"Return now to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee." And he went his way, and PUBLISHED throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him. ~Luke 8:39~
Jesus said this to a man who was delivered from devil spirits and who, in gratitude, wanted to stay with Him. Instead, Jesus told him to tell people about what He has done in his life.
I don't know 'bout you, but I love to share how God touches my life! Not all of the ways are tangible, but they are no less exciting to me. I do run into cynical people, and that's fine. Their lack of belief does not take away from God's goodness for me. I think the world NEEDS to see God's goodness in our lives, no matter how great or how small. The world IS watching! Most do not recognize or acknowledge this, but they are craving God's Love. We are supposed to be examples of that Love. God uses us to reach the world! God is not willing that any perish without getting to know Him. He WANTS to bless us! He WANTS to bless the world! But the world receives Him not. We need to remember that we are lights in this world. Where sin abounds, GRACE MUCH MORE ABOUNDS! We need to encourage the world that they don't have to remain in sin! God's grace in action is amazing, and they can have that, too!
The world watches our reaction to the hurtful things in life; the disappointments, the sorrows, pain, failed expectations, hopelessness, etc. Christians should not be falling in despair, though we do find us there from time to time. The difference is not about the things that happens to us but how we respond to it. The rain falls on the just AND the unjust. So where is our confidence? How do we rise above these common situations?
God intimately knows us. He knows details of us we don't even know! More importantly, He knows our vulnerability. Sure, we can put on a front of coolness and indifference, but God knows whatever hurt we may have. He loves us. He wants us to have a peaceful and joyful heart. He is our Comforter. He is our Peace. He is our Joy. His is our Life. He takes good care of you now matter what life throws at you. How can you not want to share?
So, what has God done for you lately? Count your blessings, name them one by one! ".... and shew how great things God hath done unto thee."
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tending Our Daily Garden
The Bible uses a lot of metaphors and allegories between our heart and a garden. If you think about it, one of the first occupations of Adam held was to tend to the Garden of Eden, then his own garden. The famous Parable of the Sower is another illustration of how our heart is a garden for our spirit.
I found this on the Internet and thought this was just a beautiful picture of what our garden should contain. :) I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
The Garden of Daily Living
FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING, YOU'LL NEED TO:
PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:
1. Peace of mind 2. Peace of heart 3. Peace of soul
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:
1. Squash gossip 2. Squash indifference 3. Squash grumbling 4. Squash selfishness
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
1. Lettuce be faithful 2. Lettuce be kind 3. Lettuce be patient 4. Lettuce really love one another
NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:
1. Turnip for meetings 2. Turnip for service 3. Turnip to help one another
TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:
1. Thyme for each other 2. Thyme for family 3. Thyme for friends
WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE, AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
My GPS Church Story
A few years ago I had to change churches. We moved into a new neighborhood and I wasn't ready to let go of the church I had been going to for 11 years--and this was my first church upon being born again. I spent 18 months traveling back and forth to this church, and this was at the height of the WORST gas prices ever. I was not working at the time, and Hubby was feeling the financial strain. He finally gave me an ultimatum that I had better find a local church or I was not going to church at all. : O Sooooooooooo, I start my search.....
I did not want to church hop. Well, I've looked in the phone book for independent baptist churches, and I found one locally, but when I drove by it, I never got a "good vibe" about it. Still, out of all the churches around to check out, I was preparing to look into it. Incidently, I have a methodist church about 3 blocks away in our neighborhood, but the methodist doctrine didn't hit me right (NOT that there's anything inherently wrong w/ the doctrine, it just didn't feel like it would fit w/ me).
Okay, so call this independent baptist church to see when their schedule was. They answered with a different name than what was in the phone book AND on their marquee. Okaaaay. I drive by it again, and I chide myself for discrediting the church b/f I even walk in the door. I prepare my boys that Friday night that we were gonna try out this church, and that was settled. Or so I thought.
