This thought has been on my mind a lot here lately. We sing an awesome song in the choir called, "I Am". The lyrics are so powerful! Singing of the many things God is....what a blessing! The verses describe Him: "I am the Lord, the Almighty God, the One for whom nothing is too hard. I am the Shepherd, the Door, the Good news to the bound and the poor. I am the Righteous One, the Lamb, the Ram in the bush for Abraham, the Ultimate Sacrifice for sin, your Redeemer, the Beginning and the End. I am Jehovah, your King, Messiah, David's Offspring, your High Priest, the Christ, the Resurrection, and the Life. I am the Bread, the Wine, your Future..so leave your past behind! I am the One in the midst of two or three, I am your Tabernacle, your Jubilee! I am HOPE, PEACE, JOY, REST, your COMFORT, RELIEF, your STRENGTH, FAITH, LOVE, POWER, and FREEDOM". Just paraphrasing this song makes me want to jump for joy!!
In my Bible study reading last night, the scripture reading was in Exodus chapter 3. Where God speaks to Moses from the burning bush. God tells Moses to bring forth His people out of Egypt. Moses asks God, "When I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?" Oh my goodness....hold on to your seats!!! God answers Moses in verse 14, " And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." Oh my! He is the I AM for anything you are going through....He is always present, and that is why His name is always in the present tense!!
When I was sick in my sins, the I AM was there waiting for me to ask to be pulled from the mire! When I was lost and going to Hell, the I AM laid down His life so that I could have eternal life!
When I was looking for something to fill the void in my heart, I AM came knocking and filled that hole! When I was at a crossroads, the I AM showed me the path to take. When I was at my wits end, the I AM consoled me and took me in! When I was at the graveside of my loved ones, the I AM wrapped His arms around me and comforted me! When I was searching for answers, the I AM told me, "I AM the way, the truth and the life!" When I was told there was no cure, the I AM said I AM the great Physician! When I was battling the enemy, the I AM told me to stand still and He fought my battle! When I was in the war, the I AM was my shield! When I was hungry, the I AM was my manna! When I was tossed to and fro, the I AM stepped out and said 'Peace Be Still' to my storm! When I was athirst, the I AM was my Fountain of Living Water! When I was in darkness, the I AM was the Light! When I was beaten down, the I AM was my Good Samaritan that bound up my wounds. When I was unlovable, the I AM loved me!
Praise the Lord!! He is always there! Things come and go, but the I AM never changes! I will never be what I was, since I met the I AM......do you know Him?
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
What Now?
Things change, we all know that. It is totally in the norm for you to bury your parents, I get that, too. However, it is a little different in my case. While most people have their parents there to help them as they grow up and marry. Their parents are active in helping raise the grandchildren. Then, as you are about to settle into retirement yourself, and the kids are grown and usually out of the house, then you fall into the role of caregiver for your aging parents. This is the basic 'usual' life cycle.
My case is different. You see, I should have never been born, at least according to our medical world. But God had a different plan. My mother always wanted two children, a boy and a girl. She was 19 and giving birth, back in the 40's, at home with assistance of a midwife. She had her baby boy. But, she ended up with an infection that left her unable to have anymore children. As the years rolled by, she and my dad raised my brother to become a fine young man. As the usual life cycle goes, he married, and began a family of his own. As the 60's were just about to wind down, and a new decade about to begin.....my parents were told that they were going to have another baby! Wait a minute!! They have a beautiful grandson.....WHAT??? That's right, almost 26 years after the birth of their son, they welcomed a baby girl into the world.......little ole me.
They basically raised 2 families. They had a family dynamic of 3, my parents and brother; then they had another family dynamic of 3, my parents and me. We have often told our story, as it is unique to hear, but it was our normal. Here I am being raised by parents who were in their mid 40's. I remember being young, and you know how it is, everyone over 25 is old, right??.....I often wondered if I would be grown before my parents would die.
Well, I did grow up, being raised by 2 awesome, God fearing parents. Both of my parents saw me graduate high school, graduate college, marry, and even have both of my precious baby girls. My father's health began to fail first. Mother did most of his care giving, but I helped. When he was 75 yrs old, he passed away. My youngest daughter was only 2. Mom did well for many years. She is the strongest, yet most gentle lady I have ever known. But, there came a point to where I was becoming more and more her caregiver.
I had 2 young children, in which I was very active in their lives. I had my husband and a full time job, and my household to run. At a time when my friend's had their parents there to help them, I was already having to be a caregiver to my mom as well. It's not easy. It is physically, emotionally, and spiritually draining. If you are at that point in your life, then you will understand what I mean. I look back now and know that God was carrying me through those times, there were definitely only one set of footprints in the sand of my life at that moment...and those footprints were not mine!
