I've been reading in 1 Samuel during my devotions this week, and I noticed something that I'd never seen before. You probably know that the book is named for one of the main characters, Samuel. You might also know that Samuel was a great prophet in Israel, anointing two of their kings. You may even know the details from the beginning of the book, where Samuel's mother, Hannah, went to the tabernacle and prayed that God would give her a son. But what do you know about Samuel's dad? A couple of things.
1) He was faithful in following the law of Moses. Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the LORD.
1 Samuel 1:3
2) He loved Hannah-- a lot. (Just in case you didn't know, bearing children, and particularly sons, was incredibly important in Hanna's time.) But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?"
1 Samuel 1:5-8
Here's the thing that stuck out to me this week. We know that Hannah offered her son in service to the Lord, but Elkanah offered HIS son as well! Our culture is so individualistic that it is easy to skip over this point. But in Numbers 30, when a woman makes a vow to the Lord, her father (if she's unmarried) or her husband (if she's married) can void that vow. This is where Elkanah comes in.
They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her. And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, "I have asked for him from the LORD." The man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice and to pay his vow. But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, "As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the LORD and dwell there forever." Elkanah her husband said to her, "Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; only, may the LORD establish his word." So the woman remained and nursed her son until she weaned him.
1 Samuel 1:19-23
This appears to be the first time that Elkanah hears about Hannah's vow. In which case he could have said, "No, this is MY son, and we're keeping him." But he didn't! And I can't help but see the shadow of another Father offering His Son as the perfect mediator between God and man.
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. 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 1:1-5, 14
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Song of the Day- 16
My girls are children after my own heart. And in this instance, I mean that when they like a show or movie, we watch it over... and over... and over... and over again. So many times, in fact, that we can all quote and sing along with the entire show! =) And we LOVE "Frozen". The girls all share their favorite parts, and then they ask what my favorite parts are.
Well, one of my favorite parts is the song "Fixer Upper". The trolls point out various "undesirable" traits in Kristoff. But they go on to say that these undesirable traits are no reason for Anna to withhold her love. Because we all have undesirable traits, and act in ways that are unloving.
"Bulda: We're not sayin' you can change him,
'Cause people don't really change.
We're only saying that love's a force
That's powerful and strange.
People make bad choices if they're mad,
Or scared, or stressed.
Throw a little love their way.
Female Trolls: Throw a little love their way.
Bulda and Female Trolls: And you'll bring out their best."
I also love the fact that "true love", in the song (and in the movie, for that matter), is not limited to romantic love.
"Everyone's a bit of a fixer-upper,
That's what it's all about!
Cliff: Father!
Female Troll 3: Sister!
Male Troll 6: Brother!
All Trolls: We need each other to raise
Us up and round us out."
Basically, I think that the portrayal of love in "Frozen" is wonderfully accurate.
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
And if you want to hear "Fixer Upper" click here.
Well, one of my favorite parts is the song "Fixer Upper". The trolls point out various "undesirable" traits in Kristoff. But they go on to say that these undesirable traits are no reason for Anna to withhold her love. Because we all have undesirable traits, and act in ways that are unloving.
"Bulda: We're not sayin' you can change him,
'Cause people don't really change.
We're only saying that love's a force
That's powerful and strange.
People make bad choices if they're mad,
Or scared, or stressed.
Throw a little love their way.
Female Trolls: Throw a little love their way.
Bulda and Female Trolls: And you'll bring out their best."
I also love the fact that "true love", in the song (and in the movie, for that matter), is not limited to romantic love.
"Everyone's a bit of a fixer-upper,
That's what it's all about!
Cliff: Father!
Female Troll 3: Sister!
Male Troll 6: Brother!
All Trolls: We need each other to raise
Us up and round us out."
Basically, I think that the portrayal of love in "Frozen" is wonderfully accurate.
