The holidays are winding down, and while I've enjoyed them (as usual), I'm REALLY looking forward to getting back into our "normal" routine. The last five weeks have been JAM PACKED for us with birthdays, parties, family time, and lots of yummy (if not terribly healthy) food. I've been telling Shorty for the past few days that I'm ready for a "detox". Not just a food type detox, (Although more vegetables and less sugar are DEFINITELY on the menu!) but also a detox from the holiday "gimme's". You know, when we open our first gift, we're super excited, but as the opened stack grows, our thankfulness can dwindle. And the same is true for our children. Add to that the extra free time and coolish (for Texas) weather, and you end up with too many video games and movies... and a grumpy family. I think the reason that this particular problem plagues us is because we were made for More. But because sin has so corrupted every part of who we are, we need regular cleansing from our God through Jesus Christ. And we get that through prayer, time spent reading and meditating on God's Word, and gathering with the church for worship. Detox for our souls! =)
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalms 51:1-12
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
John 13:1-5
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Meditate
meditate: 1) to engage in thought or contemplation; reflect
We live in a fast-paced world. We have microwaves to heat our food, drive-thru's for almost everything, and express shipping (among other things). It's a "now" culture. And with all the things out there vying for our attention, it is hard to be still and quiet long enough to ponder much of anything. But pondering, or meditating, is a worthwhile exercise-- especially with regards to Scripture.
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.
Psalms 77:11-12
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.
Psalms 119:14-16
The Psalmists understood that Scripture is LIFE! Knowing the God who made us is the most worthwhile of pursuits! And it is pleasant! So rather than skimming over the top of a passage, make an effort to meditate on it, soak in it, simmer it-- or whatever analogy you like! But fill your soul with the goodness of the Word. =)
We live in a fast-paced world. We have microwaves to heat our food, drive-thru's for almost everything, and express shipping (among other things). It's a "now" culture. And with all the things out there vying for our attention, it is hard to be still and quiet long enough to ponder much of anything. But pondering, or meditating, is a worthwhile exercise-- especially with regards to Scripture.
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.
Psalms 77:11-12
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.
Psalms 119:14-16
The Psalmists understood that Scripture is LIFE! Knowing the God who made us is the most worthwhile of pursuits! And it is pleasant! So rather than skimming over the top of a passage, make an effort to meditate on it, soak in it, simmer it-- or whatever analogy you like! But fill your soul with the goodness of the Word. =)
Friday, December 20, 2013
When Your Idols Crumble
Do you know what your idols are? I feel relatively confident that they are not small statues on a shelf, or in a corner, in your home. Some of mine are money, beauty, well-behaved children, and intelligence. I could probably make a REALLY long list if I were to devote myself to introspection. However, I'm SURE I'd be ashamed to share them.
So what happens when your idols begin to crumble? First of all, it feels like your entire world is collapsing with your idol. This is often followed by anger. How DARE my idol fail?!? And then whoever seems to be standing between me and my idol, (or whoever is nearby) suffers the brunt of my anger. But do you know, Christian, why your idols crumble? It is because God is TOO GOOD to allow your idols to satisfy you for long. He knows that worshiping HIM is the only way your soul will be TRULY satisfied. And so He removes what is paltry, to draw you to what is infinitely valuable.
"And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool! I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it. Remove your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of your hand. When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah
Psalms 39:7-11
So what happens when your idols begin to crumble? First of all, it feels like your entire world is collapsing with your idol. This is often followed by anger. How DARE my idol fail?!? And then whoever seems to be standing between me and my idol, (or whoever is nearby) suffers the brunt of my anger. But do you know, Christian, why your idols crumble? It is because God is TOO GOOD to allow your idols to satisfy you for long. He knows that worshiping HIM is the only way your soul will be TRULY satisfied. And so He removes what is paltry, to draw you to what is infinitely valuable.
