My business partner, Stan, and I do a lot of planning. We try to have a staff meeting every week and plan our marketing and production schedules for the upcoming week and month. Especially now, at this time of year, we look ahead and try to formulate a plan of action, a strategy, for the coming year.
But, by golly, it never fails...life never turns out how you plan. So, these past two years we've learned to plan, yes, but also do it on our knees all the while constantly asking the Lord for His provision and guidance.
Take Joseph. He had plans. He was engaged to a lovely girl. Then she gets pregnant, tells him it's God's baby (ya right!), and then an angel comes and tells him to marry her anyway. So they go to Bethleham and live for two years. It's looking like they may settle there. Then God tells him to flee to Egypt. The least favorite place an Israelite would want to go. After his ancestors spent 400 years of slavery and bondage there. Now, how in the world was he going to survive there and care for his family? They weren't wealthy...how were they going to travel that long distance and settle there with the little money they had?
So, then these Wise Men show up. Hmmm...out of the blue. One day Mary's probably sweeping the floor or maybe making bread, Joseph's off working on a carpentry job...there's a commotion outside, a knock at the door...and all of a sudden Mary and Joseph have "provision." Gold. Frankincense. Myrrh. What are they going to do with all this wealth?
Ah, then Joseph has the dream and is told to flee to Egypt.
So, let's take a look at this. These three Wise Men, these Astrologers, saw The Star at the time Jesus was born. It took them two years to find their way to Jesus. So, God knew His Son needed help and would be in danger from Herod two years before it happened. He knew this little family would need provision long before they had even an inkling that there would be a need in their lives. God set in motion His provision for this family two years before the need came to fruition. Actually, if you think about it, God set the foundations of the universe in motion so that this particular "star" would appear at that precise moment so these astrologers would see it and know it was the star announcing the arrival of a King as told in their prophesies.
So, I'm thinking God plans His provision long before I have the need.
And, I'm thinking God schedules His provision in time to my need.
God knew how Herod would react to the news of a King arriving on the scene. And, these Wise Men arrived at the precise time Mary and Joseph needed to get the heck out of Dodge and needed provision to do it.
My Pastor talked about this last Sunday. God's timing in providing us provision at just the right moment and in His time. Pastor Mark said, "I sure wish He'd show up early,so I wouldn't have to fight the devil, my emotions and my panic." Boy, isn't that the truth.
In this time of reflecting on the past year and PLANNING for the year ahead...be encouraged, be assured, that God knows well in advance what your needs will be and when you will have them. He has set in motion NOW just the right provision for you, arriving at just the perfect time, when you need it most.
God's DayTimer rocks!
Thought: If you've been on your knees a lot lately because of the bottom dropping out of your retirement account or you're struggling to make that car or house payment...don't think your recent prayers are the first God has known about your needs. He knew this bad economy was going to happen and knew you would need provision. Now, surely He wants you to come to Him in prayer and to "participate" in the workings of His provision. But, don't think He's just now figuring out that you need help. Help/Provision is on the way! Trust. Trust. Trust.
Another thought: Joseph had to take his family to a place he probably did not really want to go...Egypt. Do you, perhaps, have to "go" somewhere you don't necessarily want to go in order to be blessed?
Friday, December 19, 2008
G3 CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON 2008
A BIG thank you to Joanne for hosting our wonderful luncheon. Her home was beautifully decorated and the table was set with her best china. It was a lovely spread, and we all felt like Queens! Thank you, Joanne, for providing such a wonderful "oasis" for us.
Looking forward to next year's gathering in the first quarter of '09.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Stopping at Repentance
Once I made a new friend. We hit it off right away. We found we had a lot to talk about, laughed a lot together and wanted to spend time with each other. Our relationship progressed as we got to know each other better.
But then a curious thing happened. Our relationship hit an impasse. I was ready to take the relationship to the next level of friendship...an intimacy reserved for only the very best friends. She seemed very eager to take the relationship to that level. In fact, I had girlfriends who told me that was her desire...to be one of my best friends. But, the more steps I took in giving of myself, opening myself up and sharing my heart...she just wouldn't take those steps, too.
I kept trying, kept putting myself out there...but she wouldn't join me in that intimate relationship. Not sure what she was afraid of, but finally with great frustration I gave up. And, thus, the relationship faded. We still see each other on ocassion, but it is a very superficial relationship.
I see a lot of friends who seem to be stuck at a similar impasse in their relationship with the Lord. Their conversion experience may have been a beautiful, powerful moment in their lives or it could have been a simple, quiet experience as a child...but then it seems they stopped there.
I myself was stuck there for most of my 30s & early 40s. After we're born again or after we re-commit our hearts to the Lord we try the best we can to live differently, respond to life's challenges differently, to share Christ's love with others. Perhaps some of us jump into church activities with great gusto, we volunteer at the shelter, give out meals to the homeless, host a small group...
...then it is like we reach a plateau--we're coasting pretty good with this "relationship" we've developed over the years with God. We settle into our lives, get up every day, stumbling to the coffee pot, struggle with the kids to get out of bed and off to school, fight with traffic getting into the office, stress over work, rush home to get Suzy and Billy to soccer and music lessons, fix the best meal you can muster for dinner, homework, laundry, struggle with the kids to go to bed, fall into bed yourself, say a quick prayer, and do it all over again the next day.
And...there deep within us we sense that the Savior keeps knocking. It reminds me of that lovely image that we've all seen--of Christ knocking at the door of a heart. You know, it isn't just the door of the unbeliever's heart.
It is for those of us who let Him in once--but then shut him out of the inner, intimate rooms of our hearts/lives.
Why do we stop our relationship with Him at repentance?
The intimacy Christ so desires--many seem to avoid. He keeps knocking and we keep ignoring Him. We hold on tight to the "safe," comfortable place we've created for ourselves and we just as soon Christ would be happy with that place we've chosen to root ourselves in.
But, He keeps knocking. He is the lover of our souls. His love is so extravagant, so over the top! It is frightening. Why can't we radically open our hearts to this Love and to true "relationship" with Him? A radical, no-holds-barred kind of relationship?
What happened to the passion we felt when we first repented or re-committed our lives to Him? Did we think this whole Christian thing--this "accepting" Christ--was just about receiving eternal life? Securing your place in Heaven? Avoiding the terrible, horrific lake of fire?
No dear one--I'm discovering it is about "relationship." It's about intimacy. It's about God's overwhelming desire to have passionate, radical intimacy with each one of us. He had that once...
...a long time ago in a beautiful garden.
And, He has gone to great lengths to provide a way to have that relationship with us again.
Don't be afraid. Don't wake up one day late in your life and realize you've lived your entire life stuck at the moment of repentance. As we celebrate this season, take the radical step of opening your heart to Immanuel--"God with us (you)" and live at a higher level of relationship with your God.
But then a curious thing happened. Our relationship hit an impasse. I was ready to take the relationship to the next level of friendship...an intimacy reserved for only the very best friends. She seemed very eager to take the relationship to that level. In fact, I had girlfriends who told me that was her desire...to be one of my best friends. But, the more steps I took in giving of myself, opening myself up and sharing my heart...she just wouldn't take those steps, too.
I kept trying, kept putting myself out there...but she wouldn't join me in that intimate relationship. Not sure what she was afraid of, but finally with great frustration I gave up. And, thus, the relationship faded. We still see each other on ocassion, but it is a very superficial relationship.
I see a lot of friends who seem to be stuck at a similar impasse in their relationship with the Lord. Their conversion experience may have been a beautiful, powerful moment in their lives or it could have been a simple, quiet experience as a child...but then it seems they stopped there.
I myself was stuck there for most of my 30s & early 40s. After we're born again or after we re-commit our hearts to the Lord we try the best we can to live differently, respond to life's challenges differently, to share Christ's love with others. Perhaps some of us jump into church activities with great gusto, we volunteer at the shelter, give out meals to the homeless, host a small group...
...then it is like we reach a plateau--we're coasting pretty good with this "relationship" we've developed over the years with God. We settle into our lives, get up every day, stumbling to the coffee pot, struggle with the kids to get out of bed and off to school, fight with traffic getting into the office, stress over work, rush home to get Suzy and Billy to soccer and music lessons, fix the best meal you can muster for dinner, homework, laundry, struggle with the kids to go to bed, fall into bed yourself, say a quick prayer, and do it all over again the next day.
And...there deep within us we sense that the Savior keeps knocking. It reminds me of that lovely image that we've all seen--of Christ knocking at the door of a heart. You know, it isn't just the door of the unbeliever's heart.
It is for those of us who let Him in once--but then shut him out of the inner, intimate rooms of our hearts/lives.
Why do we stop our relationship with Him at repentance?
The intimacy Christ so desires--many seem to avoid. He keeps knocking and we keep ignoring Him. We hold on tight to the "safe," comfortable place we've created for ourselves and we just as soon Christ would be happy with that place we've chosen to root ourselves in.
