Yesterday was a perfect day. As I rested and "Sabbathed," the thought occurred to me that I often take the riches I have in Christ for granted, forgetting (or at least failing to be vocally thankful) for the benefits of being God's daughter.
So, here is part of the prayer that came to me as I considered how bountifully blessed I am:
May I be so grateful
That when I'm tempted to complain
All my unmet expectations
Are forgotten by my brain. Amen.
Happy Monday!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
The Real World...
The song goes: Summertime...and the livin's easy...
For me, summertime means later evenings, often spent outdoors with friends and family, a treat that I wouldn't trade for anything even though it has definitely affected my daily blog schedule.
To all who have checked in only to discover that there is no new post, I apologize and appreciate your patience. I'm just summertiming too much I suppose.
I do have something to mention this afternoon though, something that I've been pondering all day long and can't get off my mind.
On a couple of occasions lately when I've been with Ava Grace, I've had to comfort and reassure her because she was afraid. A few times, it was an offending noise, a loud truck, motor, or helicopter. At another time, it was the sudden awareness that I was in the next room instead of with her. At any rate, I've just been meditating on fear--hers--and mine--today.
How does a child who has seemingly never had any legitimate reason to be afraid of anything, know to be afraid? How does one so small recognize that there is potential danger lurking in this world?
For Ava Grace, my immediate reassurance or embrace is completely sufficient. Can I say the same? There is One who tells me to "fear not," and yet I fear. He promises that His perfect love will cast away all my anxiety and that I can cast all my cares upon Him. Yet, I still find myself fearful at times.
It's quite daunting to know that we live in a world that we cannot control. Each night, I am aware that having been given another day is a blessing, and I never fail to be thankful for the amazing benefits of having been born in America, and yet my thoughts often turn to fearful things as I listen to the news and read the paper.
As I prayed and pondered this morning, with timing that seemed supernaturally divine, an old song on one of my Ipod playlists interrupted me with a reminder that I only remain fearful when I fail to focus on the One who holds the whole world in His hands and brings His heaven to my real world.
I hear you, Lord. So I will fix my focus with faith in Your sufficiency and set my feet in the concrete of Your reassuring promises. As long as I live in this real (and sometimes scary) world, I will nestle like a child in Your secure embrace.
For me, summertime means later evenings, often spent outdoors with friends and family, a treat that I wouldn't trade for anything even though it has definitely affected my daily blog schedule.
To all who have checked in only to discover that there is no new post, I apologize and appreciate your patience. I'm just summertiming too much I suppose.
I do have something to mention this afternoon though, something that I've been pondering all day long and can't get off my mind.
On a couple of occasions lately when I've been with Ava Grace, I've had to comfort and reassure her because she was afraid. A few times, it was an offending noise, a loud truck, motor, or helicopter. At another time, it was the sudden awareness that I was in the next room instead of with her. At any rate, I've just been meditating on fear--hers--and mine--today.
How does a child who has seemingly never had any legitimate reason to be afraid of anything, know to be afraid? How does one so small recognize that there is potential danger lurking in this world?
For Ava Grace, my immediate reassurance or embrace is completely sufficient. Can I say the same? There is One who tells me to "fear not," and yet I fear. He promises that His perfect love will cast away all my anxiety and that I can cast all my cares upon Him. Yet, I still find myself fearful at times.
It's quite daunting to know that we live in a world that we cannot control. Each night, I am aware that having been given another day is a blessing, and I never fail to be thankful for the amazing benefits of having been born in America, and yet my thoughts often turn to fearful things as I listen to the news and read the paper.
As I prayed and pondered this morning, with timing that seemed supernaturally divine, an old song on one of my Ipod playlists interrupted me with a reminder that I only remain fearful when I fail to focus on the One who holds the whole world in His hands and brings His heaven to my real world.
I hear you, Lord. So I will fix my focus with faith in Your sufficiency and set my feet in the concrete of Your reassuring promises. As long as I live in this real (and sometimes scary) world, I will nestle like a child in Your secure embrace.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Holy, Holy, Holy!