Now I find myself at the age my parents were when they found out they were having a baby girl....and I don't have my parents here with me anymore. It is a very strange feeling not having both parents alive. I feel orphaned, to try to put a descriptive word to it. Until you are in that position, you can't put wrap your mind around it. Most people are in their 60's or even 70's when they no longer have either parent alive. Even though I always knew I would not have them as long as most do......it still leaves a hole. I miss them so much. Everyone would, and does....I'm no different. It is a vacancy that you cannot fill. I remember my mother, on her death bed, at the age of 89, almost 90......and she still missed her mom, and wished she had her with her. And, no, before you ask, she was not demented, she was fully aware. She just missed her mom. I miss my mom and dad. I miss the knowing feeling that someone here in this old wicked world had my back, no matter what, unconditionally loved me, no matter what. I miss the feeling of knowing my mom and dad were praying a hedge of protection around me daily. I miss that the most. When I am praying for my daughters, son in loves, and granddaughter.......I miss my mama's prayers over me. I can tell a difference, too. I thank God for my Godly heritage that they are resting from all their labor in Heaven. Hallelujah for that great homecoming day when we will be together for all eternity!!
For now, however, I am left here, with no parents, I am here to carry on.....without them. It gets lonely at times. At low moments, I wonder why I couldn't have been born a couple years after my brother like most families and had my parents well into my 60's. But, that was God's will, and I praise Him for everything. I am just trying to convey to you that it is hard. It is hard to say good bye to your parents, even though we grow up knowing that this is life's cycle.
Comfort yourself in the Lord. He is always there. Through all of life's cycles, even when life throws you a curve ball, when things happen that are not part of a 'normal' life cycle.....He. Is. There. "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces..." Isaiah 25:8. Jesus says in John 5:24, "Verily, Verily I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." There is hope beyond this life! Press on!!
Don't lose heart. Keep the faith. God is there with you, every step of the way! Ephesians 6 tells us to 'obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right'. Now that we are grown, He commands us to, 'honor thy father and mother'. This commandment comes with promise that it will be well with you and your days will be longer on earth. Jesus takes caring for your parents very seriously! My advise is, do what you can,to the best of your ability. But realize that you are human, not a super hero! You have to have help, and accept that help! You are no good to anyone if you deplete yourself of everything! Live life without any regrets. There is a peace in knowing that you did all you could for your parents. You are human, you can only do so much, you MUST take care of yourself....don't let the enemy beat you up! You have to rest when you can, and keep your strength. One day, when they are gone, and you are standing where I am now, you will be thankful for all the memories, and thankful that God gave you strength and grace to care for your aging parents, as they cared for you. Remember Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord THY God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
My case is different. You see, I should have never been born, at least according to our medical world. But God had a different plan. My mother always wanted two children, a boy and a girl. She was 19 and giving birth, back in the 40's, at home with assistance of a midwife. She had her baby boy. But, she ended up with an infection that left her unable to have anymore children. As the years rolled by, she and my dad raised my brother to become a fine young man. As the usual life cycle goes, he married, and began a family of his own. As the 60's were just about to wind down, and a new decade about to begin.....my parents were told that they were going to have another baby! Wait a minute!! They have a beautiful grandson.....WHAT??? That's right, almost 26 years after the birth of their son, they welcomed a baby girl into the world.......little ole me.
They basically raised 2 families. They had a family dynamic of 3, my parents and brother; then they had another family dynamic of 3, my parents and me. We have often told our story, as it is unique to hear, but it was our normal. Here I am being raised by parents who were in their mid 40's. I remember being young, and you know how it is, everyone over 25 is old, right??.....I often wondered if I would be grown before my parents would die.
Well, I did grow up, being raised by 2 awesome, God fearing parents. Both of my parents saw me graduate high school, graduate college, marry, and even have both of my precious baby girls. My father's health began to fail first. Mother did most of his care giving, but I helped. When he was 75 yrs old, he passed away. My youngest daughter was only 2. Mom did well for many years. She is the strongest, yet most gentle lady I have ever known. But, there came a point to where I was becoming more and more her caregiver.
I had 2 young children, in which I was very active in their lives. I had my husband and a full time job, and my household to run. At a time when my friend's had their parents there to help them, I was already having to be a caregiver to my mom as well. It's not easy. It is physically, emotionally, and spiritually draining. If you are at that point in your life, then you will understand what I mean. I look back now and know that God was carrying me through those times, there were definitely only one set of footprints in the sand of my life at that moment...and those footprints were not mine!
