QOD - That would be Question of the Day.
I'm pretty sure there are books on this subject by Theologians all over the map.
Let me throw out some thoughts and lets discuss it.
Sin seems to be 2 fold - by that I mean man has an inherited Sin Nature (Romans 5:12) and man makes sinful choices.
Have you ever met anyone who never puts their needs and wants first? We are born with a nature that puts our needs and wants on the throne of our lives. That throne should be occupied by God.
If the Law (and laws) are put in place to show the standard expected then what is it about that law that makes us bristle and buck? We want our own say!
If Sin is missing the mark (I have heard that teaching before - archery term), then it begins to make some sense to me. God set the standard from the beginning - don't eat the apple, be Holy, it is very good. Our response - pick and eat, do what is right in my own eyes, what is good for you may not be good for me.
Coming back to that archery idea... God set up the target. We pull our bow and take a shot. At our very best we might get the arrow over the starting line, but even Mother Teresa or Paul could not hit the target - much less the bulls eye. So what did God do? He sent Jesus to get our arrow and put it in the very center of the bulls eye! He didn't need our help, He didn't ask us to do things to get it there, He did it for us.
If your arrow is now in the center of the target, does it make sense to try again and again to shoot at the target? That is like saying to Jesus, "Thanks for that, but I want to do it myself!"
Now that your arrow is in the bulls eye, you can get about the business of letting the Holy Spirit make you into what God created you to be in the first place (It is very good!).
Sin has no hold on me! There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ. I have been set free.
Scandalous freedom! Crazy Love! Unexplainable? yes! True? yes!
Lots more to talk about on this... so lets talk.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
Here I am, send me! - What - not yet!
Be careful what you pray or ask for. I've heard that before and I bet you have as well.
I have been given a new perspective on that statement over the last two months.
I changed one of my passwords as a plea to get me out of here - or at least show me the way to get the joy back in what I have been doing. The pace of life has become so fast and furious that I just hold on. That's all I can do sometimes. I have been trying to find time to search for my new "calling" but just can't seem to find any (time or calling!).
I came home on a Monday from one of those days - you know the kind - all I wanted to do was "veg" in front of the TV or go to bed. Barbara asks - "How soon are you ready to move to the hill country?" My response - "How about tomorrow!" So she shares an interesting vision and opportunity that has presented itself. God has been busy!
We print out the apps, fill them out and email them in, then call the next day to make sure they got them. Barbara sets up an interview for Thursday. So off we go. After visiting Texas Baptist Children's Home, I could feel the pull of the Spirit. It was gentle, but definitely there. We were very interested in the next step. So when we got home, after prayer and discussion, we asked TBCH what the next step would be. We also decided that we needed to prep the house and put it on the market regardless. That seemed to be the one big hold up in being ready for whatever God wanted us to do.
We got the email the next day with part 2 of the app so we filled it out and sent it off. They want us as relief parents.
We called our Real Estate Agent to get some guidance. We said to give us a week to get painting and downsizing done. She came over and said don't list til you are ready to move! We finished the painting and clean up and donation cycle. She had the photographer come out on a Thursday to take pictures. Sign and listing go up Monday morning and before the day is out we have 2 offers (the 2nd was full asking price cash offer). God, once again, says GO! We ask them to move closing from May 17 to June 5 - no problem. We pack and pack - donate and clean - amazing how much stuff you collect in 8 years.
I email all my clients with a couple of replacement IT companies that I have vetted and the process begins for shutting down my business of 20 years. All goes smoothly - great transitions for clients.
Inspection time comes around for the house and we expect the worst - new garage door - new fence - new AC. What we get is adjust the sprinklers so they don't hit the sidewalk and cover the post-tension rods at the end of the slab? God is sooooo good!
Meanwhile, Barbara is sweating about telling her Principal. She gets up the nerve and goes to the office. Just then her Principal asks the other special teacher and Barbara to come in her office. Barbara says, "May I talk to you first?" She shares the news and her Principal tears up. She had received news that day that she would only have funding for 1 of the specials. Now the other young teacher can keep her job. Another confirmation!
We get a call from TBCH asking if we would consider moving directly into Cottage 7 as the house parents. That couple is retiring and they need us ASAP. We pray and decide - no problem. We move the RV down to Round Rock over Memorial Day. We get a chance to visit the Cottage we are moving into. It's kind of depressing - dusty plastic plants everywhere - crowded - curtains all drawn. We see the potential, but not what we expected.
