded of her life), she turns into Michal from II Samuel 6.
Does she have good reasons? Does she have good defense? Must not have, for her punishment was she "had no children to the day of her death." She judged David's heart...when he was fully worshiping. Do you do this? Sometimes I do, but I am letting myself break from what people expect to see in worship and do what I am led to do, just like David did. Now, my words fade. Let the Spirit make connections in your own heart with what He has shown me.
Getting Pride out of Prayer (from a book Empowered to Pray by Woodrow Kroll)
Jesus' Prayer Luke 23:33-43
"Forgiveness is not an emotional response to sin...
1) Forgiveness is a choice
2) Prayer is a choice
3) Expect others to respond as the mob responded to Jesus' prayer.
- Be prepared. People haven't changed. Do you have friends, neighbors, or coworkers for whom you consistently pray? When they learn you are praying for their salvation, they may react as these did to Jesus' prayer for forgiveness. Most will laugh, some will mock, but thank God, some will believe. Keep on praying. Some will believe."
"Remember, forgiveness is a choice. It's up to you. Jesus chose to forgive; so can you."
"When the crowd was at its worst, Jesus was at his best."
From the study Anointed Transformed Redeemed: A Study of David
"Sin will take you farther than you ever expected to go; it will keep you longer than you ever intended to stay, and it will cost you more than you ever expected to pay."
Paraphrase of part of Kay Arthur's message: Stop questioning where God was in your hurt relationships, your broken marriages, your deaths, your abuse. You are God's workmanship, so stop complaining about how you've been molded and let God use you because of it! Don't question how God had to mold you...just use it.
To close, these verses are needed in my life right now. I pray God shows you what you need to see in your life through this blog that He put together. (Really, it was cool to watch Him show me what to put and how it connected together)
Colossians 4:2 "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Amen....
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