Day 31 of the 31-day blogging challenge - a post a day, and although challenging at times to find the time, I reached my goal. It feels good. I love to set goals and reach them. Often I set my goals higher than humanly possible and set myself up for defeat. I'm definitely learning to listen and set God's goals for me instead of my own.
This last 31 days has been a blogging marathon of sorts. In 1993, I ran the Honolulu Marathon. I didn't set any time records, but I finished. It felt great to set that goal and accomplish it.
Our journey in our relationship with the Lord is likened several times in the Bible to a race. Hebrews 12:1-2 says, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easly beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
That's the race I want to run. I want to discard those things which weigh me down, reject the temptations which would hinder me, and run with patience the race that is before me. I want to be found faithful at the end of my race. Don't you? God is cheering us on - every day, every step.
I want to encourage you as well to run the race with perseverance, keeping your eyes as well on Him who is the author and finisher of our faith. God bless you!
Showing posts with label 31 days. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 31 days. Show all posts
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Day 30 - Blessings
Life is filled with blessings...
Do you see them?
It's filled with other stuff, yeah, but the blessings - They're abundant.
When we open the eyes of our heart.
Even the other stuff comes with blessings tucked inside.
In fact, the other stuff enables us to see God in a bigger way.
When I think about the blessings in my life, so many have faces,
Kind, gentle eyes.
Words of encouragement.
Love in spite of my unloveliness at times.
What (WHO) are your blessings?
For my many blessings:
"I thank God upon every remembrance of you,
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:3-6
Do you see them?
It's filled with other stuff, yeah, but the blessings - They're abundant.
When we open the eyes of our heart.
Even the other stuff comes with blessings tucked inside.
In fact, the other stuff enables us to see God in a bigger way.
When I think about the blessings in my life, so many have faces,
Kind, gentle eyes.
Words of encouragement.
Love in spite of my unloveliness at times.
What (WHO) are your blessings?
For my many blessings:
"I thank God upon every remembrance of you,
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:3-6
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Day 29 - Seasons
Fall is beautifully upon us. Having grown up in the southwest, I never really understood the fullness of each season until I moved to the midwest. The contrast of summer heat and brutal winter freeze, the spring awakening, and fall resting. Such a treasure feast for the eyes.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 talks about seasons of life:
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."
Much can be learned from each season. It's really ours for the taking if we choose. What will be learned from a time of weeping? Silence? Love?
Rather than run from the less desirable seasons, I am trying to choose to learn instead. To embrace. To walk through instead of walk around those seasons. Easy? Hardly. But God promises to make each season work together for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Nichole Nordeman has a beautiful song about the seasons of life. Which season are you in?
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 talks about seasons of life:
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."
Much can be learned from each season. It's really ours for the taking if we choose. What will be learned from a time of weeping? Silence? Love?
Rather than run from the less desirable seasons, I am trying to choose to learn instead. To embrace. To walk through instead of walk around those seasons. Easy? Hardly. But God promises to make each season work together for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Nichole Nordeman has a beautiful song about the seasons of life. Which season are you in?
Friday, October 28, 2011
Day 28 - Be Strong
What do you think? Is courage something that you either have or don't have? Can you create courage in your own soul? What if you don't have courage? Are you just out of luck?
Several years ago, I gave my guys small metal shield emblems to wear around their necks. Joshua 1:9 was inscribed on the back.
It reads, "Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord they God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
A command? Really? I'm pretty sure from reading it over and over again that courage is an act of our will, God living through us. Will we choose to walk in courage, or in fear? In victory, or defeat?
I know what I want to do. It's not always easy, but I choose, and that's a good place to start. Father God, help each one of us to walk in courage because you promise that you are with us always.
I have a friend who needs courage today in a big way. I'm praying. Will you pray too?
Several years ago, I gave my guys small metal shield emblems to wear around their necks. Joshua 1:9 was inscribed on the back.
