Do you ever find yourself asking, "Why?" I've been doing it this morning...
"Why did we have to get sick this week?"
"Why do I have to live in this decade/generation?"
Basically, I'm throwing a grand pity party-- attendance 1. There are three more pity parties being thrown simultaneously by my Crew. I'm not being much of an example of godliness right now. So in answer to my own questions: We get sick because we live in a fallen world. And the fact that we are ever healthy is a gift of grace.
And when Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: "He took our illnesses and bore our diseases."
Matthew 8:14-17
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:4-5
And why do I live NOW and not some other time?
Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Psalms 139:16
Friday, June 28, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Like...Hate...Content...LOVE
I was talking to a dear sister recently about my new house. She has walked with me through the entire story of my married life thus far. I mentioned that as I was putting clean laundry away, I was thinking, "I love my house!" She replied that that was really cool and she knew that I hadn't loved my old house. Which had me immediately scrambling. But as I tried to excuse my discontent over my old house, I realized that I never really LOVED it. At the beginning I LIKED it. Later there was an extended season when I HATED it. And finally a season in which I was CONTENT. But never LOVE.
As I mulled over how I have felt about my houses, I realized that there was a correlation between how I felt and how I cared for my house. When I liked my house, I made an effort to care for it and make improvements. When I hated it, I did my best to ignore the messes. When I was content, it was a duty to care for it that I took seriously, but didn't often enjoy. And honestly, I don't always enjoy housework... =P But with the new house, I have room to move, room to breathe, room to organize, room to clean... and it is WONDERFUL!
Then I began to ponder if there was a similar correlation in my walk with Christ. When I "like" Him, I put forth the effort to know Him more... I don't think I've ever CONSCIOUSLY "hated" Him, but sometimes my behavior says what my mind never would... There are seasons when I'm content with where I am-- no desire, just duty... Then there are seasons when I can't get enough of Him! I'd sit on my bed reading the Bible all day long, and wish the day was LONGER!!! I'm thankful that grace covers the like, the hate, the content, and even the love. Because although I do love Him, my sin keeps me from loving Him like He deserves.
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:3-7
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:9-10
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.
1 Chronicles 29:11
As I mulled over how I have felt about my houses, I realized that there was a correlation between how I felt and how I cared for my house. When I liked my house, I made an effort to care for it and make improvements. When I hated it, I did my best to ignore the messes. When I was content, it was a duty to care for it that I took seriously, but didn't often enjoy. And honestly, I don't always enjoy housework... =P But with the new house, I have room to move, room to breathe, room to organize, room to clean... and it is WONDERFUL!
Then I began to ponder if there was a similar correlation in my walk with Christ. When I "like" Him, I put forth the effort to know Him more... I don't think I've ever CONSCIOUSLY "hated" Him, but sometimes my behavior says what my mind never would... There are seasons when I'm content with where I am-- no desire, just duty... Then there are seasons when I can't get enough of Him! I'd sit on my bed reading the Bible all day long, and wish the day was LONGER!!! I'm thankful that grace covers the like, the hate, the content, and even the love. Because although I do love Him, my sin keeps me from loving Him like He deserves.
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:3-7
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:9-10
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.
1 Chronicles 29:11
Not Ready
I am a dreamer. And I don't mean that in a good sense, as in: "I imagine ways to make new things or to improve things that already are." I don't even mean, "I have a great imagination and can carry you to new worlds on my words." I mean that I have vivid dreams when I sleep. And I DON'T like it! Mostly because so many of the dreams are not the pretty, fluffy kind that you see on cartoons. Most of my dreams are either nightmares, just plain weird, or some horrifying combination of the two. A recurring theme in my nightmares, since I had children, is that because of something I believe, or some way I live, my children are being either taken from me or killed before my eyes. (Morbid, I know.) I had one of these recently, and I have been pondering off and on whether I would, if a moment like that arose, entrust my children to my God and stand firm in faith. I've struggled over this question before, and I've come to the conclusion that I'm not ready. I don't believe that I could face that choice today... And I don't ever want to! But today I'm praying that if that day DOES come, I'll be ready. And I trust that He will uphold me.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16
"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. "And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."
