After a mission trip to Mexico, I was awed by the faith of the people there. They live in run-down shanties on mud streets. Some of their dwellings don't even have windows, yet they don't seem to notice what they're missing. I was told that their faith is so strong BECAUSE they have nothing else. They have God and that's all they seem to need. The worship services I attended were like nothing I'd ever seen. It was heavenly. Their adoration of God was so apparent in the way they sang and worshipped. It was beautiful. It was also a stark contrast to the way most Americans worship. Is it because we have so much more and therefore don't need God as much?
Our Heavenly Father is the Blessed Controller of all things. We have the ability to do the job we do that provides the income for the beautiful house, nice car, and family vacations because God gave us those abilities. We live where we live in the time we live because God put us there. We wake up breathing every morning because God gifted us with one more day. We can look forward to eternity in heaven instead of eternal death because God put all of our sin on His only son, Jesus Christ, and allowed Him to take the penalty instead of us. How pompous of us to think we don't need Him as much as anyone else and how prideful to not be as grateful as those who have less. We should be even more grateful for how incredibly blessed we are. Most of us live in nice houses with windows and everything. We drive decent cars, at least. We have access to some of the best resources in the world. Here's a scary statistic for you; 8% of the population uses over 60% of the world's resources. Guess who that 8% is? That's right, America! We are not an impoverished nation. This nation is what it is because God has allowed it to be. I am sitting in my comfortable home, surrounded by comfort and convenience because God has blessed me and my family with both natural and super-natural blessings, for His own reasons and purposes. I am thankful, and whether I have a good roof over my head or not, I need God. When I was a young mother raising small children on meager means in not as comfortable a home as I live in now, I needed God's help and guidance. Now that I'm an older mother raising teenagers and grandchildren on more generous means in a more comfortable home, I still need God's help and guidance to deal with everyday things as well as more major life decisions and changes.
No matter where we go in this life, how far up the corporate ladder or how high we go in social stature, our need for God should not change. In fact, the more we succeed, the more vulnerable we are to the temptations of this world, and the more we need God to keep us balanced and focused on the right things. I think our need for God should increase as we succeed, not the other way around. I desire to be like those precious souls in Mexico regardless of the circumstances of my life. Circumstances change, sometimes quickly and unexpectedly, but God never does. I'm putting my trust in the unchangeable and making God the One I need most as I succeed according to His plans and purposes for my life. Amen!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
What If.......
"You, Lord are all I have and You give me all I need. My future is in Your hands."-Psalm 16:5
I wonder what my life would look like if I took this literally and lived accordingly. If I really believed that God gives me all I need. I struggle to believe that God will provide a new food processor when my current one no longer functions, or a new computer when this one is so full of viruses it just self-distructs. It's hard for me to see God in practical terms sometimes. Yet, I know He cares about the practical aspects of our lives as much as the spiritual. I've seen Him do things like repair the garage door of a newly widowed friend, provide lawn mowing services for another friend whose husband just up and abandoned her. I have seen Him provide the practical supernaturally, so why would there be any doubt in my mind. I think I know at least part of the answer.
I spent a good part of my life (the first 35 years) relying on myself or other people to meet my needs. I don't recall ever asking God outright to provide for me. Old habits die hard sometimes. Even after 15 years of walking with the Lord, I still forget to go to Him first sometimes. Also, there's the fact that I want what I want and not necessarily just what I NEED. I hate to say it, but I guess the bottom line is I don't trust God to provide for me the way I want Him to; according to MY will and in MY time. There's that control issue again! I guess if I would just let go of my will and trust that God really does have my best interests at heart I might be able to walk out the above scripture in real, practical life. Maybe it would help also if i would remember this portion of scripture: "Would any of you who are fathers give your son a stone when he asks for bread? Or would you give him a snake when he asks for a fish? As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"-Matthew 7:9-11.
God is such a better father than any earthly father, and I've known some earthly fathers to give some pretty awesome gifts....the exact things their kids wanted. So, why wouldn't God do even better than that? He would, if I would just give Him the chance. Father, forgive me for not trusting You the way I should and for not remembering that You are the greatest dad there ever was or ever will be. You are my Abba and You love me beyond compare. You know exactly what I want and exactly what I need. Help me to trust You completely in ALL areas of my life and with every little (and big) thing. I love You, Father, and desire all that You have for me, Your plans and purposes fulfilled in my life. I thank You that You are Jehovah Jireh, my Provider. In the ultimately provisional name of Jesus, Amen!
I wonder what my life would look like if I took this literally and lived accordingly. If I really believed that God gives me all I need. I struggle to believe that God will provide a new food processor when my current one no longer functions, or a new computer when this one is so full of viruses it just self-distructs. It's hard for me to see God in practical terms sometimes. Yet, I know He cares about the practical aspects of our lives as much as the spiritual. I've seen Him do things like repair the garage door of a newly widowed friend, provide lawn mowing services for another friend whose husband just up and abandoned her. I have seen Him provide the practical supernaturally, so why would there be any doubt in my mind. I think I know at least part of the answer.