Saturday morning, I had an errand to do and I was in an unfamiliar part of my new town. I drive by this church, and I distinctly hear the Lord instruct me to check out this church. Okaaaaaaay. So I wrote down the name of the church and managed to find my way home, which thanfully really wasn't too far away. I look back in the phone book, was pleasantly surprised that it was an independent baptist church, and then I look on the Internet. The VERY KINDS OF NOTES I WAS TAKING FROM MY CHURCH WERE THERE! I was sooooo happy to see this! I tell the boys that we're gonna try THIS new church in the morning instead.
We went to Bible studies as well as church service, and I was blown away by the music ministry (they have a choir and orchestra, and they sing classic hymns AND contemporary songs). Their yearly focus at the time was the names of God, and I was just so in awe of the message. Really wish I could've been there for the entire focus! This church teaches from the old testament as well as new testament. Some of the churches I've been in only address NT, and that's not enough "meat" for me, lol. : } In the meantime, I'm picking up my boys from their respective classes. T14 was telling me about Jeroboam (sp??) and J8 was telling me about Rahab!! I mean, these are names not typically discussed in a child's Sunday school class!! : D That's when I decided I found my church. The hard part was telling my pastor.
THIS part is really, really awesome! I went back to my former church the next week during their service and let them know that I found a new church to attend. As it turns out, after I announced that I was looking for another church, they looked at me with wide eyes and mouths dropped open....THEY WERE MOVING TO ANOTHER STATE!! He had accepted another engineering job in another state! Want to know what's even more amazing??? I found out that the moment the Lord tapped my shoulder to check out my new church is the exact moment that my former pastor was on a telephone interview and accepted the job. THAT, my friend, is the hand of God and NOTHING else! God's Placement System is untouchable by human standards.
It never occurred to me to look up on the Internet the church I was going to try; the one with the name change and the one that did not give me good vibes when I drove by it. AFTER I looked up my current church, I looked up the other one I was going to try.
The first 11 hits were about a scandal that hit, both under the old name AND under the new name. Talk about thanking God for His protection!!
The church is under yet a new name and geared for a different congregation. I pray that the former congregation has moved or will now be able to grow under this new leadership.
I did not want to church hop. Well, I've looked in the phone book for independent baptist churches, and I found one locally, but when I drove by it, I never got a "good vibe" about it. Still, out of all the churches around to check out, I was preparing to look into it. Incidently, I have a methodist church about 3 blocks away in our neighborhood, but the methodist doctrine didn't hit me right (NOT that there's anything inherently wrong w/ the doctrine, it just didn't feel like it would fit w/ me).
Okay, so call this independent baptist church to see when their schedule was. They answered with a different name than what was in the phone book AND on their marquee. Okaaaay. I drive by it again, and I chide myself for discrediting the church b/f I even walk in the door. I prepare my boys that Friday night that we were gonna try out this church, and that was settled. Or so I thought.
Saturday morning, I had an errand to do and I was in an unfamiliar part of my new town. I drive by this church, and I distinctly hear the Lord instruct me to check out this church. Okaaaaaaay. So I wrote down the name of the church and managed to find my way home, which thanfully really wasn't too far away. I look back in the phone book, was pleasantly surprised that it was an independent baptist church, and then I look on the Internet. The VERY KINDS OF NOTES I WAS TAKING FROM MY CHURCH WERE THERE! I was sooooo happy to see this! I tell the boys that we're gonna try THIS new church in the morning instead.
We went to Bible studies as well as church service, and I was blown away by the music ministry (they have a choir and orchestra, and they sing classic hymns AND contemporary songs). Their yearly focus at the time was the names of God, and I was just so in awe of the message. Really wish I could've been there for the entire focus! This church teaches from the old testament as well as new testament. Some of the churches I've been in only address NT, and that's not enough "meat" for me, lol. : } In the meantime, I'm picking up my boys from their respective classes. T14 was telling me about Jeroboam (sp??) and J8 was telling me about Rahab!! I mean, these are names not typically discussed in a child's Sunday school class!! : D That's when I decided I found my church. The hard part was telling my pastor.
THIS part is really, really awesome! I went back to my former church the next week during their service and let them know that I found a new church to attend. As it turns out, after I announced that I was looking for another church, they looked at me with wide eyes and mouths dropped open....THEY WERE MOVING TO ANOTHER STATE!! He had accepted another engineering job in another state! Want to know what's even more amazing??? I found out that the moment the Lord tapped my shoulder to check out my new church is the exact moment that my former pastor was on a telephone interview and accepted the job. THAT, my friend, is the hand of God and NOTHING else! God's Placement System is untouchable by human standards.