"And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool! I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it. Remove your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of your hand. When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah
Psalms 39:7-11
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Not Necessarily Indicative
I LOVE wrapping presents! I just finished (almost) all of ours for the year! =) But wrapping is another relatively mindless activity, which leaves my brain available for other ponderings...
When I was eight I eagerly opened my gift from my grandparents. However, once the ribbons and paper were off, I was TERRIBLY disappointed. The box I held in my hands was Shredded Wheat biscuits. (The full sized, unsweetened ones that you were supposed to crumble into your bowl.) =P
And the words that immediately proceeded from my eight-year-old mouth were, "I don't even LIKE this kind of cereal!" That was the year that I learned that "the box is not necessarily indicative of the contents". This is a HUGE theme in our family. Especially if you have homemade gifts, (or if you just like trying to fool the recipient ;)) boxes come to mean almost nothing! So I was reminiscing as I wrapped and listened to my Christmas music. And then it hit me, Jesus' "box" (what we can see) was not indicative of the "contents". Here's what I mean:
Jesus is God. He has always existed with the Father, and is equal in essence with the Father. Infinite, Omniscient, Omnipotent, Creator, King. And yet... He looked just like us. Just another baby born all squishy. Just another little boy running around making noise. Just another man plodding along the dusty roads in Israel. Yes, He did miraculous things. But so had many prophets before Him. Only this "box", Jesus' human body, held the fullness of God! (And just to be clear, Jesus is FULLY God and FULLY man.) WOW! All I can say is that this concept BOGGLES MY MIND!!! =)
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 2:4-7
And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
Luke 2:40
For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.
Isaiah 53:2
When I was eight I eagerly opened my gift from my grandparents. However, once the ribbons and paper were off, I was TERRIBLY disappointed. The box I held in my hands was Shredded Wheat biscuits. (The full sized, unsweetened ones that you were supposed to crumble into your bowl.) =P
And the words that immediately proceeded from my eight-year-old mouth were, "I don't even LIKE this kind of cereal!" That was the year that I learned that "the box is not necessarily indicative of the contents". This is a HUGE theme in our family. Especially if you have homemade gifts, (or if you just like trying to fool the recipient ;)) boxes come to mean almost nothing! So I was reminiscing as I wrapped and listened to my Christmas music. And then it hit me, Jesus' "box" (what we can see) was not indicative of the "contents". Here's what I mean:
Jesus is God. He has always existed with the Father, and is equal in essence with the Father. Infinite, Omniscient, Omnipotent, Creator, King. And yet... He looked just like us. Just another baby born all squishy. Just another little boy running around making noise. Just another man plodding along the dusty roads in Israel. Yes, He did miraculous things. But so had many prophets before Him. Only this "box", Jesus' human body, held the fullness of God! (And just to be clear, Jesus is FULLY God and FULLY man.) WOW! All I can say is that this concept BOGGLES MY MIND!!! =)
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 2:4-7
And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
Luke 2:40
For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.
Isaiah 53:2
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Hormones
When I was a sophomore in high school, I was sitting on the couch in our living room, folding clothes-- and bawling! My brother walked in, stopped, and asked, "What's wrong with you?" I responded with classic teenage drama, "I FEEL LIKE I'M A SPECTATOR IN MY OWN BODY!!!" He promptly turned and left the room.
I'm not a teenager anymore (THANKFULLY!), but there are still days that I feel like a spectator in my own body. That particular time of the month draws near, and I fall into all kinds of discombobulation! We know that hormones impact our brains, bodies, and emotions. And it's easy to just want comfort. But my hormonal chaos is not a free pass to act however I want. Hormones are not a sufficient excuse to be rude to my husband or children (or whoever else I may encounter), or to eat whatever I want, or to just "check-out" for a few hours (or days). Whether or not I feel like it, I am still an ambassador of the King. And He has called me to share His love, ESPECIALLY when I don't feel like it. Because after all, to love is to sacrifice.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
1 John 3:16
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
I'm not a teenager anymore (THANKFULLY!), but there are still days that I feel like a spectator in my own body. That particular time of the month draws near, and I fall into all kinds of discombobulation! We know that hormones impact our brains, bodies, and emotions. And it's easy to just want comfort. But my hormonal chaos is not a free pass to act however I want. Hormones are not a sufficient excuse to be rude to my husband or children (or whoever else I may encounter), or to eat whatever I want, or to just "check-out" for a few hours (or days). Whether or not I feel like it, I am still an ambassador of the King. And He has called me to share His love, ESPECIALLY when I don't feel like it. Because after all, to love is to sacrifice.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
1 John 3:16
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Sunday, December 15, 2013
It will cost you.