Back to Dallas to get a truck and load up the house (Thanks Josh for all your help on that!). First weekend in June and down we go - me in a 30' U-Haul truck and Barbara in the Tundra with a 9' trailer pulling the golf cart. Did I mention we seem to have collected a lot of stuff!? When we get there, we meet the Volunteer Coordinator to get a key to our apartment which is attached to the Cottage. We are amazed by the difference in the place. She said they had 42 volunteers over to clean and get the place ready for us. It is so bright and open and clean! Thanks to all who helped!
Our daughter and son-in-law and their 2 children and 3 children who are staying the weekend make quick work of the unload. What a blessing they were and are! We just dump boxes and furniture in the apartment and head back to Dallas.
We try air-mattresses the first night back - just too old for that! Barbara's sister invites us to stay with them. I drop Barbara off at school Monday and head to the house to get the last of it finished. Sure is hot in here! AC unit is not running. So - on the phone to AHS - need AC repair asap - closing on Wednesday! They send out a repairman who says all the wiring is wrong and things have been bypassed by the last repair. AHS has to send out the last company that repaired. After 3 calls and lots of hold time we get them out Tuesday. Oh, by the way, the buyer wants to do a walk through Tuesday before we close! Even as we work through that - with the buyer meeting the AC repair guy - God continues to grant us favor in man's eyes. They still don't want anything additional.
Wednesday - AC is fixed - closing goes off without a hitch - we get everything moved out by Thursday and we are done with that whole part of the saga. I head to Round Rock to start the set up there on Thursday and Barbara will come down once school is out.
Frantic and busy weekend unpacking and getting all set up. The apartment looks like home. We are getting all settled in and ready for our new adventure to begin.
Please continue to pray that God be glorified as we launch this new chapter in our lives.
Exhausted - but still soooo excited!
Blessings til next time.
I have been given a new perspective on that statement over the last two months.
I changed one of my passwords as a plea to get me out of here - or at least show me the way to get the joy back in what I have been doing. The pace of life has become so fast and furious that I just hold on. That's all I can do sometimes. I have been trying to find time to search for my new "calling" but just can't seem to find any (time or calling!).
I came home on a Monday from one of those days - you know the kind - all I wanted to do was "veg" in front of the TV or go to bed. Barbara asks - "How soon are you ready to move to the hill country?" My response - "How about tomorrow!" So she shares an interesting vision and opportunity that has presented itself. God has been busy!
We print out the apps, fill them out and email them in, then call the next day to make sure they got them. Barbara sets up an interview for Thursday. So off we go. After visiting Texas Baptist Children's Home, I could feel the pull of the Spirit. It was gentle, but definitely there. We were very interested in the next step. So when we got home, after prayer and discussion, we asked TBCH what the next step would be. We also decided that we needed to prep the house and put it on the market regardless. That seemed to be the one big hold up in being ready for whatever God wanted us to do.
We got the email the next day with part 2 of the app so we filled it out and sent it off. They want us as relief parents.
We called our Real Estate Agent to get some guidance. We said to give us a week to get painting and downsizing done. She came over and said don't list til you are ready to move! We finished the painting and clean up and donation cycle. She had the photographer come out on a Thursday to take pictures. Sign and listing go up Monday morning and before the day is out we have 2 offers (the 2nd was full asking price cash offer). God, once again, says GO! We ask them to move closing from May 17 to June 5 - no problem. We pack and pack - donate and clean - amazing how much stuff you collect in 8 years.
I email all my clients with a couple of replacement IT companies that I have vetted and the process begins for shutting down my business of 20 years. All goes smoothly - great transitions for clients.
Inspection time comes around for the house and we expect the worst - new garage door - new fence - new AC. What we get is adjust the sprinklers so they don't hit the sidewalk and cover the post-tension rods at the end of the slab? God is sooooo good!
Meanwhile, Barbara is sweating about telling her Principal. She gets up the nerve and goes to the office. Just then her Principal asks the other special teacher and Barbara to come in her office. Barbara says, "May I talk to you first?" She shares the news and her Principal tears up. She had received news that day that she would only have funding for 1 of the specials. Now the other young teacher can keep her job. Another confirmation!