It never occurred to me to look up on the Internet the church I was going to try; the one with the name change and the one that did not give me good vibes when I drove by it. AFTER I looked up my current church, I looked up the other one I was going to try.
The first 11 hits were about a scandal that hit, both under the old name AND under the new name. Talk about thanking God for His protection!!
The church is under yet a new name and geared for a different congregation. I pray that the former congregation has moved or will now be able to grow under this new leadership.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Armour of God~~The Necessary Garment!
The armour of God has got to be the most important thing we put on each and every day. If you are missing even one piece, you risk losing peace. Each piece comes together and works as one unit. Take a look at Ephesians 6:10-20.
Based on what God has already done in my life, I can truly expect more of the same--eventual results of believing beyond what I can see or otherwise sense. Satan attempts to tell us that God doesn't want the best for us, that He's already done all He's going to do, and if we fall into believing that lie, we've lost our shield of faith. Obviously I can go on, but I must move on. ; )
I don't really care for hats. Sometimes they come in handy, but they're not my favorite things to wear. However, I must remember to put on my helmet of salvation each and every day! My helmet of salvation reminds me that I have been saved!! My salvation is not dependent on sins I've already committed nor the sins I've yet to commit. My salvation is based on acceptance of what Jesus has ALREADY DONE for each and every single one of us! My spirit is the Lord's. My spirit is already eternally in heaven. I am sealed unto the day of redemption. I am His--NOTHING can take me away from His Love. The problem comes when I read God's Word and I don't obey, for whatever reason. My adversary uses this and seeks to discredit my salvation through condemnation of my sins. I must remember that God does not condemn His children. He loves me. Yes, He chastens me at times, as a good, loving father should. Chastening and conviction are not the same things as condemnation. When I take the time to read God's Word, and change my thinking according to His Word, I am in the process of renewing my mind. While I may be stupid enough to leave Him at times, He never leaves nor forsakes me.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his
might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able
to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For ye wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for the saints;
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in
bonds: That therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
I can tell when I've forgotten a piece of armour, or maybe it fell off in battle, lol. When I'm speaking anything else but the direct Truth from God's Word (such as my opinion or feelings which run contrary to God's Word, or believing heresay without confirmation, etc), I find myself entangled in word wars, especially with those who are not Christians. It's bad enough when conversing with other professing Christians who don't quite see eye to eye with me, but most times those can be worked out--even if we only agree to disagree--convictions of truth do not happen the same way to every one at certain times, if at all. However, when conversing with non Christians who find fault with my words (real or perceived), oftentimes the conversations become destructive and pointless.
When I misplace my breastplate of righteousness, I forget that I am not bound to sin and its consequences. When I confess my sins and repent of them, God is faithful to forgive and FORGET them. Those sins no longer have a strong hold in my life! However, Satan can be pretty clever to remind me of the condemnation my former sins can bring; I can't allow him to succeed! Jesus has already died for my sins and He imputed HIS righteousness within me. I am a child of God and can confidently proclaim that righteousness.
My peace shoes is what enables me to speak to others about my faith. Chances are, when I forget my peace shoes, I've also forgotten my belt of Truth. Sometimes speaking the Truth can lead to kicking off my shoes and getting into a senseless battle; peace shoes do not have sizes in pride, judgment, or condemnation. Before I know it, not only did I not convey the Truth properly, but I've caused discord among the audience. A peaceful person is able to walk away from battle with prayers for others and a desire to still help someone else. I believe a peaceful person is able to present the Gospel and let God convict the heart as and when He sees fit, loving the audience as God loves them.