We went to see "Frozen" with our Crew Friday night. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together, and the movie. Shorty and I talked when we got home about the great depiction of love in the movie. One of the main characters is within reach of what she thinks true love is (namely, romance and mushy feelings), but she chooses instead to put the needs of another above her own. And I was reminded of this very same depiction in "Tangled". Rapunzel chooses to give up her freedom (the thing she's been chasing the entire movie) to save Flynn. But he would rather die than see Rapunzel a prisoner. It's a beautiful thing!
Love IS a beautiful thing. But it will cost you. It may not cost your life, but it will cost you. When your friend says something that really hurts your heart, forgiveness will cost you. When your spouse comes in from a hard day, and you've had a hard day too, love will cost you. When you decide to make more little people, getting up to feed them in the middle of the night, or comforting them after a nightmare, or tending one of their many little (and big) injuries will cost you. However, real love sees the cost and determines that it is worth it!
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. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:9-11
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-8
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
Hebrews 2:14-15
Love IS a beautiful thing. But it will cost you. It may not cost your life, but it will cost you. When your friend says something that really hurts your heart, forgiveness will cost you. When your spouse comes in from a hard day, and you've had a hard day too, love will cost you. When you decide to make more little people, getting up to feed them in the middle of the night, or comforting them after a nightmare, or tending one of their many little (and big) injuries will cost you. However, real love sees the cost and determines that it is worth it!
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. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:9-11
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-8
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
Hebrews 2:14-15
Friday, December 13, 2013
Our Holiday
I don't have to tell you that Christmas is near. It is (I believe) the biggest commercial holiday of the year. Stores all over are trying to lure you in with sales, or lights and sparkle, or promises of the "perfect gift". But I got to have the most FANTASTIC conversation with my Crew this morning. Christmas is OUR holiday. And by "our" I mean it is a Christian holiday. Here's how I explained it to the Crew.
There are a superabundant number of holiday movies and songs out there boasting to have the "true" meaning of Christmas. You get things like, family, love, giving, and peace. But this morning I pressed the issue. I asked, "If you take Christ out of Christmas, what do you have?" And I got precisely those answers repeated. But why?
The concept of family was created by God in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. And it is redeemed in Christ becoming the propitiation for our sins so we can be adopted into God's family. What is "love" without the picture of Christ leaving the glories of heaven to sacrifice Himself for those who are utterly unlovely? What is "giving" without God giving us His Son, and the Son giving His life? And what is "peace" without the knowledge that through Christ we have peace with God? All these concepts are hollow apart from Christ! Now, PLEASE don't hear me saying that you should throw out your tree, or stop giving gifts, or whatever you do to celebrate Christmas! I love the trappings and sparkle and songs and stuff! I agree with the song that says "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" Just remember the FULLNESS of Christmas! God the Father sent His Son so that He could reconcile sinners to Himself!!! =)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
Ephesians 1:3-10
I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 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. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"
Galatians 4:1-6
There are a superabundant number of holiday movies and songs out there boasting to have the "true" meaning of Christmas. You get things like, family, love, giving, and peace. But this morning I pressed the issue. I asked, "If you take Christ out of Christmas, what do you have?" And I got precisely those answers repeated. But why?
