In Mark chapter 1 the people were so amazed by Jesus that the news of him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee (vs 27 and 28). Remember this is a time when there was no way to do mass emails or text or twitter all your friends at one time. They were so amazed that his name and what he was doing was the topic of their conversations. It was all the "buzz". It was all they could talk about.
Once the word got out about Jesus, people started following after him. Excited to get a glimpse of this man. Hoping that their loved one could be healed. Praying that they got to hear him speak. Again, this is in a time that there was no easy way to get somewhere. They would have to take days off from laboring and working. Leaving it all behind, in a day when your mere survival depended on what you had done that day. They had no cabinets of food in reserve. They didn't have cars that would allow them to make a quick trip out to see this man.
The whole town gathered at the door... Mark 1:33
Everyone is looking for you! Mark 1:37
So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Mark 2:2
Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him and he began to teach them. Mark 2:13
Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. Mark 3:20
The people couldn't get enough of Jesus. Why is it today that we can't even make time for him? That we find him so boring that we can't even etch out a few minutes of our day to spend with him. We walk away from him day after day. Too busy to be bothered by him.
He is still the same today as he was those thousands of years ago. Yet, we don't see the need for him. We should be amazed day in and day out by the Son of God. We should drop everything, just to be in his presence. We should figure out a way just to get near to him. But, yet we walk away every day. We find things that we think are more important to fill our time. Don't you see, there is NOTHING that is more important. Why don't we long to be with him? What has gone wrong? Why don't we see the importance of an encounter with our Savior?
All it took was for the people to have one encounter with the Lord and their life was forever changed. Have you had that encounter? One that will change you? One that will make you stop what you are doing and follow him? Because, if you have truly met my Lord, then you can't stay the same.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Hey Jude!
I don't ever remember reading Jude before. But, I think he is on to something.
For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. Jude 4
Two things here. These are not godless people living out in the world with no claim to Jesus. They are people among us in the church. And what do they do? They use the grace that was given to us on the cross as an excuse to keep on sinning.
Are you one of the people that Jude calls godless? I admit I have been one. Living the christian life for so many years. Not really worrying about my sins because I knew they were taken care of. Just as Jude says, that grace gave me the license to keep on sinning, because I knew I was forgiven. I kept on sinning in my eating habits, through the words of my mouth, through the actions of my heart. Using the excuse of "I am only human or God made me this way". Thinking to myself that God knows I am going to sin, that is why there is grace.
Shame on me. That is no way to live. How about living life instead of aiming to be Christ-like and knowing all the while that we will never achieve it. Praising God for grace every time we stumble.
That is how life should be lived. Not, by saying "Whoops! I did it again. Oh well, at least there is grace." But, by saying, "I did it again, Lord. Please help mold me so that I may learn not to sin in this way.". Isn't that the way it should be?
For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. Jude 4
Two things here. These are not godless people living out in the world with no claim to Jesus. They are people among us in the church. And what do they do? They use the grace that was given to us on the cross as an excuse to keep on sinning.
Are you one of the people that Jude calls godless? I admit I have been one. Living the christian life for so many years. Not really worrying about my sins because I knew they were taken care of. Just as Jude says, that grace gave me the license to keep on sinning, because I knew I was forgiven. I kept on sinning in my eating habits, through the words of my mouth, through the actions of my heart. Using the excuse of "I am only human or God made me this way". Thinking to myself that God knows I am going to sin, that is why there is grace.
Shame on me. That is no way to live. How about living life instead of aiming to be Christ-like and knowing all the while that we will never achieve it. Praising God for grace every time we stumble.
That is how life should be lived. Not, by saying "Whoops! I did it again. Oh well, at least there is grace." But, by saying, "I did it again, Lord. Please help mold me so that I may learn not to sin in this way.". Isn't that the way it should be?
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Boasting In the Wrong Things
There has been a word stuck in my head since early this morning. BOAST It means to glorify oneself with speech, or simply put, to brag. My quiet time this morning revealed that boasting is of the world and does not come from the Father.
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not with him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has and does- comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:15&16
I am convicted this morning that I boast a lot. You can check out my Facebook page and probably see boast after boast. Look at who I am hanging out with. Look at what new and exciting thing I got. Look at what my cute kid just did. Look at the awesome vacation that I just took. Look at me, look at me. Look at all that I have and all that I have done.
All that "me, me, me" stuff is not of the Lord. In fact, John states that it is of the world and if we do it, then we are not of the Father. Serious stuff, huh? Just another reminder on how much we mess up. I am convinced that the people that think they have this Christian thing all worked out and they are doing just fine in their walk with the Lord, need to rethink their position. It is impossible to be who we need to be in Christ. That is why the gift of grace is so crazy awesome!!