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
And if you want to hear "Fixer Upper" click here.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Let It Go
We took our Crew to see Disney's "Frozen" over the Christmas holidays, and purchased the DVD as soon as it was available. The one part of the movie that I didn't like was the song "Let It Go". I can already hear the boos, but please hear me out. I'm not saying that you have to hate it, or even that you can't like it. But if you are a Christian, I'm asking you to take a critical look.
First, let me say that artistically, "Let It Go" is fantastic. It has easy to remember, well-crafted lyrics paired with a catchy melody. But since we are what we read, and watch, and hear, we need to take a closer look at the lyrics. The first stanza appears to be almost a lament over the isolation that Elsa has suffered as a result of her gift. However, by the first chorus, she has embraced it. This is a problem since we were not created to be alone. (This is probably why I like Anna's line later that "nobody wants to be alone".) And even when our sin separated us from God and one another, He didn't leave us alone. He sent Christ to reconcile us to Himself.
A similar problem arises at the end of the first chorus.
"I don't care what they're going to say
Let the storm rage on
The cold never bothered me anyway"
While some level of unconcern about how others view us can be helpful, taken to the extreme, it is damaging. Elsa says the cold never bothered HER, but what about all her subjects back in Arendelle? There is a hardness expressed throughout the remainder of the song that I found incredibly troubling. She says later, "you'll never see me cry". Tears are often construed as a sign of weakness-- and perhaps they are, but I would argue that they are rather a sign of SOFTNESS. They are a sign of feeling pain, both your own and that of others.
Lastly, in my opinion, there seems to be a correlation between the letting go of the rules in the song, ("no right, no wrong, no rules for me, I'm free") and Elsa's clothing change. When Elsa begins the song she is VERY conservatively dressed. Maybe even overdressed... But by the end, her outfit is very nearly risqué. Her change in attire coupled with the idea that rules are bad, bothered me. And it concerned me for my girls. After all, we are what we consume... so consume carefully.
"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Matthew 10:16
Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.
1 Corinthians 14:20
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15-17
First, let me say that artistically, "Let It Go" is fantastic. It has easy to remember, well-crafted lyrics paired with a catchy melody. But since we are what we read, and watch, and hear, we need to take a closer look at the lyrics. The first stanza appears to be almost a lament over the isolation that Elsa has suffered as a result of her gift. However, by the first chorus, she has embraced it. This is a problem since we were not created to be alone. (This is probably why I like Anna's line later that "nobody wants to be alone".) And even when our sin separated us from God and one another, He didn't leave us alone. He sent Christ to reconcile us to Himself.
A similar problem arises at the end of the first chorus.
"I don't care what they're going to say
Let the storm rage on
The cold never bothered me anyway"
While some level of unconcern about how others view us can be helpful, taken to the extreme, it is damaging. Elsa says the cold never bothered HER, but what about all her subjects back in Arendelle? There is a hardness expressed throughout the remainder of the song that I found incredibly troubling. She says later, "you'll never see me cry". Tears are often construed as a sign of weakness-- and perhaps they are, but I would argue that they are rather a sign of SOFTNESS. They are a sign of feeling pain, both your own and that of others.
Lastly, in my opinion, there seems to be a correlation between the letting go of the rules in the song, ("no right, no wrong, no rules for me, I'm free") and Elsa's clothing change. When Elsa begins the song she is VERY conservatively dressed. Maybe even overdressed... But by the end, her outfit is very nearly risqué. Her change in attire coupled with the idea that rules are bad, bothered me. And it concerned me for my girls. After all, we are what we consume... so consume carefully.
"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Matthew 10:16
Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.
1 Corinthians 14:20
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15-17
Monday, March 17, 2014
Making a List, Checking it Twice
My life is SO FULL of lists. I make weekly menus, lesson plans, shopping lists, reading lists, chore lists for myself and my Crew, mental lists of home improvements... and the "list" goes on and on! I tackled my chore list last week, and accomplished quite a bit. But our Sunday plans changed late yesterday afternoon, and I didn't get lesson plans written. Which throws our Monday into a bit of a tizzy. As my lists (or lack thereof) loomed large this morning, I felt overwhelmed. There are simply not enough hours in the day-- even if I didn't sleep-- to check my list even once! Well, MAYBE if I didn't sleep...