The concept of family was created by God in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. And it is redeemed in Christ becoming the propitiation for our sins so we can be adopted into God's family. What is "love" without the picture of Christ leaving the glories of heaven to sacrifice Himself for those who are utterly unlovely? What is "giving" without God giving us His Son, and the Son giving His life? And what is "peace" without the knowledge that through Christ we have peace with God? All these concepts are hollow apart from Christ! Now, PLEASE don't hear me saying that you should throw out your tree, or stop giving gifts, or whatever you do to celebrate Christmas! I love the trappings and sparkle and songs and stuff! I agree with the song that says "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" Just remember the FULLNESS of Christmas! God the Father sent His Son so that He could reconcile sinners to Himself!!! =)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
Ephesians 1:3-10
I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 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. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"
Galatians 4:1-6
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Generous
I've been trying to memorize Psalm 37. It's been a bit slow going, first because it is one of the longer Psalms (it has 40 verses), and second because I've also been working on memorizing some other passages and verses at the same time. But I began working on verses 21-22 a few weeks ago and was kind of floored by the content of that particular pair! And I continue to be convicted each time I practice it.
The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives; for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off.
Psalms 37:21-22
My oldest was reading over my shoulder when I typed it the first time. At the end I said, "Wow!" And she asked, "What, Mama?" So I explained to her that these two verses are teaching us something about greed. The wicked "borrows" but does not pay back. He's greedy. He wants to hang on to EVERY LITTLE THING that he can get his hands on. But the righteous is generous and gives. Why is the righteous generous? According to these verses, because he knows that he will inherit the land. In other words, he has a FUTURE! He trusts that he will be taken care of when his needs arise. (You can see that earlier in the Psalm.) In a similar way, the wicked person, who is cursed by God, somehow realizes that he has no future. Now is as good as it gets...
But as I practiced this pair of verses again today, I had a following thought. As believers after the first Advent of Christ, we have His example to follow. Jesus is the only TRULY Righteous One, and He both WAS and IS generous. He was generous when He became a Man some 2,000 years ago, then lived and died in the place of His people. And He continues to be generous as He gives us temporal blessings, and present fellowship with Him, and hope for a future when all things will be made right. So I find myself convicted for my lack of generosity. I want to hang onto my comfort, rather than trusting that my needs will be met in the now, and that I have a future.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21
The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives; for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off.
Psalms 37:21-22
My oldest was reading over my shoulder when I typed it the first time. At the end I said, "Wow!" And she asked, "What, Mama?" So I explained to her that these two verses are teaching us something about greed. The wicked "borrows" but does not pay back. He's greedy. He wants to hang on to EVERY LITTLE THING that he can get his hands on. But the righteous is generous and gives. Why is the righteous generous? According to these verses, because he knows that he will inherit the land. In other words, he has a FUTURE! He trusts that he will be taken care of when his needs arise. (You can see that earlier in the Psalm.) In a similar way, the wicked person, who is cursed by God, somehow realizes that he has no future. Now is as good as it gets...
But as I practiced this pair of verses again today, I had a following thought. As believers after the first Advent of Christ, we have His example to follow. Jesus is the only TRULY Righteous One, and He both WAS and IS generous. He was generous when He became a Man some 2,000 years ago, then lived and died in the place of His people. And He continues to be generous as He gives us temporal blessings, and present fellowship with Him, and hope for a future when all things will be made right. So I find myself convicted for my lack of generosity. I want to hang onto my comfort, rather than trusting that my needs will be met in the now, and that I have a future.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Song of the Day- 14
I spent my day yesterday in the kitchen listening to Christmas music and making candy. It was marvelous! One of my favorite albums is titled "Savior", by Sovereign Grace music. I think my favorite thing about it is how beautifully the lyrics marry Christ's humanity with His deity, and the perfection of His sacrifice. As I think about Baby Jesus sleeping, I'm reminded of the verses that say God never sleeps. God never sleeps, but the God-Man did. So, for today:
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
VERSE 3
You who with a word created
Sun and moon and seas and sand
Lay there sleeping in a manger
Cradled by Your mother’s hand
You who made the mighty forests
Would lie down upon a tree
Fastened there with nails for sinners
Would bleed and die to set us free
I know I use this passage a lot, but it never ceases to amaze me!!!