It reads, "Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord they God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
A command? Really? I'm pretty sure from reading it over and over again that courage is an act of our will, God living through us. Will we choose to walk in courage, or in fear? In victory, or defeat?
I know what I want to do. It's not always easy, but I choose, and that's a good place to start. Father God, help each one of us to walk in courage because you promise that you are with us always.
I have a friend who needs courage today in a big way. I'm praying. Will you pray too?
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Day 27 - My Shepherd
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters,
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: though anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters,
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: though anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Day 26 - Be Still
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of hte tabernacles of the most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he had made in the earth.
He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh his bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in fire.
BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Psalm 46
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of hte tabernacles of the most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he had made in the earth.
He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh his bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in fire.
BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Psalm 46
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Day 25 - Red Letter Words
My new Bible has crisp, clean pages unlike the worn, comfortable, tear-stained ones from my previous Bible. I miss my old Bible, my friend and constant companion. We've been through many, many things over the past many years.
My new Bible is a 'red-letter' edition, meaning the very words Jesus spoke are all in red.
I love the fact that the words of Jesus without error are in print for us to read and re-read, over and over again.
Instructions, teaching, comforting words, promises...
I want to share with you a few of my favorite 'red-letter words' today.
PROMISE
First off, my favorite, and the most important: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotton Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
COMFORTING WORDS
John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a plce for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also."
INSTRUCTION
What about this? Can you do it? Luke 6:27-28 "But I say until you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." Hmmm. That's a tough one, but if you can do it, even once in a while, you're growing!
TEACHING
Mark 12:30-31 "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy mind, and with all they strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love they neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these."
We've only just scratched the surface, haven't we?
So what about you, don't be shy! Hello?
What are your favorite red-letter words?
My new Bible is a 'red-letter' edition, meaning the very words Jesus spoke are all in red.
I love the fact that the words of Jesus without error are in print for us to read and re-read, over and over again.
Instructions, teaching, comforting words, promises...
I want to share with you a few of my favorite 'red-letter words' today.
PROMISE
First off, my favorite, and the most important: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotton Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
COMFORTING WORDS
John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a plce for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also."
INSTRUCTION
What about this? Can you do it? Luke 6:27-28 "But I say until you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." Hmmm. That's a tough one, but if you can do it, even once in a while, you're growing!
TEACHING
Mark 12:30-31 "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy mind, and with all they strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love they neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these."
We've only just scratched the surface, haven't we?
So what about you, don't be shy! Hello?
What are your favorite red-letter words?
Monday, October 24, 2011
Day 24 - Comforter, Teacher, Friend
We are 24 days into our 31 Days of Truth.
In case you can't tell, I LOVE the Bible. It's so full of truths, promises, instruction. It's the How-To Manual for those who want to live a life pleasing to our Lord. We are blessed indeed to have free access to God's Word. It is a luxury not to be taken for granted!
God loved us so much, that He gave us His written word so that we would have the ultimate go-to guide for life.
Another amazing thing He did for us was to give us his Spirit, the Comforter, Teacher, Friend.
In John 14:26, Jesus said, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you ALL things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
So we get the instruction book AND the teacher. Many of us will never have the opportunity to go to seminary or even a Christian school or Christian university, but that's okay. We have the ultimate instructor waiting to teach us and help us understand ALL things. All we have to do is ask!
In case you can't tell, I LOVE the Bible. It's so full of truths, promises, instruction. It's the How-To Manual for those who want to live a life pleasing to our Lord. We are blessed indeed to have free access to God's Word. It is a luxury not to be taken for granted!
God loved us so much, that He gave us His written word so that we would have the ultimate go-to guide for life.
Another amazing thing He did for us was to give us his Spirit, the Comforter, Teacher, Friend.
In John 14:26, Jesus said, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you ALL things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
So we get the instruction book AND the teacher. Many of us will never have the opportunity to go to seminary or even a Christian school or Christian university, but that's okay. We have the ultimate instructor waiting to teach us and help us understand ALL things. All we have to do is ask!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Day 23 - Nothing
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39
Romans 8:38-39
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Day 22 - What to Give?