Now I find myself at the age my parents were when they found out they were having a baby girl....and I don't have my parents here with me anymore. It is a very strange feeling not having both parents alive. I feel orphaned, to try to put a descriptive word to it. Until you are in that position, you can't put wrap your mind around it. Most people are in their 60's or even 70's when they no longer have either parent alive. Even though I always knew I would not have them as long as most do......it still leaves a hole. I miss them so much. Everyone would, and does....I'm no different. It is a vacancy that you cannot fill. I remember my mother, on her death bed, at the age of 89, almost 90......and she still missed her mom, and wished she had her with her. And, no, before you ask, she was not demented, she was fully aware. She just missed her mom. I miss my mom and dad. I miss the knowing feeling that someone here in this old wicked world had my back, no matter what, unconditionally loved me, no matter what. I miss the feeling of knowing my mom and dad were praying a hedge of protection around me daily. I miss that the most. When I am praying for my daughters, son in loves, and granddaughter.......I miss my mama's prayers over me. I can tell a difference, too. I thank God for my Godly heritage that they are resting from all their labor in Heaven. Hallelujah for that great homecoming day when we will be together for all eternity!!
For now, however, I am left here, with no parents, I am here to carry on.....without them. It gets lonely at times. At low moments, I wonder why I couldn't have been born a couple years after my brother like most families and had my parents well into my 60's. But, that was God's will, and I praise Him for everything. I am just trying to convey to you that it is hard. It is hard to say good bye to your parents, even though we grow up knowing that this is life's cycle.
Comfort yourself in the Lord. He is always there. Through all of life's cycles, even when life throws you a curve ball, when things happen that are not part of a 'normal' life cycle.....He. Is. There. "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces..." Isaiah 25:8. Jesus says in John 5:24, "Verily, Verily I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." There is hope beyond this life! Press on!!
Don't lose heart. Keep the faith. God is there with you, every step of the way! Ephesians 6 tells us to 'obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right'. Now that we are grown, He commands us to, 'honor thy father and mother'. This commandment comes with promise that it will be well with you and your days will be longer on earth. Jesus takes caring for your parents very seriously! My advise is, do what you can,to the best of your ability. But realize that you are human, not a super hero! You have to have help, and accept that help! You are no good to anyone if you deplete yourself of everything! Live life without any regrets. There is a peace in knowing that you did all you could for your parents. You are human, you can only do so much, you MUST take care of yourself....don't let the enemy beat you up! You have to rest when you can, and keep your strength. One day, when they are gone, and you are standing where I am now, you will be thankful for all the memories, and thankful that God gave you strength and grace to care for your aging parents, as they cared for you. Remember Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord THY God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
You Want Me to Tell You How It Ends?
The other day, I was chilling out at home, my husband was working out in the barn. We are now empty nesters....so, I actually had the TV remote all to myself! I was in control of the remote! Flipping through the channels, I stopped on, The Hallmark Channel. A typical romantic love story was unfolding. I had to watch it. I must admit that I am a sucker for a good love story. This story involved a woman and man who met, and the man had a secret. He was a prince that was soon to be king. They fell in love, of course.
Well, about 2/3 through the movie, my husband comes in and sits down. He asked, "What are you watching?" Knowing he is not a fan of love stories, I said, "I'm watching a sappy love story, and you aren't going to change the channel." Followed by my sheepish grin. He smiles at me, and watches for a couple minutes, then turns to me and says, "You want me to tell you how it ends?".....followed by his sheepish grin.
Well, my response to him was, "NO! I don't want you to tell me how it ends." I know how it's going to end anyway. He replied in a typical male response, "It's the same old story, just different settings and characters." I know this....but I still want to enjoy their story! It makes my heart smile. We all need our heart to smile!!
Where am I going with this, you ask? Later on I got to thinking about our conversation, and my mind starting going toward the spiritual side of things. Any Christian knows how the story ends. We have read our Bible, done our Bible studies, we know what is to come.....for the most part anyway. We know that one day soon, even though man does not know the day or hour, the trumpet is going to blow and He is going to call His children home. There to live with Him forever, free from all stress, all worry, all pain, all sin! And ole Lucifer will get what is finally coming to him! Hallelujah!
Don't get me wrong, that is our hope, that is our future. We are to keep pressing toward the mark, we are to finish our race down here, never giving up until we have attained our reward. However, don't get focused on Heaven to the point that you aren't enjoying your Christian walk today. My mind goes to Luke chapter 10:38-42. Where Jesus was at the house of Martha and Mary. Both sisters were so excited to have him in their home, but both took different paths. Mary was focused on Jesus, and what he had to say. Martha wasn't sinning, she wasn't doing wrong. She was working around the house, serving her guests and making sure everyone had what they needed. She became disgruntled when she saw Mary 'just sitting there' while she was slaving away. She even asked Jesus to tell Mary to get up and help her! Oh but I love Jesus' response to Martha, "Martha, Martha, thou are careful (worried) and troubled about many things; But one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
You see, they both had the same goal, just as we Christians today do. We know the end of the story....we know that through Jesus' blood washing away our sins...that Jesus dying on the cross in order for us to accept the greatest gift of all...eternal life....we know that Heaven is our final destination! But STOP!! Wait!!! Don't be Martha, don't let your daily work for the Lord bog you down until you can't enjoy the journey! Stop letting Satan tell you how the story ends and cheat you out of the chance for your heart to smile. Be Mary! Invite Jesus into your home, clean the house, cook the food, put out the dishes....have everything ready and in order. Then sit at His feet! Enjoy your time with Him instead of getting caught up in the serving. The devil is just waiting to fill you ear with junk and get you disgruntled and defeated!