I spent a good part of my life (the first 35 years) relying on myself or other people to meet my needs. I don't recall ever asking God outright to provide for me. Old habits die hard sometimes. Even after 15 years of walking with the Lord, I still forget to go to Him first sometimes. Also, there's the fact that I want what I want and not necessarily just what I NEED. I hate to say it, but I guess the bottom line is I don't trust God to provide for me the way I want Him to; according to MY will and in MY time. There's that control issue again! I guess if I would just let go of my will and trust that God really does have my best interests at heart I might be able to walk out the above scripture in real, practical life. Maybe it would help also if i would remember this portion of scripture: "Would any of you who are fathers give your son a stone when he asks for bread? Or would you give him a snake when he asks for a fish? As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"-Matthew 7:9-11.
God is such a better father than any earthly father, and I've known some earthly fathers to give some pretty awesome gifts....the exact things their kids wanted. So, why wouldn't God do even better than that? He would, if I would just give Him the chance. Father, forgive me for not trusting You the way I should and for not remembering that You are the greatest dad there ever was or ever will be. You are my Abba and You love me beyond compare. You know exactly what I want and exactly what I need. Help me to trust You completely in ALL areas of my life and with every little (and big) thing. I love You, Father, and desire all that You have for me, Your plans and purposes fulfilled in my life. I thank You that You are Jehovah Jireh, my Provider. In the ultimately provisional name of Jesus, Amen!
If Attitude is Everything...
You know the old saying, "Attitude is everything"? I think attitude is extremely important and a major factor in the way we respond to things, but what about perspective? Does not perspective affect our attitude? If my perspective is that my life should revolve around me and my personal happiness, then something bad happens, what do you think my attitude would be? Well, I can answer that from experience, it would stink. My response would be to pout and moan, and complain. I might even cry a little and I would definitely not be any fun to be around. A negative attitude would prevail as a result of my self-absorbed perspective.
"Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,"- Psalm 13:3. "Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death".......change my perspective so that I don't kill myself with negativity. The thought of dying from negativity might seem exaggerated, but it has been proven that a negative attitude and high stress level can lead to all kinds of illnesses. Negativity is not a good thing and I totally believe that it comes from a self-focused perspective. We get upset when things don't go our way. When people or circumstances don't line up with our agenda, we are offended because it's all about us. NO.....it's not all about us! It's not about me, it's not about you. It's about God and His plan for our lives to glorify Him and bless others. We need to take the focus off of ourselves and put it on God and what He wants us to do for others, to His glory and the furthering of the kingdom. How much more joy do you feel when you step out of your "norm" and help someone in need than when you just go about your daily routine? I know I feel a LOT more joy. How about your joy level during worship as opposed to staying home and vegging in front of a ball game? Ok, maybe that's not a good example. A lot of people find great joy in watching a ball game. Personally, I prefer worship because it's where I feel closest to God and for me, that's a high nothing can come close to. My point here is that when my focus is on God rather than myself, those are the times I feel the most joy. My attitude is positive because my perspective is focused on the greatest source of positive energy, my Heavenly Father.
I'm going to challenge myself for 30 days to maintain a heavenly perspective and see what effect it has on my attitude. I'm going to smile on purpose at every person I come in contact with. I'm going to play worship music all day when I'm at home doing all that lovely housework that so challenges my ability to control my perspective. I'm going to attempt to see every situation through the eyes of Christ and respond with the mind of Christ. I'm going to refuse to yell, scream, grumble or complain.....for 30 whole days! That's a long time for a melancholy personality like mine, in a body riddled with arthritis. In fact, I think I'll not even use the words "melancholy" or "arthritis" for 30 days as well. I think I'll write a blog about it too, since that's the thing to do these days. :-)
Heavenly Father, change my perspective and help me to maintain a positive attitude even beyond this 30 day challenge. Help me to keep my focus on You at all times. I desire, Father, that my actions, my life, would glorify You. Give me a heavenly perspective and the mind of Christ. I ask these things in the mighty name of Christ Himself, Amen!
"Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,"- Psalm 13:3. "Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death".......change my perspective so that I don't kill myself with negativity. The thought of dying from negativity might seem exaggerated, but it has been proven that a negative attitude and high stress level can lead to all kinds of illnesses. Negativity is not a good thing and I totally believe that it comes from a self-focused perspective. We get upset when things don't go our way. When people or circumstances don't line up with our agenda, we are offended because it's all about us. NO.....it's not all about us! It's not about me, it's not about you. It's about God and His plan for our lives to glorify Him and bless others. We need to take the focus off of ourselves and put it on God and what He wants us to do for others, to His glory and the furthering of the kingdom. How much more joy do you feel when you step out of your "norm" and help someone in need than when you just go about your daily routine? I know I feel a LOT more joy. How about your joy level during worship as opposed to staying home and vegging in front of a ball game? Ok, maybe that's not a good example. A lot of people find great joy in watching a ball game. Personally, I prefer worship because it's where I feel closest to God and for me, that's a high nothing can come close to. My point here is that when my focus is on God rather than myself, those are the times I feel the most joy. My attitude is positive because my perspective is focused on the greatest source of positive energy, my Heavenly Father.
I'm going to challenge myself for 30 days to maintain a heavenly perspective and see what effect it has on my attitude. I'm going to smile on purpose at every person I come in contact with. I'm going to play worship music all day when I'm at home doing all that lovely housework that so challenges my ability to control my perspective. I'm going to attempt to see every situation through the eyes of Christ and respond with the mind of Christ. I'm going to refuse to yell, scream, grumble or complain.....for 30 whole days! That's a long time for a melancholy personality like mine, in a body riddled with arthritis. In fact, I think I'll not even use the words "melancholy" or "arthritis" for 30 days as well. I think I'll write a blog about it too, since that's the thing to do these days. :-)
Heavenly Father, change my perspective and help me to maintain a positive attitude even beyond this 30 day challenge. Help me to keep my focus on You at all times. I desire, Father, that my actions, my life, would glorify You. Give me a heavenly perspective and the mind of Christ. I ask these things in the mighty name of Christ Himself, Amen!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Nothing of Value
Apart from God we can do nothing of lasting value. Sure we can do nice things for people, and possibly accomplish something that people will remember for years and even centuries. The question is, will what we do have eternal value?
“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15:5
Without the Holy Spirit guiding, directing, and empowering, nothing we do matters for the kingdom of heaven. When we don't know Jesus, we don't know real purpose. I know for me, before receiving Jesus, when I did something charitable I didn't even really know WHY I was doing it other than it made me and someone else feel good. I didn't see long-term implications or deep purpose, because there really wasn't any......for me. I did nothing in the name of Jesus or for the sake of the kingdom. It was all to make me feel good, temporarily. I wasn't storing up treasure in heaven. I was battling boredom or just trying to feel good about myself. No deep purpose there. It's a whole different story when I'm doing something in the name of Jesus. When I'm being His love here on earth, His hands and feet. I'm storing up treasure in heaven and making an eternal difference in someone's life, a difference that effects that person's eternity! Whoa! That's some deep purpose! That can't happen though, without the Holy Spirit working in, through, and around me and whatever situation He has led me to. Whatever situation He leads YOU to will have eternal implications and be of infinite value. Toss aside the things of no value and follow Christ to deep purpose. Amen!
“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15:5
Without the Holy Spirit guiding, directing, and empowering, nothing we do matters for the kingdom of heaven. When we don't know Jesus, we don't know real purpose. I know for me, before receiving Jesus, when I did something charitable I didn't even really know WHY I was doing it other than it made me and someone else feel good. I didn't see long-term implications or deep purpose, because there really wasn't any......for me. I did nothing in the name of Jesus or for the sake of the kingdom. It was all to make me feel good, temporarily. I wasn't storing up treasure in heaven. I was battling boredom or just trying to feel good about myself. No deep purpose there. It's a whole different story when I'm doing something in the name of Jesus. When I'm being His love here on earth, His hands and feet. I'm storing up treasure in heaven and making an eternal difference in someone's life, a difference that effects that person's eternity! Whoa! That's some deep purpose! That can't happen though, without the Holy Spirit working in, through, and around me and whatever situation He has led me to. Whatever situation He leads YOU to will have eternal implications and be of infinite value. Toss aside the things of no value and follow Christ to deep purpose. Amen!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Mindfulness
Who am I that the Creator of the universe would be mindful of me? The KJV uses the word "mindful" in Psalm 8:4. The dictionary definition of mindful is: "attentive, aware, or careful of". Almighty God is not only aware of me, but He pays attention to me. What an awesome thought, and one that begs a question. Do I pay as much attention to Him as He does to me? I would venture to say......."no". He knows how many hairs are on my head. I don't even know if He HAS hair. I would guess He doesn't since He's a spiritual being, but maybe there's spiritual hair. I don't know and that looks like too deep a well for right now. The point is, I could probably stand to pay a little more attention to my Heavenly Father. I get so caught up in the busyness of the day and all the "things" I want to accomplish, that I can sometimes go all day without thinking about Him. Does He go that long without thinking of me? I wonder. The Word tells me in Isaiah that I am etched on the palm of His hand. It would be hard to go for long without noticing something etched upon the palm of your hand. I think that God is much more attentive to me than I am to Him and I'd like to change that.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mindfulness of me; Your love, Your grace, and Your mercy. Father, may I be as attentive to You as You are to me. Give me a heavenly mindset, Lord. I desire for You to be my focus because when that happens, everything else in my life will fall into place like it's supposed to, and I want that. I want Your plans and purposes for my life, to Your glory and the furtherance of the kingdom. In the name of my ever-present Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen!