But, He keeps knocking. He is the lover of our souls. His love is so extravagant, so over the top! It is frightening. Why can't we radically open our hearts to this Love and to true "relationship" with Him? A radical, no-holds-barred kind of relationship?
What happened to the passion we felt when we first repented or re-committed our lives to Him? Did we think this whole Christian thing--this "accepting" Christ--was just about receiving eternal life? Securing your place in Heaven? Avoiding the terrible, horrific lake of fire?
No dear one--I'm discovering it is about "relationship." It's about intimacy. It's about God's overwhelming desire to have passionate, radical intimacy with each one of us. He had that once...
...a long time ago in a beautiful garden.
And, He has gone to great lengths to provide a way to have that relationship with us again.
Don't be afraid. Don't wake up one day late in your life and realize you've lived your entire life stuck at the moment of repentance. As we celebrate this season, take the radical step of opening your heart to Immanuel--"God with us (you)" and live at a higher level of relationship with your God.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
God Speaks
I've been thinking about all the people who have so much to say about God...both present day and those in the Bible. I figured it had been quite a while since I had actually read through what He himself has actually said. I mean, really...we have access to His ACTUAL WORDS...and when was the last time I really paid attention and studied those words?
So. I committed to reading the book fo John who, instead of focusing on "events," mulled over the profound meaning of what The Word said and did.
Ah yes. Jesus Christ. The WORD. God's voice. A little girl once said, "Jesus is all God wanted to say to us." The WORD, God, became flesh and made His dwelling among us. Whew.
God spoke to us. He spoke. We have His words right in front of us. If you spend any amount of time meditating on that...it totally blows your mind. We have in this book called, The Bible, written down in black and white, HIS words.
What better place to look to see who this God is, learn about His character, and His plan for us? I encourage you as we move into our celebration of the birth of His WORD...to read John meditating and digesting each and every WORD...ingest it and let it grow from the inside out.
Blessings.
So. I committed to reading the book fo John who, instead of focusing on "events," mulled over the profound meaning of what The Word said and did.
Ah yes. Jesus Christ. The WORD. God's voice. A little girl once said, "Jesus is all God wanted to say to us." The WORD, God, became flesh and made His dwelling among us. Whew.
God spoke to us. He spoke. We have His words right in front of us. If you spend any amount of time meditating on that...it totally blows your mind. We have in this book called, The Bible, written down in black and white, HIS words.
What better place to look to see who this God is, learn about His character, and His plan for us? I encourage you as we move into our celebration of the birth of His WORD...to read John meditating and digesting each and every WORD...ingest it and let it grow from the inside out.
Blessings.
Friday, November 07, 2008
PSALM 13
For those who are crushed in the spirit...though King David wrestled with God, he determined that he would trust and praise the Lord. In praise there is freedom. Begin today...perhaps your heart isn't in it...but soon you will find that it will be.How long, O Lord?
Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Look on me and answer, O Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
BUT, I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
for He has been good to me.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Small Straws in a Soft Wind
October 21, 2008 Prophecy by Marsha Burns
"Beloved, you have been laboring under an undefined sense of oppression for some time and have not been able to overcome. But, now you will be able to begin to see the light dawn where darkness has prevailed. You have turned the proverbial corner where hope will replace gloom and despair. Hold on to these first rays of spiritual light, and resist the devil's attempts to pull you back into the realm of hopelessness, says the Lord. 1 Peter 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
"Beloved, you have been laboring under an undefined sense of oppression for some time and have not been able to overcome. But, now you will be able to begin to see the light dawn where darkness has prevailed. You have turned the proverbial corner where hope will replace gloom and despair. Hold on to these first rays of spiritual light, and resist the devil's attempts to pull you back into the realm of hopelessness, says the Lord. 1 Peter 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Suspicions of God's Faithfulness
Thus says the Lord:
"If you return and give up this mistaken tone of distrust and despair, then I will give you again a settled place of quiet and safety, and you will be My minister; and if you separate the precious from the vile (cleansing your own heart from unworthy and unwarranted suspicions concerning God's faithfulness), you shall be My mouthpiece."
Jeremiah 15:19
"If you return and give up this mistaken tone of distrust and despair, then I will give you again a settled place of quiet and safety, and you will be My minister; and if you separate the precious from the vile (cleansing your own heart from unworthy and unwarranted suspicions concerning God's faithfulness), you shall be My mouthpiece."
Jeremiah 15:19
Sunday, October 12, 2008
2008 G3 SUMMIT
I can't even begin to speak. What is there to say? I got home at 3:00pm, had everything unloaded by 3:20pm and was in bed by 3:30pm. Got up at 5:30pm. Had a cup of tea.
Now it's 8:15pm,and I'm just a bit overwhelmed. The previous two Summits have been glorious with moments of great truth and spiritual insight with the Holy Spirit walking amongst us.
But, this year. Whew. From Friday evening through lunch today the Lord has taken us on such a journey. And we traveled that road together and shared in each other's grief and sorrow, pain and heartbreak. There was great abundance of joy as well with dancing and singing. My, my.
I still am amazed that every year women from a variety of backgrounds, liberal/conservative, various ages, religious affiliations, and marrital status come together, in a matter of minutes connect, trust, and open themselves up to the support, enouragement and spiritual authenticity of the women around them. How courageous and brave you all are...the desire to know Christ better-to go deeper, thank God, is stronger than the fear of opening yourselves up and exposing yourself. I wish all my girlfriends had that courage. Oh what they are missing!!!
Oh, how the Lord weaves His grace through and around us all.
(God, Girlfriends and Grace)
Each one of you are precious to my soul. The one question we had this weekend...have you found your life purpose?
Yes. I have. Yes.
You.
xo
Now it's 8:15pm,and I'm just a bit overwhelmed. The previous two Summits have been glorious with moments of great truth and spiritual insight with the Holy Spirit walking amongst us.
But, this year. Whew. From Friday evening through lunch today the Lord has taken us on such a journey. And we traveled that road together and shared in each other's grief and sorrow, pain and heartbreak. There was great abundance of joy as well with dancing and singing. My, my.
I still am amazed that every year women from a variety of backgrounds, liberal/conservative, various ages, religious affiliations, and marrital status come together, in a matter of minutes connect, trust, and open themselves up to the support, enouragement and spiritual authenticity of the women around them. How courageous and brave you all are...the desire to know Christ better-to go deeper, thank God, is stronger than the fear of opening yourselves up and exposing yourself. I wish all my girlfriends had that courage. Oh what they are missing!!!
Oh, how the Lord weaves His grace through and around us all.
(God, Girlfriends and Grace)
Each one of you are precious to my soul. The one question we had this weekend...have you found your life purpose?
Yes. I have. Yes.
You.
xo
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Living by Faith, not by Sight
"I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing."
AGATHA CHRISTIE
Sarah Ban Breathnach writes in her book, "Simple Abundance,"
"For some of us the thought of trusting a power outside ourselves to help make our dreams come true is definitely a threatening conept, especially if we're used to being in control -- or rather, used to the illusion of being in control.
Many more of us go through life trapped by another illusion: that an uncaring, capricious fate determines our destiny. Shellshocked from some of the acutely miserable things that life throws our way, we are deepy afraid to believe that a loving, generous Creator supports our endeavors. We are afraid to trust that the same Spirit that created the Universe probably knows how to help us write for the grant, get the promotion, go back to school, start our new business, find the new job. Like mirrors in a carnival fun house that distort appearances, what we see with our eyes is not real. We buy in to the illusion that external events possess the ulitmate power to deny our dreams.
And we wonder why we're so unhappy?
Let go of limiting illusions that have held you back from knowing that just to be alive is a grand thing. Suspend disbelief. Experiment with a loving, supportive God that embraces even the skeptics. Today, be willing to believe that a companion Spirit is leading you every step of the way, and knows the next step."
Sunday, August 24, 2008
The Seasons of Life
Are you going through a season of life that you did not anticipate?
I did two years ago. Did not see that coming I tell you. You're walking along in your life and turn a corner and BAM! Or maybe it was a gradual realization that your life had take a turn. Did you look in the mirror one day and wonder how in the world you got so far off track from where you'd thought you'd be right now in your life?
Paul experienced an unfamiliar season in his life (Acts 27-28). He was on his way to Italy traveling in an Alexandrian ship. Luke was with him. So was a Roman Centurion! But, in the middle of this trip a hurricane shipwrecked them on an island called Malta. An unfamiliar place, unfamiliar people, an unfamiliar season in Paul's life. He ended up spending the entire winter on the island of Malta.
Are you thrust into an unexpected season?
Instead of Paul focusing on himself wondering why he was stuck in this foreign place and questioning his misfortune, he looked at this season in his life as an opportunity. He knew the Lord had a plan. (By the way, the Lord never has a Plan B). Paul accepted and embraced this season. And, because of this, Paul experienced opportunities for ministry and the restoration of provision.