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. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 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 1:1-14
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
VERSE 3
You who with a word created
Sun and moon and seas and sand
Lay there sleeping in a manger
Cradled by Your mother’s hand
You who made the mighty forests
Would lie down upon a tree
Fastened there with nails for sinners
Would bleed and die to set us free
I know I use this passage a lot, but it never ceases to amaze me!!!
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. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 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 1:1-14
Monday, December 9, 2013
Once for All
I was practicing my memory verses this morning, and was struck by the phrase "once for all". (By the way, if you are interested in practicing scripture memory, and have easy access to a computer-- or an iPhone, Scripture Typer is a great resource!) So back to the point, I was practicing Jude 1:3.
Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
Jude 1:3
This immediately brought a second verse to mind.
He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.
Hebrews 7:27
But since I wasn't sure of the exact reference, only that it was in Hebrews, I used the search tool in our e-sword program. (By the way, e-sword is a great Bible study program. And the base program, as well as many translations of the Bible and commentaries, can be downloaded for free.)
So my search yielded seven verses with the phrase "once for all". In Psalms, God swears "once for all" that the forever king will come from his line (Ps. 89:35-36). In Romans and Hebrews, Jesus died for sin "once for all" (Rom. 6:10, Heb. 7:27). And because of His death, He entered the holy places-- that is God's presence in heaven-- "once for all" (Heb. 9:11-12,24-26), and sanctified His people "once for all" (Heb. 10:10).
With that in mind, and because of some of what I've been studying in the theology class I'm taking, I was struck by the fact that "the faith" in Jude 1:3 was delivered "once for all". The gospel was entrusted to the apostles, and ever since then the church has been handing that very same faith down through the ages! God is so amazing!!! =)
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7
Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
Jude 1:3
This immediately brought a second verse to mind.
He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.
Hebrews 7:27
But since I wasn't sure of the exact reference, only that it was in Hebrews, I used the search tool in our e-sword program. (By the way, e-sword is a great Bible study program. And the base program, as well as many translations of the Bible and commentaries, can be downloaded for free.)
So my search yielded seven verses with the phrase "once for all". In Psalms, God swears "once for all" that the forever king will come from his line (Ps. 89:35-36). In Romans and Hebrews, Jesus died for sin "once for all" (Rom. 6:10, Heb. 7:27). And because of His death, He entered the holy places-- that is God's presence in heaven-- "once for all" (Heb. 9:11-12,24-26), and sanctified His people "once for all" (Heb. 10:10).
With that in mind, and because of some of what I've been studying in the theology class I'm taking, I was struck by the fact that "the faith" in Jude 1:3 was delivered "once for all". The gospel was entrusted to the apostles, and ever since then the church has been handing that very same faith down through the ages! God is so amazing!!! =)
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7
Friday, December 6, 2013
Linger
I just looked at the clock and realized that it's nearly ten! This surprised me a bit since we sat down to breakfast at 8:20. Until I realized that we got to linger over our breakfast. We need food to survive, and being in America, we are privileged to have plenty of food. But sometimes our ever busier schedules require us to wolf down our sustenance, rather than lingering over the variety of flavors and textures that we have been given to enjoy. As I was thinking on this briefly, it occurred to me that I have a lot of opportunities to linger over my meals. And I am thankful for that.
Then I began to think about the Word. Do you know, Christian, that God's Word is as necessary to your spirit as food is to your body?