We get a call from TBCH asking if we would consider moving directly into Cottage 7 as the house parents. That couple is retiring and they need us ASAP. We pray and decide - no problem. We move the RV down to Round Rock over Memorial Day. We get a chance to visit the Cottage we are moving into. It's kind of depressing - dusty plastic plants everywhere - crowded - curtains all drawn. We see the potential, but not what we expected.
Back to Dallas to get a truck and load up the house (Thanks Josh for all your help on that!). First weekend in June and down we go - me in a 30' U-Haul truck and Barbara in the Tundra with a 9' trailer pulling the golf cart. Did I mention we seem to have collected a lot of stuff!? When we get there, we meet the Volunteer Coordinator to get a key to our apartment which is attached to the Cottage. We are amazed by the difference in the place. She said they had 42 volunteers over to clean and get the place ready for us. It is so bright and open and clean! Thanks to all who helped!
Our daughter and son-in-law and their 2 children and 3 children who are staying the weekend make quick work of the unload. What a blessing they were and are! We just dump boxes and furniture in the apartment and head back to Dallas.
We try air-mattresses the first night back - just too old for that! Barbara's sister invites us to stay with them. I drop Barbara off at school Monday and head to the house to get the last of it finished. Sure is hot in here! AC unit is not running. So - on the phone to AHS - need AC repair asap - closing on Wednesday! They send out a repairman who says all the wiring is wrong and things have been bypassed by the last repair. AHS has to send out the last company that repaired. After 3 calls and lots of hold time we get them out Tuesday. Oh, by the way, the buyer wants to do a walk through Tuesday before we close! Even as we work through that - with the buyer meeting the AC repair guy - God continues to grant us favor in man's eyes. They still don't want anything additional.
Wednesday - AC is fixed - closing goes off without a hitch - we get everything moved out by Thursday and we are done with that whole part of the saga. I head to Round Rock to start the set up there on Thursday and Barbara will come down once school is out.
Frantic and busy weekend unpacking and getting all set up. The apartment looks like home. We are getting all settled in and ready for our new adventure to begin.
Please continue to pray that God be glorified as we launch this new chapter in our lives.
Exhausted - but still soooo excited!
Blessings til next time.
Monday, February 27, 2012
And The Race Is On!
Ever notice how the pace of life seems to get faster every year (or day!)?
I was driving out to a client on the Dallas North Tollway last week. They have raised the speed limit on the northern part to 70. So I'm trying to drive 70 in the middle lane and people are running me off the road! There are those who run right up on my bumper, the zoom out and around to zoom back in and see how close they can come to clipping my front bumper. There are others who do the long glide around me. Then there are those who are just in other lanes zipping by. Where's the fire?!?
I was thinking about racers. There are those who are just glad to finish. You see them on the track, working their way around. They move over for the faster cars. They are just enjoying the racing experience - glad to be able to finish. Then there are those who are "in the hunt." They are the ones who seem to think they have a chance to be first. They will do anything, risk anything, break any rule they can to win. To them second place is first looser!
Life is a lot like the race. We will all get to the finish line. The question is how will you run the race.
Remember the movie Cars? There is Lightning McQueen. A rash, self-centered racer with eyes only on the finish line. He is determined to win, not giving any consideration to others (especially his pit crew). Then the life lessons - tutored by a master racer and others who are living life at a reasonable pace, caring about one another. When he gets the change to win in the 3 way tie-breaker, he pulls up short, thinking of others first. His concern for Strip "The King" Weathers over his desire to win gains him the thanks and admiration of the crowd (and Tex Dinoco). As Chick "Thunder" Hicks blows over the finish line in first, thinking he is the winner, he is boo'd off the stage for his reckless and self-centered win.
Being first does not make you the winner! Running the race with integrety and compassion makes you a winner.
Or let's take a different look. Remember Milo in "The Phantom Tollbooth", by Norton Juster (you really need to read that one)? "When he was in school he longed to be out, and when he was out he longed to be in. On the way he thought about coming home, and coming home he though about going. Wherever he was he wished he were somewhere else and when he got there he wondered why he'd bothered." Allways in a hurry to get somewhere and then wondering why the rush. It was never what he expected it to be. Sound familiar? Do you have the finish line in mind? Are you just rushing from point to point?