Luke 12:4-12
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16
"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. "And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."
Luke 12:4-12
Monday, June 24, 2013
Song of the Day- 12
I've been struggling recently with the question of whether I am truly WILLING to give up EVERYTHING for the Lord, were He to require it of me... More on that another day. For today, just a song. =)
O Church Arise
O church, arise and put your armor on;
Hear the call of Christ our captain;
For now the weak can say that they are strong
In the strength that God has given.
With shield of faith and belt of truth
We'll stand against the devil's lies;
An army bold whose battle cry is "Love!"
Reaching out to those in darkness.
Our call to war, to love the captive soul,
But to rage against the captor;
And with the sword that makes the wounded whole
We will fight with faith and valor.
When faced with trials on ev'ry side,
We know the outcome is secure,
And Christ will have the prize for which He died—
An inheritance of nations.
Come, see the cross where love and mercy meet,
As the Son of God is stricken;
Then see His foes lie crushed beneath His feet,
For the Conqueror has risen!
And as the stone is rolled away,
And Christ emerges from the grave,
This vict'ry march continues till the day
Ev'ry eye and heart shall see Him.
So Spirit, come, put strength in ev'ry stride,
Give grace for ev'ry hurdle,
That we may run with faith to win the prize
Of a servant good and faithful.
As saints of old still line the way,
Retelling triumphs of His grace,
We hear their calls and hunger for the day
When, with Christ, we stand in glory.
"O Church, Arise"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music
O Church Arise
O church, arise and put your armor on;
Hear the call of Christ our captain;
For now the weak can say that they are strong
In the strength that God has given.
With shield of faith and belt of truth
We'll stand against the devil's lies;
An army bold whose battle cry is "Love!"
Reaching out to those in darkness.
Our call to war, to love the captive soul,
But to rage against the captor;
And with the sword that makes the wounded whole
We will fight with faith and valor.
When faced with trials on ev'ry side,
We know the outcome is secure,
And Christ will have the prize for which He died—
An inheritance of nations.
Come, see the cross where love and mercy meet,
As the Son of God is stricken;
Then see His foes lie crushed beneath His feet,
For the Conqueror has risen!
And as the stone is rolled away,
And Christ emerges from the grave,
This vict'ry march continues till the day
Ev'ry eye and heart shall see Him.
So Spirit, come, put strength in ev'ry stride,
Give grace for ev'ry hurdle,
That we may run with faith to win the prize
Of a servant good and faithful.
As saints of old still line the way,
Retelling triumphs of His grace,
We hear their calls and hunger for the day
When, with Christ, we stand in glory.
"O Church, Arise"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Plan B???
Have you ever had one of those days when you really didn't have anything planned, but nothing goes "according to plan"? (I do recognize the absurdity of that question.) I was having one of those recently. No real plans, just some possibilities for a lazy, fun day with my family. But suddenly, the possibilities altered, and my non-plans had to be adjusted... And I was grumpy! (Again, I recognize the absurdity!) In fact, I was in a bad mood for a good chunk of the morning. =P
But after lunch, I sat down to practice my memory verses. (I LOVE Scripture Typer!) And I was rebuked for my sour (read that "sinful") attitude.
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked,... and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved--
Ephesians 2:1-2a,4-5
God loved me when I was utterly unlovely-- I mean, how attractive is a corpse??? And He made me alive with Christ... but I wasn't acting like I'd been made alive, I was acting like I was still spiritually dead. And as that was sinking in, I began reviewing another verse:
Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Psalms 139:16
I was reminded that there is no "Plan B". This day with its "non-plans" and adjustments was mapped out for me before I was born... probably from eternity past, so that God could make me a little more like my Savior. And ultimately so that He would receive the glory that He deserves.
"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
Revelation 4:11
But after lunch, I sat down to practice my memory verses. (I LOVE Scripture Typer!) And I was rebuked for my sour (read that "sinful") attitude.