And then the most wonderful realization washed over me. I was reminded that my lists do not save me. Lists are good for me, because they provide much needed structure for my days. But whether I finish today's to-do list, or switch lists, or abandon the list entirely, has no bearing WHATSOEVER on my acceptance before God! Christ is the guarantee of my salvation! So I work, but I rest that I am secure in the love of my Father.
And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever.'" This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:20-25
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
And then the most wonderful realization washed over me. I was reminded that my lists do not save me. Lists are good for me, because they provide much needed structure for my days. But whether I finish today's to-do list, or switch lists, or abandon the list entirely, has no bearing WHATSOEVER on my acceptance before God! Christ is the guarantee of my salvation! So I work, but I rest that I am secure in the love of my Father.
And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever.'" This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:20-25
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Worth Looking Forward To
What do you look forward to? A vacation? A new job? Then end of your school career? Marriage? Kids? My baby turned seven a month ago. However, I've got several sisters with babies under one. And they are consistently telling me that they are looking forward to big kids. I remember those days! And having big kids is worth looking forward to! They communicate. They can dress and bathe and toilet themselves. They can help with household chores. And they can still refresh your wonder at this amazing world that God has entrusted to us, because there is still so much that they don't know!
As I was typing this, I was reminded of a sermon I heard a few years ago on this text:
Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Luke 2:25-26
Simeon was looking forward to meeting the Messiah. During the sermon, the pastor posed the question, "What have you been waiting for? What have you set your hope on?" Or we could phrase it, 'What are you looking forward to?' That day, during the sermon, I was convicted that I had set my hope on our vacation-- and it turned out to be one of the worst (in my opinion) that I'd ever had. The pastor went on to say that NOTHING is worthy of our hope except Christ. Ultimately, if our hope is set on anything but Him, we will be disappointed. But Christ IS WORTHY! Our future with Christ is worth looking forward to! Infinitely more so than any other good thing, because He is the source of everything! And that's good news!
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.
Psalms 37:7-11
On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation."
Isaiah 25:6-9
As I was typing this, I was reminded of a sermon I heard a few years ago on this text:
Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Luke 2:25-26
Simeon was looking forward to meeting the Messiah. During the sermon, the pastor posed the question, "What have you been waiting for? What have you set your hope on?" Or we could phrase it, 'What are you looking forward to?' That day, during the sermon, I was convicted that I had set my hope on our vacation-- and it turned out to be one of the worst (in my opinion) that I'd ever had. The pastor went on to say that NOTHING is worthy of our hope except Christ. Ultimately, if our hope is set on anything but Him, we will be disappointed. But Christ IS WORTHY! Our future with Christ is worth looking forward to! Infinitely more so than any other good thing, because He is the source of everything! And that's good news!
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.
Psalms 37:7-11
On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation."
Isaiah 25:6-9
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Answered Prayer
I have spent the last fifteen years consistently, fervently praying for wisdom. (You might read that nagging God for wisdom.) I beg God for wisdom in one area of my life or another probably at least once a day. And while I tend to be a know-it-all, God is faithfully showing me how VERY MUCH I don't know. However, the more I realize what I minuscule amount of knowledge I have, the more foolish I feel.
Here's the exciting thing, though; my closest friends consistently point out wisdom that I've shared with them! As another friend pointed out some wisdom I'd shared during our conversation this week, I marveled that God is answering my prayer! And since He is infinite, He can keep answering my request for wisdom for eternity!
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil, men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways.
Proverbs 2:1-15
Here's the exciting thing, though; my closest friends consistently point out wisdom that I've shared with them! As another friend pointed out some wisdom I'd shared during our conversation this week, I marveled that God is answering my prayer! And since He is infinite, He can keep answering my request for wisdom for eternity!
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil, men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways.
