About a year and a half after I was divorced, my sister Barb and I decided that she would come and live with my kids and I. At the time our mother told us that it wouldn't last two weeks . . . that was 28 years ago and to this day we say that we're still just trying to prove her wrong! With all kidding aside, we now look back and give praise to God for the outpouring of His love on our decision. Now we understand that He used this one event to play out His plan of unity in our lives.
When we started this new little family Josh was about 4 years old and Sara was 2. Barb was there to share in the joys of potty training and the heart wrenching pain of the empty nest. Her contribution was priceless to the development of these two totally opposite children.
Well, fast forward to last fall when Josh bought a house through an auction. He and my husband worked tirelessly over the winter to renovate and otherwise change this unlivable house into something that was functional, clean and charming. Then yesterday it happened ... Sara ... you know, the one who was totally opposite from her brother in EVERYTHING ... well, she and her new husband stood united to bring about the birth of Josh as a landlord.
Memory lane here we come ... I was about to wear my mother's shoes! I must confess that the prospect of this much harmony initially shocked me, but oh the joy as it unfolds! I'm sure that it comes as no surprise that my heartfelt prayer is that their unity will long outlast the record that Barb and I have shown them is possible.
As my heart began to pour out this message I ran headlong into Scripture that spoke about unity. For example in John 17:21 it is written "I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one - as you are in me, Father, and I am in You." Then further on in verse 22 the heart of Jesus Himself is poured out as His prayer goes forth to say "may they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me."
It's ALL because of Him. He tells us to: Pray for on another. Be kind to one another. Submit to one another. Bear with one another. Be devoted to one another. One another, one another, one another . . . do you see the resounding theme here? He commanded us to love as He loves and in the end "With God ALL things ARE possible" (emphasis added)
Thank You, Father for this joy unspeakable - love divine. I am blessed beyond measure as You weave this bond. I pray that I am able to sit here 28 years from now and still see the Your imprint on the lives of my children. As always Lord, all praise and thanksgiving pours out of my heart in the Name of Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ!
Amen and amen.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Sealed with a Kiss
In Jesus Christ's Name ... the Name that is above all names - past, present and future. Divinely inspired, we obediently apply it to every situation as though it were a kiss. From desperate cries for help to shouts of thanksgiving and praise. But actually, if the truth be told . . .
~We are ignorant of its vast power
~~ We are unable to fathom the depth of its pureness
~~~ We can't even begin to comprehend the length and breathe of its authority
In Jesus' Name healing can change lives
In Jesus' Name spirits must flee
In Jesus' Name eyes are opened unto faith
In Jesus' Name ALL darkness must dissipate
In Jesus' Name hope arises
In Jesus' Name joy abounds
In Jesus' Name clarity offers confirmation
In Jesus' Name purpose inspires us
In Jesus' Name love encompasses our world
In Jesus' Name doubt is washed away and faith is cultivated
In Jesus Christ's Name ALL things are possible
~We are ignorant of its vast power
~~ We are unable to fathom the depth of its pureness
~~~ We can't even begin to comprehend the length and breathe of its authority
In Jesus' Name healing can change lives
In Jesus' Name spirits must flee
In Jesus' Name eyes are opened unto faith
In Jesus' Name ALL darkness must dissipate
In Jesus' Name hope arises
In Jesus' Name joy abounds
In Jesus' Name clarity offers confirmation
In Jesus' Name purpose inspires us
In Jesus' Name love encompasses our world
In Jesus' Name doubt is washed away and faith is cultivated
In Jesus Christ's Name ALL things are possible
- Nothing is more desirable ... than the Name of Jesus
- Nothing is more comforting ... than the Name of Jesus ...
- Nothing is more beautiful ... than the Name of Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
They say that sometimes you can't see the forest because of the vast number of trees that are around you but let me encourage you now to take a moment or two as you stand in the shadow of all those trees. Speak His Name ... fathom His love.
There's a gospel song that reminds us that 'there's just something about that Name'. Sappy as that may sound, Scripture confirms for us all the possibilities of life when we seal them with a kiss of that Name!
Father God, You've provided for our every need. The Bread of Life - the Living Water ... all sealed with power, authority and love. Our hearts overflow with desire to love You as You love us . . . oh, that it would be possible ... for we ask it in Jesus' Name.