The end does not always justify the means. We each will answer for how we run.
So, all this to say we all have an eternal destiny. We all run the race of life. The finish line for our life here on Earth will be death. No getting around it, no avoiding it. What really matters is how you have lived. Once you cross the finish line you will be asked a couple of questions.
The Father will ask "What have you done with Jesus?"
Jesus will ask "What have you done with what I have given you?"
Your answer to the first question will determine you seating for eternity! (Smoking or non-smoking!) The second question is one to make you think and reflect.
God has given each of us a purpose, and equipped us to acomplish that purpose.
As you run the race, consider others:
John 3:16-17
Philippians 2:3
Philippians 2:1-30
Ephesians 5:21
Galatians 5:22
1 John 2:6
1 Peter 5:6
James 1:17
As you run the race, consider the goal:
Hebrews 12:1-2
1 Corinthians 9:26
How will you run? Are you Lightning or Thunder?
Let's talk about it........
I was driving out to a client on the Dallas North Tollway last week. They have raised the speed limit on the northern part to 70. So I'm trying to drive 70 in the middle lane and people are running me off the road! There are those who run right up on my bumper, the zoom out and around to zoom back in and see how close they can come to clipping my front bumper. There are others who do the long glide around me. Then there are those who are just in other lanes zipping by. Where's the fire?!?
I was thinking about racers. There are those who are just glad to finish. You see them on the track, working their way around. They move over for the faster cars. They are just enjoying the racing experience - glad to be able to finish. Then there are those who are "in the hunt." They are the ones who seem to think they have a chance to be first. They will do anything, risk anything, break any rule they can to win. To them second place is first looser!
Life is a lot like the race. We will all get to the finish line. The question is how will you run the race.
Remember the movie Cars? There is Lightning McQueen. A rash, self-centered racer with eyes only on the finish line. He is determined to win, not giving any consideration to others (especially his pit crew). Then the life lessons - tutored by a master racer and others who are living life at a reasonable pace, caring about one another. When he gets the change to win in the 3 way tie-breaker, he pulls up short, thinking of others first. His concern for Strip "The King" Weathers over his desire to win gains him the thanks and admiration of the crowd (and Tex Dinoco). As Chick "Thunder" Hicks blows over the finish line in first, thinking he is the winner, he is boo'd off the stage for his reckless and self-centered win.
Being first does not make you the winner! Running the race with integrety and compassion makes you a winner.
Or let's take a different look. Remember Milo in "The Phantom Tollbooth", by Norton Juster (you really need to read that one)? "When he was in school he longed to be out, and when he was out he longed to be in. On the way he thought about coming home, and coming home he though about going. Wherever he was he wished he were somewhere else and when he got there he wondered why he'd bothered." Allways in a hurry to get somewhere and then wondering why the rush. It was never what he expected it to be. Sound familiar? Do you have the finish line in mind? Are you just rushing from point to point?
The end does not always justify the means. We each will answer for how we run.
So, all this to say we all have an eternal destiny. We all run the race of life. The finish line for our life here on Earth will be death. No getting around it, no avoiding it. What really matters is how you have lived. Once you cross the finish line you will be asked a couple of questions.
The Father will ask "What have you done with Jesus?"
Jesus will ask "What have you done with what I have given you?"
Your answer to the first question will determine you seating for eternity! (Smoking or non-smoking!) The second question is one to make you think and reflect.
God has given each of us a purpose, and equipped us to acomplish that purpose.
As you run the race, consider others:
John 3:16-17
Philippians 2:3
Philippians 2:1-30
Ephesians 5:21
Galatians 5:22
1 John 2:6
1 Peter 5:6
James 1:17
As you run the race, consider the goal:
Hebrews 12:1-2
1 Corinthians 9:26
How will you run? Are you Lightning or Thunder?
Let's talk about it........
Monday, February 20, 2012
What if God let go?
Have you ever read the newspaper, or watched TV and thought "Man, things just seem to be coming apart!" Or perhaps, "The world is sure spinning out of control!"
Well, there is a truth here! Things always hold together. The world spins in accordance with a Divine purpose and is always in God's control.
I know...it sure doesn't seem that way. That's because we really can't see the big picture.