Proverbs 2:1-15
Saturday, March 8, 2014
End in Sight
When I was growing up, our house was full of fun things. Books. Board games. Puzzles. I loved it when we pulled out a 1000+ piece puzzle. Mommy taught me very early that you want to begin by sorting out and putting together the edge pieces. But then the REAL work begins. You have to continually sort and then piece, sort and piece... and gradually the picture comes together. I very quickly got bored during the "sort and piece" process. But Mommy would go back whenever she had half an hour, and piece together bit by bit. My siblings and I made Mommy so angry because after she had put in HOURS of work, we would place the last 30-50 pieces.
Now I'm the mom, who puts in all the hours, but rarely get to place the last piece. And most of the time, I gladly relinquish the last bit. But it occurred to me as I was putting together a puzzle this week, why the puzzle scenario plays out that way. For me, the end is in sight as soon as the puzzle comes out of the box. But for my seven- and eight-year-olds, the end of the puzzling seems beyond reach.
Then I thought about the walk of faith. Christ knew "right out of the box" the entire work of redemption. He knew the end from the beginning. And He is steadfast in working out faith in the lives of His people. But our vantage point is drastically limited. For us the end result of our faith very often seems eternally out of reach. So Christ gave us glimpses in Scripture of the end. Kind of like the picture on the box of the puzzle. Trust, Christian, that the end is "in sight"... even if it takes another thousand years or more.
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.
Revelation 1:1-2
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 1:15-23
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
Revelation 21:1-6
Now I'm the mom, who puts in all the hours, but rarely get to place the last piece. And most of the time, I gladly relinquish the last bit. But it occurred to me as I was putting together a puzzle this week, why the puzzle scenario plays out that way. For me, the end is in sight as soon as the puzzle comes out of the box. But for my seven- and eight-year-olds, the end of the puzzling seems beyond reach.
Then I thought about the walk of faith. Christ knew "right out of the box" the entire work of redemption. He knew the end from the beginning. And He is steadfast in working out faith in the lives of His people. But our vantage point is drastically limited. For us the end result of our faith very often seems eternally out of reach. So Christ gave us glimpses in Scripture of the end. Kind of like the picture on the box of the puzzle. Trust, Christian, that the end is "in sight"... even if it takes another thousand years or more.
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.
Revelation 1:1-2
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 1:15-23
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
Revelation 21:1-6
Friday, March 7, 2014
Not My Moments
I must like being busy. My friends tell me that I'm always busy. My kids tell me I'm always busy. And my Shorty says I like being busy TOO MUCH. I guess maybe when I'm busy I feel like I'm being productive-- and being productive makes me happy. =) But for me, the danger of being perpetually busy is burn-out. I go and go and go and go until everything rubs me the wrong way, and then I slump for hours or days or weeks. During my slump time, I feel like I don't do anything well (i.e. am not productive) and that makes me angry, so I swing back into overdrive.
I've been working on this. I realize that it is not a healthy pattern, so I am trying to take small, frequent breaks from the various demands of my busy life. But here's the thing that I've been chewing on, "my" moments are not my own. Paul says:
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Now Paul is using this temple analogy in the context of sexual immorality, but I'm going to argue from the greater to the lesser. If my body belongs to Christ, each moment I have belongs to Him as well. The question is not "Should I take down time?" I am a finite creature. I am dependent on many things, not the least of which is rest. The question is "Am I bringing glory to God by using this moment in this way?" That is a hard question. It ranks right up there with "Why?"
So, whether you eat or drink, or WHATEVER you do, do all to the glory of God. (emphasis mine)
1 Corinthians 10:31
I've been working on this. I realize that it is not a healthy pattern, so I am trying to take small, frequent breaks from the various demands of my busy life. But here's the thing that I've been chewing on, "my" moments are not my own. Paul says:
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Now Paul is using this temple analogy in the context of sexual immorality, but I'm going to argue from the greater to the lesser. If my body belongs to Christ, each moment I have belongs to Him as well. The question is not "Should I take down time?" I am a finite creature. I am dependent on many things, not the least of which is rest. The question is "Am I bringing glory to God by using this moment in this way?" That is a hard question. It ranks right up there with "Why?"