We sing a song in church that says "I will boast in the Lord my God. I will boast in the one who's worthy". God is the only one who is worthy of our boasts. Yet, daily, we feel the need to let everyone know how great we have it and how awesome our lives our. I am reminded today that nothing in my life will ever measure up to God. How silly I am to think that any of it even matters.
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not with him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has and does- comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:15&16
I am convicted this morning that I boast a lot. You can check out my Facebook page and probably see boast after boast. Look at who I am hanging out with. Look at what new and exciting thing I got. Look at what my cute kid just did. Look at the awesome vacation that I just took. Look at me, look at me. Look at all that I have and all that I have done.
All that "me, me, me" stuff is not of the Lord. In fact, John states that it is of the world and if we do it, then we are not of the Father. Serious stuff, huh? Just another reminder on how much we mess up. I am convinced that the people that think they have this Christian thing all worked out and they are doing just fine in their walk with the Lord, need to rethink their position. It is impossible to be who we need to be in Christ. That is why the gift of grace is so crazy awesome!!
We sing a song in church that says "I will boast in the Lord my God. I will boast in the one who's worthy". God is the only one who is worthy of our boasts. Yet, daily, we feel the need to let everyone know how great we have it and how awesome our lives our. I am reminded today that nothing in my life will ever measure up to God. How silly I am to think that any of it even matters.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Stop Picking on Me
Do you ever feel like God is picking on you? Do you wonder why you are having to face so many trials when the "bad people" seem to get off so easy? I had a conversation with a dear friend the other day about this very thing. She is not going through one trial, but many at the same time. It is hard to understand why in the world the Lord would just keep piling on the the difficulties when all you are doing is trying to come up for air.
I face this a lot in the matter of infertility. When I see mothers murdering their children or when I read a book like Unplanned that is all about women getting abortions at an astounding rate, I often cry out to God and wonder why in the world he wouldn't give Bryan and I another child. When we would raise that child in a Christian home and love that child, why would he allow the "bad people" to be blessed and not us.
Peter tells us why we go through trials like this. ...though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7
The first thing we need to understand is that we are suffering so that our faith can be proved genuine. It is only through trials that our true self is revealed. When put in difficult situations, how are we going to react. Are we going to get mad and turn away from God or are we going to embrace his loving kindness and cling to him?
Secondly, we go through this so that in the end, Jesus may receive all the praise, glory, and honor. We may not understand it until Jesus comes back to reveal the glory of our salvation, but at some point, all our suffering will point to Jesus.
It is so hard to go through trials and understand the "why" of it all. A loved one is taken away from us, a job is lost, a dream is destroyed, or a marriage falls apart. How in the world would these things bring praise and honor to our Lord? I don't quite understand it all, but I do know this. We are witnesses to this world. When we do go through these trials, the eyes of the world are watching. Are we going to stand true to our beliefs or turn away from the God we love. The trial will show our true beliefs.
I face this a lot in the matter of infertility. When I see mothers murdering their children or when I read a book like Unplanned that is all about women getting abortions at an astounding rate, I often cry out to God and wonder why in the world he wouldn't give Bryan and I another child. When we would raise that child in a Christian home and love that child, why would he allow the "bad people" to be blessed and not us.
Peter tells us why we go through trials like this. ...though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7
The first thing we need to understand is that we are suffering so that our faith can be proved genuine. It is only through trials that our true self is revealed. When put in difficult situations, how are we going to react. Are we going to get mad and turn away from God or are we going to embrace his loving kindness and cling to him?
Secondly, we go through this so that in the end, Jesus may receive all the praise, glory, and honor. We may not understand it until Jesus comes back to reveal the glory of our salvation, but at some point, all our suffering will point to Jesus.
It is so hard to go through trials and understand the "why" of it all. A loved one is taken away from us, a job is lost, a dream is destroyed, or a marriage falls apart. How in the world would these things bring praise and honor to our Lord? I don't quite understand it all, but I do know this. We are witnesses to this world. When we do go through these trials, the eyes of the world are watching. Are we going to stand true to our beliefs or turn away from the God we love. The trial will show our true beliefs.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Ineffective and Unproductive
So we all know the list of qualities that Paul gives us in Galatians 5. The fruit of the spirit are plastered all over mugs, plaques, and pictures. But, often the list of qualities that Peter gives us are overlooked. Peter gives us the list of faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. I love what Peter has to say after he lists these things.
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But anyone who does not have them, he is near-sighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 1 Peter 1:8 & 9
There are a lot of times that I pray for certain qualities in this list. I find myself thinking, "once I have them, I am good". But, look at what Peter says. We need to have them in increasing measure. Once again, I am reminded that we are never "done" as Christians. We have never arrived.