What does God say about all this?
According to Colossians 1:15-17:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
According to John 1:1-3:
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 came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
According to John 10:27-30:
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
According to Romans 8:38-39:
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We know that we have an enemy of our soul. That enemy wants us weak, distracted, unsure, self-focused, ineffective. And he is good at what he does. BUT, he is no match for the One True Creator God! I love the way Romans 8:38-39 puts it. If you examine the list of all things that can't separate us, what is the only thing not created? That would be God Himself and He chooses to send His Son to die for our sins on the cross so we can be back in ralationship with Him. Back to the way He intended in the first place.
If you want to get an idea of what the world would (and will) be like as God let's go (removes His protecting hand), just read Revelations. That is a love story about how God will go to whatever lengths are necessary to get all of those who will call on His name to do so. Then He finally says, "Enough!" Then comes judgement! His followers to the Judgement Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10), and those who chose not to follow to the Great White Throne Judgement (and the Lake of Fire)(Revlations 20:11-15).
Today, when you hear that still, small voice, step aside from your busy (being under Satan's yoke) schedule and listen to Him. He is just waiting for you to do that!
He wants to be the one to hold you together.
He wants to be the one in control of your life.
He wants to hold you in the palm of His hand.
He is saying, "Come home sons and daughters."
Well, there is a truth here! Things always hold together. The world spins in accordance with a Divine purpose and is always in God's control.
I know...it sure doesn't seem that way. That's because we really can't see the big picture.
What does God say about all this?
According to Colossians 1:15-17:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
According to John 1:1-3:
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 came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
According to John 10:27-30:
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
According to Romans 8:38-39:
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We know that we have an enemy of our soul. That enemy wants us weak, distracted, unsure, self-focused, ineffective. And he is good at what he does. BUT, he is no match for the One True Creator God! I love the way Romans 8:38-39 puts it. If you examine the list of all things that can't separate us, what is the only thing not created? That would be God Himself and He chooses to send His Son to die for our sins on the cross so we can be back in ralationship with Him. Back to the way He intended in the first place.
If you want to get an idea of what the world would (and will) be like as God let's go (removes His protecting hand), just read Revelations. That is a love story about how God will go to whatever lengths are necessary to get all of those who will call on His name to do so. Then He finally says, "Enough!" Then comes judgement! His followers to the Judgement Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10), and those who chose not to follow to the Great White Throne Judgement (and the Lake of Fire)(Revlations 20:11-15).
Today, when you hear that still, small voice, step aside from your busy (being under Satan's yoke) schedule and listen to Him. He is just waiting for you to do that!
He wants to be the one to hold you together.
He wants to be the one in control of your life.
He wants to hold you in the palm of His hand.
He is saying, "Come home sons and daughters."
Monday, February 13, 2012
Washed in the Blood or just in the water?
I think this was the line from a Kenny Chesney song. Funny that you would get good theology or even (Gasp!) doctrine from the words of a song? Especially a country song?!?
But here is the interesting thing... that is an excellent question! What does it mean to be "Washed in the Blood?" There are acutally several songs that talk about that. It means - are you now the new creation that Jesus died to make you into? Somehow we always want to keep putting on the old man. He is so comfortable, familiar, easy to wear. BUT he is supposed to be dead! Does that make us spiritual zombies? Well here are some things the Bible says about that:
Philippians 4:13
I can do all thins through Christ who strengthens me.
Ephesians 4:22
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me
Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 6:11
So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
And Romans 6:8, Galatians 5:24, 2 Timothy 2:11 and so many others.
Do you consider yourself dead to Sin and alive to Christ? Ask God through the Holy Spirit to show you want that really means.
Or are you just washed in the water?
Do you have the outward appearance of being alive in Christ, but there is no love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
All it takes is a look at TV news or the paper (or even a look in the mirror) to see that our society has zero self-control. The cruelty exhibited my man is astounding. Agape love not senuality. Divorce is not faithfulness. See much kindness or goodness in politics lately? We don't want to be respnosible so we point the finger ("It's this woman you gave me!") or make excuses ("The devil made me do it!").
Start with Ephesians 6:10-18 (Put on the full armor of God) and get ready for the fight.
Jesus was ready for the fight and gave the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to be in the fight.