Here what happened:
*Paul experienced unusual favor
*Paul experiencced unusual miracles
*Paul experienced unusual provision
(You have to read Chapter 28 to get "the rest of the story")
Are you in an unfamiliar season of life? Are you in a place where you never thought you'd be? Do you trust that the Lord is in control of your life? Then, you have to believe this unfamiliar season you are in right now is within God's control. Ask Him what you are supposed to do. Ask Him to open your eyes. Ask Him to help you look outward instead of inward. Seek Him and he will show you unusual favor, unusual miracles and unusual provision.
Go ahead...I dare you.
I did two years ago. Did not see that coming I tell you. You're walking along in your life and turn a corner and BAM! Or maybe it was a gradual realization that your life had take a turn. Did you look in the mirror one day and wonder how in the world you got so far off track from where you'd thought you'd be right now in your life?
Paul experienced an unfamiliar season in his life (Acts 27-28). He was on his way to Italy traveling in an Alexandrian ship. Luke was with him. So was a Roman Centurion! But, in the middle of this trip a hurricane shipwrecked them on an island called Malta. An unfamiliar place, unfamiliar people, an unfamiliar season in Paul's life. He ended up spending the entire winter on the island of Malta.
Are you thrust into an unexpected season?
Instead of Paul focusing on himself wondering why he was stuck in this foreign place and questioning his misfortune, he looked at this season in his life as an opportunity. He knew the Lord had a plan. (By the way, the Lord never has a Plan B). Paul accepted and embraced this season. And, because of this, Paul experienced opportunities for ministry and the restoration of provision.
Here what happened:
*Paul experienced unusual favor
*Paul experiencced unusual miracles
*Paul experienced unusual provision
(You have to read Chapter 28 to get "the rest of the story")
Are you in an unfamiliar season of life? Are you in a place where you never thought you'd be? Do you trust that the Lord is in control of your life? Then, you have to believe this unfamiliar season you are in right now is within God's control. Ask Him what you are supposed to do. Ask Him to open your eyes. Ask Him to help you look outward instead of inward. Seek Him and he will show you unusual favor, unusual miracles and unusual provision.
Go ahead...I dare you.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Are You on Your List?
What list? The one that has your spouse, your kids, your grandchildren, your work, your career, your housework, your church, your friends….all those things that you work hard at every day to love, nurture and keep “running smoothly.” Well, are you on your list? We ladies seem to forget and purposely neglect to take care of ourselves and nurture ourselves…to give ourselves rest and renewal…physically, mentally and spiritually.
Jamee and I had a long wonderful weekend basking in the Spirit and trying really hard to just listen. We feel very strongly that the Lord is leading us to focus on this subject this year.
Remember at last year’s Summit we touched a little bit on this? Jamee and I will carry on praying that the Holy Spirit will continue to confirm this topic in our hearts and lead us to plan sessions according to His will. We ask that you do the same.
We are lead to use the following Scripture for the weekend:
Jamee and I had a long wonderful weekend basking in the Spirit and trying really hard to just listen. We feel very strongly that the Lord is leading us to focus on this subject this year.
Remember at last year’s Summit we touched a little bit on this? Jamee and I will carry on praying that the Holy Spirit will continue to confirm this topic in our hearts and lead us to plan sessions according to His will. We ask that you do the same.
We are lead to use the following Scripture for the weekend:
Isaiah 30: 15-18
For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. But you would not,
And you said, No! We will speed [our own course] on horses! Therefore you will speed [in flight from your enemies]! You said, We will ride upon swift steeds [doing our own way]! Therefore will they who pursue you be swift, [so swift that]
One thousand of you will flee at the threat of one of them; at the threat of five you will flee till you are left like a beacon or a flagpole on the top of a mountain, and like a signal on a hill.
And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Does God Love the Muslims?
My Pastor gave a very convicting and powerful talk on Sunday about the Muslims and Jews. You can listen to the talk by clicking on the MP3 player in the right-hand column.
He starts out talking about Paul and his decision to return to Jerusalem...but take the time to listen to the very end of the talk...it is worth waiting for. Pastor Mark is truly moved by the Spirit in what he says about Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac and how all that took place so long ago relates to what is happening today with the Muslims and Jews.
Please take 45-minutes and have a listen.
He starts out talking about Paul and his decision to return to Jerusalem...but take the time to listen to the very end of the talk...it is worth waiting for. Pastor Mark is truly moved by the Spirit in what he says about Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac and how all that took place so long ago relates to what is happening today with the Muslims and Jews.
Please take 45-minutes and have a listen.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
G3 2nd Quarter Potluck
We had a great time at the G3 Potluck this last weekend at Carrie's home. You'll see some new faces in our group photo.Sharon brought Billie (my right) who is a member of our small group Bible study and attends Hillcrest church.
Carrie invited Mary (center) who I know through Sheila.
(Oh yes...the little munchkins: Isaiah is Carrie's boy sitting on Sharon's lap and Koren is Mary's son).
We had a great time together. We sure did laugh a lot and had a wonderful time relaxing and stepping out of the routine of our lives for three hours. A BIG thank you to Carrie for hosting us...she and Corey live in a pretty little house located on a big wooden lot in Mesquite.
Corey kept offering to grill some BBQ or "pick up" some wings for us...he was such a cutie. As we were about to leave we gathered together for prayer and Corey joined our prayer circle.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
"People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone."
Audrey Hepburn
actress, philanthropist
Audrey Hepburn
actress, philanthropist
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
There is no Scarcity
Excerpt from Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach
"When you are worried about your health or the health of a loved one, your concentration focuses like a laser. Suddenly there's a clarity about all of life because you realize what is important. Living is important. Every day is a gift. You ask for another chance to get it right. Most of the time you're given it, and you're very grateful.
But worries about money mock you. They steal the joy of living because they follow you around all day like a dark, menacing shadow. At night they hover at the foot of your bed waiting to rob you of sleep. When you're worried about money you dread the days and you agonize at night. WIthout thinking, you throw away every precious twenty-four hours that come you way. You cease to live, and merely exist.
If you are worried about money today, take heart. You have the power to change your lifestyle and move from a feeling of lack and deprivation to a feeling of abundance and fulfillment. Money ebbs and flows in our lives. What should remain constant is our realization that abundance is our spiritual birthright. American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson once said that 'It is easy to be independent when you've got money. But to be independent when you haven't got a thing--that's the Lord's test.'
This is what I have learned and share with the seeker in you. The simpler we make our lives, the more abundant they become.
There is no scarcity except in our souls."
Sunday, June 22, 2008
2008 G3 SUMMIT
Mark the date:
2008
G3 SUMMIT
(God, Girlfriends & Grace)
October 10-12
Camp Hoblitzelle
Midlothian, Texas
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Once there was a girl...
Once there was a girl who was getting old. Well, not real old, but old enough that things started to get fuzzy for her. We'll not go into how fuzzy her brain started getting...we'll just focus (!) on her eyesight. You see, things close up started to get blurry and she was struggling to read words on a page and text on a screen.
She knew this day would come, when her sharp focus on life around her would start to blur. When things right in front of her face would become unclear and confusing. She dreaded this, but she was resigned to it as she knew it was inevitable. Everyone goes through it at some point. So, now it was her turn. Knowing what she needed to do, she made an appointment with a doctor who specialized in correcting poor vision.
Easy fix, right? Not exactly. She had worn contacts for almost 30 years and had always seen just fine in this traditional way. She was content and comfortable in this self-made rut and was intent on holding on to this form of vision.
First, she decided she wanted Mono-vision. This is when you have a distance vision contact in one eye and a bi-focal or close-up vision contact in the other eye. Oh boy...what a trip! She felt like she was seeing the world through one of those fun houses at a carnival. Everything seemed exaggerated and skewed. Her brain just couldn't handle having different vision in each eye.
She kept going back to the doctor insisting that He correct her vision to what it had been all these years, but insisted on using her tried and true contact method. The Doc kept trying to accommodate her, but to no avail. Her vision was still blurry and continued to go in and out of focus.
Becoming quite frustrated, she finally admitted to herself that her vision had indeed changed and accommodations were necessary for her to regain her vision and even improve it. She knew she need READING GLASSES!!
She decided to get distance contacts and then also purchased reading classes for the close up vision she needed. To her amazement she felt like she was seeing a whole new world. Everything was clear and sharply in focus both near and far. Everything made sense in her world, and she saw things right in front of her that she had been missing.
How often do we get so stuck in our spiritual ruts that we begin to miss what is right in front of us? Is our "close-up" vision beginning to become blurry? Do we compensate for our poor vision by focusing on things way out in front of us and ignore life that is being lived before our eyes?
Are you missing the sadness on your neighbor's face? Do you "see" the struggle in your child's eyes? Are you ignorinig the pain in the gaze of the woman in the waiting room?
The "Doctor" is wanting to give you a new pair of reading glasses. Sure these new glasses will take you out of your comfort zone. But, take them. Wear them. And, SEE the world in a new way.
