Have you ever watched a friend with awe, (or envy) as she seemed to juggle a million and one things and keep it all together? Do you find yourself thinking, "How does she do it?"
I know I've felt that way about many of my friends, and I've heard the same thought expressed about me. So yesterday I was chewing on that thought, and I came up with two possibilities. (There are probably more, but I could only think of two.) The first option is that it only LOOKS like the friend has it all together. But the better option is that she is doing EXACTLY what God made her to do. We are equipped for our own lives, not someone else's! So if you think, "There's NO WAY I could handle that!" (Whatever that is. ;)) It's probably because God didn't prepare you for that work. At least not yet! =)
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
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:9-10
Friday, October 18, 2013
Monday, October 14, 2013
Be careful which way you lean.
My Crew watched "The Lorax" last week. I love it when there is a line (or more than one) in a movie that makes me think, "OOOHHH!" So, here it is!
The Lorax: Which way does a tree fall?
The Once-ler: Uh, down?
The Lorax: A tree falls the way it leans. Be careful which way you lean.
I didn't love the movie overall, but there were nuggets like this one sprinkled throughout. And this one really got my mind going. What makes a tree lean? Generally it is the effects of the environment around the tree when it is small. Maybe strong winds, or larger trees, or deer rubbing off their velvet, or a lightning strike. In short, it is adversity. And then I thought about me. Which way do I lean? When adversity comes, where do I go for relief or satisfaction? And for me, the answer as often as not, is "stuff". A book, a movie, some random crafty thing (pleasure and entertainment)... But if that's where I lean, then when catastrophe hits I will fall into my idol- and it will DROP ME FLAT! You see, there is only one SAFE place to lean, and that is into Jesus Christ. When catastrophe makes me fall, He will uphold me. He'll set me back on my feet and give me strength to keep walking. So... Be careful which way you lean.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.
Isaiah 10:20
The Lorax: Which way does a tree fall?
The Once-ler: Uh, down?
The Lorax: A tree falls the way it leans. Be careful which way you lean.
I didn't love the movie overall, but there were nuggets like this one sprinkled throughout. And this one really got my mind going. What makes a tree lean? Generally it is the effects of the environment around the tree when it is small. Maybe strong winds, or larger trees, or deer rubbing off their velvet, or a lightning strike. In short, it is adversity. And then I thought about me. Which way do I lean? When adversity comes, where do I go for relief or satisfaction? And for me, the answer as often as not, is "stuff". A book, a movie, some random crafty thing (pleasure and entertainment)... But if that's where I lean, then when catastrophe hits I will fall into my idol- and it will DROP ME FLAT! You see, there is only one SAFE place to lean, and that is into Jesus Christ. When catastrophe makes me fall, He will uphold me. He'll set me back on my feet and give me strength to keep walking. So... Be careful which way you lean.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.
Isaiah 10:20
Sunday, October 13, 2013
The Lord is my Shepherd
I thought I was going to post this yesterday, but time flew away from me. For the last couple of weeks, I've felt like I was falling farther and farther behind in my preparations. I need lesson plans and a menu for our week to run smoothly-- and I've only been getting portions of those done. We are also entering the busiest season at church, and "borrowing trouble" was wearing me out. But during my devotions yesterday, I read Psalm 23. It was much needed nourishment for my soul.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1
That verse was like cool water when your mouth is parched. He is watching over me. I will not lack ANYTHING I need to serve Him well!
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.
Psalm 23:2-3
Here I was reminded of His great provision for me. He supplies my needs, and He does it WELL! Lush green pastures are GOOD food for a sheep. Still waters are safe for me to wade into to cool my feet while I sate my thirst. I am safe in His care.
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.
Psalm 23:4
But our Psalmist is so balanced. He doesn't leave us with just pictures of ease and pleasure. He knows that we will walk through dangerous and sad places, however, we need not fear. He is still WITH us to guide and correct!
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 23:5
Now we have a reminder that we are blessed with God's favor. The reason that "my cup overflows" is because of God's work in my life.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6
Finally, I see that God pursues me. And that is such GOOD NEWS, because I am just a dumb sheep, prone to wander into the same dangers again... and again... and again...