Your assignment, should you decide to accept it, is to make God famous! Be His representative. Show the world a new you. Allow Him, through the Holy Spirit to bring about that fruit that can only come through Him.
May the Spirit be with you as you decide what you want to wash with today!
But here is the interesting thing... that is an excellent question! What does it mean to be "Washed in the Blood?" There are acutally several songs that talk about that. It means - are you now the new creation that Jesus died to make you into? Somehow we always want to keep putting on the old man. He is so comfortable, familiar, easy to wear. BUT he is supposed to be dead! Does that make us spiritual zombies? Well here are some things the Bible says about that:
Philippians 4:13
I can do all thins through Christ who strengthens me.
Ephesians 4:22
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me
Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 6:11
So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
And Romans 6:8, Galatians 5:24, 2 Timothy 2:11 and so many others.
Do you consider yourself dead to Sin and alive to Christ? Ask God through the Holy Spirit to show you want that really means.
Or are you just washed in the water?
Do you have the outward appearance of being alive in Christ, but there is no love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
All it takes is a look at TV news or the paper (or even a look in the mirror) to see that our society has zero self-control. The cruelty exhibited my man is astounding. Agape love not senuality. Divorce is not faithfulness. See much kindness or goodness in politics lately? We don't want to be respnosible so we point the finger ("It's this woman you gave me!") or make excuses ("The devil made me do it!").
Start with Ephesians 6:10-18 (Put on the full armor of God) and get ready for the fight.
Jesus was ready for the fight and gave the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to be in the fight.
Your assignment, should you decide to accept it, is to make God famous! Be His representative. Show the world a new you. Allow Him, through the Holy Spirit to bring about that fruit that can only come through Him.
May the Spirit be with you as you decide what you want to wash with today!
Monday, February 6, 2012
I'm baaaack......
I can't believe it's been almost 2 years since I posted anything here. Once I took on the Chapel Ministries, it really took all my extra time. Funny that my last post was about killing and wasting time.
Our time in the Chapel Ministries is taking a serious shift. We are looking at where God would have us go and how He would have us serve in the coming year. The "Audience" - that would be congregaton for you church people - is quite different than when we started 2 years ago. As the needs change, we must be prepared to change in step with God's working. Somethimes that change is really daunting. "Am I hearing God right? Am I really serving Him or my own ego?" You know the questions if you have ever been there. Pray for us as we meet next week to outline the year's ministry.
This should be an interesting year. Spiritually, Politically, Personally.
I continue to pray that God will have His way with His People (both the Jewish people and the Church). As a nation, I am afraid we have slipped very far down that slippery slope - away from the original vision of our Founding Fathers. It seems the average American is only interested in his or her own - "I'm not my brother's keeper!" Well I beg to differ! Matthew 25:31 and following talks about the time when we get to answer for our lives. You should read it. Then ask "Who is hungry, who is thirsty, who is a stranger, who is naked, who is sick, who is in prision?"
Look around you (in my case it only takes a look in the mirror!). We have become a decadent, obese, selfish nation of corrupt, selfish people. We seem to have lost our way. If you listen to our leaders, do you really think they express an understanding of the wants and needs of the average person? I'm asking you to open your eyes and think rationally about this - not some emotional knee-jerk.
Lately, I hear 2 Chronicles 7:14 quoted a lot:
"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
My People, called my My name - do you call Jesus Lord and King over your life? Does He truly sit on the throne of your life?
Humble themselves - realize their true worth and position - give Kingship back to Jesus?
Pray - my laundry list or my directions for what I want God to do?
Seek My face - intentionally, seriously, even before American Idol?
Turn from their Wiked ways -change direction, heart and soul?
Do we just want the last part while we blow right by the part that is ours to do? God is waiting for us to do our part so He can do His part. What I see on the news and in daily life really makes me wonder.
Well, time to put up my soapbox and get to work. You know - the American Dream and all...
Til next time - hopefully not years.
Be blessed! Seek Him! See what He can do with a surrendered heart! Amazing!
Our time in the Chapel Ministries is taking a serious shift. We are looking at where God would have us go and how He would have us serve in the coming year. The "Audience" - that would be congregaton for you church people - is quite different than when we started 2 years ago. As the needs change, we must be prepared to change in step with God's working. Somethimes that change is really daunting. "Am I hearing God right? Am I really serving Him or my own ego?" You know the questions if you have ever been there. Pray for us as we meet next week to outline the year's ministry.