Amen and amen.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Be Not Anxious
The book of Philippians is commonly thought of as a book that the Lord uses to bless us with unending joy. So much so that it should come as no surprise that countless people rely on its faithfulness to lift their spirits even when one of life's challenges brings a sour taste of lemons into their life. Thank God, for Philippians!
Well, recently the joy of this book was brought front and center for me when my sister's heart was broken over a freak accident that left her cat's leg broken. By the grace of God, Barb was home when the accident happened so after rushing Polly to the Vet she called me to fill me in on what was happening. Needless to say, I felt incredibly helpless. Certainly, no words that I could share would serve to ease her anxious state. Nothing that I could do would even come close to healing her broken heart . . . or Polly's broken leg.
Well, thankfully as soon as I hung up from talking to her I was moved to lift them up in prayer. Speaking out I asked the Lord to love on both of them and to bring them His much needed peace. The amazing thing that happened then brought me to a place of awe for He showed me that even though the event involved an ordinary (be she ever so beautiful) cat, and even though the event itself was ordinary in nature . . . He, the God of the Universe, was willing to whisper in my ear and say "Be not anxious" ... Then, apparently to ensure my understanding, He whispered it again ... "Be not anxious".
We, that was enough for me. I KNEW that these words were familiar and I KNEW that I was being lead to Philippians 4:6! There the Lord tells us "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer & petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." So with a thankful heart I praised the Lord for His intervention, for His peace and for His loving kindness unto my sister ... and our little Miss Polly Ollie.
Tonight, I'm glad to report that our little princess is resting comfortably but as I consider situations around me on a scale of 1 to 10, this one with Polly would admittedly fall much lower than say one in which a friend has lost her job, or people were ravaged by war. But how comforting it is that our God ... no matter what the situation ... is with us - standing close enough to whisper His peace in our ear ... "Be not anxious". Thank You, Jesus!
Father, You are far beyond my comprehension and yet I have great thanks for Your willingness to stay close enough to me to actually whisper in my ear. Thank You, Lord. Thank You.
In Jesus' name I give you all my praise.
Amen and amen.
Well, recently the joy of this book was brought front and center for me when my sister's heart was broken over a freak accident that left her cat's leg broken. By the grace of God, Barb was home when the accident happened so after rushing Polly to the Vet she called me to fill me in on what was happening. Needless to say, I felt incredibly helpless. Certainly, no words that I could share would serve to ease her anxious state. Nothing that I could do would even come close to healing her broken heart . . . or Polly's broken leg.
Well, thankfully as soon as I hung up from talking to her I was moved to lift them up in prayer. Speaking out I asked the Lord to love on both of them and to bring them His much needed peace. The amazing thing that happened then brought me to a place of awe for He showed me that even though the event involved an ordinary (be she ever so beautiful) cat, and even though the event itself was ordinary in nature . . . He, the God of the Universe, was willing to whisper in my ear and say "Be not anxious" ... Then, apparently to ensure my understanding, He whispered it again ... "Be not anxious".
We, that was enough for me. I KNEW that these words were familiar and I KNEW that I was being lead to Philippians 4:6! There the Lord tells us "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer & petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." So with a thankful heart I praised the Lord for His intervention, for His peace and for His loving kindness unto my sister ... and our little Miss Polly Ollie.
Tonight, I'm glad to report that our little princess is resting comfortably but as I consider situations around me on a scale of 1 to 10, this one with Polly would admittedly fall much lower than say one in which a friend has lost her job, or people were ravaged by war. But how comforting it is that our God ... no matter what the situation ... is with us - standing close enough to whisper His peace in our ear ... "Be not anxious". Thank You, Jesus!
Father, You are far beyond my comprehension and yet I have great thanks for Your willingness to stay close enough to me to actually whisper in my ear. Thank You, Lord. Thank You.
In Jesus' name I give you all my praise.
Amen and amen.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Motivation
There is a treasured art to interacting with people. It begins immediately upon arrival into this world and then, driven by motivation that often defines the outcome, countless situations arise which work to define the artist in you.