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked,... and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved--
Ephesians 2:1-2a,4-5
God loved me when I was utterly unlovely-- I mean, how attractive is a corpse??? And He made me alive with Christ... but I wasn't acting like I'd been made alive, I was acting like I was still spiritually dead. And as that was sinking in, I began reviewing another verse:
Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Psalms 139:16
I was reminded that there is no "Plan B". This day with its "non-plans" and adjustments was mapped out for me before I was born... probably from eternity past, so that God could make me a little more like my Savior. And ultimately so that He would receive the glory that He deserves.
"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
Revelation 4:11
Friday, June 21, 2013
Not Easy
I am a busy-at-home wife and mama. I LOVE my job! In fact, I cannot think of another job I'd rather have-- except maybe writing... However, this has not always been the case. There have been a couple of seasons in my life when I wished for something else. During one of those I told Shorty that just because I was created and equipped to be a mom didn't mean it was EASY. And I still believe that. I, as a woman, am anatomically equipped to grow babies from the womb through the first year (more or less) of life. One of the reason for all our hormones is also the impact of said hormones in our attachment to our children. Even the fact that we have the ability to multitask well is extremely useful and even necessary to mothering.
So why, if I am so well equipped for this job, is is not EASY??? As I struggled through this, I realized two problems. Number one is that I am a sinner. Because of my sin nature, I am selfish... and that makes service hard sometimes. (And really, what is motherhood if not service?) The other problem stems from the sin nature as well, and that is our culture. There is something of a shift, but when I was a younger mother, many people that I met and knew frowned upon my choice to stay home with my children. "Why should you waste your mind raising kids?" was a common sentiment. And the appeals of two incomes look incredibly alluring from a distance.
Now, am I saying that every wife or mom should stay home? Absolutely not!!! That is a matter of conviction for each couple. I AM saying that the work of a busy-at-home woman is a noble calling, and worthy of all the effort that you might pour into a paying job. =) And I know this can sound trite, (especially if funds are slim) but what other job pays in genuine hugs? ;)
**This concept doesn't ONLY apply to motherhood, that's just the perspective I was thinking from this morning.
"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children--
Deuteronomy 4:9
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Titus 2:3-5
For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:8-10
So why, if I am so well equipped for this job, is is not EASY??? As I struggled through this, I realized two problems. Number one is that I am a sinner. Because of my sin nature, I am selfish... and that makes service hard sometimes. (And really, what is motherhood if not service?) The other problem stems from the sin nature as well, and that is our culture. There is something of a shift, but when I was a younger mother, many people that I met and knew frowned upon my choice to stay home with my children. "Why should you waste your mind raising kids?" was a common sentiment. And the appeals of two incomes look incredibly alluring from a distance.
Now, am I saying that every wife or mom should stay home? Absolutely not!!! That is a matter of conviction for each couple. I AM saying that the work of a busy-at-home woman is a noble calling, and worthy of all the effort that you might pour into a paying job. =) And I know this can sound trite, (especially if funds are slim) but what other job pays in genuine hugs? ;)
**This concept doesn't ONLY apply to motherhood, that's just the perspective I was thinking from this morning.
"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children--
Deuteronomy 4:9
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Titus 2:3-5
For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:8-10
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Halfhearted
Have you ever sat in your pew (or chair) on Sunday morning while your mind ran hundreds of miles, or millions of thoughts, away? I know I have-- especially as little hands pull at my arms, or little lips try to "whisper" in my ear... Or as the demands of life with the people I love loom larger than they should in my mind. There have been too many days when I sang the familiar songs without thought to the richness of the lyrics, or had to wrestle with my wandering mind to try to focus on the portion of God's Word that was being exposited. I started thinking about this again while listening to a sermon by Ligon Duncan this morning. (You can listen here: My Flesh Trembles for Fear of You)
As I was pondering this, I began to think that halfhearted worship is no worship at all. And this familiar verse came to mind:
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5
And when Jesus quoted it in the New Testament:
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' Mark 12:30
I thought about all the times that my affections are divided between my God and something less. But as I chewed on these verses, I was reminded that all my life should be an act of worship! "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul..." These two terms are pretty similar and refer to the affections and emotions, and the will and personality. "...and with all your mind..." That is, all the intelligence that God has given me. "...and with all your strength." Strength could be physical or emotional or mental, but since it says "all" I would think of it as all three. At this point, I was getting a little down thinking of how far I fall short of God's standard!