So what was it about that fleeting thought? That it made me weep?
Hair a mess, still in clothes from the night, tired eyes, headed back to my desk.
Just a fleeting thought. Today is a gift. Not only a gift TO me, but in my mind's eye I wrapped it up in pretty paper as an OFFERING to my Daddy.
So why the overwhelming flood of tears?
Might as well unpack the inside, untangle it, wrangle it.
Such a small world. My desk. My computer screen. Clickety clack of worn keyboard. Warm mug. Dog at feet.
What do I have to put inside the package?
What thing of worth shall I put in the box?
Anything? Is anything worthy?
He speaks in my heart.
"Abide in me."
Abide?
"Abide in me."
I'll try, but what about my gift?
"You are my gift, my treasure, my love."
I weep even more.
He sees beauty. I see hair messed, night clothes, empty box.
I choose to abide this day. My gift to give. My gift to receive from my Daddy.
John 15:4-5 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches; He that abideth in me, and i in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
Hair a mess, still in clothes from the night, tired eyes, headed back to my desk.
Just a fleeting thought. Today is a gift. Not only a gift TO me, but in my mind's eye I wrapped it up in pretty paper as an OFFERING to my Daddy.
So why the overwhelming flood of tears?
Might as well unpack the inside, untangle it, wrangle it.
Such a small world. My desk. My computer screen. Clickety clack of worn keyboard. Warm mug. Dog at feet.
What do I have to put inside the package?
What thing of worth shall I put in the box?
Anything? Is anything worthy?
He speaks in my heart.
"Abide in me."
Abide?
"Abide in me."
I'll try, but what about my gift?
"You are my gift, my treasure, my love."
I weep even more.
He sees beauty. I see hair messed, night clothes, empty box.
I choose to abide this day. My gift to give. My gift to receive from my Daddy.
John 15:4-5 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches; He that abideth in me, and i in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
Friday, October 21, 2011
Day 21 - The Gift of Mercy
"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
It is good that a man shoud both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord."
Lamentations 3:21-26
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Day 20 - Testimony
Testimony is one of the "church" words, I realize that. Maybe we should call it "story with a God twist," but then every story is that, in my opinion. God's very fingerprints are evident in every aspect of our lives, and we can see them if we look closely enough.
So back to testimony. Some are "incredible" stories - lost at sea, near death experience, a life squandered on the streets only to be redeemed. I don't have that kind of a testimony, but mine is incredible just the same. Because of HIM. It's incredible because He loved me enough to pursue me, to save me from a life lost without Him, to forgive me and love me relentlessly. Incredible, yes.
It's important to be able to recount your testimony, not for yourself. But for others. There is someone that NEEDS to hear your testimony, that can relate to it. So it's not big and fantastic and dramatic. Really? I believe any life bought with the blood of an innocent Savior is an incredible testimony. You need to know it, and you need to share it!
In John chapter 9, Jesus healed a blind man. He spit on the ground, made a mixture of clay and placed it on the man's eyes. Jesus then told the man to go wash in the pool of Siloam. The man obeyed and received his sight.
It just so happened that this took place on the Sabbath which upset the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the day. They questioned the man, apparently didn't believe his story, questioned the man's parents who were afraid to say too much and deferred the questioning back to their son who was of age, and then the religious leaders questioned the man again.
This man who had been healed by the miraculous touch of Jesus, his testimony, finally told the Pharisees, "Whether he (Jesus) be a sinner or no, I know not; one thing I KNOW, that, whereas I WAS blind, NOW I SEE." (John 9:25)
His testimony. Your testimony. My testimony. Nobody can take it away. Nobody.
Revelations 12:11 says, "And they overcame him (Satan) by the BLOOD of the Lamb, and by the WORD of their TESTIMONY."
