12/14/12
Joy in the Morning
Satan doesn't need a gun to kill. He used a cross many years ago to kill the Son of God, but it backfired on him. We have eternal life through Jesus and each child who was murdered today will live again. I am very sure that each precious child is resting safe in the arms of Jesus. It will be like a mere moment for them, and the next face they will see will be the beautiful face of the Savior of the World. No more fear, no more trauma, and no more death. John 14:1-3.
12/7/12
What is peculiar? Do I Meet the Criteria?
I had this flash of thought at 1 a.m. on a Sabbath morning. I had to look up the word peculiar.
From the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:
Peculiar
From the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:
Peculiar
: characteristic of only one person, group, or thing : distinctive
2
All of my Adventist life I have heard that God's followers are to be thought of as a "peculiar people." That statement has often caused me to cringe. I saw this image in my mind of this sort of cult-like individual and the details of all that it entailed seemed, for the lack of a better word, uninviting. What does it mean to be peculiar in this world we live in, in relationship to the living example that Jesus set for us?
Ah! A revelation of sorts smacks me square in the gut. Jesus was peculiar. Jesus was a breath of fresh air to those that were living in their own "spiritual" captivity. Jesus broke the norm. The church leaders, most of them, didn't understand Him. They didn't appreciate the way that He would not submit to their rituals and their traditions. Jesus was special, odd, and probably seen as a bit eccentric. Jesus, the Savior of the world, who sat in the home of a Gentile was the epitome of peculiar. He was the One who stood among the crowds and preached about God the Father, Heaven, and Amazing Grace. He didn't hammer the laws and rules over the heads of the people. He LOVED.
So what is peculiar in this world of polar opposites? I believe that it means living a life cloaked in the GRACE of Jesus. I believe that a person who understands the PEACE the passes ALL understanding would be viewed as peculiar. This world does not understand the pure love of Jesus. The love that will never fail us. To be a person who loves like Christ Jesus in a world that is hurting and at constant odds with itself...IS a peculiar person. I am good with that. Count me in.
11/13/12
Running Back
"There is a love that will not let me go. I can face tomorrow because you hold me forever. Stronger than the mighty winds that blow. I'm safe within Your arms, Love that will not let me go." -Steve Camp, Love That Will Not Let Me Go
Sometimes I think about King David. I am reminded of the Bible stories that I grew up hearing and about how, with God leading, he defeated Goliath. I am also reminded that he had many many many flaws. He dealt with lust, he was a murderer, and he stole another man's wife, and yet...He kept turning back to God. God called Him a man after His own heart. David was running to God.
Am I after God's heart? Do I seek Him? Do I desire to do everything that leads me back into His arms?
I hope my God sees me in that light. That's what I want more than anything.
11/11/12
Strength in Numbers
As I was making breakfast and then cleaning up I found myself
wishing that I had someone to help me. I was thinking about the people in the
world who could afford that kind of pampering. The phrase, strength in
numbers, came to mind. I could not help but wonder how blissful it would be
to have a team of helpers, just twice a month, to do a thorough cleaning of my
home. I could handle the cooking, but sometimes (most of the time) the laundry
is backed up, the sink is full of dishes, and the dust is noticeably settling
on the outer surface of tables, chairs, fans, and more.
But then something else came to mind, my WONDERFUL God. God is all I need to keep my heart and mind in order. "Create in me a pure heart, oh, God, and renew your right Spirit within me." -Psalm 51:10 (Aramaic Bible in Plan English). Who's spirit? God's Spirit. THE SPIRIT. I want to be renewed and made clean by the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes it's true, there is a benefit to having a number of people to help, but when it comes to cleaning up the mess of this sinful world. Here are a few more Bible passages to remind us of our special Helper:
"Come unto me, all of you who labor and are forced to bear burdens, and I shall give you rest." Matthew 11:28
"Cast your cares on the lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall."
Psalm 55:22
"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;"
John 14:16
But then something else came to mind, my WONDERFUL God. God is all I need to keep my heart and mind in order. "Create in me a pure heart, oh, God, and renew your right Spirit within me." -Psalm 51:10 (Aramaic Bible in Plan English). Who's spirit? God's Spirit. THE SPIRIT. I want to be renewed and made clean by the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes it's true, there is a benefit to having a number of people to help, but when it comes to cleaning up the mess of this sinful world. Here are a few more Bible passages to remind us of our special Helper:
"Come unto me, all of you who labor and are forced to bear burdens, and I shall give you rest." Matthew 11:28
"Cast your cares on the lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall."
Psalm 55:22
"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;"
John 14:16
Praise
God that we have a Helper…Now, about those dishes.
10/30/12
Moving Forward and Not Looking Back
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 1 John 4:18
I had a conversation recently with someone about Lot's wife and her desire to look back.
We are often told that it was the loss of her possessions that caused her to look back. I have found myself feeling so sorry for her. How could she put any THING before God? Her family was with her and God was with her so how could she turn around? Is anything THAT important?
I often take these small assessments. I look around at where I am and ask myself if there is ANYTHING that I couldn't live without. If God asked me to let it all go...would I hesitate?
The hardest and longest look was when I came to my children. What if? WHAT IF? The thoughts scream at me. I have to be willing to put God above it ALL. This inner fear sets in. I don't completely understand. I know what God is asking and I believe that He is a God of love and mercy. Believing in these promises should give me peace, but there is still this nagging. I look at my children and I realize that they are not mine. I have two 21st century Samuel's in front of me. Could I be like Hannah? These children are mine, but they are God's first.