She knew this day would come, when her sharp focus on life around her would start to blur. When things right in front of her face would become unclear and confusing. She dreaded this, but she was resigned to it as she knew it was inevitable. Everyone goes through it at some point. So, now it was her turn. Knowing what she needed to do, she made an appointment with a doctor who specialized in correcting poor vision.
Easy fix, right? Not exactly. She had worn contacts for almost 30 years and had always seen just fine in this traditional way. She was content and comfortable in this self-made rut and was intent on holding on to this form of vision.
First, she decided she wanted Mono-vision. This is when you have a distance vision contact in one eye and a bi-focal or close-up vision contact in the other eye. Oh boy...what a trip! She felt like she was seeing the world through one of those fun houses at a carnival. Everything seemed exaggerated and skewed. Her brain just couldn't handle having different vision in each eye.
She kept going back to the doctor insisting that He correct her vision to what it had been all these years, but insisted on using her tried and true contact method. The Doc kept trying to accommodate her, but to no avail. Her vision was still blurry and continued to go in and out of focus.
Becoming quite frustrated, she finally admitted to herself that her vision had indeed changed and accommodations were necessary for her to regain her vision and even improve it. She knew she need READING GLASSES!!
She decided to get distance contacts and then also purchased reading classes for the close up vision she needed. To her amazement she felt like she was seeing a whole new world. Everything was clear and sharply in focus both near and far. Everything made sense in her world, and she saw things right in front of her that she had been missing.
How often do we get so stuck in our spiritual ruts that we begin to miss what is right in front of us? Is our "close-up" vision beginning to become blurry? Do we compensate for our poor vision by focusing on things way out in front of us and ignore life that is being lived before our eyes?
Are you missing the sadness on your neighbor's face? Do you "see" the struggle in your child's eyes? Are you ignorinig the pain in the gaze of the woman in the waiting room?
The "Doctor" is wanting to give you a new pair of reading glasses. Sure these new glasses will take you out of your comfort zone. But, take them. Wear them. And, SEE the world in a new way.
Monday, May 05, 2008
God is in the House...Are You?
Question...
...do you enjoy God more in a public place (church) than you do in private?
One, if you go to church, do you find it more enjoyable than your private time with God?
Two, this whole thing about "church" and whether it is necessary to "go to church" is a discussion I've had with both friends and family members.
Here are some of the viewpoints I've heard.
"Why do I have to go to church to worship God? I can worship God anywhere."
"Church is so boring...what's the point?"
"I don't want some guy standing up there telling me how to run my life."
"Religion just gets in the way."
First of all, worship does not happen in a time or at a place. Hello?
The above questions are so thought-provoking, aren't they? There is the issue of "going to church," but if you're one that does feel "going to church" is a vital and necessary part of your spiritual walk...there is the issue of whether "going to church" is more enjoyable to you than how you worship privately. Ohhhh.
Technically, our lives should express "worship" to our Lord 24/7.
Now, let's just be realistic here, shall we? That's darn near impossible, isn't it? I mean, what about the guy that cuts you off in traffic? And, the chick talking on the cell phone while trying to check out at the grocery store? Or the spouse that snaps at you impatiently because you failed to pay the water bill or take out the trash? Ya, it's darn near impossible to live in an act of "worship" ALL the time.
Nearly impossible,...and yet... possible.
What does Jesus Christ, the Messiah, say?
Oh, well, here's something. So...we become perfect through service and working together as the body of Christ. Through serving others, using our spiritual gifts, "the church" is built up and thus we reach toward unity of faith and knowledge each one of us becoming "mature," attaining the WHOLE MEASURE of the FULLNESS of Christ...perfection.
Do you know anyone who is perfect? Hmmm...can't say that I do. But, I know some who come awfully close...who seem to live in more moments of spiritual perfection than most. Since I decided to find a church that pushed me to "step it up a notch" spiritually, I've experience spiritual growth. I've seen it mostly in the way I react to life's daily challenges and how I treat others. This, I think, is part of what Paul means by "...and become mature, attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ..."
It's a daily, if not hourly act of worship. Jamee and I talked some last year about how one goes about maintaining that level of spiritual awareness or constant consciousness of worship. It is a challenge in our world.
I got off on the subject of our lives being a continual act of worship...but do we "enjoy" church more than we do our private time with the Lord? Ouch. This is all about relationship between you (me) and God. So, if we don't spend time with Him "in relationship" then red flags and alarm bells should be going off. Having said this...being a member or part of a Body of Christ (a church) is what keeps us, as Christians, spiritually healthy, challenged, inspired, humble and teachable (hopefully....at least that's the goal of the church). If the church you're going to right now is not challenging you spiritually, if you're bored with it, if you are going just because "it's all you've ever known"...examine yourself, seriously, and ask God to reveal to you any change that perhaps He wants you to make in your spiritual life.
Being a member of a vibrant, healthy, loving Body of Christ is VITAL to our spiritual health. I can't tell you how many Christians I know who go to church faithfully, but are "dying on the vine" and have, at most, minimal impact on behalf of the Saviour or is totally useless .
We are so content to NOT be challenged by the Lord or anyone else for that matter. I can just hear it: "Just let me stay on auto-pilot and leave me alone." No. I refuse to sit back and watch family and friends just getting by spiritually.
Sure it's hard work and Satan will work hard to keep you mired in the muck of mediocracy and non-growth. I sat in that muck for years. Sure I, on a rare occasion, would venture out of my shell and say a word or make a casserole, but...really, don't bother me. Until, one day, I realized I hated where I was spiritually and had the guts to ask the Lord (yes, I said it out loud) to expand my borders. I was so disappointed and embarrassed about where I was, that I was mad enough at myself to, as Jamee puts it, "step out into the middle of the river and let the current take me.
Question...
...do you enjoy God more in a public place (church) than you do in private?
Question...
...Are you interested in only going to church and not "being" the church?
I say to anyone (you or myself) who may either "live" in one of these categories or every now and again slips into one of these categories, "Woe unto you (me)."
...do you enjoy God more in a public place (church) than you do in private?
Question...
...Are you interested in only going to church and not "being" the church?
One, if you go to church, do you find it more enjoyable than your private time with God?
Two, this whole thing about "church" and whether it is necessary to "go to church" is a discussion I've had with both friends and family members.
Here are some of the viewpoints I've heard.
"Why do I have to go to church to worship God? I can worship God anywhere."
"Church is so boring...what's the point?"
"I don't want some guy standing up there telling me how to run my life."
"Religion just gets in the way."
First of all, worship does not happen in a time or at a place. Hello?
The above questions are so thought-provoking, aren't they? There is the issue of "going to church," but if you're one that does feel "going to church" is a vital and necessary part of your spiritual walk...there is the issue of whether "going to church" is more enjoyable to you than how you worship privately. Ohhhh.
Technically, our lives should express "worship" to our Lord 24/7.
Now, let's just be realistic here, shall we? That's darn near impossible, isn't it? I mean, what about the guy that cuts you off in traffic? And, the chick talking on the cell phone while trying to check out at the grocery store? Or the spouse that snaps at you impatiently because you failed to pay the water bill or take out the trash? Ya, it's darn near impossible to live in an act of "worship" ALL the time.
Nearly impossible,...and yet... possible.
What does Jesus Christ, the Messiah, say?
"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48). Okay, so the way I figure it is Christ wouldn't say that if He didn't think it were possible, right?And, Paul says in Ephesians 4 in talking about spiritual gifts:
"It was He who gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some postors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ (the church!!) may be built up until we all reach unity inthe faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in ALL things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, join and held together by every supporting ligament, grows, and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
Oh, well, here's something. So...we become perfect through service and working together as the body of Christ. Through serving others, using our spiritual gifts, "the church" is built up and thus we reach toward unity of faith and knowledge each one of us becoming "mature," attaining the WHOLE MEASURE of the FULLNESS of Christ...perfection.
Do you know anyone who is perfect? Hmmm...can't say that I do. But, I know some who come awfully close...who seem to live in more moments of spiritual perfection than most. Since I decided to find a church that pushed me to "step it up a notch" spiritually, I've experience spiritual growth. I've seen it mostly in the way I react to life's daily challenges and how I treat others. This, I think, is part of what Paul means by "...and become mature, attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ..."
It's a daily, if not hourly act of worship. Jamee and I talked some last year about how one goes about maintaining that level of spiritual awareness or constant consciousness of worship. It is a challenge in our world.
I got off on the subject of our lives being a continual act of worship...but do we "enjoy" church more than we do our private time with the Lord? Ouch. This is all about relationship between you (me) and God. So, if we don't spend time with Him "in relationship" then red flags and alarm bells should be going off. Having said this...being a member or part of a Body of Christ (a church) is what keeps us, as Christians, spiritually healthy, challenged, inspired, humble and teachable (hopefully....at least that's the goal of the church). If the church you're going to right now is not challenging you spiritually, if you're bored with it, if you are going just because "it's all you've ever known"...examine yourself, seriously, and ask God to reveal to you any change that perhaps He wants you to make in your spiritual life.