But God's goodness and mercy (the Hebrew word translated "mercy" is chesed, which means lovingkindness, or covenant faithfulness) will pursue me. For His glory which is my good. =)
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
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1
That verse was like cool water when your mouth is parched. He is watching over me. I will not lack ANYTHING I need to serve Him well!
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.
Psalm 23:2-3
Here I was reminded of His great provision for me. He supplies my needs, and He does it WELL! Lush green pastures are GOOD food for a sheep. Still waters are safe for me to wade into to cool my feet while I sate my thirst. I am safe in His care.
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.
Psalm 23:4
But our Psalmist is so balanced. He doesn't leave us with just pictures of ease and pleasure. He knows that we will walk through dangerous and sad places, however, we need not fear. He is still WITH us to guide and correct!
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 23:5
Now we have a reminder that we are blessed with God's favor. The reason that "my cup overflows" is because of God's work in my life.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6
Finally, I see that God pursues me. And that is such GOOD NEWS, because I am just a dumb sheep, prone to wander into the same dangers again... and again... and again...
But God's goodness and mercy (the Hebrew word translated "mercy" is chesed, which means lovingkindness, or covenant faithfulness) will pursue me. For His glory which is my good. =)
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
Friday, October 11, 2013
How long am I to be with you...
I've said before that I learn more about God from being a parent than probably anything else. Many of the pictures and situations just come alive for me because of the experiences I have in parenting. This week has been no exception. My Crew are getting older, and therefore more independent. It is quite reasonable to expect more out of an eleven-year-old than from a five-year-old. And while I haven't always done an awesome job of training my Crew in how I want things done, I have been improving-- and they've proven their capabilities. So early this week I found myself very frustrated with them due to their lack of performance in some of their chores. I'm doing my best to train them to think-- and think well-- and it seemed that they were resisting my efforts! And this story came to my mind.
On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not." Jesus answered, "O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.
Luke 9:37-42
At this point in Jesus' ministry, the apostles have seen many miracles. They've even gone out among the people in the power of God and done miracles themselves. And just prior to this event, Peter, James, and John have seen Jesus transfigured on the mountain. But now we find them unable to cast out a demon. Jesus' response is what struck me. And it struck me from two perspectives. Jesus looks at His apostles, knowing all that He has shown and taught them, AND knowing how short a time He has left with them. And I feel the parental frustration. But then I see from their perspective, although they have the law and prophets, the signs and covenants, and have spent months at least, following Christ-- this is all new to them. They are like toddlers. And they have NO IDEA what they don't know-- or how short their remaining time with Christ will be.
And I was convicted. Because my frustration with my children has less to do with their good, and more to do with my convenience. And because I have tried to excuse my sinful anger by thinking that Christ didn't REALLY experience all the temptations that I have because He wasn't a parent... But He did.
But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, "I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise." And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again, "Behold, I and the children God has given me." 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 2:9-18
On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not." Jesus answered, "O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.
Luke 9:37-42
At this point in Jesus' ministry, the apostles have seen many miracles. They've even gone out among the people in the power of God and done miracles themselves. And just prior to this event, Peter, James, and John have seen Jesus transfigured on the mountain. But now we find them unable to cast out a demon. Jesus' response is what struck me. And it struck me from two perspectives. Jesus looks at His apostles, knowing all that He has shown and taught them, AND knowing how short a time He has left with them. And I feel the parental frustration. But then I see from their perspective, although they have the law and prophets, the signs and covenants, and have spent months at least, following Christ-- this is all new to them. They are like toddlers. And they have NO IDEA what they don't know-- or how short their remaining time with Christ will be.
And I was convicted. Because my frustration with my children has less to do with their good, and more to do with my convenience. And because I have tried to excuse my sinful anger by thinking that Christ didn't REALLY experience all the temptations that I have because He wasn't a parent... But He did.
But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, "I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise." And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again, "Behold, I and the children God has given me." 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 2:9-18
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Your Dirt Is Dirtier!
We got new (to us) couches last week. But since they had been sitting in storage for a significant amount of time, I felt like they needed a good cleaning. So I started... but my weekend flew away from me and parts of them still smelled funny. =P
We had an accident on the old couch this weekend, so I shampooed the affected area. However, after that had dried, I realized that the rest of the couch also needed a good shampooing. So this afternoon I've been shampooing the couches. And I've been pondering... =)
When I first began to clean the "new" couches, I thought they were really nasty. But as I cleaned the "old" couch, I realized that the mess that was coming off of it looks and smells just like the mess coming off the others! And I thought about sin. I can hardly look at a mess anymore and NOT think about sin. I may not say, or even act like your sin is worse than mine... but I think it. Because I can't handle how evil I really am. My sin doesn't seem "as bad" as my friend's because it is MINE, and part of me still loves it!