This should be an interesting year. Spiritually, Politically, Personally.
I continue to pray that God will have His way with His People (both the Jewish people and the Church). As a nation, I am afraid we have slipped very far down that slippery slope - away from the original vision of our Founding Fathers. It seems the average American is only interested in his or her own - "I'm not my brother's keeper!" Well I beg to differ! Matthew 25:31 and following talks about the time when we get to answer for our lives. You should read it. Then ask "Who is hungry, who is thirsty, who is a stranger, who is naked, who is sick, who is in prision?"
Look around you (in my case it only takes a look in the mirror!). We have become a decadent, obese, selfish nation of corrupt, selfish people. We seem to have lost our way. If you listen to our leaders, do you really think they express an understanding of the wants and needs of the average person? I'm asking you to open your eyes and think rationally about this - not some emotional knee-jerk.
Lately, I hear 2 Chronicles 7:14 quoted a lot:
"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
My People, called my My name - do you call Jesus Lord and King over your life? Does He truly sit on the throne of your life?
Humble themselves - realize their true worth and position - give Kingship back to Jesus?
Pray - my laundry list or my directions for what I want God to do?
Seek My face - intentionally, seriously, even before American Idol?
Turn from their Wiked ways -change direction, heart and soul?
Do we just want the last part while we blow right by the part that is ours to do? God is waiting for us to do our part so He can do His part. What I see on the news and in daily life really makes me wonder.
Well, time to put up my soapbox and get to work. You know - the American Dream and all...
Til next time - hopefully not years.
Be blessed! Seek Him! See what He can do with a surrendered heart! Amazing!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Killing Time - Or Just Wasting It?
In "The Phantom Tollbooth", by Norton Juster, the Watchdog, Tock, makes a profound statement to Milo, the main character. In response to Milo's answer about what he was doing, Tock replies, "Isn't it bad enough wasting time without killing it?!?"
Time, now there is a real conundrum. I was trying to think of all the sayings, cliches, etc that involve time.
This all came up as we were watching the movie "Into the Wild" about a young man who wants to throw off all encoumberances of society and live off the land in Alaska. I couldn't get over the fact that he still continued to wear his watch! Let's move to Alaska and live off the land, but we still need to keep our schedule?!? I guess I don't get it. Now I'm one of the lucky ones who can't wear a watch. They just don't seem to work when I wear them. I've had digital, wind up, and battery powered analog. They seem to loose time, run intermittently or just stop all together. I guess I am a negative polarity person (maybe from a parallel dimension where the poles are reversed? - wait I saw that on the Twilight Zone).
So, what is our fasination with time? I think it is really because God put eternity in our hearts, but we see our mortality staring us in the face every day. (Ecc 3:11)
In our society, we are fixated on time. Have you ever noticed. You see it on your arm, bank signs, your car dashboard, your phone, why you can even call a phone number and get it if you can't find it any other place!
How do you spend your time. Is it some commodity? You know, we each start the day with the same amount of it! Talk about a true level playing field? Do you invest your time? Maybe in your work? How about in your family? I spend too much of it watching TV. How about you? Do you spend time cultivating relationships? Do you spend it speaking with your Creator? How about studying His Word? Now that's an investment with some real eternal returns!
Now here is a good questions. Why do we drive to the gym so we can workout? Are we saving time by driving there? Why not just run there and get the extra benefit of the exercise? Do we have our lives so scheduled and compartmentalized that we have to schedule our leisure time as well? God commanded us to take a sabbath. Did you ever stop to thing what that means? (Exo 20:9) God knew we would burn out if we didn't stop to catch our breath. We need time to rest, reflect, rejuvenate, be with Him. Good plan God! Too bad we just don't have the time!
Maybe you just need a time out? Does that stop time so we can continue when time starts back up? Or do you just need a minute? I can give you one of mine. Maybe that's what we should do! If you see someone struggling because they don't have enough time, give them some of yours. It's called service! Are you a servant?
Perhaps you would be a servant if it was the right time, but you see this is just the wrong time, I'm out of time, in a real time curnch. What about that sabbath? Did you forget? Do you need to put that on your calendar with a reminder? I do! Or is this just not a good time to help. You know, bad timing and all. I'll help when I have some spare time. Don't wait too long. Time, and tide wait for no one!