Being a member of a vibrant, healthy, loving Body of Christ is VITAL to our spiritual health. I can't tell you how many Christians I know who go to church faithfully, but are "dying on the vine" and have, at most, minimal impact on behalf of the Saviour or is totally useless .
We are so content to NOT be challenged by the Lord or anyone else for that matter. I can just hear it: "Just let me stay on auto-pilot and leave me alone." No. I refuse to sit back and watch family and friends just getting by spiritually.
Sure it's hard work and Satan will work hard to keep you mired in the muck of mediocracy and non-growth. I sat in that muck for years. Sure I, on a rare occasion, would venture out of my shell and say a word or make a casserole, but...really, don't bother me. Until, one day, I realized I hated where I was spiritually and had the guts to ask the Lord (yes, I said it out loud) to expand my borders. I was so disappointed and embarrassed about where I was, that I was mad enough at myself to, as Jamee puts it, "step out into the middle of the river and let the current take me.
Question...
...do you enjoy God more in a public place (church) than you do in private?
Question...
...Are you interested in only going to church and not "being" the church?
I say to anyone (you or myself) who may either "live" in one of these categories or every now and again slips into one of these categories, "Woe unto you (me)."
Saturday, March 15, 2008
"Prayer" by Georgette Holz
"This week in my Bible study something really hit me: prayer.
In Matthew 20:21 Jesus asks "What is it you want?" (in response to James and John and their mother coming to him for favors). Again in Matthew 20:32 Jesus asks "What do you want me to do for you?" (in response to the blind man coming to him). So often when I pray I'm not specific enough of what I want (sometimes I just don't know!)--I tend to leave it more in the realm of "In Your Will" (which is important also). But I was reminded that Jesus wants us to be specific in coming to Him.
In our lecture we were told that..."The more specific you are in telling Jesus your needs and asking for His help, the more you will realize His compassion and provision." Pretty awesome! I'm going to make more of an effort to think about what I want before I ask!
The interesting thing is I was disappointed when I learned we were going to be studying Matthew, thinking, nothing new there! Boy was I wrong. I guess there's always something to be gleaned when we look to God's Word!"
In Matthew 20:21 Jesus asks "What is it you want?" (in response to James and John and their mother coming to him for favors). Again in Matthew 20:32 Jesus asks "What do you want me to do for you?" (in response to the blind man coming to him). So often when I pray I'm not specific enough of what I want (sometimes I just don't know!)--I tend to leave it more in the realm of "In Your Will" (which is important also). But I was reminded that Jesus wants us to be specific in coming to Him.
In our lecture we were told that..."The more specific you are in telling Jesus your needs and asking for His help, the more you will realize His compassion and provision." Pretty awesome! I'm going to make more of an effort to think about what I want before I ask!
The interesting thing is I was disappointed when I learned we were going to be studying Matthew, thinking, nothing new there! Boy was I wrong. I guess there's always something to be gleaned when we look to God's Word!"
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
David, the Cave Dweller
"So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam..."
I Samuel 22:1
Excerpt of "David: A Man of Passion & Destiny," by Charles Swindoll
David had bottomed out. In a downward swirl of events, he lost his job, his wife, his home, his counselor, his closest friend, and finally his self-respect. This was the lowest point of David's life to date, and if you want to know how he really felt, just read the song he composed about it, Psalm 142.
David was brought to the place where God could truly begin to shape him and use him. When the sovereign God brings us to nothing, it is to reroute our lives, not to end them. Human perspective says, "Aha, you've lost this, you've lost that. You've caused this, you've caused that. You've ruined this, you've ruined that. End you life!" But God says, "No. No. You're in a cave. But that doesn't mean it's over. That means it's time to reroute your lfie. Now's the time to start anew!"
David probably didn't want anyone around at this point. He just wanted to be alone. But, look what God did...at the lowest point in his life.
"When his brothers and all his father's household heard of it, they went down there to him." I Samuel 22:1
His family weren't the only ones that came. Look at I Samuel 22:2. Those in distress, those in debt, and those discontented came. What a group!
God is at work here rerouting David's life. David is in a cave, he feels worthless, useless, mistreated, misunderstoood. But, here comes his family and all these strangers begin dropping in. I don't know how word traveled, but before long there were 400 fellow cave dwellers looking at David as their leader.
The cave was no longer David's escape hatch. If you can believe it, the smelly, dank cave became a place of training for those who were the beginning of the army that would be called "David's mighty men of valor." That's right--this motley crew would become his might men in battle, and later they would become his cabinet when he took office.
David was beaten all the way down, until there was no way to look but up. And when he looked up, God was there, bringing this bunch of unknowns to him little by little until finally they proved themselves to be the mightiest men of Israel!
What a turning point in David's life, when he made the crucial decision not to walk away. He would accept his situation and make the best of it. If it was a cave, so be it. If those around him needed leadership, he'd provide it. Who would have guessed that the next king of Israel was training his troops in a dark cave where nobody saw and nobody cared. How unusual of God...yet how carefully He planned it!
Look again at Psalm 142. Also look at Psalms 57 and 34. We don't know in what order he wrote these, but looking at his life, they seem to fit in this backward order--142 when David was at his lowest moment on his face. Psalm 57 when he's on his knees, and finally Psalm 34 when he's on his feet looking at God instead of himself.
Why did such a major change take place in David's life and attitude?
First, because David hurt enough to admit his need. When you are hurting, you need to declare it to someone, and especially to the Lord.
Second, David was honest enough to cry for help. We have lived under such a veneer for so long in our generation that we hardly know how to cry for help. But God honors such vulnerability. He did then...and He does now.
Some of us are living in an emotional cave, where it is dark and dismal, damp and disillusioning. Perhaps the hardest part of all is that we cannot declare the truth to anybody else because it is so desperate....so lonely...so shameful.
I weary of the philosophy that the Christian life is just one silver-lined cloud after another. It is not! Sometimes the Christian life includes a deep, dark cave.
Remember the conversion of a soul is the miracle of the moment, but the making of a saint is the task of a lifetime. And God isn't about to give up.
Sometimes life feels like a dry, barren wind off a lonely desert. And something inside us begins to wilt. At other times it feels more like chilling mist. Seeping through our pores, it numbs our spirit and fogs the path before us. What is it about discouragement that strips our lives of joy and leaves us feeling vulnerable and exposed?
There are many reasons perhaps, but one is that we don't have a refuge. You don't have a shelter. A listener. Someone who understands. You need a cave to duck into.
Turn to God. Allow your family to crawl into the cave with you. Allow your close friend(s) to crawl into the cave with you.
We need a refuge because we are in distress and sorrow accompanies us.
We need a refuge because we are sinful and guilt accuses us.
We need a refuge because we are surrounded by adversaries and misunderstanding assaults us.
Discouraged people don't need critics. They hurt enough already. They need encouragement... they need a refuge. A place to hide and heal...a willing, caring, available someone. A confidant. A comrade at arms.
Be that to someone today.
And, if you are the one in the cave...seek Jesus' face...invite Him into the cave with you. Allow your family, a friend to also enter in.
I Samuel 22:1
Excerpt of "David: A Man of Passion & Destiny," by Charles Swindoll
David had bottomed out. In a downward swirl of events, he lost his job, his wife, his home, his counselor, his closest friend, and finally his self-respect. This was the lowest point of David's life to date, and if you want to know how he really felt, just read the song he composed about it, Psalm 142.
David was brought to the place where God could truly begin to shape him and use him. When the sovereign God brings us to nothing, it is to reroute our lives, not to end them. Human perspective says, "Aha, you've lost this, you've lost that. You've caused this, you've caused that. You've ruined this, you've ruined that. End you life!" But God says, "No. No. You're in a cave. But that doesn't mean it's over. That means it's time to reroute your lfie. Now's the time to start anew!"
David probably didn't want anyone around at this point. He just wanted to be alone. But, look what God did...at the lowest point in his life.
"When his brothers and all his father's household heard of it, they went down there to him." I Samuel 22:1
His family weren't the only ones that came. Look at I Samuel 22:2. Those in distress, those in debt, and those discontented came. What a group!
God is at work here rerouting David's life. David is in a cave, he feels worthless, useless, mistreated, misunderstoood. But, here comes his family and all these strangers begin dropping in. I don't know how word traveled, but before long there were 400 fellow cave dwellers looking at David as their leader.
The cave was no longer David's escape hatch. If you can believe it, the smelly, dank cave became a place of training for those who were the beginning of the army that would be called "David's mighty men of valor." That's right--this motley crew would become his might men in battle, and later they would become his cabinet when he took office.
David was beaten all the way down, until there was no way to look but up. And when he looked up, God was there, bringing this bunch of unknowns to him little by little until finally they proved themselves to be the mightiest men of Israel!