I tell you what.....when Satan wants to tell you how the story ends.....when he wants to get you weary in well doing....when you begin to forget to enjoy the story.......you turn it around and tell Satan how his story ends! Tell him how he is going to be bound a thousand years, how he is going to be cast into the lake of fire.....he won't stick around long to ruin your love story then!! I pray that you take some time out today, sit at Jesus' feet, listen to His love story for you, and let your heart smile.
Well, about 2/3 through the movie, my husband comes in and sits down. He asked, "What are you watching?" Knowing he is not a fan of love stories, I said, "I'm watching a sappy love story, and you aren't going to change the channel." Followed by my sheepish grin. He smiles at me, and watches for a couple minutes, then turns to me and says, "You want me to tell you how it ends?".....followed by his sheepish grin.
Well, my response to him was, "NO! I don't want you to tell me how it ends." I know how it's going to end anyway. He replied in a typical male response, "It's the same old story, just different settings and characters." I know this....but I still want to enjoy their story! It makes my heart smile. We all need our heart to smile!!
Where am I going with this, you ask? Later on I got to thinking about our conversation, and my mind starting going toward the spiritual side of things. Any Christian knows how the story ends. We have read our Bible, done our Bible studies, we know what is to come.....for the most part anyway. We know that one day soon, even though man does not know the day or hour, the trumpet is going to blow and He is going to call His children home. There to live with Him forever, free from all stress, all worry, all pain, all sin! And ole Lucifer will get what is finally coming to him! Hallelujah!
Don't get me wrong, that is our hope, that is our future. We are to keep pressing toward the mark, we are to finish our race down here, never giving up until we have attained our reward. However, don't get focused on Heaven to the point that you aren't enjoying your Christian walk today. My mind goes to Luke chapter 10:38-42. Where Jesus was at the house of Martha and Mary. Both sisters were so excited to have him in their home, but both took different paths. Mary was focused on Jesus, and what he had to say. Martha wasn't sinning, she wasn't doing wrong. She was working around the house, serving her guests and making sure everyone had what they needed. She became disgruntled when she saw Mary 'just sitting there' while she was slaving away. She even asked Jesus to tell Mary to get up and help her! Oh but I love Jesus' response to Martha, "Martha, Martha, thou are careful (worried) and troubled about many things; But one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
You see, they both had the same goal, just as we Christians today do. We know the end of the story....we know that through Jesus' blood washing away our sins...that Jesus dying on the cross in order for us to accept the greatest gift of all...eternal life....we know that Heaven is our final destination! But STOP!! Wait!!! Don't be Martha, don't let your daily work for the Lord bog you down until you can't enjoy the journey! Stop letting Satan tell you how the story ends and cheat you out of the chance for your heart to smile. Be Mary! Invite Jesus into your home, clean the house, cook the food, put out the dishes....have everything ready and in order. Then sit at His feet! Enjoy your time with Him instead of getting caught up in the serving. The devil is just waiting to fill you ear with junk and get you disgruntled and defeated!
I tell you what.....when Satan wants to tell you how the story ends.....when he wants to get you weary in well doing....when you begin to forget to enjoy the story.......you turn it around and tell Satan how his story ends! Tell him how he is going to be bound a thousand years, how he is going to be cast into the lake of fire.....he won't stick around long to ruin your love story then!! I pray that you take some time out today, sit at Jesus' feet, listen to His love story for you, and let your heart smile.
Monday, January 16, 2017
F is for.....
As you might guess from the title, I have been working with my granddaughter on her letters. And I might add, that she is absolutely brilliant! She just turned 4, and she not only knows all of her letters, but she also knows what sound they make. She is also starting to learn some sight words. She will be reading before we know it!
Anyway, I digress, lol. I have started a new Bible study with some friends of mine. The first week speaks of fearing the Lord. Proverbs 1:7 says, ' The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
I began to think of words that begin with F, spiritual words. Like, fear...the meaning here in Proverbs is not meaning to be afraid, but to be reverent, in awe of. Those that have knowledge, have a fear of the Lord. When you are in awe of, or respect for something, you take care of it. You think about it, you learn about it. Thus, fear is the beginning of knowledge in the Lord. Then that verse gives us another F, fool. A fool is someone who will not listen, whose actions are not wise, silly. You cannot teach a fool. They aren't interested in learning.