While reading today's passages, 1 Kings 5-8, and 2 Chronicles 2-5, my immediate response was to sing this hymn in my heart:
The reason I included all the lyrics to this classic hymn (which dates all the way back to 1826 by the way) is because songs I've committed to memory that tell of God's holiness and glory are among the first thoughts that come to me when I consider His majesty or find myself fearfully contemplating the future.
Today's reading covers the building and dedication of the Temple, built for God in honor of God, by Solomon.
As chapter 8 of 1 Kings concludes, God's glorious presence (known as His Shekinah Glory) filled the temple in the form of a cloud that was so powerfully intense the priests could not continue their service. This begs the question that if God is love and grace, why did these men not just stay and bask in the moment?
It was because God isn't just goodness, grace and love, He is also holy--so holy in fact that the priests could not remain in the presence of His glory.
There are other accounts in scripture when men like Isaiah, John and Peter encountered the literal presence of God, and when confronted with the contrast between their sinfulness and His righteous holiness, they were "stricken" in his presence. (Isaiah 6:5; Revelation 1:17, and Luke 5:8)
Today, we live under the new covenant of grace (John 1:17) and we have a different experience when we encounter God because as Christians, Jesus' righteous holiness is imputed to us at the time of our salvation. But does that mean we should forget that God is holy and come before Him casually? No. I believe we need to be careful to remember that our great God is Holy now, just as He was at the dedication of the temple all those years ago.
Remembering the "holy" aspect of His character helps us understand that the gift of salvation is our most precious, prized possession--not to be taken lightly or for granted. And that, my loves, is the essence of what these passages spoke to my heart as I read this morning. Holy, Holy, Holy!
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in power, in love and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity.
The reason I included all the lyrics to this classic hymn (which dates all the way back to 1826 by the way) is because songs I've committed to memory that tell of God's holiness and glory are among the first thoughts that come to me when I consider His majesty or find myself fearfully contemplating the future.
Today's reading covers the building and dedication of the Temple, built for God in honor of God, by Solomon.
As chapter 8 of 1 Kings concludes, God's glorious presence (known as His Shekinah Glory) filled the temple in the form of a cloud that was so powerfully intense the priests could not continue their service. This begs the question that if God is love and grace, why did these men not just stay and bask in the moment?
It was because God isn't just goodness, grace and love, He is also holy--so holy in fact that the priests could not remain in the presence of His glory.
There are other accounts in scripture when men like Isaiah, John and Peter encountered the literal presence of God, and when confronted with the contrast between their sinfulness and His righteous holiness, they were "stricken" in his presence. (Isaiah 6:5; Revelation 1:17, and Luke 5:8)
Today, we live under the new covenant of grace (John 1:17) and we have a different experience when we encounter God because as Christians, Jesus' righteous holiness is imputed to us at the time of our salvation. But does that mean we should forget that God is holy and come before Him casually? No. I believe we need to be careful to remember that our great God is Holy now, just as He was at the dedication of the temple all those years ago.
Remembering the "holy" aspect of His character helps us understand that the gift of salvation is our most precious, prized possession--not to be taken lightly or for granted. And that, my loves, is the essence of what these passages spoke to my heart as I read this morning. Holy, Holy, Holy!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Wrong Way Remorse Remedy
Admitting you are wrong is not easy. It can be humiliating and humbling, embarrassing and discouraging. But someday, sometime, you might have to make just such an admission.
I have known the painful place of pierced pride resulting from my arrogance, stubbornness, ignorance, or a combination of all three. In hindsight, I've discovered that landing in this spot is usually avoidable if some basic disciplines are exercised.
So, what have I learned from my past mistakes that might be useful to you as you are faced with serious decisions and choices? Hopefully, I can share a few valuable life lessons that will save you from dining on humble pie as a result of a fall that follows pride.