Oh my goodness, I know that there have been a few times in my life I've left my shield of faith in the trunk of my car or even in my closet, sometimes covered with clothes. :P My shield of faith protects me from succumbing only to the facts, circumstances and situations that I can sense in this world. My shield of faith enables me to be confident that God truly has my back...that He truly has my best interest at heart, and that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Throughout the Bible, Old Testament as well as New Testament, we are told that "the just shall live by faith." My shield of faith enables me to endure weary battles and races while looking forward to the fruits of that labour. My shield of faith knows that what I can't yet see will eventually manifest into this world, sometimes as I envision it, other times better than I envision it. My favorite life verse is Hebrews 11:1, which says:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Based on what God has already done in my life, I can truly expect more of the same--eventual results of believing beyond what I can see or otherwise sense. Satan attempts to tell us that God doesn't want the best for us, that He's already done all He's going to do, and if we fall into believing that lie, we've lost our shield of faith. Obviously I can go on, but I must move on. ; )
I don't really care for hats. Sometimes they come in handy, but they're not my favorite things to wear. However, I must remember to put on my helmet of salvation each and every day! My helmet of salvation reminds me that I have been saved!! My salvation is not dependent on sins I've already committed nor the sins I've yet to commit. My salvation is based on acceptance of what Jesus has ALREADY DONE for each and every single one of us! My spirit is the Lord's. My spirit is already eternally in heaven. I am sealed unto the day of redemption. I am His--NOTHING can take me away from His Love. The problem comes when I read God's Word and I don't obey, for whatever reason. My adversary uses this and seeks to discredit my salvation through condemnation of my sins. I must remember that God does not condemn His children. He loves me. Yes, He chastens me at times, as a good, loving father should. Chastening and conviction are not the same things as condemnation. When I take the time to read God's Word, and change my thinking according to His Word, I am in the process of renewing my mind. While I may be stupid enough to leave Him at times, He never leaves nor forsakes me.
Finally, perhaps one of the most important piece of armour we could have, our sword of the Spirit, otherwise known as the Word of God. This piece of armour is extremely vital, especially in this world. Satan has had centuries of experience in twisting the very Word of God into a weapon against us. It is OUR JOB to read and to KNOW what God's Word says. We need preachers and pastors and spiritual leaders, but it is OUR personal duty to know the Word of God...it is OUR duty to personally study the Word and know what It says--"...let God be true and every man a liar." Satan took Jesus up to the highest mountains and tried to tempt Jesus into worshipping him. Jesus' responses to virtually every test, whether Satan's temptations or the Pharisee's attempted entrapments, was with His Father's Holy Word--"it is written...." If the Word of God is good enough for Jesus to use in defense, it is good enough for us to use.
Take a moment to pray and see if you have all of your spiritual armour together. May the God of peace be with you always.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Keep Your Eye on the Garden, Not the Tree
In the course of his introduction and announcements before his sermon today, our beloved pastor made a brief mention about the human state becoming so easily depressed about the things that are wrong in our lives rather than counting our blessings for the rest of the things that are right in our lives.
God provided such a beautiful garden, full of enticing endless wonders, completely sustainable even by such a novice gardener as Adam. But there was that ONE tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, that drew Eve's attention. For all that she could have, the serpent in the garden beguiled her into believing that the permissible garden was just not enough. She became mesmerized by that tree of knowledge of good and evil, believing that God is holding out on her, clearly focused on what she doesn't have rather than the abundance she already does have. Unfortunately, that fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil ruined mankind for the rest of our days.
I know I can get stuck at the tree in the garden from time to time. Sometimes I get down about the circumstances that surround me, but when I really take my eye off of my doubts, fears, trials, and realize that I'm still greatly blessed beyond measure (two healthy sons; wonderful hubby; wonderful home; flexibility to be there for my family; our health; ability to have meals, paid bills, etc.....). Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God..... His world is indeed amazing, even still. :)
His "world" expands farther than the eye can see, but as you travel along it, His amazing "garden" becomes even more expansive. I don't need to focus on the tree any more, I've got a garden to explore! :)
God provided such a beautiful garden, full of enticing endless wonders, completely sustainable even by such a novice gardener as Adam. But there was that ONE tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, that drew Eve's attention. For all that she could have, the serpent in the garden beguiled her into believing that the permissible garden was just not enough. She became mesmerized by that tree of knowledge of good and evil, believing that God is holding out on her, clearly focused on what she doesn't have rather than the abundance she already does have. Unfortunately, that fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil ruined mankind for the rest of our days.