Now here is a confession. I started this blog on February 18. Here it is March 5. What with the phone ringing, emails to answer, facebook to post, cruises to go on, errands to run, meals to cook and eat, etc., things just never get done in a timely fashion. I was reading in James this morning. Talk about God's timing!
From Eugene Peterson's The Message:
James 4:13 And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, "Today -- at the latest, tomorrow -- we're off to such and such a city for the year. We're going to start a business and make a lot of money."
14 You don't know the first thing about tomorrow. You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing.
15 Instead, make it a habit to say, "If the Master wills it and we're still alive, we'll do this or that."
16 As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil.
17 In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don't do it, that, for you, is evil.
So, will you ask God how you should spend your time, that gift from Him, today? I think I will. Maybe if I keep in touch with Him, it won't be 3 weeks before you hear from me again. Then again....
Blessings until we meet again. God be with you!
Time, now there is a real conundrum. I was trying to think of all the sayings, cliches, etc that involve time.
This all came up as we were watching the movie "Into the Wild" about a young man who wants to throw off all encoumberances of society and live off the land in Alaska. I couldn't get over the fact that he still continued to wear his watch! Let's move to Alaska and live off the land, but we still need to keep our schedule?!? I guess I don't get it. Now I'm one of the lucky ones who can't wear a watch. They just don't seem to work when I wear them. I've had digital, wind up, and battery powered analog. They seem to loose time, run intermittently or just stop all together. I guess I am a negative polarity person (maybe from a parallel dimension where the poles are reversed? - wait I saw that on the Twilight Zone).
So, what is our fasination with time? I think it is really because God put eternity in our hearts, but we see our mortality staring us in the face every day. (Ecc 3:11)
In our society, we are fixated on time. Have you ever noticed. You see it on your arm, bank signs, your car dashboard, your phone, why you can even call a phone number and get it if you can't find it any other place!
How do you spend your time. Is it some commodity? You know, we each start the day with the same amount of it! Talk about a true level playing field? Do you invest your time? Maybe in your work? How about in your family? I spend too much of it watching TV. How about you? Do you spend time cultivating relationships? Do you spend it speaking with your Creator? How about studying His Word? Now that's an investment with some real eternal returns!
Now here is a good questions. Why do we drive to the gym so we can workout? Are we saving time by driving there? Why not just run there and get the extra benefit of the exercise? Do we have our lives so scheduled and compartmentalized that we have to schedule our leisure time as well? God commanded us to take a sabbath. Did you ever stop to thing what that means? (Exo 20:9) God knew we would burn out if we didn't stop to catch our breath. We need time to rest, reflect, rejuvenate, be with Him. Good plan God! Too bad we just don't have the time!
Maybe you just need a time out? Does that stop time so we can continue when time starts back up? Or do you just need a minute? I can give you one of mine. Maybe that's what we should do! If you see someone struggling because they don't have enough time, give them some of yours. It's called service! Are you a servant?
Perhaps you would be a servant if it was the right time, but you see this is just the wrong time, I'm out of time, in a real time curnch. What about that sabbath? Did you forget? Do you need to put that on your calendar with a reminder? I do! Or is this just not a good time to help. You know, bad timing and all. I'll help when I have some spare time. Don't wait too long. Time, and tide wait for no one!
Now here is a confession. I started this blog on February 18. Here it is March 5. What with the phone ringing, emails to answer, facebook to post, cruises to go on, errands to run, meals to cook and eat, etc., things just never get done in a timely fashion. I was reading in James this morning. Talk about God's timing!
From Eugene Peterson's The Message:
James 4:13 And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, "Today -- at the latest, tomorrow -- we're off to such and such a city for the year. We're going to start a business and make a lot of money."
14 You don't know the first thing about tomorrow. You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing.
15 Instead, make it a habit to say, "If the Master wills it and we're still alive, we'll do this or that."
16 As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil.
17 In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don't do it, that, for you, is evil.
So, will you ask God how you should spend your time, that gift from Him, today? I think I will. Maybe if I keep in touch with Him, it won't be 3 weeks before you hear from me again. Then again....
Blessings until we meet again. God be with you!
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