I am encouraged to know that God will always have something to teach me. I will always have knowledge to gain. I can always learn to love others more. Everyone knows that I can always stand to gain a little more patience.
Peter also says that we have to do something. We have to make EVERY EFFORT to add these things to our life. God is really driving home the fact that I have to work at my relationship with him. Look at verse 9 above. If we aren't striving for them, then we have lost sight of the forgiveness that we have been given. There is no such thing as being a casual christian. If we truly grasp what the Lord has done for us, our lives will be changed. We will be serious in adding to your faith, goodness, and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 1 Peter 1: 5-7
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But anyone who does not have them, he is near-sighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 1 Peter 1:8 & 9
There are a lot of times that I pray for certain qualities in this list. I find myself thinking, "once I have them, I am good". But, look at what Peter says. We need to have them in increasing measure. Once again, I am reminded that we are never "done" as Christians. We have never arrived.
I am encouraged to know that God will always have something to teach me. I will always have knowledge to gain. I can always learn to love others more. Everyone knows that I can always stand to gain a little more patience.
Peter also says that we have to do something. We have to make EVERY EFFORT to add these things to our life. God is really driving home the fact that I have to work at my relationship with him. Look at verse 9 above. If we aren't striving for them, then we have lost sight of the forgiveness that we have been given. There is no such thing as being a casual christian. If we truly grasp what the Lord has done for us, our lives will be changed. We will be serious in adding to your faith, goodness, and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 1 Peter 1: 5-7
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Worn Out
Let me tell you, I am worn out. Two weeks into this school routine and all I want is to sleep in like the "good ol' days". I know if I am exhausted, then I can't imagine what these kids are feeling! Routines are good, but I would prefer them to be able to start around 7:30 instead of 6 o'clock in the morning.
As I opened my bible this morning, I was wishing that Starbucks delivered. I am laughing at myself now, because I don't know why I didn't just go make myself a cup in my kitchen. I guess that is just proof of how tired I was.
Matthew was the source of my comfort this morning. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
There is so much good stuff in those two little verses. First, we climb up in our Savior's lap and find comfort and rest . Remember when we were little and could climb into our parent's lap and feel that instant peace and comfort? That is how I imagine this verse in my mind's eye. It makes me smile.
Then, Jesus talks about taking on his yoke. I don't instantly connect a yoke with rest. A yoke is used with cattle to help them during working the fields. I see an ox with his head hung low and burdened with the weight of the plow. That is how we are when we try to take on our struggles by ourselves. But, praise the Lord, when we allow for our struggles to be handled by Jesus, our yoke becomes light. We learn to handle the circumstances with gentleness and our souls will find rest.
I am not dealing with any major struggles right now, but this is a reminder that it doesn't matter what the circumstances are, we need to give them over to Jesus. We need to learn find rest and comfort in him. Peace in your soul goes a long way in making each day easier to deal with. So today, I am just going to snuggle up to my Lord and enjoy the peace that comes along with it.
As I opened my bible this morning, I was wishing that Starbucks delivered. I am laughing at myself now, because I don't know why I didn't just go make myself a cup in my kitchen. I guess that is just proof of how tired I was.
Matthew was the source of my comfort this morning. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
There is so much good stuff in those two little verses. First, we climb up in our Savior's lap and find comfort and rest . Remember when we were little and could climb into our parent's lap and feel that instant peace and comfort? That is how I imagine this verse in my mind's eye. It makes me smile.
Then, Jesus talks about taking on his yoke. I don't instantly connect a yoke with rest. A yoke is used with cattle to help them during working the fields. I see an ox with his head hung low and burdened with the weight of the plow. That is how we are when we try to take on our struggles by ourselves. But, praise the Lord, when we allow for our struggles to be handled by Jesus, our yoke becomes light. We learn to handle the circumstances with gentleness and our souls will find rest.
I am not dealing with any major struggles right now, but this is a reminder that it doesn't matter what the circumstances are, we need to give them over to Jesus. We need to learn find rest and comfort in him. Peace in your soul goes a long way in making each day easier to deal with. So today, I am just going to snuggle up to my Lord and enjoy the peace that comes along with it.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The Birthday Cake
Yesterday was Bryan's birthday. The birthday cake was my biggest fear. Would I give in and eat it? Would it really matter if I did? When it came time to cut the cake, my anxiety was high. My drug was right in front of me. I haven't had dessert of any kind in 3 months. The moment was here, do I walk away or eat it and risk the addiction coming back in full force. Sounds crazy doesn't it. You would assume that I was talking about cocaine and not cake. But that is the effect that it has on me.
I am proud to say that I walked away. I didn't even lick the icing off my fingers. In fact, I headed straight to the sink to wash it off like it was poison. It was 3 minutes of temptation and then it was over.