But God...
God the Father sent Jesus. Jesus lived a life of PERFECT WHOLEHEARTED WORSHIP every moment He was on this earth, in my place. Then He died for all the moments that I've lived a life of mediocre halfhearted worship... or worse. Jesus Christ became the righteousness of God for me! And because of that my heart cries with the unnamed father in Mark's gospel:
"I believe; help my unbelief!"
As I was pondering this, I began to think that halfhearted worship is no worship at all. And this familiar verse came to mind:
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5
And when Jesus quoted it in the New Testament:
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' Mark 12:30
I thought about all the times that my affections are divided between my God and something less. But as I chewed on these verses, I was reminded that all my life should be an act of worship! "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul..." These two terms are pretty similar and refer to the affections and emotions, and the will and personality. "...and with all your mind..." That is, all the intelligence that God has given me. "...and with all your strength." Strength could be physical or emotional or mental, but since it says "all" I would think of it as all three. At this point, I was getting a little down thinking of how far I fall short of God's standard!
But God...
God the Father sent Jesus. Jesus lived a life of PERFECT WHOLEHEARTED WORSHIP every moment He was on this earth, in my place. Then He died for all the moments that I've lived a life of mediocre halfhearted worship... or worse. Jesus Christ became the righteousness of God for me! And because of that my heart cries with the unnamed father in Mark's gospel:
"I believe; help my unbelief!"
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
ENJOY a Good Story
We had movie night last night. I picked an older movie that I thought our Crew might enjoy, and we piled on the couch. It was an engaging story with well-developed characters and a classic "good versus evil" plot. At the end, one of the main characters sacrifices himself for the good of the kingdom. I was surprised though, how engaged my Crew were with the characters. Our youngest cried and asked us why the bad guy "couldn't just die", why did the good guy have to die too.
I was thinking about how attached my Crew were to the characters in the movie. And then I realized that they get attached like that to LOTS of characters. When we read a book or watch a movie, we get emotionally vested in the characters. Our favorite stories are the ones in which we resonate most strongly with one or more characters. And as I was pondering this, I also realized that MUCH of the Bible is STORY format! Genesis through Job and Matthew through Acts are all mostly narrative, and the major prophets have LOTS of story element in them. Even the epistles in the New Testament are laced with story if you look carefully. The Bible is the STORY of how God relates to His people. So next time you crack open your Bible, ENJOY the story! =)
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?" And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'" But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.
Genesis 3:1-6
The LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."
Genesis 3:14-15
Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
Genesis 12:1-3
Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.'"
2 Samuel 7:8-16
There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.
Isaiah 11:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
John 1:1-4
"Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know-- this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
Acts 2:22-24
I was thinking about how attached my Crew were to the characters in the movie. And then I realized that they get attached like that to LOTS of characters. When we read a book or watch a movie, we get emotionally vested in the characters. Our favorite stories are the ones in which we resonate most strongly with one or more characters. And as I was pondering this, I also realized that MUCH of the Bible is STORY format! Genesis through Job and Matthew through Acts are all mostly narrative, and the major prophets have LOTS of story element in them. Even the epistles in the New Testament are laced with story if you look carefully. The Bible is the STORY of how God relates to His people. So next time you crack open your Bible, ENJOY the story! =)
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?" And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'" But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.
Genesis 3:1-6
The LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."
Genesis 3:14-15
Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
Genesis 12:1-3
Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.'"
2 Samuel 7:8-16
There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.