I know I can get stuck at the tree in the garden from time to time. Sometimes I get down about the circumstances that surround me, but when I really take my eye off of my doubts, fears, trials, and realize that I'm still greatly blessed beyond measure (two healthy sons; wonderful hubby; wonderful home; flexibility to be there for my family; our health; ability to have meals, paid bills, etc.....). Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God..... His world is indeed amazing, even still. :)
His "world" expands farther than the eye can see, but as you travel along it, His amazing "garden" becomes even more expansive. I don't need to focus on the tree any more, I've got a garden to explore! :)
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Lord, Lift Me Up With Your Song!
Siiiiiiiiiing.....sing-a-soooooooong.....sing out loooouuuuud....sing out stroooooooong....
Siiiiiing of good thiiiiiiiiings, not baaaaaaaad......sing of happyyyyyyyy, not saaaaaaaad......
Do you have a favorite hymn or song that just gets your spirit stirred up and invigorated? I've got a few. One of my ultimate favorite songs that's been around a few years is Rich Mullin's OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD. Oh, my goodness!! Crank it up, already!! : D
Paul admonishes us to "...be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit: Speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in you heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:18-20.
David sang psalms to the Lord while watching his sheep. Paul and Simon sang praise to the Lord while in prison. (LOL, in this case, you can't say Paul didn't practice what he preached!)
Many of the hymns that have come out over the course of the centuries mark times of pain and suffering, and oftentimes ending with a sense of renewal and victory. A few of them touch my spirit in such a way that I just can't make it through them without shedding some serious Niagara Falls tears. COME THOU FOUNT is one of them (lol, kinda ironic...Come Thou Fount literally brings on the fountain of tears, lol). The magnitude of what Jesus has done for me hits me soooooo hard when I hear this hymn. It's a beautiful hymn of untouchable compassion that our Lord has expressed as He took our place on the cross and set us free. Set me free. I'm not aware of any Christian who is not affected by AMAZING GRACE. The story behind AMAZING GRACE is something to behold; so many of us have been there and done that and have come to the point of knowing that God's grace is truly amazing. :) BLESSED ASSURANCE and WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS are a couple of other ones with particular meaning to me.
Songs on Christian radio stations have been very inspirational lately. There was a time when it seemed like God was more generic than it is now. I could be wrong, but I wonder if 9/11 has something to do with that. We're hearing more Christian songs identifying Jesus as God. We're hearing more Bible-based lyrics. We are hearing more about intimate faith than just an emotional reaction to songs. We are preaching the Gospel message to ourselves and others again through songs.
Sometimes a tune that has no known name or melody comes to our heart. We should sing those, too! When our spirits are lifted through song, our days become more bearable and even enjoyable.
Siiiiiing of good thiiiiiiiiings, not baaaaaaaad......sing of happyyyyyyyy, not saaaaaaaad......
Do you have a favorite hymn or song that just gets your spirit stirred up and invigorated? I've got a few. One of my ultimate favorite songs that's been around a few years is Rich Mullin's OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD. Oh, my goodness!! Crank it up, already!! : D
Paul admonishes us to "...be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit: Speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in you heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:18-20.
David sang psalms to the Lord while watching his sheep. Paul and Simon sang praise to the Lord while in prison. (LOL, in this case, you can't say Paul didn't practice what he preached!)
Many of the hymns that have come out over the course of the centuries mark times of pain and suffering, and oftentimes ending with a sense of renewal and victory. A few of them touch my spirit in such a way that I just can't make it through them without shedding some serious Niagara Falls tears. COME THOU FOUNT is one of them (lol, kinda ironic...Come Thou Fount literally brings on the fountain of tears, lol). The magnitude of what Jesus has done for me hits me soooooo hard when I hear this hymn. It's a beautiful hymn of untouchable compassion that our Lord has expressed as He took our place on the cross and set us free. Set me free. I'm not aware of any Christian who is not affected by AMAZING GRACE. The story behind AMAZING GRACE is something to behold; so many of us have been there and done that and have come to the point of knowing that God's grace is truly amazing. :) BLESSED ASSURANCE and WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS are a couple of other ones with particular meaning to me.