Bryan and I were talking this morning about how far I have come in 3 months. How much God has taught me. Three months ago, the evening would have played out totally different. It would have gone two ways. I would have either indulged myself in a huge piece of cake(not to mention a huge meal or even possibly eaten with no regard all day because it was a celebration day) or I would have denied myself and been angry at my family because I couldn't have the cake.
If I would have denied myself I would have been consumed by the thought of the cake all day. Consumed with the desire for it. Consumed by the thought of what I was missing. There would have been a major war going on within me just to eat it. And honestly, I would have finally given in. There was no control when the desire for that forbidden food was in front of me.
Now, I know there is a season for everything. That all food is permissible, but it may not always be beneficial. I know I am allowed to eat that cake if I want to. But I also know, that it could have possibly gotten me so off course that it was not worth me taking a bite. God has conditioned me in the last few months to realize that food is just food. It can not be the master of my life or my thoughts.
It was evident last night of just how far God has brought this crazy food addict.
I love what I found in Matthew this morning. Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes? .....Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:25 and 33
On my three month anniversary, this is where God has led me. I see that life is more important that food. It no longer controls my day, my mood, or my decisions. I know seek God and his righteousness.
It is amazing to see that step by step, and moment by moment, God is molding me into a beautiful creature that is living for him.
As of this morning, I have lost 46 pounds. Glory to God in the highest for the work that is being done in me! Today, I will praise the Lord for bringing me out of captivity.
I am proud to say that I walked away. I didn't even lick the icing off my fingers. In fact, I headed straight to the sink to wash it off like it was poison. It was 3 minutes of temptation and then it was over.
Bryan and I were talking this morning about how far I have come in 3 months. How much God has taught me. Three months ago, the evening would have played out totally different. It would have gone two ways. I would have either indulged myself in a huge piece of cake(not to mention a huge meal or even possibly eaten with no regard all day because it was a celebration day) or I would have denied myself and been angry at my family because I couldn't have the cake.
If I would have denied myself I would have been consumed by the thought of the cake all day. Consumed with the desire for it. Consumed by the thought of what I was missing. There would have been a major war going on within me just to eat it. And honestly, I would have finally given in. There was no control when the desire for that forbidden food was in front of me.
Now, I know there is a season for everything. That all food is permissible, but it may not always be beneficial. I know I am allowed to eat that cake if I want to. But I also know, that it could have possibly gotten me so off course that it was not worth me taking a bite. God has conditioned me in the last few months to realize that food is just food. It can not be the master of my life or my thoughts.
It was evident last night of just how far God has brought this crazy food addict.
I love what I found in Matthew this morning. Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes? .....Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:25 and 33
On my three month anniversary, this is where God has led me. I see that life is more important that food. It no longer controls my day, my mood, or my decisions. I know seek God and his righteousness.
It is amazing to see that step by step, and moment by moment, God is molding me into a beautiful creature that is living for him.
As of this morning, I have lost 46 pounds. Glory to God in the highest for the work that is being done in me! Today, I will praise the Lord for bringing me out of captivity.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Fear the Lord
Well, you see this phrase "fear the Lord" over and over in the bible. But what does that really mean. Should I be trembling in my boots? Should I hide under the covers when I pray?
For example, Psalm 103 says that those who fear the Lord, he will show them compassion and abounding love. Okay, I want that. What do I do?
I came across a great description in the book Going Public by David and Kelli Pritchard(a GREAT book about how your child can thrive in a public school and be raised in a christian family). They said that to fear the Lord, you need to ask yourself these questions. "What does God think about this?" "What is his take on this matter?" Then, we need to proceed with the truth that is given to us from his word.
I have been trying this out for a couple of days. With big and small decisions. And man, let me tell you, it is rocking my world.
To fear the Lord is to put him first and to do what he would want us to do in EVERY situation.
This insight has been big for me. Life changing, you might say.
For example, Psalm 103 says that those who fear the Lord, he will show them compassion and abounding love. Okay, I want that. What do I do?
I came across a great description in the book Going Public by David and Kelli Pritchard(a GREAT book about how your child can thrive in a public school and be raised in a christian family). They said that to fear the Lord, you need to ask yourself these questions. "What does God think about this?" "What is his take on this matter?" Then, we need to proceed with the truth that is given to us from his word.
I have been trying this out for a couple of days. With big and small decisions. And man, let me tell you, it is rocking my world.
To fear the Lord is to put him first and to do what he would want us to do in EVERY situation.
This insight has been big for me. Life changing, you might say.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Psalm 91
When I was a young child, I would often be awoken by the feeling of evil presence all around me. Mom and I would spend lots of time praying and singing until I would finally feel at peace and would be able to fall back to sleep. As I got older, I can remember saying the name of Jesus aloud over and over again, until the peace of the Lord would again overcome the evil presence and I would be able to sleep. I still have these episodes, but not as frequently.