For starters, slow down. My most foolish actions were made in haste. I have learned from wiser people (and from God's Word) that major decisions should not be made impulsively. Listen to these words from Proverbs 18:13 Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
Next, don't just be slow to act, be slow to speak. Once they've escaped the confines of our mouth, our words cannot be retracted. Apologized for, yes. Taken back, never. Do not underestimate the damage done by a wagging tongue.
Proverbs 18:7 sums it up nicely: The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.
Finally, always ask God--but not with a predetermined agenda or stubborn heart. Ask with pliable flexibility and humble submission that will allow Him to actually lead you. In other words, get out of the driver's seat and let God be Lord in your life!Proverbs 16: 25 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. 21:2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.
Today's passages are Proverbs chapters 16 through 24. The verses reminded me that when I walk in the ways of the Lord, my destiny is secure and His plans will be my own--but when I ignore the warnings of scripture, I am heading head-on into the path of wrong way remorse.
I have known the painful place of pierced pride resulting from my arrogance, stubbornness, ignorance, or a combination of all three. In hindsight, I've discovered that landing in this spot is usually avoidable if some basic disciplines are exercised.
So, what have I learned from my past mistakes that might be useful to you as you are faced with serious decisions and choices? Hopefully, I can share a few valuable life lessons that will save you from dining on humble pie as a result of a fall that follows pride.
For starters, slow down. My most foolish actions were made in haste. I have learned from wiser people (and from God's Word) that major decisions should not be made impulsively. Listen to these words from Proverbs 18:13 Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
Next, don't just be slow to act, be slow to speak. Once they've escaped the confines of our mouth, our words cannot be retracted. Apologized for, yes. Taken back, never. Do not underestimate the damage done by a wagging tongue.
Proverbs 18:7 sums it up nicely: The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.
Finally, always ask God--but not with a predetermined agenda or stubborn heart. Ask with pliable flexibility and humble submission that will allow Him to actually lead you. In other words, get out of the driver's seat and let God be Lord in your life!Proverbs 16: 25 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. 21:2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.
Today's passages are Proverbs chapters 16 through 24. The verses reminded me that when I walk in the ways of the Lord, my destiny is secure and His plans will be my own--but when I ignore the warnings of scripture, I am heading head-on into the path of wrong way remorse.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Why and What?
Proverbs 10 through 15 are today's chapters, and these pages of scripture are filled to overflowing with practical advice and wisdom.
I don't know about you, but sometimes, I don't feel very smart. I realize that there is so much I don't know, so many things to learn, and such a gap between what and who I want to be, and what and who I actually am-- that it can be quite discouraging. Thankfully, God promises to provide what I lack if I genuinely seek and lean on Him for discernment and understanding.
Much of the practical "how-to" advice that we need for getting by day-to-day can be found in the Proverbs of Solomon. In these chapters we can read about how to wisely use our money, how to guard our tongues, how to avoid the snares of evil temptations, how to treat others, and what we need to know about good versus evil in terms of how our choices will ultimately affect our futures.
What disturbs me today though, and what I want to write to you about, is the very unfortunate lack of understanding of basic Bible doctrine that is apparently plaguing many Christian churches. I listened recently to an interview that included a poll taken at a religious broadcaster's meeting in which this question was posed: "What does the doctrine of justification mean for your life?".
The lack of understanding about this basic tenet of our Christian faith was astounding. What's more, a recent study suggests that the vast majority of American church-going teenagers have embraced what is being called "moralistic therapeutic deism," revealing the tremendous lack of understanding of scriptural doctrines among many who believe themselves to be Christian.
My great hope and prayer for you my precious ones, is that you learn and grow in your Christian faith, following the admonition of 1 Peter 3:15 and 16 which reads:
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
I pray that you each will know what you believe and why you believe it! I trust that by the time you read this, your parents will have made certain you understand that it is not because you are a good person or because you do good things that you are okay with God. I hope you will each have insatiable appetites for learning about the righteousness that is imputed to you through Christ's life, death and resurrection! And I pray that when you feel inadequate, unintelligent or ignorant (as I so often do) you will call on the One who delights in revealing His truth to sincere seekers.