So, whether you eat or drink, or WHATEVER you do, do all to the glory of God. (emphasis mine)
1 Corinthians 10:31
Thursday, March 6, 2014
The Hardest Question
Have you ever asked a child, "Why did you do that?" (Whatever "that" may be.) If you have, you know that the common response is "I don't know." Now sometimes that is a ploy to try to get out of trouble. But I have become convinced that sometimes that is true. The little person of whom the "Why?" question was asked really has little idea what drove him to the "that" he just did.
Sometimes it is really hard for me to determine whether or not I should read a certain book. I find myself faced with the question, "Why?" Why do I want to read this book? Is it REALLY the storyline that is drawing me in, or is it the thrill of the possibility of steamy scenes? However, "why" is not only the hardest question in relation to stories I choose. It is ALWAYS the hardest question because I don't see clearly. I do get glimpses of my heart-- this happens more often when I am in the Word consistently. But my sin blinds me, both in the nice things I do, and the sinful things I try to rationalize. Why do I want to serve my friend? Is it really because I see her need and want to bless her, or is it to make myself look good? Usually the answer is mixed. But God knows. And Christ lived and acted with completely righteous motives, then died for all my mixed ones.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
Psalms 139:1-4
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? "I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds."
Jeremiah 17:9-10
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. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Hebrews 2:14-18
Sometimes it is really hard for me to determine whether or not I should read a certain book. I find myself faced with the question, "Why?" Why do I want to read this book? Is it REALLY the storyline that is drawing me in, or is it the thrill of the possibility of steamy scenes? However, "why" is not only the hardest question in relation to stories I choose. It is ALWAYS the hardest question because I don't see clearly. I do get glimpses of my heart-- this happens more often when I am in the Word consistently. But my sin blinds me, both in the nice things I do, and the sinful things I try to rationalize. Why do I want to serve my friend? Is it really because I see her need and want to bless her, or is it to make myself look good? Usually the answer is mixed. But God knows. And Christ lived and acted with completely righteous motives, then died for all my mixed ones.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
Psalms 139:1-4
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? "I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds."
Jeremiah 17:9-10
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. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Hebrews 2:14-18
Monday, March 3, 2014
Guard Your Heart
We introduced our Crew to the Star Wars movies over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. As I was listening, I noticed that Obi Wan is constantly warning to Anakin to "guard [his] thoughts". I was struck by how closely the words and context mirror something that I am constantly warning my Crew, namely to guard their HEARTS. I've been chewing on that phrase a lot this last couple of weeks. During my high school years, I only remember hearing that phrase with regards to romance. "Guard your heart so that you don't fall for the 'wrong' kind of guy/girl." It is as though the heart is an innocent, sweet, little bird who needs tender care. That is exactly NOT what I mean when I instruct my children (and other children in my life) to guard their hearts. Picture a hardened criminal, locked behind bars. There is no doubt from the look on his face that if he could get out, he would, without hesitation, kill you in a most painful fashion. And he would enjoy it. The kind of diligence required for that kind of guard duty is what I'm encouraging in my Crew. Because:
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
Jeremiah 17:9
But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.
Matthew 15:18-19
but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:8
And to be completely honest, guarding my heart is a task too daunting for me. It's too hard to fight my own heart. (So I know it is for my Crew, too.) But there is always hope when I look to the One who created me and is infinitely stronger than I am.
For your name's sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
Psalms 25:11-20
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
Jeremiah 17:9
But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.
Matthew 15:18-19
but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:8
And to be completely honest, guarding my heart is a task too daunting for me. It's too hard to fight my own heart. (So I know it is for my Crew, too.) But there is always hope when I look to the One who created me and is infinitely stronger than I am.
For your name's sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
Psalms 25:11-20
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