Case in point: Recently, during a waiting room experience, I was subjected to . . . oh, pardon me while I check my attitude . . . let's start again . . . recently, during a waiting room experience, I was 'provided with an opportunity' to watch the interaction of a grandmother and her 10 year old granddaughter. Within moments I was most grateful that the evening news was being aired on the nearby television set for if not, I would have bet my life that the headlines in the morning paper would have been that the entire universe was rearranged so that it was now revolving around this child. I'm not sure who was more grateful when my name was called to leave . . . me, or the technician who didn't have to provide service to the child of the hour. Motivation filled the room - each of us with our own agenda in mind.
Try as we might, our motives, more often than not, ARE self-centered. We want what we want when we want it and if, God forbid, disappointment is our lot, then we are likely to impress our discontent on many of those around us. But what do you suppose God's viewpoint of this is? Is it possible that He leads you into life's situations as a means of testing you . . . or challenging you . . . or even ultimately growing you? I suspect that it came as no surprise to Him that I would experience this short, be it nonetheless nagging, exchange of wills. No, I suspect that He had something in mind which would grow me . . . enable me to see the need for His imprint on my own life.
Life's exchanges, no matter what their purpose, give us unprecedented opportunities to work on our motivation. Jesus Himself told us the importance of loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. And in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 God's Word tells us "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" An then it goes on to declare the ultimate truth . . . "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." This truth, without exception, is the core for all of life's exchanges and ultimate relationships . . . that is, of course, when the strand in the center represents our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
The bottom line is that we need one another . . . God made us that way. As such, our motivation should always be directed to serve others before ourselves . . . whether or not they seem lovable at the time - whether or not they wear on our last nerve - whether or not they love us in return.
Father God, open our eyes to those around us that need a fresh anointing of Your love. Empower us, Lord, to check our motives at Your Door of Grace as You enable us to give of ourselves without first considering our own needs. As always, Lord, I lay this request at your feet in Jesus' name.
Amen and amen.
Case in point: Recently, during a waiting room experience, I was subjected to . . . oh, pardon me while I check my attitude . . . let's start again . . . recently, during a waiting room experience, I was 'provided with an opportunity' to watch the interaction of a grandmother and her 10 year old granddaughter. Within moments I was most grateful that the evening news was being aired on the nearby television set for if not, I would have bet my life that the headlines in the morning paper would have been that the entire universe was rearranged so that it was now revolving around this child. I'm not sure who was more grateful when my name was called to leave . . . me, or the technician who didn't have to provide service to the child of the hour. Motivation filled the room - each of us with our own agenda in mind.
Try as we might, our motives, more often than not, ARE self-centered. We want what we want when we want it and if, God forbid, disappointment is our lot, then we are likely to impress our discontent on many of those around us. But what do you suppose God's viewpoint of this is? Is it possible that He leads you into life's situations as a means of testing you . . . or challenging you . . . or even ultimately growing you? I suspect that it came as no surprise to Him that I would experience this short, be it nonetheless nagging, exchange of wills. No, I suspect that He had something in mind which would grow me . . . enable me to see the need for His imprint on my own life.
Life's exchanges, no matter what their purpose, give us unprecedented opportunities to work on our motivation. Jesus Himself told us the importance of loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. And in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 God's Word tells us "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" An then it goes on to declare the ultimate truth . . . "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." This truth, without exception, is the core for all of life's exchanges and ultimate relationships . . . that is, of course, when the strand in the center represents our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
The bottom line is that we need one another . . . God made us that way. As such, our motivation should always be directed to serve others before ourselves . . . whether or not they seem lovable at the time - whether or not they wear on our last nerve - whether or not they love us in return.
Father God, open our eyes to those around us that need a fresh anointing of Your love. Empower us, Lord, to check our motives at Your Door of Grace as You enable us to give of ourselves without first considering our own needs. As always, Lord, I lay this request at your feet in Jesus' name.
Amen and amen.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Better Left Unsaid . . .
If your mother was anything like mine she taught you about the old adage that declares 'Some things are better left unsaid'. In our house she mentioned this truth early . . . and often! And now, with the passing of years . . . and my mother's life . . ., I've learned that the older I get, the wiser she becomes!
An yet . . . it probably comes as no surprise to most of you that the Word of God offers direction that, quite honestly, makes our mother's wisdom seem pale in comparison. The proof comes as we read Matthew 12:36. In it we are told that "Everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every idle word that they have spoken." YIKES! Then, as though that weren't enough, verse 37 goes on to say "For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned." As far as I can tell, from where God stands, that leave no middle ground . . . some things ARE better left unsaid.