Instead we should stay focused. Looking and paying attention to a certain thing. If we are focused on the cross, then all other aspects of our lives will be put into perspective. What about the word follow? What are you following? A job, a hobby, a spouse, a friend? Be careful who or what you are following. If our focus is on the cross, then we will follow Christ. This will then increase our faith! Faith is not believing that God can...it is knowing that God will!
Family and friend are two more words that begin with F. When we think of family, we usually think of the blood line that bonds people. That is certainly family. But, it can also be our church family, or a group that we hold dear. Friends are a special blessing, and can most certainly be part of our family as well. Proverbs 18:24 says, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."
What about the words famine and feast? The old testament tells us many times where famines plagued the land, and it also tells times of feasts. Don't we have both of these in our spiritual walk? Some times we get into a spiritual famine, we are at a low time, we don't get into His Word like we should, our prayer life dwindles, and we are left without any spiritual food. Then there are times we are on the mountain! Everything is going great and we are in a spiritual revival and the feast begins!
I could go on, but I will end with the word final. Hebrews 9:27, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" Where will you spend eternity? None of us are immune from death. When that final day arrives, where will you open your eyes? I thank God for the day He dealt with a seven yr. old girl and told her she was lost and going to hell. And, I am thankful that as a seven year old girl, I accepted Christ as my Saviour! As we continue in the year, 2017, I want the fear of the Lord to increase in me, I want to stay focused on Him, follow Him faithfully, through famines as well as feasts, and finally hear Him say, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant'!
Anyway, I digress, lol. I have started a new Bible study with some friends of mine. The first week speaks of fearing the Lord. Proverbs 1:7 says, ' The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
I began to think of words that begin with F, spiritual words. Like, fear...the meaning here in Proverbs is not meaning to be afraid, but to be reverent, in awe of. Those that have knowledge, have a fear of the Lord. When you are in awe of, or respect for something, you take care of it. You think about it, you learn about it. Thus, fear is the beginning of knowledge in the Lord. Then that verse gives us another F, fool. A fool is someone who will not listen, whose actions are not wise, silly. You cannot teach a fool. They aren't interested in learning.
Instead we should stay focused. Looking and paying attention to a certain thing. If we are focused on the cross, then all other aspects of our lives will be put into perspective. What about the word follow? What are you following? A job, a hobby, a spouse, a friend? Be careful who or what you are following. If our focus is on the cross, then we will follow Christ. This will then increase our faith! Faith is not believing that God can...it is knowing that God will!
Family and friend are two more words that begin with F. When we think of family, we usually think of the blood line that bonds people. That is certainly family. But, it can also be our church family, or a group that we hold dear. Friends are a special blessing, and can most certainly be part of our family as well. Proverbs 18:24 says, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."
What about the words famine and feast? The old testament tells us many times where famines plagued the land, and it also tells times of feasts. Don't we have both of these in our spiritual walk? Some times we get into a spiritual famine, we are at a low time, we don't get into His Word like we should, our prayer life dwindles, and we are left without any spiritual food. Then there are times we are on the mountain! Everything is going great and we are in a spiritual revival and the feast begins!
I could go on, but I will end with the word final. Hebrews 9:27, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" Where will you spend eternity? None of us are immune from death. When that final day arrives, where will you open your eyes? I thank God for the day He dealt with a seven yr. old girl and told her she was lost and going to hell. And, I am thankful that as a seven year old girl, I accepted Christ as my Saviour! As we continue in the year, 2017, I want the fear of the Lord to increase in me, I want to stay focused on Him, follow Him faithfully, through famines as well as feasts, and finally hear Him say, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant'!
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Homesick
Homesick: experiencing a longing for one's home during a period of absence from it.
I think we all know what the word means, and have all experienced it from time to time in our lives. I remember as a child in school, feeling anxious, and homesick, if only for just a few hours of being away. I wanted to be home. I've been on trips, and longed to be back home. I looked up the definition of home. Home: THE place one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family. In sports terms, it means, THE goal, or end point. Let that sink in. Home is the goal of which we are with our family. They say home is where the heart is. That is true, isn't it? If Jesus makes our heart His home, then we have met the goal.
Squire Parsons sings a beautiful song, 'Beulah Land'. The first part of the first verse says, "I'm kind of homesick for a country, to which I've never been before...." In the world's eyes, this sounds confusing. That is totally understandable. They don't have a relationship with Jesus. But for those of us who do, it makes so much sense! The world may say, you have just given the definition of homesick by telling us it is a longing to be where your home is, and home is where one lives permanently. Oh yes!! We are just strangers here, we are just passing through! Our permanent home is in Heaven. We can be homesick, because we know what is to come. We can be homesick because Jesus makes our hearts His Home!