But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Matthew 4:4
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
John 6:35
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
Then I began to think about my devotions. Some days there are ever so many things demanding my attention, and I have to rush through, because I know I NEED time with my God. Other times, I get to sit and bask in His Word for hours, savoring the truths that are found inside. And there is a place for both. But if it's been a while since you lingered with your God, I encourage you to put that on your "list". Near the top! ;)
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalms 16:5-11
Then I began to think about the Word. Do you know, Christian, that God's Word is as necessary to your spirit as food is to your body?
But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Matthew 4:4
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
John 6:35
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
Then I began to think about my devotions. Some days there are ever so many things demanding my attention, and I have to rush through, because I know I NEED time with my God. Other times, I get to sit and bask in His Word for hours, savoring the truths that are found inside. And there is a place for both. But if it's been a while since you lingered with your God, I encourage you to put that on your "list". Near the top! ;)
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalms 16:5-11
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Today
I sometimes suffer from Scarlet O'Hara disorder. She says, "I won't think about that today... I'll think about it tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day." I may have a good idea, or a new thing I need to start doing... but my today is full, so I'll think about it tomorrow... But when tomorrow comes... I'm still busy, and the "whatever it was" keeps ending up on tomorrow's "list".
After reading a few blogs/articles yesterday, coupled with some current circumstances, I came to the conclusion that I need to get up half an hour earlier to get my exercise in. After all, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy." And I like being happy! =)
But I was all prepared to start that jump tomorrow... or next week.... or after the holidays! ;)
Then a scared little man walked into my room at 4:30 this morning... and I had a half an hour pillow chat with my Shorty... and I set my new alarm... but by the time it went off, I wanted to go back to sleep. And then I thought, "Why put off until tomorrow what you can do today?" So I got dressed and got on my treadmill.
But that got me started thinking about how many other things I put off until the ever-elusive "tomorrow". The encouraging note to my sister who's been struggling, or the phone call that I should have made yesterday (or last week!), or devotions, and the list could go on and on. And I thought of this verse:
Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 3:12-13
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
Psalms 95:6-9
After reading a few blogs/articles yesterday, coupled with some current circumstances, I came to the conclusion that I need to get up half an hour earlier to get my exercise in. After all, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy." And I like being happy! =)
But I was all prepared to start that jump tomorrow... or next week.... or after the holidays! ;)
Then a scared little man walked into my room at 4:30 this morning... and I had a half an hour pillow chat with my Shorty... and I set my new alarm... but by the time it went off, I wanted to go back to sleep. And then I thought, "Why put off until tomorrow what you can do today?" So I got dressed and got on my treadmill.
But that got me started thinking about how many other things I put off until the ever-elusive "tomorrow". The encouraging note to my sister who's been struggling, or the phone call that I should have made yesterday (or last week!), or devotions, and the list could go on and on. And I thought of this verse:
Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 3:12-13
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
Psalms 95:6-9
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Be Still
I love Thanksgiving and the intervening weeks until Christmas! But ESPECIALLY during the holidays, I have a hard time stopping (or not starting) long enough to get my devotions in. And most of the time, it's not about something to "cross off my list". It's LIFE! Time spent reading and meditating on God's Word is NEVER wasted. This past week we spent a lot of sweet time as a family playing games, watching movies, and reading books-- and in the lazy fun, I skipped a lot of devotion time. But while we were at my parents' house on Friday I saw this verse:
"Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalms 46:10a
It was a quiet reminder that in the busyness of life, I need to be still. I need to be intentional about remembering that God is God. And then this morning I read the rest of the verse.
"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Psalms 46:10
God deserves all the glory, all the praise, and all our lives. We were created to praise and enjoy and love Him, and one day... someday... we will praise and love Him as he deserves. And we will enjoy Him to our delight and His.
"Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalms 46:10a
It was a quiet reminder that in the busyness of life, I need to be still. I need to be intentional about remembering that God is God. And then this morning I read the rest of the verse.
"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Psalms 46:10
God deserves all the glory, all the praise, and all our lives. We were created to praise and enjoy and love Him, and one day... someday... we will praise and love Him as he deserves. And we will enjoy Him to our delight and His.
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