An yet . . . the chances are that, in a micro-second, you, like me, have fallen prey to a careless thought that found its way across your lips without prior approval. Maybe through a challenge to banter back and forth with someone while you jockey for a lofty position over them . . . maybe as a way to show your quick wit . . . maybe even as you rush to harshness and share your judgmental opinion about someone. Whatever the reason, whatever your purpose in speaking out . . . you can be sure that your words have equal opportunity to offer either a blessing or a curse.
If only we would stop and realize that the first One hurt by any idle word is our Lord and from there the snowball grows bigger and bigger. Let us heed the warning to bring life, rather than hurt, to those around us. Let us build people up through encouragement rather than tearing them down through thoughtless, idle words. Let me challenge you to take to heart the wisdom of my son when he was in Middle School . . . "Just smile and nod, Ma . . . Just smile and nod."
Father God, we acknowledge the truth that You have set before us. Realizing that we have no control over the evil of our tongue, we seek the abundance of Your life within us. We look with eager anticipation to the day that we stand before You, hoping against all hope that we will hear You say the grace filled words . . . "Well done, My good and faithful servant." As always Father, we ask this all through the blessed name of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen and amen.
An yet . . . it probably comes as no surprise to most of you that the Word of God offers direction that, quite honestly, makes our mother's wisdom seem pale in comparison. The proof comes as we read Matthew 12:36. In it we are told that "Everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every idle word that they have spoken." YIKES! Then, as though that weren't enough, verse 37 goes on to say "For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned." As far as I can tell, from where God stands, that leave no middle ground . . . some things ARE better left unsaid.
An yet . . . the chances are that, in a micro-second, you, like me, have fallen prey to a careless thought that found its way across your lips without prior approval. Maybe through a challenge to banter back and forth with someone while you jockey for a lofty position over them . . . maybe as a way to show your quick wit . . . maybe even as you rush to harshness and share your judgmental opinion about someone. Whatever the reason, whatever your purpose in speaking out . . . you can be sure that your words have equal opportunity to offer either a blessing or a curse.
If only we would stop and realize that the first One hurt by any idle word is our Lord and from there the snowball grows bigger and bigger. Let us heed the warning to bring life, rather than hurt, to those around us. Let us build people up through encouragement rather than tearing them down through thoughtless, idle words. Let me challenge you to take to heart the wisdom of my son when he was in Middle School . . . "Just smile and nod, Ma . . . Just smile and nod."
Father God, we acknowledge the truth that You have set before us. Realizing that we have no control over the evil of our tongue, we seek the abundance of Your life within us. We look with eager anticipation to the day that we stand before You, hoping against all hope that we will hear You say the grace filled words . . . "Well done, My good and faithful servant." As always Father, we ask this all through the blessed name of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen and amen.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Love Is . . .
If you're old enough, you probably remember the early 1970's as a time in which the marketing phenomenon of "Love is . . . " burst on to the scene. Everything from comic strips to coffee cups were used to define for us what "Love is . . . ".
Little did the world of advertising know that long before they saturated every corner of the globe with their warm and fuzzy quips, the Apostle John wrote a collection of letters to 'his dear children' in which he nailed the Truth down for us. Among his teachings was the proclamation that "God is love". Oh, the shortcomings of this world's most prolific advertisers!
"Love is . . . God"! Shout it from the rooftops - sing it from the rafters but you're still left with the challenge of fully comprehending it - fully describing it - and fully receiving it. And yet, what human on the planet doesn't desire its richness as we do the very air we breathe? It's power over us is nothing short of a mind boggling mystery . . . all the while being a life sustaining blessing.
Driven by the amazement that settles within you after experiencing first hand God's true sacrificial love, I strongly urge you to spend a moment - maybe even two -and contemplate this thing called 'the greatest of these'. This thing that, through meditation, even William Shakespeare asked and declared . . . "Is love a fancy, or a feeling? No. It is immortal as immaculate Truth".