Isaiah 11:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
John 1:1-4
"Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know-- this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
Acts 2:22-24
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
"Body" Language
I am not a fan of getting hurt. But being hurt is especially frustrating when I'm not even sure HOW IT HAPPENED!!! Yesterday evening I somehow managed to wrench or sprain my wrist. To make matters worse, it is my right wrist-- and I'm right-handed. Every twist and lift sends a shot of pain up my arm. And I've been reminded again of the metaphor that the church is the "body of Christ". The weaker parts of the body are supported and strengthened by the stronger parts. When one part of the body hurts, other parts hurt as well. And when one part isn't working properly, other parts try to compensate-- and often get hurt in the process. I know that I am immensely blessed by the "body" I'm a part of! =)
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Romans 12:4-10
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Ephesians 4:4-16
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
Colossians 1:15-18
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Romans 12:4-10
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Ephesians 4:4-16
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
Colossians 1:15-18
Monday, June 17, 2013
Prepared
We took our Crew to the drive-in Saturday evening to see Epic. We've been before and had lots of fun, but Saturday-- not so much... Almost as soon as we got there, the kids started asking for snacks. One of the grand things about the drive-in is that you can bring your own food. But I hadn't brought snacks, and neither Shorty nor I had any cash. The next issue was seating. Shorty had brought our two lawn chairs for himself and me, but we hadn't brought the air mattress (or even pillows or blankets) for the kids. Then as the movie progressed we couldn't hear most of it because our speakers wouldn't get any louder and there was a diesel running behind us. Needless to say, Shorty and I didn't have the fun we expected... and the kids didn't enjoy themselves as much as we had hoped. =(
Lesson: PREPARE to go to the drive-in.
Then I started thinking about how great it is that God is NEVER unprepared. Not only is He wise enough to prepare for every eventuality, but He is Sovereign, so He only has to prepare for what WILL actually happen! =) And He always does things well. Think about creation. He did that in an orderly way. How terrible would it be if He had made land creatures before there was any LAND to live on?!? Or if He had made all the creatures before there was food for them to eat?!? But He PREPARED the world for His creatures. And He prepared things throughout history for His plan of salvation. And now, Jesus is preparing a place for His people. =)
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
Galatians 4:4-5
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"-- these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
1 Corinthians 2:7-10
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
John 14:1-3
Lesson: PREPARE to go to the drive-in.
Then I started thinking about how great it is that God is NEVER unprepared. Not only is He wise enough to prepare for every eventuality, but He is Sovereign, so He only has to prepare for what WILL actually happen! =) And He always does things well. Think about creation. He did that in an orderly way. How terrible would it be if He had made land creatures before there was any LAND to live on?!? Or if He had made all the creatures before there was food for them to eat?!? But He PREPARED the world for His creatures. And He prepared things throughout history for His plan of salvation. And now, Jesus is preparing a place for His people. =)
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
Galatians 4:4-5
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"-- these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
1 Corinthians 2:7-10
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
John 14:1-3
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Like Sheep
This week in Backyard Bible Club we finished up a unit on Jesus' parables. Our parable for the week was about "The Lost Sheep".
"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.'
Luke 15:4-6
I get to lead the activity session, which is usually some kind of game to reinforce the main point of the lesson. I told the kids that I was a REALLY BAD shepherd because I had "lost" fifteen sheep. Actually, I just hid them! ;) It turned out that I had hidden MORE than fifteen... And by our last class, we discovered that I had "lost" eighteen sheep! ;)
As I was preparing for our lesson (which meant a lot of cutting...) I was thinking about sheep. When I was thirteen, I got to see a flock of sheep up close and in person. The shepherd was trying to move them to another pasture (I assume) which was across the highway from where they had been. I was a passenger in a car trying to DRIVE on said highway... Of course we slowed down waiting for the sheep to move, but there were a couple that were DETERMINED to be on the road! The shepherd would coax them off the road only for them to jump back into it just as our car was reaching them! And in my youth, I said, "Sheep are so stupid! I'm so glad we're not like sheep!" Our driver, just looked over his shoulder at me and said, "The Bible says differently." And in that moment I was reminded of DOZENS of times that I had been just like that sheep, escaping danger only to jump right back in...
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:6
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.
Psalms 119:176
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalms 23:1-6
Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!" Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
Isaiah 40:9-11
As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.
Ezekiel 34:12
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10:11
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
1 Peter 2:24-25
"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.'