Psalm 91 has a special place in my heart because it talks about the constant protection that God gives those that dwell in his shelter.
I have a picture hung in Eleanor's room(that was once hung in my room) that depicts a young boy sleeping and a warrior angel standing over him. His protective wings spread wide. The verse below it is this. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11
It has always been a comfort to me to know that there are angels that are protecting me and those I love. There are spiritual forces that are doing as God commands.
But, as much as I love that verse, I think verses 4-6 has spoken to my heart even more in these past few days. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear terror of night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
This gives me such comfort to know that Eleanor is safe under the wings of my Lord. Oh, how that makes my heart sing. Does it yours? As much control that I have lost in the past week, my Lord is still in control. He is still in the business of taking care of his flock.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust" Psalm 91:1-2
I encourage you to read Psalm 91. It is filled with unchanging promises that God is faithful even through the dangers and heartaches of this fallen world. All we must do is willfully put ourselves under God's care and protection. We must realize that we can't do it ourselves. Just like everything else I have been learning. Each day, we have to make the choice to let God be in control.
Psalm 91 has a special place in my heart because it talks about the constant protection that God gives those that dwell in his shelter.
I have a picture hung in Eleanor's room(that was once hung in my room) that depicts a young boy sleeping and a warrior angel standing over him. His protective wings spread wide. The verse below it is this. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11
It has always been a comfort to me to know that there are angels that are protecting me and those I love. There are spiritual forces that are doing as God commands.
But, as much as I love that verse, I think verses 4-6 has spoken to my heart even more in these past few days. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear terror of night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
This gives me such comfort to know that Eleanor is safe under the wings of my Lord. Oh, how that makes my heart sing. Does it yours? As much control that I have lost in the past week, my Lord is still in control. He is still in the business of taking care of his flock.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust" Psalm 91:1-2
I encourage you to read Psalm 91. It is filled with unchanging promises that God is faithful even through the dangers and heartaches of this fallen world. All we must do is willfully put ourselves under God's care and protection. We must realize that we can't do it ourselves. Just like everything else I have been learning. Each day, we have to make the choice to let God be in control.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Rules for Young Mothers
...train younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Titus 2:4b-5
There are two things that jump out at me this morning that I need to work on. I need to be self-controlled and busy at home.
Let's talk about being self-controlled. This is something that Paul talks about a lot in his letters to both the churches and to his fellow missionaries. He states that we need to LEARN to be self-controlled. This is something that I once thought would just be formed in you, not something that you had to practice. I don't know why I thought that, I just did. I thought most of the fruits of the spirit would just appear in you if you were following Christ. I am seeing know that they are disciplines that have to be PRACTICED and with God's strength will be formed in you.
Okay, so self-control is a hard one for me(it just takes one look at me or a few minutes in my presence to know this). I have a hard time controlling my mouth, my desires, my actions, and my thoughts. I mean, I say what I think. I eat what I want. I do what I want. And, if I am completely honest, I often let my thoughts go unchecked. So, what is this thing of self-control? I have to learn to give myself daily to trying to keep all these things in check. I have to be conscious of what I put into my mouth as far as food. I have to bite my tongue and not always say everything I am thinking. I have to stop and think before I do something. I need to make sure what I say, do and think are going to be honoring to the Lord. Whew...that is a full time job right there!!! I know this fruit is going to take a LONG LONG time to develop. But, I must keep at it.
Secondly, I need to keep busy at home. This is never more true for me then right now. With Eleanor off to school, I will have more time on my hands. It is time to step it up a notch and get back to my cleaning schedule. (Yes, I have a schedule of certain things that need to get done on certain days. It is even on my fridge for me to see, but it often gets ignored). So, I understand the busy part. But, lets talk about the "at home" part. Do I really need to be running all around each day? Do I need to be spending more time making my house a home? Do I need to be content to stop running and spending money all the time? Hmmmm...something I have never considered. Maybe, I need to dwell on that aspect a little more. It hurts a little to think about. But, it may be true. Keep busy AT HOME(not just keep busy).
Well, I think that is enough for me to focus on for awhile, don't you! Man, I prayed that God would take me out of my comfort zone and challenge me today. I think I got it!
There are two things that jump out at me this morning that I need to work on. I need to be self-controlled and busy at home.
Let's talk about being self-controlled. This is something that Paul talks about a lot in his letters to both the churches and to his fellow missionaries. He states that we need to LEARN to be self-controlled. This is something that I once thought would just be formed in you, not something that you had to practice. I don't know why I thought that, I just did. I thought most of the fruits of the spirit would just appear in you if you were following Christ. I am seeing know that they are disciplines that have to be PRACTICED and with God's strength will be formed in you.