Don't let the enemy tell you it's not important enough to share. Like I said before, SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE, needs to hear it!
So would you start by sharing it here? Someone, maybe me, needs to hear your testimony. It's a good time and a good place to practice.
So back to testimony. Some are "incredible" stories - lost at sea, near death experience, a life squandered on the streets only to be redeemed. I don't have that kind of a testimony, but mine is incredible just the same. Because of HIM. It's incredible because He loved me enough to pursue me, to save me from a life lost without Him, to forgive me and love me relentlessly. Incredible, yes.
It's important to be able to recount your testimony, not for yourself. But for others. There is someone that NEEDS to hear your testimony, that can relate to it. So it's not big and fantastic and dramatic. Really? I believe any life bought with the blood of an innocent Savior is an incredible testimony. You need to know it, and you need to share it!
In John chapter 9, Jesus healed a blind man. He spit on the ground, made a mixture of clay and placed it on the man's eyes. Jesus then told the man to go wash in the pool of Siloam. The man obeyed and received his sight.
It just so happened that this took place on the Sabbath which upset the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the day. They questioned the man, apparently didn't believe his story, questioned the man's parents who were afraid to say too much and deferred the questioning back to their son who was of age, and then the religious leaders questioned the man again.
This man who had been healed by the miraculous touch of Jesus, his testimony, finally told the Pharisees, "Whether he (Jesus) be a sinner or no, I know not; one thing I KNOW, that, whereas I WAS blind, NOW I SEE." (John 9:25)
His testimony. Your testimony. My testimony. Nobody can take it away. Nobody.
Revelations 12:11 says, "And they overcame him (Satan) by the BLOOD of the Lamb, and by the WORD of their TESTIMONY."
Don't let the enemy tell you it's not important enough to share. Like I said before, SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE, needs to hear it!
So would you start by sharing it here? Someone, maybe me, needs to hear your testimony. It's a good time and a good place to practice.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Day 19 - Perfect Peace
I have a plaque in my office...
It's old, and I love it.
The story is that my mom's dad (Grandpa "Pinky") and my mom used to make them. Grandpa Pinky was a pastor by profession, but could do anything. He cooked, sewed, crafted, built, woodworked, painted, you name it...
He also loved deeply - his family and most importantly his God. Such an amazing legacy he left behind. He was never wealthy by the worlds standards but was rich in the things that truly mattered.
Back to this plaque, sometimes I forget it's even there because it's hung in the same place for so many years, but it caught my eye again recently. Not by coincidence, I'm sure. But because I NEEDED once again to be reminded of its truth.
Grandpa and Grandma Pinky's lives were not easy by any stretch, but they lived this out, loud and clear, and though they have long since gone to their Eternal Home, the example they left behind still teaches me much.
It's old, and I love it.
The story is that my mom's dad (Grandpa "Pinky") and my mom used to make them. Grandpa Pinky was a pastor by profession, but could do anything. He cooked, sewed, crafted, built, woodworked, painted, you name it...
He also loved deeply - his family and most importantly his God. Such an amazing legacy he left behind. He was never wealthy by the worlds standards but was rich in the things that truly mattered.
Back to this plaque, sometimes I forget it's even there because it's hung in the same place for so many years, but it caught my eye again recently. Not by coincidence, I'm sure. But because I NEEDED once again to be reminded of its truth.
Grandpa and Grandma Pinky's lives were not easy by any stretch, but they lived this out, loud and clear, and though they have long since gone to their Eternal Home, the example they left behind still teaches me much.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Day 18 - Salt and Light
Matthew 5:13-16 "Ye are the SALT of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the LIGHT of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hidden,
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, buit on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let YOUR LIGHT so SHINE BEFORE MEN, that they may see your good works, and GLORIFY YOUR FATHER which is in heaven."