Luke 15:4-6
I get to lead the activity session, which is usually some kind of game to reinforce the main point of the lesson. I told the kids that I was a REALLY BAD shepherd because I had "lost" fifteen sheep. Actually, I just hid them! ;) It turned out that I had hidden MORE than fifteen... And by our last class, we discovered that I had "lost" eighteen sheep! ;)
As I was preparing for our lesson (which meant a lot of cutting...) I was thinking about sheep. When I was thirteen, I got to see a flock of sheep up close and in person. The shepherd was trying to move them to another pasture (I assume) which was across the highway from where they had been. I was a passenger in a car trying to DRIVE on said highway... Of course we slowed down waiting for the sheep to move, but there were a couple that were DETERMINED to be on the road! The shepherd would coax them off the road only for them to jump back into it just as our car was reaching them! And in my youth, I said, "Sheep are so stupid! I'm so glad we're not like sheep!" Our driver, just looked over his shoulder at me and said, "The Bible says differently." And in that moment I was reminded of DOZENS of times that I had been just like that sheep, escaping danger only to jump right back in...
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:6
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.
Psalms 119:176
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalms 23:1-6
Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!" Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
Isaiah 40:9-11
As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.
Ezekiel 34:12
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10:11
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
1 Peter 2:24-25
Monday, June 10, 2013
The Womb
I'm feeling nostalgic today. Eleven years ago, I was very pregnant with my first baby. Ten years ago, I was pregnant again. And eight years ago... And seven years ago (even though I didn't know it yet!). Obviously from the time frame, I haven't been pregnant for a while. =) Shorty and I celebrated our anniversary this weekend, and one of the things we did was listen to a few sessions from this year's Gospel Coalition conference. The session over the first two chapters of Luke got me started thinking about the "womb". That word-- for whatever reason-- makes me think of softness, and warmth, and safety. As opposed to its scientifically correct counterpart, uterus, which makes me think of dry, sterile, and lifeless...
I've got several friends who are in the midst of growing little ones right now, and I haven't forgotten the "can't sleep", "can't eat", "can't breathe" feelings of late pregnancy. Or the "want-to-throw-up", "tired-all-the-time" feelings of early pregnancy. But I've just been marveling at the MIRACLE of conception and birth that we as women have the privilege to be a part of! We know SO MUCH now about the way that babies develop in the womb, that the miracle can seem mundane. But marvel with me today at the way that God takes a small piece of a man and a small piece of a woman and creates a WHOLE NEW PERSON! And God chose, in His infinite wisdom, to equip us especially for the task of growing and nurturing new life!
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalms 139:13-14
And once upon a time, God the Father sent God the Son to become a man...
And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
Luke 1:30-33
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
Luke 1:39-44
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
I've got several friends who are in the midst of growing little ones right now, and I haven't forgotten the "can't sleep", "can't eat", "can't breathe" feelings of late pregnancy. Or the "want-to-throw-up", "tired-all-the-time" feelings of early pregnancy. But I've just been marveling at the MIRACLE of conception and birth that we as women have the privilege to be a part of! We know SO MUCH now about the way that babies develop in the womb, that the miracle can seem mundane. But marvel with me today at the way that God takes a small piece of a man and a small piece of a woman and creates a WHOLE NEW PERSON! And God chose, in His infinite wisdom, to equip us especially for the task of growing and nurturing new life!
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalms 139:13-14
And once upon a time, God the Father sent God the Son to become a man...
And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
Luke 1:30-33
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
Luke 1:39-44
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
Friday, June 7, 2013
To The Graduate
We have been blessed for several years now to know at least one graduating senior. This year there are four. After attending a homeschool graduation a couple of weeks ago, I've been praying for and thinking about our graduates a lot. And I thought, perhaps I'd offer a bit of big sister advice. ;)
~~Be faithful with whatever gifts, talents, and resources you have. Remember that if you have much, much will be required. But even if you feel like you have little to offer, God is pleased when you use it to serve Him.
"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
Luke 16:10
And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'
Matthew 25:20-21
~~Remember that EVERYTHING you have has been entrusted to you. You are not your own, and nothing you have truly BELONGS to you.