With so many questions I search the Word and find this promise:
"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12b-13
God will take care of my family and of me. I can slowly loosen the grip and give it all to Him. They are safer in His hands anyway. By the way, I am in awe that I serve a God that will give me the reigns if I desire to take them. I really don't want them. If I search deep in my heart I KNOW that I NEED God to lead.
Sometimes I think about King David. I am reminded of the Bible stories that I grew up hearing and about how, with God leading, he defeated Goliath. I am also reminded that he had many many many flaws. He dealt with lust, he was a murderer, and he stole another man's wife, and yet...He kept turning back to God. God called Him a man after His own heart.
Am I after God's heart? Do I seek Him? Desire to do everything that leads me back into His arms?
I hope my God sees me in that light. That's what I want more than anything.
I had a conversation recently with someone about Lot's wife and her desire to look back.
We are often told that it was the loss of her possessions that caused her to look back. I have found myself feeling so sorry for her. How could she put any THING before God? Her family was with her and God was with her so how could she turn around? Is anything THAT important?
I often take these small assessments. I look around at where I am and ask myself if there is ANYTHING that I couldn't live without. If God asked me to let it all go...would I hesitate?
The hardest and longest look was when I came to my children. What if? WHAT IF? The thoughts scream at me. I have to be willing to put God above it ALL. This inner fear sets in. I don't completely understand. I know what God is asking and I believe that He is a God of love and mercy. Believing in these promises should give me peace, but there is still this nagging. I look at my children and I realize that they are not mine. I have two 21st century Samuel's in front of me. Could I be like Hannah? These children are mine, but they are God's first.
With so many questions I search the Word and find this promise:
"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12b-13
God will take care of my family and of me. I can slowly loosen the grip and give it all to Him. They are safer in His hands anyway. By the way, I am in awe that I serve a God that will give me the reigns if I desire to take them. I really don't want them. If I search deep in my heart I KNOW that I NEED God to lead.
Sometimes I think about King David. I am reminded of the Bible stories that I grew up hearing and about how, with God leading, he defeated Goliath. I am also reminded that he had many many many flaws. He dealt with lust, he was a murderer, and he stole another man's wife, and yet...He kept turning back to God. God called Him a man after His own heart.
Am I after God's heart? Do I seek Him? Desire to do everything that leads me back into His arms?
I hope my God sees me in that light. That's what I want more than anything.
10/29/12
End
So yesterday I posted the blog entry titled New. Sadly and ironically today I was faced with something that was all about finding an end. Ending something can be a good thing, but in this case it was not. I work for a non-profit in social services. I am not a counselor, but I do hear about some of the extreme cases. Due to confidentiality I do not ask and they do not share names or details, but when there is a crisis we all have to chip in. The crisis came when a person came into the center at their wits end. Everything was shutting down around them. They were on the eve of an eviction. What had sent them so far down this path? Why did they wait so long to seek help? Why couldn't one of the children help? No great answers. The only answer that seemed clear (to this person) was to END it all. They had reached the feeling of hopelessness.
Endless Hope: I sing about it in EVERY concert.
I sing in a group called Message of Mercy. In recent years I have realized just how much pressure is put upon our group because of our name. We are standing under this title-Message-of-Mercy. If there is EVER a time when we do not show true mercy then we are put on the chopping block. I've seen it and heard it happen. The only MAJOR problem with this reality is that it's not REAL. The Message of Mercy does not come from US it comes from GOD through us. There isn't a single good thing about me without Jesus and HIS mercy. The Message is that WE (the group) have flaws and we NEED the Message of Mercy just as much, if not more, than those to whom we sing.
There have been times when I was ready to walk away...no, RUN away from this group. Times can get really tough. The devil presses hard on us. He knows every single weakness and boy oh boy does he press us. Sometimes people throw their hands up and leave. But, as a whole, we have tried to endure. The group has been through deaths, divorces, betrayals, and bitter goodbyes. Every time something happens that shakes us up we have to reassess where we are and try to regain focus. Jesus is the focus. It only works when the focus is on HIM. The ENDLESS HOPE comes from having your focus on HIM and not on ourselves. As soon as we allow self pity, loathing, fear, and defeat to overtake us...we reach an end. Looking at me only leads to more realization of how HOPELESS I am. When I keep my eyes on Jesus I will not sink. When I keep my eyes on Him I can walk on the raging water.
I am thankful for a God who believes in Happily Ever After.
Endless Hope: I sing about it in EVERY concert.
I sing in a group called Message of Mercy. In recent years I have realized just how much pressure is put upon our group because of our name. We are standing under this title-Message-of-Mercy. If there is EVER a time when we do not show true mercy then we are put on the chopping block. I've seen it and heard it happen. The only MAJOR problem with this reality is that it's not REAL. The Message of Mercy does not come from US it comes from GOD through us. There isn't a single good thing about me without Jesus and HIS mercy. The Message is that WE (the group) have flaws and we NEED the Message of Mercy just as much, if not more, than those to whom we sing.
There have been times when I was ready to walk away...no, RUN away from this group. Times can get really tough. The devil presses hard on us. He knows every single weakness and boy oh boy does he press us. Sometimes people throw their hands up and leave. But, as a whole, we have tried to endure. The group has been through deaths, divorces, betrayals, and bitter goodbyes. Every time something happens that shakes us up we have to reassess where we are and try to regain focus. Jesus is the focus. It only works when the focus is on HIM. The ENDLESS HOPE comes from having your focus on HIM and not on ourselves. As soon as we allow self pity, loathing, fear, and defeat to overtake us...we reach an end. Looking at me only leads to more realization of how HOPELESS I am. When I keep my eyes on Jesus I will not sink. When I keep my eyes on Him I can walk on the raging water.
I am thankful for a God who believes in Happily Ever After.
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