Have you ever had someone you don't know, or don't know well, just hang around you? At a grocery store, perhaps. Just talking, sharing. Have you ever had a complete stranger open up about personal details of their life? And you walk away wondering what that was all about?
I've been in the line at Walmart and had people share intimate details of their lives, struggles, relationships, and been caught off guard at times. Todd just shakes his head at times because sometimes the conversation has been prolonged and DEEP. I'm guessing you've had similar situations as well.
So what is that all about?
Why are people sometimes drawn to us?
Is is perhaps what we are walking in? Are they drawn to the very One who dwells within us? Yes, I believe that's exactly what happens.
Once we've experienced the life-saving power of Jesus Christ and asked Him to live through us, He does just that.
And when He is lifted up and glorified in our lives, He draws others to himself. We just get to be the hands and feet. Him in physical form.
We were all created to seek after our Creator. We search in all kinds of areas. Jobs. Relationships. Physical comforts. Nature. Success. Family. But we will only be satisfied, truly satisfied, when we turn to Him, the Lover of our Soul. Jesus Christ.
So next time you find it a little odd that someone is sharing with you on a deeper level than you would expect from an acquaintance or stranger, remember - They desire what you have found in your relationship with the Savior. Be Salt and Light. It's what they are truly searching for - they just might not even know it yet.
Ye are the LIGHT of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hidden,
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, buit on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let YOUR LIGHT so SHINE BEFORE MEN, that they may see your good works, and GLORIFY YOUR FATHER which is in heaven."
Have you ever had someone you don't know, or don't know well, just hang around you? At a grocery store, perhaps. Just talking, sharing. Have you ever had a complete stranger open up about personal details of their life? And you walk away wondering what that was all about?
I've been in the line at Walmart and had people share intimate details of their lives, struggles, relationships, and been caught off guard at times. Todd just shakes his head at times because sometimes the conversation has been prolonged and DEEP. I'm guessing you've had similar situations as well.
So what is that all about?
Why are people sometimes drawn to us?
Is is perhaps what we are walking in? Are they drawn to the very One who dwells within us? Yes, I believe that's exactly what happens.
Once we've experienced the life-saving power of Jesus Christ and asked Him to live through us, He does just that.
And when He is lifted up and glorified in our lives, He draws others to himself. We just get to be the hands and feet. Him in physical form.
We were all created to seek after our Creator. We search in all kinds of areas. Jobs. Relationships. Physical comforts. Nature. Success. Family. But we will only be satisfied, truly satisfied, when we turn to Him, the Lover of our Soul. Jesus Christ.
So next time you find it a little odd that someone is sharing with you on a deeper level than you would expect from an acquaintance or stranger, remember - They desire what you have found in your relationship with the Savior. Be Salt and Light. It's what they are truly searching for - they just might not even know it yet.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Day 17 - My Times are in Thy Hand
Psalm 31:1-5 KJV "In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
For thou are my ROCK and my FORTRESS; therefore, for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
Into thine hand I commit my spirit; thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of TRUTH."
I am redeemed! Hallelujah. Truth. Exactly what is needed today!
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
For thou are my ROCK and my FORTRESS; therefore, for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
Into thine hand I commit my spirit; thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of TRUTH."
I am redeemed! Hallelujah. Truth. Exactly what is needed today!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Day 16 - Sowing and reaping
Ephesians 6: 7-9 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man SOWETH, that shall he also REAP. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap CORRUPTION; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap LIFE EVERLASTING. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
I don't know about you, but I grew up hearing these verses or at least paraphrases of them. For some reason though, I always heard them with a negative tone. Perhaps it was the condemning voice of the Accuser purposing to cause me to walk under shame and guilt.
It's funny how even the world has adopted these verses - minus the Scripture reference. We've all heard "What comes around, goes around." Right?
It's easy to sow to the flesh - I do it every day as the thoughts cross my mind, "I want it my way." "It's all about me." Blah, blah, blah.