Songs on Christian radio stations have been very inspirational lately. There was a time when it seemed like God was more generic than it is now. I could be wrong, but I wonder if 9/11 has something to do with that. We're hearing more Christian songs identifying Jesus as God. We're hearing more Bible-based lyrics. We are hearing more about intimate faith than just an emotional reaction to songs. We are preaching the Gospel message to ourselves and others again through songs.
Sometimes a tune that has no known name or melody comes to our heart. We should sing those, too! When our spirits are lifted through song, our days become more bearable and even enjoyable.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
What's on Your Mind?
We are CONSTANTLY bombarded by bad news on a daily basis. What, with 24/7 news availability, newpapers (okay, the "e-news" now), Facebook, Twitter, other social networks, and just people talking ... it's all to easy to let it get you down and KEEP you down. The world can have you believe that it's a pretty depressing place. What can we do?
I've long been accused of being ignorant of world affairs because my reaction is not quite the same as many people's. I don't always watch the news. I've got a life to live. I've got a family who needs my attention. There are things I'm busy doing. The news can wait.
Now, what happens when bad news surround me? For the most part, I try not to let it get to me. I try not to let it develop root into my heart. I try to follow the advice of the Serenity Prayer:
Crime is up in some areas. Mean-spirited people are everywhere. Cities have been torn apart by tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. Other than going to those places and helping in the rebuild, there's not much we can do but pray and send supplies to the best of our abilities. People are looking for someone who can lift them up, not make them feel even more desperate about their utter loss. People are suffering from loss of a dearly loved one, oftentimes suddenly. Some people are experiencing hunger, unemployment, eviction, illness (obvious and hidden), addictions, depression; in combinations or even all the above. Satan's playground is busy and HUGE.
However, where there is light, there is no longer darkness. Where there is sin and consequences of sin, grace more abounds. When the world gets you down, return to the Lord. Remind yourself that He is your source of peace.
My favorite passage to gauge what I think about and leave on my mind is in Philippians 4:8-9:
thought >> emotion >> decision >> action >> habit >> character >> destiny.
Conversely, if you're unhappy about where you are in your life, take a brutally honest look at your character. What habits have you developed over time? Trace your habits back to actions you tend to take when faced with certain decisions. How did you make these decisions? Under what circumstances did you make these decisions? How were you feeling when you made these decisions? Pinpoint where these kinds of thoughts came from? Where is your focus? What is your influence in life? Is God leading you? Or are circumstances and situations and/or people of the world leading you? It was like a light bulb went off in my head. I've done some study, and put those principles to work, and they worked for me! There are plenty of days when I still feel out of control, but when I judge myself, God has always plainly revealed my issues of life from the root in my garden of heart.
It took me a while to understand when Jesus told a potential follower "let the dead bury their dead." What??? It sounds so callous and cold that it doesn't match the "kind Savior" we believe Jesus to be. An application I've drawn from this passage is that there will always be things that need to be done, but do not to let them consume your ultimate purpose or time away from God's will for your life. To me, it's an admonition similar to the passage about the woman who broke the alabastar box of costly perfume to anoint Jesus. Judas criticized her for "wasting" the ointment, that she could've sold it and given the money for the poor. Jesus answered him and said that "the poor will always be with you, but I am only here for a time." It's not at all that Jesus or the woman did not care for the poor, but that Jesus' time was short and the woman was led to anoint Jesus before His crucifixion. He memorialized this woman for her deed, and I'm sure that when He was gone, she became an example of blessing and hope to those who were poor.
I say all of this to say that we are all affected by the bad things that go on in this world, some to a greater extent than others. We can choose to let problems, especially others' problems, negatively affect our lives and even take root in our hearts, or we can boldly determine what action we CAN take to alleviate the problems, and let God lead us where He may. And, we can let God have all the room and quit trying to muscle in on what is clearly His territory, and watch the miracles take place in our lives and in the lives of others.
I've long been accused of being ignorant of world affairs because my reaction is not quite the same as many people's. I don't always watch the news. I've got a life to live. I've got a family who needs my attention. There are things I'm busy doing. The news can wait.