What a turning point in David's life, when he made the crucial decision not to walk away. He would accept his situation and make the best of it. If it was a cave, so be it. If those around him needed leadership, he'd provide it. Who would have guessed that the next king of Israel was training his troops in a dark cave where nobody saw and nobody cared. How unusual of God...yet how carefully He planned it!
Look again at Psalm 142. Also look at Psalms 57 and 34. We don't know in what order he wrote these, but looking at his life, they seem to fit in this backward order--142 when David was at his lowest moment on his face. Psalm 57 when he's on his knees, and finally Psalm 34 when he's on his feet looking at God instead of himself.
Why did such a major change take place in David's life and attitude?
First, because David hurt enough to admit his need. When you are hurting, you need to declare it to someone, and especially to the Lord.
Second, David was honest enough to cry for help. We have lived under such a veneer for so long in our generation that we hardly know how to cry for help. But God honors such vulnerability. He did then...and He does now.
Some of us are living in an emotional cave, where it is dark and dismal, damp and disillusioning. Perhaps the hardest part of all is that we cannot declare the truth to anybody else because it is so desperate....so lonely...so shameful.
I weary of the philosophy that the Christian life is just one silver-lined cloud after another. It is not! Sometimes the Christian life includes a deep, dark cave.
Remember the conversion of a soul is the miracle of the moment, but the making of a saint is the task of a lifetime. And God isn't about to give up.
Sometimes life feels like a dry, barren wind off a lonely desert. And something inside us begins to wilt. At other times it feels more like chilling mist. Seeping through our pores, it numbs our spirit and fogs the path before us. What is it about discouragement that strips our lives of joy and leaves us feeling vulnerable and exposed?
There are many reasons perhaps, but one is that we don't have a refuge. You don't have a shelter. A listener. Someone who understands. You need a cave to duck into.
Turn to God. Allow your family to crawl into the cave with you. Allow your close friend(s) to crawl into the cave with you.
We need a refuge because we are in distress and sorrow accompanies us.
We need a refuge because we are sinful and guilt accuses us.
We need a refuge because we are surrounded by adversaries and misunderstanding assaults us.
Discouraged people don't need critics. They hurt enough already. They need encouragement... they need a refuge. A place to hide and heal...a willing, caring, available someone. A confidant. A comrade at arms.
Be that to someone today.
And, if you are the one in the cave...seek Jesus' face...invite Him into the cave with you. Allow your family, a friend to also enter in.
Monday, February 11, 2008
God's Blog
Lanny Donoho wrote a book back in 2005 called God's Blogs." I read it in practically one sitting it is that good. In fact, I gave it to my 16 year old nephew two Christmas' ago...he loved it. It is written as if God has written a series of blogs about different subjects.
Blog #36 is entitled "The Wrong Picture"
"I AM a little disturbed--actually a lot disturbed--that so many people and churches have painted such a distorted picture of Me throughout the centuries.
People, of course, have no idea how to paint Me, but they have often attempted to paint theface of Jesus, and it intrgues Me that you almost never see him smiling or laughing. Some have Me pegged as the CELESTIAL KILLJOY. Lots of preachers and scholars have portrayed Me through their sermons and writings as one who is 'set in His ways' and 'scowls' at those things which do not go according to My heavenly plan.
If you've been listening to the wrong people or someone has handed you a picture of Me...before you decide to set it on a shelf somewhere, do Me a favor; Go read some of MY stories.
Here are some of the things you'll see:
I once caused a donkey to talk out loud.
I had a big fish swallow a man and three days later spit him up unharmed.
I helped a few guys walk on top of water in a storm.
I made it nighttime in the middle of the day.
I set a bush on fire and kept it from burning.
Did the same asbestos kinda thing with three teenagers although I didn't start the fire.
I split the water of a huge lake right down the middle and held up the sides while over a million people walked on dry land to the other side.
Then I brought the water down on the bad guys who were following close behind.
Little bitty armies beat big ones. Sometimes with just instruments and pots & pans.
I made a storm stop and the waves settle with just a few words.
I took some spit and mud and used it to make a blind guy see.
Talked the leprosy right out of a couple of guys and made their ears and fingers grow back right in front of their eyes.
I sent so many frogs and gnats and flies to a place one time that no one could see anything two feet in front of them.
I turned water into wine so a party would go better.
I fed over five thousand people with just what was in a kid's lunchbox.
And I watched a dead man hop out of his grave when I ask him to...mummy suit and all.
That's a short list. There weren't enough gigabbytes in this computer to type out half of the long list. (Did I mention that I also created the platypus, the giraffe, the kangaroo, and the grasshopper?)
Now do you still think I don't have a good time and laugh and smile? Do you catch a bit of creativity in some of My actions? Do you still want to put My picture on the shelf with all the old relics you have collecting dust?
Like I said...those were just a few of the millions of fun things I've been up to. I do small fun little things now and then too.
I helped some people find their keys today, and I made their car run when it was out of gas. I've turned on television sets and turned off electricity just so some good stuff could happen to some good people. Hey, I've even saved your life a few times, and you weren't even aware of the danger.
Okay, that's My blog.
Sure, I'M God and I'M old and Holy and Pure and Sacred. BUT, I'M fun and I smile and laugh and do exciting things that you couldn't imagine.
So, tear up the old pictures you have of Me in your mind (or on that old church bulletin board). Quit listening to the folks who make ME look boring...and spend your time and energy discovering who I really AM.
It's all written down.
Plus, you can see lots of Me in lots of people.
And...
I'M right here,
ready to chat."
Blog #36 is entitled "The Wrong Picture"
"I AM a little disturbed--actually a lot disturbed--that so many people and churches have painted such a distorted picture of Me throughout the centuries.
People, of course, have no idea how to paint Me, but they have often attempted to paint theface of Jesus, and it intrgues Me that you almost never see him smiling or laughing. Some have Me pegged as the CELESTIAL KILLJOY. Lots of preachers and scholars have portrayed Me through their sermons and writings as one who is 'set in His ways' and 'scowls' at those things which do not go according to My heavenly plan.
If you've been listening to the wrong people or someone has handed you a picture of Me...before you decide to set it on a shelf somewhere, do Me a favor; Go read some of MY stories.
Here are some of the things you'll see:
I once caused a donkey to talk out loud.
I had a big fish swallow a man and three days later spit him up unharmed.
I helped a few guys walk on top of water in a storm.
I made it nighttime in the middle of the day.
I set a bush on fire and kept it from burning.
Did the same asbestos kinda thing with three teenagers although I didn't start the fire.
I split the water of a huge lake right down the middle and held up the sides while over a million people walked on dry land to the other side.
Then I brought the water down on the bad guys who were following close behind.
Little bitty armies beat big ones. Sometimes with just instruments and pots & pans.
I made a storm stop and the waves settle with just a few words.
I took some spit and mud and used it to make a blind guy see.
Talked the leprosy right out of a couple of guys and made their ears and fingers grow back right in front of their eyes.
I sent so many frogs and gnats and flies to a place one time that no one could see anything two feet in front of them.
I turned water into wine so a party would go better.
I fed over five thousand people with just what was in a kid's lunchbox.
And I watched a dead man hop out of his grave when I ask him to...mummy suit and all.
That's a short list. There weren't enough gigabbytes in this computer to type out half of the long list. (Did I mention that I also created the platypus, the giraffe, the kangaroo, and the grasshopper?)
Now do you still think I don't have a good time and laugh and smile? Do you catch a bit of creativity in some of My actions? Do you still want to put My picture on the shelf with all the old relics you have collecting dust?
Like I said...those were just a few of the millions of fun things I've been up to. I do small fun little things now and then too.
I helped some people find their keys today, and I made their car run when it was out of gas. I've turned on television sets and turned off electricity just so some good stuff could happen to some good people. Hey, I've even saved your life a few times, and you weren't even aware of the danger.
Okay, that's My blog.
Sure, I'M God and I'M old and Holy and Pure and Sacred. BUT, I'M fun and I smile and laugh and do exciting things that you couldn't imagine.
So, tear up the old pictures you have of Me in your mind (or on that old church bulletin board). Quit listening to the folks who make ME look boring...and spend your time and energy discovering who I really AM.
It's all written down.
Plus, you can see lots of Me in lots of people.
And...
I'M right here,
ready to chat."
Friday, February 08, 2008
Standing in the Gap
Jesus says in Matthew 7: 7-11 the following:
I’m not sure why God wants us to keep asking Him for the things we need. Why He wants us, basically, to keep bugging Him...but it’s laid out here pretty black and white straight from the Man Himself!!!
So, ASK, ASK and ASK again. SEEK, SEEK and SEEK again. He wants us to come to Him for everything we need in our lives...from paying our utility bill, to standing in the gap for our children. And, He wants us to keep asking, keep coming back, keep knocking on His door, and keep seeking. There are gaps in the line of spiritual defense of our children. Who will “stand in the gap” against Satan and his legions of attacks on our children? At the last G3 Summit we committed to each other to “stand in the gap” for each other’s children. This is a spiritual, unseen war our children are fighting. ASK, ASK, ASK.