Okay, so self-control is a hard one for me(it just takes one look at me or a few minutes in my presence to know this). I have a hard time controlling my mouth, my desires, my actions, and my thoughts. I mean, I say what I think. I eat what I want. I do what I want. And, if I am completely honest, I often let my thoughts go unchecked. So, what is this thing of self-control? I have to learn to give myself daily to trying to keep all these things in check. I have to be conscious of what I put into my mouth as far as food. I have to bite my tongue and not always say everything I am thinking. I have to stop and think before I do something. I need to make sure what I say, do and think are going to be honoring to the Lord. Whew...that is a full time job right there!!! I know this fruit is going to take a LONG LONG time to develop. But, I must keep at it.
Secondly, I need to keep busy at home. This is never more true for me then right now. With Eleanor off to school, I will have more time on my hands. It is time to step it up a notch and get back to my cleaning schedule. (Yes, I have a schedule of certain things that need to get done on certain days. It is even on my fridge for me to see, but it often gets ignored). So, I understand the busy part. But, lets talk about the "at home" part. Do I really need to be running all around each day? Do I need to be spending more time making my house a home? Do I need to be content to stop running and spending money all the time? Hmmmm...something I have never considered. Maybe, I need to dwell on that aspect a little more. It hurts a little to think about. But, it may be true. Keep busy AT HOME(not just keep busy).
Well, I think that is enough for me to focus on for awhile, don't you! Man, I prayed that God would take me out of my comfort zone and challenge me today. I think I got it!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Rejoicing
This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24
I woke up with this scripture in my head this morning. It was the first thought that I had upon waking. The second thought was that my only child is starting Kindergarten. At first, the two thoughts were in conflict with each other. How can I be rejoicing when my little girl is taking a huge step of independence this morning.
Then, as I lay there thinking, I had to shift my mind. It is a great day to be rejoicing. I have had 5 years with Eleanor to train and equip her to be independent enough to go into the big world. My job isn't through, but it is changing.
As I entrusted my child into her teacher's hands this morning, I had to stop myself from worrying. I may not be in control of my child's world anymore, but there is one that is in control of the universe. Eleanor is in God's hands(where she has always been). He will watch over her and keep her safe. I am trusting in my Savior that he has everything under control. He made this day full of changes. It is a good day and I will rejoice in the knowledge that everything is going according to his plan.
I woke up with this scripture in my head this morning. It was the first thought that I had upon waking. The second thought was that my only child is starting Kindergarten. At first, the two thoughts were in conflict with each other. How can I be rejoicing when my little girl is taking a huge step of independence this morning.
Then, as I lay there thinking, I had to shift my mind. It is a great day to be rejoicing. I have had 5 years with Eleanor to train and equip her to be independent enough to go into the big world. My job isn't through, but it is changing.
As I entrusted my child into her teacher's hands this morning, I had to stop myself from worrying. I may not be in control of my child's world anymore, but there is one that is in control of the universe. Eleanor is in God's hands(where she has always been). He will watch over her and keep her safe. I am trusting in my Savior that he has everything under control. He made this day full of changes. It is a good day and I will rejoice in the knowledge that everything is going according to his plan.
Monday, August 8, 2011
My Assignment
I am thinking back on all the years that I prayed for the Lord to deliver me from my weight problems. I earnestly prayed almost daily for will power and sometimes for God to just completely take away my struggle. I don't know what I was expecting on that end, maybe just to wake up skinny one day. But, needless to say, I prayed and I prayed a lot.
It didn't occur to me for a long time that I had to do more than pray. You see, God requires something from us. He requires us to seek him and to have a relationship with him. How many prayers did I pray and then walk away expecting God to just "fix it" or "fix me". That is not how it works. It wasn't until I started seeking a relationship with God (i.e. getting in His word daily) did I start to understand how the things around me were.
God didn't change my circumstances. He changed me. God didn't take away my weight problem. He changed my heart and gave me the strength to undo my addiction. My issues are still my issues. They will always be there. It is designed that way, so that I may always have to lean on the Lord for my strength. There will not be a day that goes by that I will not have to seek my Lord. The days that I fail to spend time with the Lord are the hardest. These are the days that I am depleted and want to throw my hands up in defeat.
But, look at what happens when we are in a daily relationship with the Lord. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
Also understand this, being in a daily relationship with the Lord, will not stop the bad stuff from happening to you. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. Ah, there it is again. The Lord is waiting for us. He is waiting to help us. We will have troubles of many kinds, but the Lord is waiting in the wings for us to ask for help. He may not change the circumstances, but he will most definitely change our hearts.