The older I get, the more homesick I get for Heaven. The last couple of months, I have never heard of so much sickness, and death. Young and old, expected and not expected. The news is unbearable to listen to anymore, so much hate, so much fighting, no morals, no beliefs. This earth is churning on it's axis. I believe the call is soon coming to call us home, our permanent home, our end point! Even so, Lord, please come quickly! Are you ready? No sad farewells, no sickness, no pain....what a blessed promise, what wonderful hope!
I think we all know what the word means, and have all experienced it from time to time in our lives. I remember as a child in school, feeling anxious, and homesick, if only for just a few hours of being away. I wanted to be home. I've been on trips, and longed to be back home. I looked up the definition of home. Home: THE place one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family. In sports terms, it means, THE goal, or end point. Let that sink in. Home is the goal of which we are with our family. They say home is where the heart is. That is true, isn't it? If Jesus makes our heart His home, then we have met the goal.
Squire Parsons sings a beautiful song, 'Beulah Land'. The first part of the first verse says, "I'm kind of homesick for a country, to which I've never been before...." In the world's eyes, this sounds confusing. That is totally understandable. They don't have a relationship with Jesus. But for those of us who do, it makes so much sense! The world may say, you have just given the definition of homesick by telling us it is a longing to be where your home is, and home is where one lives permanently. Oh yes!! We are just strangers here, we are just passing through! Our permanent home is in Heaven. We can be homesick, because we know what is to come. We can be homesick because Jesus makes our hearts His Home!
The older I get, the more homesick I get for Heaven. The last couple of months, I have never heard of so much sickness, and death. Young and old, expected and not expected. The news is unbearable to listen to anymore, so much hate, so much fighting, no morals, no beliefs. This earth is churning on it's axis. I believe the call is soon coming to call us home, our permanent home, our end point! Even so, Lord, please come quickly! Are you ready? No sad farewells, no sickness, no pain....what a blessed promise, what wonderful hope!
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Fortune Cookie Religion
Everyone loves to get those little cookies after an Asian meal, right? Whether you like the cookie or not, you still open the cookie to read what that little paper says. Have you ever wondered why we do that? I mean, really, we hold on to that little piece of paper like it has genuinely just told us our fortune! Some company somewhere prints out millions of these and sticks them in a little folded cookie and ships them to your nearest Chinese restaurant where they are then randomly given out. And yet, we will anxiously rip it open and possibly even believe what it says, rather than getting into God's Word and finding out the absolute truth for our lives.
Why is it easier to crack open a cookie and take what it says as truth than it is to believe and follow God's Word? Well, that is just what the enemy wants you to do....take the easy road. Satan is okay with you believing....even having faith. He just wants you to have too many beliefs, and certainly not enough faith to make a real difference in your Christian walk. It's like when I was growing up, before dinner was ready, I would be so hungry. Mom wouldn't let me have something big to eat because that would destroy my appetite and I wouldn't eat dinner. She would give me a sample and that would usually hold me over. I would then stop bothering her, and go play. That is just like Satan, he is fine if you just get you a sample of faith, a smidgen of beliefs, because then you will have just enough to satisfy you, but not enough to fill you!!!
Now I am not saying it is wrong to read that little 'fortune' in the cookie.....it is quite fun to see what that little note says! What I am saying is, don't live on just a little 'fortune' given to you, when it comes to your Christian walk! II Timothy 2:15 says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of faith." Life is real, and death is certain! Live your life unashamed by knowing what you believe, because when life is over, eternity begins! Where will you spend eternity?
Don't have a hope so religion....don't rely on a little snippet of quotes, or verses to get you through this life.....because Satan's desire is to have you! Get in the Word and hide it in your heart!
Why is it easier to crack open a cookie and take what it says as truth than it is to believe and follow God's Word? Well, that is just what the enemy wants you to do....take the easy road. Satan is okay with you believing....even having faith. He just wants you to have too many beliefs, and certainly not enough faith to make a real difference in your Christian walk. It's like when I was growing up, before dinner was ready, I would be so hungry. Mom wouldn't let me have something big to eat because that would destroy my appetite and I wouldn't eat dinner. She would give me a sample and that would usually hold me over. I would then stop bothering her, and go play. That is just like Satan, he is fine if you just get you a sample of faith, a smidgen of beliefs, because then you will have just enough to satisfy you, but not enough to fill you!!!
Now I am not saying it is wrong to read that little 'fortune' in the cookie.....it is quite fun to see what that little note says! What I am saying is, don't live on just a little 'fortune' given to you, when it comes to your Christian walk! II Timothy 2:15 says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of faith." Life is real, and death is certain! Live your life unashamed by knowing what you believe, because when life is over, eternity begins! Where will you spend eternity?
Don't have a hope so religion....don't rely on a little snippet of quotes, or verses to get you through this life.....because Satan's desire is to have you! Get in the Word and hide it in your heart!
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
This Little Light of Mine...
I'm sure we have all sung that song growing up as loud as our voices could sing! How long has it been since we have really remembered the words of that song? 'This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!' My main question this morning is this: Are you letting Him shine through you, or are you casting a shadow?
Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." John 8:12, "Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, 'I am the Light of he world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." Go back a couple verses in Matthew 5, verse 14 says, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden..." Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." John 9:5, "While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world." Isaiah 60:1, " Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you."
Those are just a few verses that speak about the Light. We as Christians have Christ, THE Light, dwelling within us. We know this, this is an elemental foundation to our belief system. The issue is, are we letting our flesh cast a shadow? Are we allowing ourselves to hinder God's work through us? Let's face it, the world hears, sees God through Christians! What kind of God do they see when they look at you? We are the only Bible sinners often see. How much of the light is shining through your life? Someone just cut you off on the highway.....are you quick to scrunch up your eyebrows, raise up your hand allowing one finger to be pronounced, and open your mouth letting words fly?? Well, after all, we are only human....and besides, no one can see me, I am in my car by myself. It's just my temper anyway, I can't help it. Hmmm..... Well, let's really examine this. You may very well be in the care alone, but there is someone out there who possibly saw the attitude you just portrayed, but more importantly, God saw it. We are quick to tell our children how God watches them, but we forget that He is always watching us as well. Now you have given way to the flesh, you have casted a shadow and dimmed His light in you. You are dimmer now, and others can tell the difference.
Same scenario, someone just cut you off on the highway.....but before you left home, you had been in God's Word, you have prayed and talked with the Father, and continued that conversation in the car, while listening to Christian music on the radio. As the person cuts you off, you feel angry....the Bible tells us it is perfectly okay to be angry.....just to sin not! (Ephesians 4:6). Before flesh has a chance to cast a shadow, God let's you think, that guy may be rushing to the hospital to be at his dying mother's bedside; that guy may have just been fired from his job and is desperately trying to figure out what to do next......who knows? Instead of self righteous indignation setting in, you find yourself whispering a prayer for that person....WHATTTT???? Yep, that is letting your light shine. Stop casting shadows!
One of my favorite quotes is this: Your attitude determines your altitude with Christ! You can see with a 15 watt bulb in your lamp.....yes you can. It won't be very bright, but it will be a light. But you can also put a 60 watt bulb in that lamp and see a lot clearer, see the world brighter, shine the light further! It's your choice. How much of His light do you let shine through??
I recently watched some older people.....who are supposed to be very seasoned in their Christianity...allow a small little night light shine, where it should be a big ole 100 watt flood light be shining. It broke my heart, and made me furious as well!! It is so true what they say, it is so much easier for bad to pull down good. That is why you must watch who you hang around. You want to rub the 'good' off on someone...but 9 times out of 10...bad will rub off on the good! This is what I witnessed. Convictions lost out to 'good times'. Being separated for Christ fell to the waste side so that they could 'fit in' with everyone else. I am a Christian, and I could not tell who else was because they were all doing just as the world does! So sad. And yet, I was made to look like the bad guy because I didn't join in? Isn't that just like ole Lucifer?!! Wow....fellow Christians can be meaner than sinners! It truly is getting harder to tell Christians from the world! Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!!!
We have to work daily at letting our light shine brightly! We have to keep our vessels clean so the maximum light can shine through! You dip your lantern in the mud, the light wont be able to shine through! Study His Word daily, pray, hide His Word in your heart, meditate on Him, be faithful to the House of God, keep what is going in your ears and go through your eyes Holy.....be the cleanest vessel you can be so that the light is shining through you, and you are not casting shadows.
This may be a long blog, but this is my total desire. To become less me, and more Him! What better way thing to write about on this, my 100th blog! People are watching....even when we don't think they are....are you letting Him shine, or are you casting shadows? It's not only sinners that are watching, it is fellow Christians as well. Are you directing them down a dim lit path? Are you disappointing your fellow brothers and sisters with the way the light is shining in you? You may be the one thing that shows a fellow brother or sister that it is worth staying in the race.....will your actions keep them keeping on?? What you think you do that no one sees.....does affect your ability to let Him shine through you when someone is watching. Keep your spiritual 'windex' out at all times and keep your windows clean!!
II Corinthians 6:17- 18, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." IF you are saved, then get in God's Word and grow and mature in Him. Get your convictions settled with Him and stay strong in them. Be separate from the world and stop trying to blend in with them. Sin is still sin, wrong is still wrong! Your are saved, you are no longer like the world, show them that! Not with a haughty or high minded spirit, but with meekness, humility and love! If it is a sin or a conviction at home....then it is on vacation as well! It still is with whatever friends or family members you are around! God's light is in you.....don't fog up the windows so His light is dull. The world is watching.....they are in search for that hole in their heart to be filled....you've been there....you know that feeling!!! Don't cast a shadow that causes the world to not see the Light that you received to fill the void in your life that nothing else could ever fill!!!! Stop trying to fit in......be OUTFITTED in Christ's light!!
Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." John 8:12, "Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, 'I am the Light of he world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." Go back a couple verses in Matthew 5, verse 14 says, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden..." Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." John 9:5, "While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world." Isaiah 60:1, " Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you."
Those are just a few verses that speak about the Light. We as Christians have Christ, THE Light, dwelling within us. We know this, this is an elemental foundation to our belief system. The issue is, are we letting our flesh cast a shadow? Are we allowing ourselves to hinder God's work through us? Let's face it, the world hears, sees God through Christians! What kind of God do they see when they look at you? We are the only Bible sinners often see. How much of the light is shining through your life? Someone just cut you off on the highway.....are you quick to scrunch up your eyebrows, raise up your hand allowing one finger to be pronounced, and open your mouth letting words fly?? Well, after all, we are only human....and besides, no one can see me, I am in my car by myself. It's just my temper anyway, I can't help it. Hmmm..... Well, let's really examine this. You may very well be in the care alone, but there is someone out there who possibly saw the attitude you just portrayed, but more importantly, God saw it. We are quick to tell our children how God watches them, but we forget that He is always watching us as well. Now you have given way to the flesh, you have casted a shadow and dimmed His light in you. You are dimmer now, and others can tell the difference.
Same scenario, someone just cut you off on the highway.....but before you left home, you had been in God's Word, you have prayed and talked with the Father, and continued that conversation in the car, while listening to Christian music on the radio. As the person cuts you off, you feel angry....the Bible tells us it is perfectly okay to be angry.....just to sin not! (Ephesians 4:6). Before flesh has a chance to cast a shadow, God let's you think, that guy may be rushing to the hospital to be at his dying mother's bedside; that guy may have just been fired from his job and is desperately trying to figure out what to do next......who knows? Instead of self righteous indignation setting in, you find yourself whispering a prayer for that person....WHATTTT???? Yep, that is letting your light shine. Stop casting shadows!
One of my favorite quotes is this: Your attitude determines your altitude with Christ! You can see with a 15 watt bulb in your lamp.....yes you can. It won't be very bright, but it will be a light. But you can also put a 60 watt bulb in that lamp and see a lot clearer, see the world brighter, shine the light further! It's your choice. How much of His light do you let shine through??
I recently watched some older people.....who are supposed to be very seasoned in their Christianity...allow a small little night light shine, where it should be a big ole 100 watt flood light be shining. It broke my heart, and made me furious as well!! It is so true what they say, it is so much easier for bad to pull down good. That is why you must watch who you hang around. You want to rub the 'good' off on someone...but 9 times out of 10...bad will rub off on the good! This is what I witnessed. Convictions lost out to 'good times'. Being separated for Christ fell to the waste side so that they could 'fit in' with everyone else. I am a Christian, and I could not tell who else was because they were all doing just as the world does! So sad. And yet, I was made to look like the bad guy because I didn't join in? Isn't that just like ole Lucifer?!! Wow....fellow Christians can be meaner than sinners! It truly is getting harder to tell Christians from the world! Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!!!
We have to work daily at letting our light shine brightly! We have to keep our vessels clean so the maximum light can shine through! You dip your lantern in the mud, the light wont be able to shine through! Study His Word daily, pray, hide His Word in your heart, meditate on Him, be faithful to the House of God, keep what is going in your ears and go through your eyes Holy.....be the cleanest vessel you can be so that the light is shining through you, and you are not casting shadows.
This may be a long blog, but this is my total desire. To become less me, and more Him! What better way thing to write about on this, my 100th blog! People are watching....even when we don't think they are....are you letting Him shine, or are you casting shadows? It's not only sinners that are watching, it is fellow Christians as well. Are you directing them down a dim lit path? Are you disappointing your fellow brothers and sisters with the way the light is shining in you? You may be the one thing that shows a fellow brother or sister that it is worth staying in the race.....will your actions keep them keeping on?? What you think you do that no one sees.....does affect your ability to let Him shine through you when someone is watching. Keep your spiritual 'windex' out at all times and keep your windows clean!!
II Corinthians 6:17- 18, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." IF you are saved, then get in God's Word and grow and mature in Him. Get your convictions settled with Him and stay strong in them. Be separate from the world and stop trying to blend in with them. Sin is still sin, wrong is still wrong! Your are saved, you are no longer like the world, show them that! Not with a haughty or high minded spirit, but with meekness, humility and love! If it is a sin or a conviction at home....then it is on vacation as well! It still is with whatever friends or family members you are around! God's light is in you.....don't fog up the windows so His light is dull. The world is watching.....they are in search for that hole in their heart to be filled....you've been there....you know that feeling!!! Don't cast a shadow that causes the world to not see the Light that you received to fill the void in your life that nothing else could ever fill!!!! Stop trying to fit in......be OUTFITTED in Christ's light!!
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