For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
1 Corinthians 4:7
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
1 Peter 1:14-19
~~And finally, life will not always go according to your plans. And because we are sinful people in a fallen world, life will get tough--likely tougher than you can even imagine, but rest in the goodness and sovereignty of our God and He will carry you through.
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21
Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Psalms 105:1-4
~~Be faithful with whatever gifts, talents, and resources you have. Remember that if you have much, much will be required. But even if you feel like you have little to offer, God is pleased when you use it to serve Him.
"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
Luke 16:10
And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'
Matthew 25:20-21
~~Remember that EVERYTHING you have has been entrusted to you. You are not your own, and nothing you have truly BELONGS to you.
For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
1 Corinthians 4:7
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
1 Peter 1:14-19
~~And finally, life will not always go according to your plans. And because we are sinful people in a fallen world, life will get tough--likely tougher than you can even imagine, but rest in the goodness and sovereignty of our God and He will carry you through.
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21
Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Psalms 105:1-4
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Residual
Cat smell: still old news. In fact, at this point it isn't even NEWS anymore! ;) So why am I still talking about it??? Well, it is a big part of my life-- fighting to get it OUT anyway. It's been an interesting (and sometimes painful) process over the last few weeks. I worked so hard to shampoo all the carpet, but the smell wasn't just living on the surface. It seems to be deep down... maybe even down to the subfloors... or in the walls.... =P And I just had to laugh thinking about it! I know that my sin is like that. Get the surface clean, and the stench works its way back up.
The other interesting thing I've noticed, is that my visitors haven't smelled it! This AMAZES me because the odor is so strong to my nose. (I've used phrases like "the cat smell assaulted me".) But it led to another correlation in my mind as I listened to the drone of the carpet cleaner-- again. As is most often the case, the people who are closest to a house (it's residents) see more of the flaws than those who are only there intermittently. I can seem pretty together to someone I only see once or twice a week-- or less. But the people who I see/talk to more often know my FLAWS, or better expressed-- more of the depth of my SIN. I need people who know me well to help me clean up the stink that I am often oblivious to!
We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.
Romans 6:6-13
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:1-2
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Romans 12:4-5
The other interesting thing I've noticed, is that my visitors haven't smelled it! This AMAZES me because the odor is so strong to my nose. (I've used phrases like "the cat smell assaulted me".) But it led to another correlation in my mind as I listened to the drone of the carpet cleaner-- again. As is most often the case, the people who are closest to a house (it's residents) see more of the flaws than those who are only there intermittently. I can seem pretty together to someone I only see once or twice a week-- or less. But the people who I see/talk to more often know my FLAWS, or better expressed-- more of the depth of my SIN. I need people who know me well to help me clean up the stink that I am often oblivious to!
We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.
Romans 6:6-13
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:1-2
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Romans 12:4-5
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Rusty
I LOVE pianos! I love the way they look, the way they sound, the way they feel! Most of my life (until I had kids) it was nearly impossible for me to walk into a room with a piano and not sit down to play it. I was not masterful, but I enjoyed EVERY MOMENT I spent playing... unless the piano was badly out of tune! ;) But I've not had a piano in my house for about seven years. There just wasn't room to fit all the people in our little house AND keep the piano! However, now that we have a bigger house, we have a piano again! And I'M SO HAPPY!!!
But I'm also kind of sad. Even though I was not masterful, I had mastered many fairly difficult pieces of music. As I sat down to show my Crew how I could play last week, I found that my fingers were disinclined to move as I had expected. Rather than dancing across the keys, they felt stiff and unwieldy. And music that used to flow smoothly from my eyes through my fingers and back to my ears, now sounded wooden and disjointed. =( I was reminded that "If you don't USE it, you LOSE it." And I was certainly LOSING it! But this doesn't just apply to tactile skills. It also applies to spiritual things. If I am not immersing myself in the Word, I begin to lose my taste for the things of God. Fortunately, a Bible doesn't require NEARLY the amount of space that a piano does. ;) It only requires time. And in eternity, we will never regret a moment that we spent getting to know our God!