But, it requires a little more from us than just reading a devotion each day. We have to get into the Bible and seek out our answers. We will find all that we are looking for if we only seek.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8
This is my prayer today. Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5
Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. Psalm 26:2-3
It takes some effort on our part. We must seek him. We must be taught the ways we should go. The only way to be taught, is to be a willing student. Our lessons will come from one place, God's word.
It didn't occur to me for a long time that I had to do more than pray. You see, God requires something from us. He requires us to seek him and to have a relationship with him. How many prayers did I pray and then walk away expecting God to just "fix it" or "fix me". That is not how it works. It wasn't until I started seeking a relationship with God (i.e. getting in His word daily) did I start to understand how the things around me were.
God didn't change my circumstances. He changed me. God didn't take away my weight problem. He changed my heart and gave me the strength to undo my addiction. My issues are still my issues. They will always be there. It is designed that way, so that I may always have to lean on the Lord for my strength. There will not be a day that goes by that I will not have to seek my Lord. The days that I fail to spend time with the Lord are the hardest. These are the days that I am depleted and want to throw my hands up in defeat.
But, look at what happens when we are in a daily relationship with the Lord. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
Also understand this, being in a daily relationship with the Lord, will not stop the bad stuff from happening to you. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. Ah, there it is again. The Lord is waiting for us. He is waiting to help us. We will have troubles of many kinds, but the Lord is waiting in the wings for us to ask for help. He may not change the circumstances, but he will most definitely change our hearts.
But, it requires a little more from us than just reading a devotion each day. We have to get into the Bible and seek out our answers. We will find all that we are looking for if we only seek.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8
This is my prayer today. Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5
Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. Psalm 26:2-3
It takes some effort on our part. We must seek him. We must be taught the ways we should go. The only way to be taught, is to be a willing student. Our lessons will come from one place, God's word.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Under the Covers
Today was one of those mornings that all didn't seem well even before I got out of bed. Ever had those days? When you can just tell it is going to be "one of those days" that Satan is going to be nipping at your feet all day. Just hoping that you will stumble. Hoping that today will be the day that he can cause you defeat.
I had awoken from a disturbing dream about Eleanor going to Kindergarten. Last night we had a discussion with Eleanor about how the teacher wouldn't be able to pray a blessing with her at school this year, but that she would have to pray over her food by herself. It disturbed her to no end and in turn has caused me much anxiety about sending her to public school(keep in mind that it has been prayed over and I am sure that this is where God wants her). So, that anxiety turned into a restless night of dreaming and envisioning all the bad things that could happen to Eleanor is a world that I can no longer protect and control every factor of her life.
As I was still waking up, an overwhelming urge to go into the kitchen and eat whatever I desired began to swirl around in my brain. How good would a waffle with peanut butter and syrup be this morning. Oh, or how about that cinnamon raisin bread slathered with peanut butter! (Yes, I have an obsession with peanut butter!)
Ugh, maybe I should just cover my head and stay in bed this morning. Then as I lay there warm and content, my thoughts turned to someone that has wronged me. I felt bitterness trying to take root! SHOO! AWAY FROM ME SATAN!
In the matter of minutes, Satan had already tried to get a hold of my day. I knew that today was going to be one that I was going to have to fight for. Today a choice will have to be made again and again to give things to the Lord.
That is why today, my quiet time was even more important than normal. Thank the Lord, for this nugget!
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
The Lord will bring me through this day victorious over the evil one. But, I must draw my strength from the Lord and his promises. I won't be able to do it on my own. By myself it is impossible, but with Christ, it is possible!
I had awoken from a disturbing dream about Eleanor going to Kindergarten. Last night we had a discussion with Eleanor about how the teacher wouldn't be able to pray a blessing with her at school this year, but that she would have to pray over her food by herself. It disturbed her to no end and in turn has caused me much anxiety about sending her to public school(keep in mind that it has been prayed over and I am sure that this is where God wants her). So, that anxiety turned into a restless night of dreaming and envisioning all the bad things that could happen to Eleanor is a world that I can no longer protect and control every factor of her life.
As I was still waking up, an overwhelming urge to go into the kitchen and eat whatever I desired began to swirl around in my brain. How good would a waffle with peanut butter and syrup be this morning. Oh, or how about that cinnamon raisin bread slathered with peanut butter! (Yes, I have an obsession with peanut butter!)
Ugh, maybe I should just cover my head and stay in bed this morning. Then as I lay there warm and content, my thoughts turned to someone that has wronged me. I felt bitterness trying to take root! SHOO! AWAY FROM ME SATAN!
In the matter of minutes, Satan had already tried to get a hold of my day. I knew that today was going to be one that I was going to have to fight for. Today a choice will have to be made again and again to give things to the Lord.