I pray that we all can get it through our thick skulls that God IS wanting that kind of relationship with us...He wants to be our “go-to” guy. :+) This is a LOVE that we can’t grasp and wrap our heads around for sure...it is a mystery. But He really dares us to try Him out. Don’t grow weary. Be steadfast. Stand. Stand strong for your children.
“Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking (reverently) and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, the door will be opened. Or what man is there of you, if his son asks him for a loaf of bread, will hand him a stone? Or is he asks for a fish, will hand him a serpent? If you, then, evil as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven (perfect as He is) give good and advantageous things to those who keep on asking Him!” (see also Luke 11: 5-13)
I’m not sure why God wants us to keep asking Him for the things we need. Why He wants us, basically, to keep bugging Him...but it’s laid out here pretty black and white straight from the Man Himself!!!
So, ASK, ASK and ASK again. SEEK, SEEK and SEEK again. He wants us to come to Him for everything we need in our lives...from paying our utility bill, to standing in the gap for our children. And, He wants us to keep asking, keep coming back, keep knocking on His door, and keep seeking. There are gaps in the line of spiritual defense of our children. Who will “stand in the gap” against Satan and his legions of attacks on our children? At the last G3 Summit we committed to each other to “stand in the gap” for each other’s children. This is a spiritual, unseen war our children are fighting. ASK, ASK, ASK.
I pray that we all can get it through our thick skulls that God IS wanting that kind of relationship with us...He wants to be our “go-to” guy. :+) This is a LOVE that we can’t grasp and wrap our heads around for sure...it is a mystery. But He really dares us to try Him out. Don’t grow weary. Be steadfast. Stand. Stand strong for your children.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Spiritual Cataracts
At church this morning in the middle of our prayer time I was thinking about the lesson I learned two weeks ago about "who is my neighbor." It occurred to me that it is such a challenge to continually see the world through the eyes of God. As I reflected on this I was lead to write this down:
"Once there was a girl who had cataracts. It came on slowly as this kind of thing does. Her vision became cloudier and cloudier. It happened so slowly it was almost imperceptible until one day she realized she could no longer see. She felt like she was in a heavy fog. She had to keep looking down at her feet in order to see where she was walking. She isolated herself by the mere fact that she had to focus solely on herself and where she was going. So, she never saw the people (the needs) that crossed her path."
So, the service went on and Pastor Mark finally stood to present the morning message. Luke 7:36-50 was the text. This is the story about the prostitute who came to the Pharisee's house and washed Jesus' feet with her tears.
Pastor Mark talked about how the Pharisee didn't see the prostitute the way Jesus saw her. Jesus asked the Pharisee, "Do you see this woman?"
Whew. I stared down at my notebook where I had written the little story about the girl with the cataracts about 30-minutes earlier.
Perhaps the great Physician is asking for each one of us to come to Him for an eye examine. Do you see the world around you through the Savior's eyes? Or have you allowed your spiritual eyes to develop the film of selfishness, self-centeredness and distraction. Do you have spiritual cataracts?
"Once there was a girl who had cataracts. It came on slowly as this kind of thing does. Her vision became cloudier and cloudier. It happened so slowly it was almost imperceptible until one day she realized she could no longer see. She felt like she was in a heavy fog. She had to keep looking down at her feet in order to see where she was walking. She isolated herself by the mere fact that she had to focus solely on herself and where she was going. So, she never saw the people (the needs) that crossed her path."
So, the service went on and Pastor Mark finally stood to present the morning message. Luke 7:36-50 was the text. This is the story about the prostitute who came to the Pharisee's house and washed Jesus' feet with her tears.
Pastor Mark talked about how the Pharisee didn't see the prostitute the way Jesus saw her. Jesus asked the Pharisee, "Do you see this woman?"
Whew. I stared down at my notebook where I had written the little story about the girl with the cataracts about 30-minutes earlier.
Perhaps the great Physician is asking for each one of us to come to Him for an eye examine. Do you see the world around you through the Savior's eyes? Or have you allowed your spiritual eyes to develop the film of selfishness, self-centeredness and distraction. Do you have spiritual cataracts?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Rumblings in my Spirit by Jamee Smith-Shroyer
I have had rumblings in my spirit of late. That usually means that God is speaking to me. And it takes a while, sometimes, for me to tune in to what He’s showing me. Sort of like trying to get a clear signal on a radio. You move the dial around long enough and you hit it on the mark.
Here’s my story: I watched Oprah several months ago when she featured an author who had written a book “Eat, Pray, Love.” It was a New York Time’s best seller; her name was Elizabeth something; and she was quite sincere and engaging. The audience asked her lots of questions and I found her answers intriguing. God-centered….sort of.
So I bought the book for a stocking stuffer for myself and was so sure that I would want to pass it on to someone else, I bought two copies. During the Christmas holiday I read it. In fact, couldn’t put it down. In the first section, “Eat,” the author, as part of a magazine writing assignment, eats her way across Italy and sort of finds herself. In the second section, “Pray,” still on the writing assignment, she goes to India and hooks up with a recommended guru. Participates in lots of yoga and has experiences that involve light, etc. The third section, “Love,” still the same assignment, she travels to Indonesia and, well, the rest is history.
In discussing the book with my hubby, I was waxing eloquent about what I had read and I said to him, “she doesn’t talk about Jesus, but God is at the top of the triangle. She refers to God a lot, in fact.” Jim did not answer me.
Well, the book sat on the end table in our living room for weeks. I thought, “Gee, you have two copies. Send one to someone.” But with each passing day, I became more and more convicted about that book and my attraction to it. I’m NOT sending it to anyone else. Both books are going to be thrown away.
While all of this is rumbling, I suddenly became convicted about magazines that I get. Now I’m not talking Playboy here. I’m talking house magazines, health magazines. I get lots of magazines. And catalogues. I get tons of catalogues and I pour over them, looking and longing. Something gnawed in my spirit and said, “It all takes time and attention away from Jesus.”
Good grief! I thought what are you turning into??? Convicted about Country Home magazine. Get a life! Please don’t misunderstand me….this is MY story. In and of themselves, there is nothing wrong with any of this. But somehow, it’s tied back to that book that I am now throwing away. Still not sure I can make sense of it.
Then I ran across this in the supplement to the book by Sylvia Gunter that we used at the retreat about spiritual warfare. It’s titled “Clean Hands, Pure Heart Inventory.” I know this is already a long letter, but bear with me:
“Jesus told His disciples, ‘The prince of this world is coming and he has nothing in Me.’ (Jn 14:30) To get on victory ground to pray for your family, take some time to prayerfully ask, ‘Father, in Jesus name, show me areas where I need to take back ground that I have conceded to Satan (and Jamee thought, ‘that book.’) Identify for me my key issues. I submit to You, resist the devil, and he must flee. By Your Spirit, I covenant to keep a clean slate with You every day.”
“Make a list of the following:
Involvement in the occult, cults and false religions.
Lies you have believed (fear of failure, rejection, punishment, etc.), defense mechanisms (denial withdrawal, blame, shame, etc.); fears, painful memories or emotions that won’t go away.
Unforgiveness that has festered around areas of woundedness (abandonment, rejection, shame, fear of failure, punishment.)
List people who have wronged or hurt you. (These prompters insure your honesty: ‘I resent…’ ‘I need to forgive…)
Evidences of rebellion (Remember that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft) – people/institutions you have been rebellious toward, incidences or patterns of personal willfulness.
Evidences of areas of pride in your life. Arrogance or stubbornness is as idolatry (I Sam 15:23.)
Ties that bind…list everybody with whom you have been sexually involved; list friends that have strongly influenced you unrighteously and specify how; list a way of life you are tied to (people-pleasing, location, social set, occupational environment, etc.); list additions, vows, inner vows, (‘I will never….’)
These compete with allegiance with God only.
Generational bondages – list major unrighteous character traits of close relatives (living and dead); curses operative in your family line, secret organizations to which you or your relatives have sworn an oath.
Pray this way:
Father, I renounce these strongholds of the enemy. I plead the blood of Jesus over each of these. I renounce my sin, resist the enemy and submit to You to be filled with your righteousness in these areas.”
This is vital to your victory in Jesus and your position of intercession for your family.”
So…I’m waiting to see what He shows me that is competing for the devotion, attention and WORSHIP that is rightfully His. Remember…this is MY story. You must walk according to what He says to you.
Love you all
Jamee
Here’s my story: I watched Oprah several months ago when she featured an author who had written a book “Eat, Pray, Love.” It was a New York Time’s best seller; her name was Elizabeth something; and she was quite sincere and engaging. The audience asked her lots of questions and I found her answers intriguing. God-centered….sort of.