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me! How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me! My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times. You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments. Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies. Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.
Psalms 119:1-24
But I'm also kind of sad. Even though I was not masterful, I had mastered many fairly difficult pieces of music. As I sat down to show my Crew how I could play last week, I found that my fingers were disinclined to move as I had expected. Rather than dancing across the keys, they felt stiff and unwieldy. And music that used to flow smoothly from my eyes through my fingers and back to my ears, now sounded wooden and disjointed. =( I was reminded that "If you don't USE it, you LOSE it." And I was certainly LOSING it! But this doesn't just apply to tactile skills. It also applies to spiritual things. If I am not immersing myself in the Word, I begin to lose my taste for the things of God. Fortunately, a Bible doesn't require NEARLY the amount of space that a piano does. ;) It only requires time. And in eternity, we will never regret a moment that we spent getting to know our God!
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me! How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me! My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times. You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments. Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies. Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.
Psalms 119:1-24
Monday, June 3, 2013
My Brother's Keeper
I read a blog this morning from a link on Facebook. The Bikini Question. The topic (which may already be obvious) is modesty. I admire the author's wisdom as well as her courage in publishing her convictions in such a public form. There were lots of objections to her conviction about how much of her body to display, as well as her reasoning behind it. She mentioned wanting to help her brothers in Christ to guard against lust by remaining more covered.
I agree with both her conviction and her reasoning. In fact, I've now taken two of my three girls out on a "growing up" shopping trip. One of the purposes of our shopping trip is to explain to my girls about the precious gift our bodies are and how we can and should cover them carefully. And one reason that we want to cover our bodies carefully is to help our brothers in Christ to guard their eyes and their hearts against lust.
This reasoning led to quite a firestorm in the comments. The argument over and over (in different ways) was that it's "not my problem" if a guy lusts after me because of what I do/don't have on. And why is this line of reason only applied to sexual areas. I'd like to argue that it's not only a valid line of reasoning, but can be applied to any area in which we interact with others. I've been reading in Romans 14, and Paul argues that what I do DOES affect those around me.
For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.
Romans 14:15-21
So if I enjoy a glass of wine, or a beer, or a Bahama Mama with dinner, fine. But if I have a brother or sister over for dinner who has struggled with alcoholism, I don't pull out the wine. Or if I have a brother who struggles with sinful anger, I don't poke at his hot buttons. Or if I have a sister who is easily drawn into gossip, I should try to be careful how I speak in her presence. Does this mean that my behavior CAUSES them to sin? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Everyone's sin flows from our own sinful hearts. But over and over again in Scripture we are instructed to BUILD UP our brothers and sisters in Christ.
"All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Ephesians 4:15-16
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25
I agree with both her conviction and her reasoning. In fact, I've now taken two of my three girls out on a "growing up" shopping trip. One of the purposes of our shopping trip is to explain to my girls about the precious gift our bodies are and how we can and should cover them carefully. And one reason that we want to cover our bodies carefully is to help our brothers in Christ to guard their eyes and their hearts against lust.
This reasoning led to quite a firestorm in the comments. The argument over and over (in different ways) was that it's "not my problem" if a guy lusts after me because of what I do/don't have on. And why is this line of reason only applied to sexual areas. I'd like to argue that it's not only a valid line of reasoning, but can be applied to any area in which we interact with others. I've been reading in Romans 14, and Paul argues that what I do DOES affect those around me.
For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.
Romans 14:15-21
So if I enjoy a glass of wine, or a beer, or a Bahama Mama with dinner, fine. But if I have a brother or sister over for dinner who has struggled with alcoholism, I don't pull out the wine. Or if I have a brother who struggles with sinful anger, I don't poke at his hot buttons. Or if I have a sister who is easily drawn into gossip, I should try to be careful how I speak in her presence. Does this mean that my behavior CAUSES them to sin? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Everyone's sin flows from our own sinful hearts. But over and over again in Scripture we are instructed to BUILD UP our brothers and sisters in Christ.
"All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Ephesians 4:15-16
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25
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