That is why today, my quiet time was even more important than normal. Thank the Lord, for this nugget!
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
The Lord will bring me through this day victorious over the evil one. But, I must draw my strength from the Lord and his promises. I won't be able to do it on my own. By myself it is impossible, but with Christ, it is possible!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Rules for Christian Households
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:18-21
Four simply stated rules. Seems easy enough. I find it humorous sometimes when I read the bible and things are stated so simply that I find myself thinking, "Got that. That is easy." It is always the things that I think are "givens", easy to follow, that kick my booty. Just like those ten commandments. So simply stated that you think nothing of them.
Last night, in my household, all of these rules were broken in a matter of minutes. The specifics don't matter, but just know that it was a tense night in the Hughes household. None of us followed our rule and it created an enviroment of everyone looking out for themselves and no one allowing the love of the Lord to flow through us. We were mad at Eleanor. Eleanor was mad at us. Bryan and I were mad at each other. Thank goodness we each had enough sense to go to our own spaces and calm down. During that time, we each were dealt with by God. We all came back repentive and things got better.
But see, if we would have followed the rules in the first place, things wouldn't have been said that can never be taken back. A bad example of communication would not have been demostrated for our child to see. There would have been peace in our house instead of anger.
I am reminded yet again that it is the easy stuff that needs to be worked on the most.
Four simply stated rules. Seems easy enough. I find it humorous sometimes when I read the bible and things are stated so simply that I find myself thinking, "Got that. That is easy." It is always the things that I think are "givens", easy to follow, that kick my booty. Just like those ten commandments. So simply stated that you think nothing of them.
Last night, in my household, all of these rules were broken in a matter of minutes. The specifics don't matter, but just know that it was a tense night in the Hughes household. None of us followed our rule and it created an enviroment of everyone looking out for themselves and no one allowing the love of the Lord to flow through us. We were mad at Eleanor. Eleanor was mad at us. Bryan and I were mad at each other. Thank goodness we each had enough sense to go to our own spaces and calm down. During that time, we each were dealt with by God. We all came back repentive and things got better.
But see, if we would have followed the rules in the first place, things wouldn't have been said that can never be taken back. A bad example of communication would not have been demostrated for our child to see. There would have been peace in our house instead of anger.
I am reminded yet again that it is the easy stuff that needs to be worked on the most.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Dreams
I have been struck senseless by a blog that I read this morning by Renee Swope. She asked the questions "What do you love to do? If finances were unlimited and failure was impossible, what would be your dream?". I realized that I have no clue who I am. What does God dream for me?
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13
God created me for a very specific purpose. He made me like no one else. With my own personality and passions to serve him. There is a reason that I exist. But, what is that unique purpose?
Isn’t it easy to neglect ourselves to meet the needs of everyone around us, and call it self-sacrifice? It sounds godly. But in doing so we risk shutting down a place in our soul where God’s dreams and gifts are waiting to be revealed. The truth is: you and I were not designed to be whom others expect us to be, or even want us to be. We were created to become all that God planned for us to be. -Renee Swope
You know, I for so long have been trying to live up to expectations that both others and myself have placed on me. Trying to be that "perfect" mother, wife, housekeeper, employee, friend. Never living up to it and never feeling completely myself in the roles that I was trying to fulfill. Trying to be like someone else that I saw. But what does God want me to be? I know he dreams big. What if I stop trying to be someone else and just let God form me into the woman he wants me to be.
Today I start asking God what his dream for me is. What does he want me to accomplish for his kingdom? What is his plan for my life(Jeremiah 29:11). Maybe if I stop getting in his way, he can do great things through me.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13
God created me for a very specific purpose. He made me like no one else. With my own personality and passions to serve him. There is a reason that I exist. But, what is that unique purpose?
Isn’t it easy to neglect ourselves to meet the needs of everyone around us, and call it self-sacrifice? It sounds godly. But in doing so we risk shutting down a place in our soul where God’s dreams and gifts are waiting to be revealed. The truth is: you and I were not designed to be whom others expect us to be, or even want us to be. We were created to become all that God planned for us to be. -Renee Swope
You know, I for so long have been trying to live up to expectations that both others and myself have placed on me. Trying to be that "perfect" mother, wife, housekeeper, employee, friend. Never living up to it and never feeling completely myself in the roles that I was trying to fulfill. Trying to be like someone else that I saw. But what does God want me to be? I know he dreams big. What if I stop trying to be someone else and just let God form me into the woman he wants me to be.
Today I start asking God what his dream for me is. What does he want me to accomplish for his kingdom? What is his plan for my life(Jeremiah 29:11). Maybe if I stop getting in his way, he can do great things through me.
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