Soli Deo Gloria
Solo Christo
Sola Scriptura
Sola Fide
Sola Gratia
Amen.
I don't know about you, but sometimes, I don't feel very smart. I realize that there is so much I don't know, so many things to learn, and such a gap between what and who I want to be, and what and who I actually am-- that it can be quite discouraging. Thankfully, God promises to provide what I lack if I genuinely seek and lean on Him for discernment and understanding.
Much of the practical "how-to" advice that we need for getting by day-to-day can be found in the Proverbs of Solomon. In these chapters we can read about how to wisely use our money, how to guard our tongues, how to avoid the snares of evil temptations, how to treat others, and what we need to know about good versus evil in terms of how our choices will ultimately affect our futures.
What disturbs me today though, and what I want to write to you about, is the very unfortunate lack of understanding of basic Bible doctrine that is apparently plaguing many Christian churches. I listened recently to an interview that included a poll taken at a religious broadcaster's meeting in which this question was posed: "What does the doctrine of justification mean for your life?".
The lack of understanding about this basic tenet of our Christian faith was astounding. What's more, a recent study suggests that the vast majority of American church-going teenagers have embraced what is being called "moralistic therapeutic deism," revealing the tremendous lack of understanding of scriptural doctrines among many who believe themselves to be Christian.
My great hope and prayer for you my precious ones, is that you learn and grow in your Christian faith, following the admonition of 1 Peter 3:15 and 16 which reads:
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
I pray that you each will know what you believe and why you believe it! I trust that by the time you read this, your parents will have made certain you understand that it is not because you are a good person or because you do good things that you are okay with God. I hope you will each have insatiable appetites for learning about the righteousness that is imputed to you through Christ's life, death and resurrection! And I pray that when you feel inadequate, unintelligent or ignorant (as I so often do) you will call on the One who delights in revealing His truth to sincere seekers.
Soli Deo Gloria
Solo Christo
Sola Scriptura
Sola Fide
Sola Gratia
Amen.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Proverbial Wisdom...
A song I love begins like this:
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.
This stated desire to "have" Jesus reveals a sort of impassioned dependence that should be the heart's cry of every Christian believer. And although I should begin every day with this song on my lips, sadly, there are some days when it isn't my first thought upon rising--and oh what a difference that inevitably makes.
Today's scriptures are Proverbs 1 through 9, chapters of the Bible that contain words of wisdom from King Solomon. The first chapter provides an explanation of Proverbs' purpose:
2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Hopefully, we will never foolishly despise wisdom or true knowledge, but many people do. For those of us who sincerely seek to know more of God however, there are many wonderful ways to spend daily devotional time with Him. Simply reading one chapter of Proverbs each day of the month and then reflecting on and praying about the passage is a great way to experience a daily dose of wise counsel.
Father, give us Jesus and give us wisdom. We are so grateful that you are the merciful giver of both.
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.
This stated desire to "have" Jesus reveals a sort of impassioned dependence that should be the heart's cry of every Christian believer. And although I should begin every day with this song on my lips, sadly, there are some days when it isn't my first thought upon rising--and oh what a difference that inevitably makes.
Today's scriptures are Proverbs 1 through 9, chapters of the Bible that contain words of wisdom from King Solomon. The first chapter provides an explanation of Proverbs' purpose:
2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Hopefully, we will never foolishly despise wisdom or true knowledge, but many people do. For those of us who sincerely seek to know more of God however, there are many wonderful ways to spend daily devotional time with Him. Simply reading one chapter of Proverbs each day of the month and then reflecting on and praying about the passage is a great way to experience a daily dose of wise counsel.
Father, give us Jesus and give us wisdom. We are so grateful that you are the merciful giver of both.
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