My heart's desire is to express it fully in words so that it leaps off of the page and permeates every pore of your life . . . but I cannot. Who can reduce God to nothing more than words on a page? No, all I can do is allow the release of the abundance within my heart to overflow as encouragement to you and say . . . go . . . for the time is growing short. These days are full of wars and rumors of wars . . . of famines and earthquakes, tsunamis and threats of nuclear devastation. It is now time to prepare for His return. 'The greatest of these' must be spoken of and shared and received just as Jesus taught us to do in the parable of the talents written about in Matthew 25. Take this life giving - life sustaining treasure out into the fields. Plant it, water it, cultivate it so that the harvest is rich and bountiful upon the Master's return.
Lord God, Father of us all, be with us in these days of distress and release Yourself within to overflowing, in Jesus' name I pray.
Amen and amen.
Little did the world of advertising know that long before they saturated every corner of the globe with their warm and fuzzy quips, the Apostle John wrote a collection of letters to 'his dear children' in which he nailed the Truth down for us. Among his teachings was the proclamation that "God is love". Oh, the shortcomings of this world's most prolific advertisers!
"Love is . . . God"! Shout it from the rooftops - sing it from the rafters but you're still left with the challenge of fully comprehending it - fully describing it - and fully receiving it. And yet, what human on the planet doesn't desire its richness as we do the very air we breathe? It's power over us is nothing short of a mind boggling mystery . . . all the while being a life sustaining blessing.
Driven by the amazement that settles within you after experiencing first hand God's true sacrificial love, I strongly urge you to spend a moment - maybe even two -and contemplate this thing called 'the greatest of these'. This thing that, through meditation, even William Shakespeare asked and declared . . . "Is love a fancy, or a feeling? No. It is immortal as immaculate Truth".
My heart's desire is to express it fully in words so that it leaps off of the page and permeates every pore of your life . . . but I cannot. Who can reduce God to nothing more than words on a page? No, all I can do is allow the release of the abundance within my heart to overflow as encouragement to you and say . . . go . . . for the time is growing short. These days are full of wars and rumors of wars . . . of famines and earthquakes, tsunamis and threats of nuclear devastation. It is now time to prepare for His return. 'The greatest of these' must be spoken of and shared and received just as Jesus taught us to do in the parable of the talents written about in Matthew 25. Take this life giving - life sustaining treasure out into the fields. Plant it, water it, cultivate it so that the harvest is rich and bountiful upon the Master's return.
Lord God, Father of us all, be with us in these days of distress and release Yourself within to overflowing, in Jesus' name I pray.
Amen and amen.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The 'Perfect' Number
Could it be possible that God's plan for our lives would include the very details of how much we are to weigh? Well, of course it does! As He knit our frames together He also decided what our 'perfect' weight would be. Just think about it . . . two women . . . let's say that they're sisters . . . with seemingly the same frame, from the same gene pool, having the same general habits - one hovers around 125 lbs while the other one struggles to stay at or below 140 lbs. Why? Because God created each of us with a specific weight in mind, a weight that will enable YOU to live out God's plan for YOUR life.
But do we always agree with the 'perfect' number that God chose for us? Well personally, after struggling a lifetime with the issue of weight management, I can tell you unequivocally - NO! Or more appropriately, let me confess my ignorance and say that it just never occurred to me before that a 'perfect' number even existed! I KNEW that I was in a constant fight with issues of weight management but it honestly never occurred to me that I was battling God Himself!
So I guess the question is . . . why . . . why do I, and millions of other people, seek comfort - pleasure - contentment and self-defined beauty through what we eat and ultimately how we look? Why do we rebel and act like children when what we want doesn't mirror what God has chosen for our lives?
Well after careful contemplation it seems glaringly clear to me that a scheme - all at the hand of Satan - is driving us to fall for the same trickery that Eve fell prey to! He KNOWS what our weaknesses are and without fail he does everything in his power to convince us that we don't want what God has planned for our lives. With the dawn of every new day he conveniently and masterfully convinces us to take a path that will lead us to envy, gluttony and self-sufficiency! And through it all we're blinded and lead away from the peace and contentment that can only come from being in God's will.
ENOUGH . . . I HAVE HAD ENOUGH! Yes, long ago God created me with a 'perfect' weight in mind and it's high time that I accept whatever number He has chosen for me. It's time that I surrendered my own opinions and desires over to the One who loves me so much that He willingly endured the brutality of the Cross for me. Think about it . . . if He loves us enough to do THAT do you honestly think that He would choose a weight that would bring us humiliation, disappointment and degradation? NO! The weight He chose may be different than what WE WANT but nevertheless, for His purposes, it IS the 'perfect' number.