So I bought the book for a stocking stuffer for myself and was so sure that I would want to pass it on to someone else, I bought two copies. During the Christmas holiday I read it. In fact, couldn’t put it down. In the first section, “Eat,” the author, as part of a magazine writing assignment, eats her way across Italy and sort of finds herself. In the second section, “Pray,” still on the writing assignment, she goes to India and hooks up with a recommended guru. Participates in lots of yoga and has experiences that involve light, etc. The third section, “Love,” still the same assignment, she travels to Indonesia and, well, the rest is history.
In discussing the book with my hubby, I was waxing eloquent about what I had read and I said to him, “she doesn’t talk about Jesus, but God is at the top of the triangle. She refers to God a lot, in fact.” Jim did not answer me.
Well, the book sat on the end table in our living room for weeks. I thought, “Gee, you have two copies. Send one to someone.” But with each passing day, I became more and more convicted about that book and my attraction to it. I’m NOT sending it to anyone else. Both books are going to be thrown away.
While all of this is rumbling, I suddenly became convicted about magazines that I get. Now I’m not talking Playboy here. I’m talking house magazines, health magazines. I get lots of magazines. And catalogues. I get tons of catalogues and I pour over them, looking and longing. Something gnawed in my spirit and said, “It all takes time and attention away from Jesus.”
Good grief! I thought what are you turning into??? Convicted about Country Home magazine. Get a life! Please don’t misunderstand me….this is MY story. In and of themselves, there is nothing wrong with any of this. But somehow, it’s tied back to that book that I am now throwing away. Still not sure I can make sense of it.
Then I ran across this in the supplement to the book by Sylvia Gunter that we used at the retreat about spiritual warfare. It’s titled “Clean Hands, Pure Heart Inventory.” I know this is already a long letter, but bear with me:
“Jesus told His disciples, ‘The prince of this world is coming and he has nothing in Me.’ (Jn 14:30) To get on victory ground to pray for your family, take some time to prayerfully ask, ‘Father, in Jesus name, show me areas where I need to take back ground that I have conceded to Satan (and Jamee thought, ‘that book.’) Identify for me my key issues. I submit to You, resist the devil, and he must flee. By Your Spirit, I covenant to keep a clean slate with You every day.”
“Make a list of the following:
Involvement in the occult, cults and false religions.
Lies you have believed (fear of failure, rejection, punishment, etc.), defense mechanisms (denial withdrawal, blame, shame, etc.); fears, painful memories or emotions that won’t go away.
Unforgiveness that has festered around areas of woundedness (abandonment, rejection, shame, fear of failure, punishment.)
List people who have wronged or hurt you. (These prompters insure your honesty: ‘I resent…’ ‘I need to forgive…)
Evidences of rebellion (Remember that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft) – people/institutions you have been rebellious toward, incidences or patterns of personal willfulness.
Evidences of areas of pride in your life. Arrogance or stubbornness is as idolatry (I Sam 15:23.)
Ties that bind…list everybody with whom you have been sexually involved; list friends that have strongly influenced you unrighteously and specify how; list a way of life you are tied to (people-pleasing, location, social set, occupational environment, etc.); list additions, vows, inner vows, (‘I will never….’)
These compete with allegiance with God only.
Generational bondages – list major unrighteous character traits of close relatives (living and dead); curses operative in your family line, secret organizations to which you or your relatives have sworn an oath.
Pray this way:
Father, I renounce these strongholds of the enemy. I plead the blood of Jesus over each of these. I renounce my sin, resist the enemy and submit to You to be filled with your righteousness in these areas.”
This is vital to your victory in Jesus and your position of intercession for your family.”
So…I’m waiting to see what He shows me that is competing for the devotion, attention and WORSHIP that is rightfully His. Remember…this is MY story. You must walk according to what He says to you.
Love you all
Jamee
Friday, January 18, 2008
There Once was a Gal...
Once there was a gal who was friends with God. She had been friends with God since she was a little girl, but in the last few years she had a spiritual rebirth or kick-in-the-butt that really motivated her to know more about her friend, God. So, she joined a new church and started attending a small group bible study on Thursday nights.
This one particular week her little group was studying James 2. It’s all about loving your neighbor as yourself. Having been friends with God for so long, this gal kind of figured she knew what “loving one’s neighbor” was all about. But, during the course of the evening she realized there was a lot more to it than how she was living her life.
So, she was greatly convicted and pondered about “who” her neighbor was as she got into her car to go home. As she drove down the block and turned left onto Abrams, she remembered that a great passion of hers that entered her mind every now and again was the thought that people she came across during the course of a day, perhaps even for just a moment, may not have anyone in their entire world who was praying for them…who was bringing them before the throng of Grace.
As she drove down Abrams it began to dawn on her that this conviction or passion that entered her brain/soul every now and again should be right there, at the forefront of her consciousness, every moment….that she should be anticipating who God would bring her way every day who needed His touch, His ears, His voice. As she sat at the red light on the corner of Abrams and Walnut Hill…in the left lane…considering this new revelation…she glanced in her rear view mirror and saw headlights barreling down the center lane. Her mind was slow to react as she changed the focus of her gaze to the car parked at the red light next to her in the center lane.
The crash was monumental and propelled the parked car 40 feet into the intersection. Calmly and almost without thought, she reached for her phone and dialed 911. “There’s been a major accident on the corner of Walnut Hill and Abrams…send an ambulance.” She got out of her car as those that caused the accident stumbled out of their car and made their way to the curb (airbags saved them). She ran to the car that was projected almost completely through the intersection and found….well…and found what she came to realize later were her “neighbors” – Billy and Shawn: two African American men, in their late 30s, unable to move and speechless with shock and pain (no airbags, no seatbelts).
For the next hour, she held their hands, called their sister and brother, and when these grown men began to cry…she spoke softly with gentle reassurances and encouragements and prayed silently for their health and healing. This all the while feeling like she was having an out-of-body experience watching another being inside of her calmly saying and doing just the right things at the right moments.
Backboards and neck collars where used, talk of broken bones, concussions and back injuries were heard as fire fighters un-pried jammed doors to pull the men out.
When the last police officer and accident investigator gave her the clearance to leave, she stood there for a moment in the middle of the intersection surveying the scene and wondered what these men would remember the next morning, and what their memory of her would be.
She felt with humble confidence that they would feel that God had touched them and comforted them as they lay trapped in their mangled car.
And, when the last ambulance drove away this humble friend of God looked back down Abrams towards the home of her small group and in awe and thanksgiving realized she had just experienced a real life example of WHO her neighbor really was.
This is a true story.
This one particular week her little group was studying James 2. It’s all about loving your neighbor as yourself. Having been friends with God for so long, this gal kind of figured she knew what “loving one’s neighbor” was all about. But, during the course of the evening she realized there was a lot more to it than how she was living her life.
So, she was greatly convicted and pondered about “who” her neighbor was as she got into her car to go home. As she drove down the block and turned left onto Abrams, she remembered that a great passion of hers that entered her mind every now and again was the thought that people she came across during the course of a day, perhaps even for just a moment, may not have anyone in their entire world who was praying for them…who was bringing them before the throng of Grace.
As she drove down Abrams it began to dawn on her that this conviction or passion that entered her brain/soul every now and again should be right there, at the forefront of her consciousness, every moment….that she should be anticipating who God would bring her way every day who needed His touch, His ears, His voice. As she sat at the red light on the corner of Abrams and Walnut Hill…in the left lane…considering this new revelation…she glanced in her rear view mirror and saw headlights barreling down the center lane. Her mind was slow to react as she changed the focus of her gaze to the car parked at the red light next to her in the center lane.
The crash was monumental and propelled the parked car 40 feet into the intersection. Calmly and almost without thought, she reached for her phone and dialed 911. “There’s been a major accident on the corner of Walnut Hill and Abrams…send an ambulance.” She got out of her car as those that caused the accident stumbled out of their car and made their way to the curb (airbags saved them). She ran to the car that was projected almost completely through the intersection and found….well…and found what she came to realize later were her “neighbors” – Billy and Shawn: two African American men, in their late 30s, unable to move and speechless with shock and pain (no airbags, no seatbelts).
For the next hour, she held their hands, called their sister and brother, and when these grown men began to cry…she spoke softly with gentle reassurances and encouragements and prayed silently for their health and healing. This all the while feeling like she was having an out-of-body experience watching another being inside of her calmly saying and doing just the right things at the right moments.
Backboards and neck collars where used, talk of broken bones, concussions and back injuries were heard as fire fighters un-pried jammed doors to pull the men out.
When the last police officer and accident investigator gave her the clearance to leave, she stood there for a moment in the middle of the intersection surveying the scene and wondered what these men would remember the next morning, and what their memory of her would be.
She felt with humble confidence that they would feel that God had touched them and comforted them as they lay trapped in their mangled car.
And, when the last ambulance drove away this humble friend of God looked back down Abrams towards the home of her small group and in awe and thanksgiving realized she had just experienced a real life example of WHO her neighbor really was.
This is a true story.
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