Now, what happens when bad news surround me? For the most part, I try not to let it get to me. I try not to let it develop root into my heart. I try to follow the advice of the Serenity Prayer:
O God and Heavenly Father,The more familiar prayer:
Grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed;
Courage to change that which can be changed,
And wisdom to know the one from the other,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,Essentially, I try to fix what I can fix, pray for the things I can't, and let God handle the rest. An example: Just last week, the Casey Anthony trial came to a close, acquitting Casey Anthony of the murder of her precious little toddler, Caylee Anthony. The overwhelming vibe is that she is guilty of killing her little girl (even I believe this). However, the jury (of which I wasn't a part) let her go because they felt that the evidence presented to them was just not enough to convict her. There are other issues involved in this case, but what's done is done. While many believe that justice was not served, and I momentarily felt the same way, I just think it was a case not meant for mankind's hands. I believe that God's hands are in the middle of this judgment, and perhaps her "walk" will be more costly than any guilty sentence can ever be. Read more about my thoughts on this here.
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.
Crime is up in some areas. Mean-spirited people are everywhere. Cities have been torn apart by tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. Other than going to those places and helping in the rebuild, there's not much we can do but pray and send supplies to the best of our abilities. People are looking for someone who can lift them up, not make them feel even more desperate about their utter loss. People are suffering from loss of a dearly loved one, oftentimes suddenly. Some people are experiencing hunger, unemployment, eviction, illness (obvious and hidden), addictions, depression; in combinations or even all the above. Satan's playground is busy and HUGE.
However, where there is light, there is no longer darkness. Where there is sin and consequences of sin, grace more abounds. When the world gets you down, return to the Lord. Remind yourself that He is your source of peace.
My favorite passage to gauge what I think about and leave on my mind is in Philippians 4:8-9:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.I've heard a couple of pastors say that what you think about eventually manifests into your life. Your life begins with a thought. Your thought is governed by your emotions, which leads how you feel about that thought. Your emotions drive you into making a decision. Your decisions determine what action you'll take. Your series of actions will develop into a habit. Your habits shape your character. Your character reveals your life's destiny. Quickly broken down, this means:
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you.
thought >> emotion >> decision >> action >> habit >> character >> destiny.
Conversely, if you're unhappy about where you are in your life, take a brutally honest look at your character. What habits have you developed over time? Trace your habits back to actions you tend to take when faced with certain decisions. How did you make these decisions? Under what circumstances did you make these decisions? How were you feeling when you made these decisions? Pinpoint where these kinds of thoughts came from? Where is your focus? What is your influence in life? Is God leading you? Or are circumstances and situations and/or people of the world leading you? It was like a light bulb went off in my head. I've done some study, and put those principles to work, and they worked for me! There are plenty of days when I still feel out of control, but when I judge myself, God has always plainly revealed my issues of life from the root in my garden of heart.
It took me a while to understand when Jesus told a potential follower "let the dead bury their dead." What??? It sounds so callous and cold that it doesn't match the "kind Savior" we believe Jesus to be. An application I've drawn from this passage is that there will always be things that need to be done, but do not to let them consume your ultimate purpose or time away from God's will for your life. To me, it's an admonition similar to the passage about the woman who broke the alabastar box of costly perfume to anoint Jesus. Judas criticized her for "wasting" the ointment, that she could've sold it and given the money for the poor. Jesus answered him and said that "the poor will always be with you, but I am only here for a time." It's not at all that Jesus or the woman did not care for the poor, but that Jesus' time was short and the woman was led to anoint Jesus before His crucifixion. He memorialized this woman for her deed, and I'm sure that when He was gone, she became an example of blessing and hope to those who were poor.
I say all of this to say that we are all affected by the bad things that go on in this world, some to a greater extent than others. We can choose to let problems, especially others' problems, negatively affect our lives and even take root in our hearts, or we can boldly determine what action we CAN take to alleviate the problems, and let God lead us where He may. And, we can let God have all the room and quit trying to muscle in on what is clearly His territory, and watch the miracles take place in our lives and in the lives of others.
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