So what's next? How do we get to . . . and stay at . . . the number the Lord chose for us? Another diet? More martyred sacrifices? More sweating, and whining and self-righteous boasting? NO! Fueled by pride, I'm convinced that diets are the vehicles that Satan uses to take us on a never ending rollercoaster ride through valleys of envy, humiliation and back through to self-sufficiency - often landing at a place of condemnation! No . . . the answer doesn't revolve around us and whatever determined effort we can put forth . . . the one and only answer is in the all powerful God of the universe who is not only willing . . . but also completely able . . . to stop the rollercoaster ride once and for all. For as it is written in Matthew 19:26 "With man this is impossible but with God, all things are possible!"
So with thoughtful medication and Divine Revelation I believe that the simple answer to this age old problem is moderation. Moderation that comes directly from the hand of God will put you in a place where you're not fighting anymore. No frustration. No guilt. No condemnation! Thank You, Jesus! Moderation will enable you to reach . . . and stay at . . . the 'perfect' number . . . whatever that 'perfect' number may be.
Pray on it. Pray and allow the Holy Spirit to move you into a place where moderation . . . of eating and exercising . . . is the fuel that powers you to a mountain top of contentment!
Also please note . . . this concept isn't confined to weight management. Through the blessing of the Holy Spirit it can be applied to any life controlling deception that Satan has used against you or a loved one!
Help each of us, Dear Jesus, to take the first step to a life of peace and contentment . . . IN YOU!
Amen and amen.
But do we always agree with the 'perfect' number that God chose for us? Well personally, after struggling a lifetime with the issue of weight management, I can tell you unequivocally - NO! Or more appropriately, let me confess my ignorance and say that it just never occurred to me before that a 'perfect' number even existed! I KNEW that I was in a constant fight with issues of weight management but it honestly never occurred to me that I was battling God Himself!
So I guess the question is . . . why . . . why do I, and millions of other people, seek comfort - pleasure - contentment and self-defined beauty through what we eat and ultimately how we look? Why do we rebel and act like children when what we want doesn't mirror what God has chosen for our lives?
Well after careful contemplation it seems glaringly clear to me that a scheme - all at the hand of Satan - is driving us to fall for the same trickery that Eve fell prey to! He KNOWS what our weaknesses are and without fail he does everything in his power to convince us that we don't want what God has planned for our lives. With the dawn of every new day he conveniently and masterfully convinces us to take a path that will lead us to envy, gluttony and self-sufficiency! And through it all we're blinded and lead away from the peace and contentment that can only come from being in God's will.
ENOUGH . . . I HAVE HAD ENOUGH! Yes, long ago God created me with a 'perfect' weight in mind and it's high time that I accept whatever number He has chosen for me. It's time that I surrendered my own opinions and desires over to the One who loves me so much that He willingly endured the brutality of the Cross for me. Think about it . . . if He loves us enough to do THAT do you honestly think that He would choose a weight that would bring us humiliation, disappointment and degradation? NO! The weight He chose may be different than what WE WANT but nevertheless, for His purposes, it IS the 'perfect' number.
So what's next? How do we get to . . . and stay at . . . the number the Lord chose for us? Another diet? More martyred sacrifices? More sweating, and whining and self-righteous boasting? NO! Fueled by pride, I'm convinced that diets are the vehicles that Satan uses to take us on a never ending rollercoaster ride through valleys of envy, humiliation and back through to self-sufficiency - often landing at a place of condemnation! No . . . the answer doesn't revolve around us and whatever determined effort we can put forth . . . the one and only answer is in the all powerful God of the universe who is not only willing . . . but also completely able . . . to stop the rollercoaster ride once and for all. For as it is written in Matthew 19:26 "With man this is impossible but with God, all things are possible!"
So with thoughtful medication and Divine Revelation I believe that the simple answer to this age old problem is moderation. Moderation that comes directly from the hand of God will put you in a place where you're not fighting anymore. No frustration. No guilt. No condemnation! Thank You, Jesus! Moderation will enable you to reach . . . and stay at . . . the 'perfect' number . . . whatever that 'perfect' number may be.