But what about sowing to the Spirit? What does that look like? A kind word, a handwritten note, a text, a meal, a smile, a coffee date, a listening ear...
So many opportunities.
Will it come back to us? These verses say that it will, but the funny thing is, the more you sow to the Spirit, the less it becomes about you. Continuing to learn...everyday...
I don't know about you, but I grew up hearing these verses or at least paraphrases of them. For some reason though, I always heard them with a negative tone. Perhaps it was the condemning voice of the Accuser purposing to cause me to walk under shame and guilt.
It's funny how even the world has adopted these verses - minus the Scripture reference. We've all heard "What comes around, goes around." Right?
It's easy to sow to the flesh - I do it every day as the thoughts cross my mind, "I want it my way." "It's all about me." Blah, blah, blah.
But what about sowing to the Spirit? What does that look like? A kind word, a handwritten note, a text, a meal, a smile, a coffee date, a listening ear...
So many opportunities.
Will it come back to us? These verses say that it will, but the funny thing is, the more you sow to the Spirit, the less it becomes about you. Continuing to learn...everyday...
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Day 15 - Direction
Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
I believe it. I claim it. I'm so thankful for it!
I believe it. I claim it. I'm so thankful for it!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Day 13 - What's in a Name?
Remember when you were little, and one of your siblings or friends would say, "Mom's coming" or "Dad's coming," and whatever naughty behavior you might be partaking in suddenly halted, and you shined your halos just in time for them to round the corner?
Yeah, me neither.
What amazing power that Mom's or Dad's name held. Just the mere mention of the name brought perhaps fear or correction or perhaps rescue.
As I've mentioned before, this is a tough season for so many of us - with the changes in our communities, churches, country, and world. Kind of feels like we're on shaky ground a lot of the time. Uncertainty and fear have replaced the sense of normalcy and routine.
Sometimes I just don't know exactly what to pray for, and sometimes all I can get out is His name - Jesus. Sometimes I just repeat it several times over - Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.
Maybe you do that too. If you haven't, I dare to you. Just the name of Jesus changes the atmosphere. When you call on His name, He comes - EVERY SINGLE TIME.
His name holds the ultimate power. There is no one higher than He. One day, at the name of Jesus EVERY knee shall bow and confess He is Lord. I. CAN'T. WAIT!
Have you heard "Your Great Name" performed by Natalie Grant? Below I have a youtube version with lyrics if you want to listen. It's beautiful!
Philippians 2:9-11 "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Yeah, me neither.
What amazing power that Mom's or Dad's name held. Just the mere mention of the name brought perhaps fear or correction or perhaps rescue.
As I've mentioned before, this is a tough season for so many of us - with the changes in our communities, churches, country, and world. Kind of feels like we're on shaky ground a lot of the time. Uncertainty and fear have replaced the sense of normalcy and routine.
Sometimes I just don't know exactly what to pray for, and sometimes all I can get out is His name - Jesus. Sometimes I just repeat it several times over - Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.
Maybe you do that too. If you haven't, I dare to you. Just the name of Jesus changes the atmosphere. When you call on His name, He comes - EVERY SINGLE TIME.
His name holds the ultimate power. There is no one higher than He. One day, at the name of Jesus EVERY knee shall bow and confess He is Lord. I. CAN'T. WAIT!
Have you heard "Your Great Name" performed by Natalie Grant? Below I have a youtube version with lyrics if you want to listen. It's beautiful!
Philippians 2:9-11 "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Day 12 - Weary
Are you weary today?
I'm feeling a little weary myself. The cares of the day. Family. Friends. Finances. Work. School. World.
It all can be a little overwhelming at times, can't it?
I usually find when I'm feeling this way it's because I'm carrying too much. I've picked up more than my share. I've grabbed ahold of things that weren't mine to grab.
The nice thing about lugging around things that we don't need to be lugging around is that we can choose to put them down - at the feet of the One who can handle all of yours and mine and everyone else's.