So I am reminded again that I am a wretched sinner. And I need a Savior. I need Someone who has NEVER sinned, but loves me in spite of my unlovelyness.
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 2:17-18
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
2 Peter 3:10-14
We had an accident on the old couch this weekend, so I shampooed the affected area. However, after that had dried, I realized that the rest of the couch also needed a good shampooing. So this afternoon I've been shampooing the couches. And I've been pondering... =)
When I first began to clean the "new" couches, I thought they were really nasty. But as I cleaned the "old" couch, I realized that the mess that was coming off of it looks and smells just like the mess coming off the others! And I thought about sin. I can hardly look at a mess anymore and NOT think about sin. I may not say, or even act like your sin is worse than mine... but I think it. Because I can't handle how evil I really am. My sin doesn't seem "as bad" as my friend's because it is MINE, and part of me still loves it!
So I am reminded again that I am a wretched sinner. And I need a Savior. I need Someone who has NEVER sinned, but loves me in spite of my unlovelyness.
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 2:17-18
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
2 Peter 3:10-14
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
More
I enjoy eating! A LOT!!! And I love to cook, so that makes a pretty good situation for me. ;) Until I decide I want more. Have you ever noticed how you can go without sweets, or bread, or chocolate for a long time, but when you DO indulge, suddenly you just want more, and More, and MORE! So I started thinking about how that works with most pleasures (at least for me). When I experience something pleasant, I want more-- more food, more games, more books... And before long, a little isn't enough. I actually NEED more to get the same amount of pleasure. I began to wonder why that is-- why is there a law of diminishing returns??? I think it is because we were created to take pleasure in our Creator. And because He is infinite, He is always able to give us more. Not stuff, not fleeting pleasures, but more of Himself! We were created for MORE, we just have to pursue the RIGHT more. =)
And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
Deuteronomy 8:3
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3:21-26
And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
Deuteronomy 8:3
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3:21-26
Monday, October 7, 2013
Fixer-Upper
I love my house! It is so perfect for our family! But it is almost like starting over... We bought a REALLY fixer-upper the first time. Smallish and shrinking (or so it seemed), and in need of some SERIOUS T.L.C. (tender loving care)-- and we supplied that over the course of the 12 years we lived there. =) So now we have a significantly larger (hopefully forever) house... and it's another fixer-upper! And I've been pondering the process. Because we have to prioritize our projects... and wait! And I thought about all the emotions that go with fixer-upping, from frustration to satisfaction, and despair to delight.
As I was reminiscing over our success with the first house, I began to chew on the process of sanctification. With houses, there are varying degrees of fixer-upper. From, "needs a bit of updating" to "condemnable". This brought to mind a friend's house. When he moved out, it really looked like his furniture had been holding up the walls... =? It made me think about my life. Sin is so ingrained into my character-- and sin is ALWAYS destructive, so basically, the "house" of my life was condemnable. But God brought His tools and supplies and infinite skill, and has been busy applying some T.L.C. to my character. And although there are times when I feel frustration and despair in the process, there are also seasons of satisfaction and delight! And one day, the seasons of frustration and despair will end, and be replaced with ENDLESS delight!!! =)
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
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12-13
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
As I was reminiscing over our success with the first house, I began to chew on the process of sanctification. With houses, there are varying degrees of fixer-upper. From, "needs a bit of updating" to "condemnable". This brought to mind a friend's house. When he moved out, it really looked like his furniture had been holding up the walls... =? It made me think about my life. Sin is so ingrained into my character-- and sin is ALWAYS destructive, so basically, the "house" of my life was condemnable. But God brought His tools and supplies and infinite skill, and has been busy applying some T.L.C. to my character. And although there are times when I feel frustration and despair in the process, there are also seasons of satisfaction and delight! And one day, the seasons of frustration and despair will end, and be replaced with ENDLESS delight!!! =)
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
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12-13
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
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