Pray on it. Pray and allow the Holy Spirit to move you into a place where moderation . . . of eating and exercising . . . is the fuel that powers you to a mountain top of contentment!
Also please note . . . this concept isn't confined to weight management. Through the blessing of the Holy Spirit it can be applied to any life controlling deception that Satan has used against you or a loved one!
Help each of us, Dear Jesus, to take the first step to a life of peace and contentment . . . IN YOU!
Amen and amen.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
His Wisdom . . . His Glory
In Proverbs it is written that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.
It says . . .
~ if we accept His Words
~ if we store up His commands within us
~ if we apply our hearts to understanding
~ if we cry out for insight
~ if we turn our ear to wisdom and
~ if we think of it as if it were precious silver
~ if we search for it as if it were a hidden treasure
THEN we will understand the fear of the Lord and the birth of Wisdom within us is at hand.
This week the Lord lead me to this teaching. One in which goes on to say that "He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless".
Immediately my thought was . . . well, I know me and I'm not blameless. It's obvious to me that I more closely resemble the defiant one . . . one who is full of rebellion and self-sufficiency. So how in the world could I claim this Word for my own? How could I even dare to suppose that He's waiting to hear me cry out for His glorious Wisdom
. . . and Glory?
Then (once again) it came to me . . . it's not about me and whether or not I'm blameless - it's about the Glory of God. It's about who He is. His power to protect. His willingness to provide shelter from EVERY storm that comes into our lives. It's about His capacity to love, to be compassionate and to pour out His grace. It's about HIM!
We hear teachings all the time that lead us to think about ourselves . . . what we must do to be like Jesus. Although that's important in our walk, I believe that we are to crave more . . . we must crave Him. Crave to know Him. Crave to fear Him. We must fully desire the wisdom that is promised to us in Proverbs for then, and only then, will we be able to fully trust, honor and fear Him.
His Glory is revealed in and through us as we fervently seek to know who He is. His miracles in our lives are undeniable when we allow ourselves to enter into His presence. Let us never stop encouraging each other in our walk to be like Jesus but even more than that let us never stop encouraging each other to get to know our incredible Maker. For in doing so His Glory will prevail in us like never before and His Wisdom will be our blessing.
Father God, thank You for this teaching. In Jesus' name my fervent prayer is that our hearts will burn, like never before, with an all consuming fire to know you more intimately every day.
Amen and amen.
It says . . .
~ if we accept His Words
~ if we store up His commands within us
~ if we apply our hearts to understanding
~ if we cry out for insight
~ if we turn our ear to wisdom and
~ if we think of it as if it were precious silver
~ if we search for it as if it were a hidden treasure
THEN we will understand the fear of the Lord and the birth of Wisdom within us is at hand.
This week the Lord lead me to this teaching. One in which goes on to say that "He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless".
Immediately my thought was . . . well, I know me and I'm not blameless. It's obvious to me that I more closely resemble the defiant one . . . one who is full of rebellion and self-sufficiency. So how in the world could I claim this Word for my own? How could I even dare to suppose that He's waiting to hear me cry out for His glorious Wisdom
. . . and Glory?
Then (once again) it came to me . . . it's not about me and whether or not I'm blameless - it's about the Glory of God. It's about who He is. His power to protect. His willingness to provide shelter from EVERY storm that comes into our lives. It's about His capacity to love, to be compassionate and to pour out His grace. It's about HIM!
We hear teachings all the time that lead us to think about ourselves . . . what we must do to be like Jesus. Although that's important in our walk, I believe that we are to crave more . . . we must crave Him. Crave to know Him. Crave to fear Him. We must fully desire the wisdom that is promised to us in Proverbs for then, and only then, will we be able to fully trust, honor and fear Him.
His Glory is revealed in and through us as we fervently seek to know who He is. His miracles in our lives are undeniable when we allow ourselves to enter into His presence. Let us never stop encouraging each other in our walk to be like Jesus but even more than that let us never stop encouraging each other to get to know our incredible Maker. For in doing so His Glory will prevail in us like never before and His Wisdom will be our blessing.
Father God, thank You for this teaching. In Jesus' name my fervent prayer is that our hearts will burn, like never before, with an all consuming fire to know you more intimately every day.
Amen and amen.
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