It's a choice, and I determine today to lay them all down because I really don't want to be carrying them around anyway. You can do the same.
God is so faithful in the big and the small things. He promises us rest from those things that cause us to be weary.
I'm in!
You?
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest; Take my yoke upon you, and learn of mf; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
I'm feeling a little weary myself. The cares of the day. Family. Friends. Finances. Work. School. World.
It all can be a little overwhelming at times, can't it?
I usually find when I'm feeling this way it's because I'm carrying too much. I've picked up more than my share. I've grabbed ahold of things that weren't mine to grab.
The nice thing about lugging around things that we don't need to be lugging around is that we can choose to put them down - at the feet of the One who can handle all of yours and mine and everyone else's.
It's a choice, and I determine today to lay them all down because I really don't want to be carrying them around anyway. You can do the same.
God is so faithful in the big and the small things. He promises us rest from those things that cause us to be weary.
I'm in!
You?
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest; Take my yoke upon you, and learn of mf; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Day 11 - Idol Worship
Several weeks ago, I watched an online teaching that really caused me to think...
The speaker was referring to a time when he when he was facing opposition from all sides, and as he cried out to the Lord for help, God revealed to him that before God would fight on his behalf, He wanted the speaker to get rid of the idols in his life.
Of course, when he mentioned that God showed him the idols in his life, my thoughts turned to myself, and I quickly dismissed that I too might have idols. "Surely not," I thought.
But I decided to pray about it. I asked God to show me IF I had any idols in my life.
I laugh at it now because my idols had all kinds of harmless names. I had justified many things and tolerated so many others in my life.
Now, mind you, idols are not those that just have a physical form. Sometimes those are more obvious, but mindsets and attitudes can be idols as well.
Two of the main idols that he showed me in my life were Comfort and Convenience. Ouch!! That hurt a lot!
I don't mind giving away money or possessions. In fact, I love to give things away to others.
But giving up my time or my comfort or convenience, well - I have a much harder time with that. Just keeping it real here.
When you ask God for revelation, He shows up in a big way! He has such a loving way of teaching and correcting.
I'd like to say that I'm idol free, but really I won't ever be. I can lay them down, then I pick them up again, lay them down, and the cycle repeats. I'm so thankful for His grace and mercy and patience, aren't you?
So what about you? Do you have idols in your life that are weighing you down? Today might be a really good day for you to lay them down as well. They just tend to wedge themselves in the middle of our relationship with our Father and can/do cause separation. It's just not worth it.
Exodus 20:3 "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
The speaker was referring to a time when he when he was facing opposition from all sides, and as he cried out to the Lord for help, God revealed to him that before God would fight on his behalf, He wanted the speaker to get rid of the idols in his life.
Of course, when he mentioned that God showed him the idols in his life, my thoughts turned to myself, and I quickly dismissed that I too might have idols. "Surely not," I thought.
But I decided to pray about it. I asked God to show me IF I had any idols in my life.
I laugh at it now because my idols had all kinds of harmless names. I had justified many things and tolerated so many others in my life.
Now, mind you, idols are not those that just have a physical form. Sometimes those are more obvious, but mindsets and attitudes can be idols as well.
Two of the main idols that he showed me in my life were Comfort and Convenience. Ouch!! That hurt a lot!
I don't mind giving away money or possessions. In fact, I love to give things away to others.
But giving up my time or my comfort or convenience, well - I have a much harder time with that. Just keeping it real here.
When you ask God for revelation, He shows up in a big way! He has such a loving way of teaching and correcting.
I'd like to say that I'm idol free, but really I won't ever be. I can lay them down, then I pick them up again, lay them down, and the cycle repeats. I'm so thankful for His grace and mercy and patience, aren't you?
So what about you? Do you have idols in your life that are weighing you down? Today might be a really good day for you to lay them down as well. They just tend to wedge themselves in the middle of our relationship with our Father and can/do cause separation. It's just not worth it.
Exodus 20:3 "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
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