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mindfulness of me; Your love, Your grace, and Your mercy. Father, may I be as attentive to You as You are to me. Give me a heavenly mindset, Lord. I desire for You to be my focus because when that happens, everything else in my life will fall into place like it's supposed to, and I want that. I want Your plans and purposes for my life, to Your glory and the furtherance of the kingdom. In the name of my ever-present Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Control Freak = Less Joy
Why are so many of us without joy? Not just those who don't know Jesus, but many believers are seriously lacking in the joy department. I think it's because we have such a hard time relinquishing control. We are juggling so many different things in our lives and we have to have our hand in everything. We feel that if we're not worrying we're not doing a good enough job. If things get out of control we're somehow a failure. If everything is not accomplished to perfection and on time, there will be disaster. Really? Is it really the end of the world? Think through the worse case scenario all the way to it's possible conclusion. Would it really be the end of the world? Even if it meant the end of life as you know it, would it really be that bad? Maybe life as you know it is not the best life for you. Maybe it's not the life God intends for you. Psalm 5:11 says, "..let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy". Part of taking refuge in God is casting our cares on Him (1Peter 5:7) and being anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6). We do our best, of course, without worrying and being anxious. Without thinking everything has to be perfect. We do our best and give God the rest. Rely on Him to pick up the slack for our imperfection and trust that the situation will turn out according to His will. He is, after all, The Blessed Controller of all things. So, let Him have control, take refuge in Him, and sing for joy that you don't have to be perfect.
Father, thank You that You are in control and I don't have to be. Help me to always do my best and work as unto You without the stress and strain of trying to be perfect or create perfection. You're the only one who has any rights to perfection anyway. So, have Your way, Father. I cast my cares upon You and choose to be anxious for nothing. I choose the joy of Your shelter today and I thank You for it in the peaceful name of Jesus, Amen!
Father, thank You that You are in control and I don't have to be. Help me to always do my best and work as unto You without the stress and strain of trying to be perfect or create perfection. You're the only one who has any rights to perfection anyway. So, have Your way, Father. I cast my cares upon You and choose to be anxious for nothing. I choose the joy of Your shelter today and I thank You for it in the peaceful name of Jesus, Amen!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Solid as The Rock
As I was praying this morning, I asked the Lord to make us all (all His children) as solid as The Rock we stand upon. I had been thinking earlier about all the things I say I want to do and never do. All the changes I talk about making, but never make. It's all just talk and no action. I don't want to be like that. I want to worship God in spirit and in truth. I don't think it honors God to just talk about being a better person or to just talk about doing something better. I don't want to just be a hearer (or a talker), I want to be a doer.
I'm supposed to be a representation of Christ here on earth, His ambassador. I represent the kingdom. What does it say about the kingdom when I'm lazy, or I constantly procrastinate.......or say I'm going to do something and don't do it. I don't believe that's a good or accurate representation. Jesus was not lazy and He was a man of His word. The kingdom is not a place of chaos and double-mindedness. The Word specifically speaks against those things. I realize I'm not Jesus and I have limitations, and I also realize that the Spirit of the living God dwells within me and provides me with everything I need to live a godly life. Faithfulness and self-control are two things that come standard with the Holy Spirit. All I have to do is use them. Like the stereo in my car, if I never turn it on it will never play music, but it's there. The potential and the capability are all there waiting to be utilized. There's really no excuse, no legitimate excuse anyway, as to why I can't be more God-honoring in the way I live my life. I need to be honest and not say I'll do something if I know I can't or won't really do it. That's pretty simple, really. The trick is to actually do what I honestly say I will do. Rebuke the spirit of laziness, take captive the thoughts of procrastination ("Oh, I can do that later.") and be a woman of integrity. Excellence and integrity are characteristics of Jesus. That's the kind of person I want to be, a person of excellence and integrity. Solid as a rock....The Rock upon which I stand. For His glory, Amen!
I'm supposed to be a representation of Christ here on earth, His ambassador. I represent the kingdom. What does it say about the kingdom when I'm lazy, or I constantly procrastinate.......or say I'm going to do something and don't do it. I don't believe that's a good or accurate representation. Jesus was not lazy and He was a man of His word. The kingdom is not a place of chaos and double-mindedness. The Word specifically speaks against those things. I realize I'm not Jesus and I have limitations, and I also realize that the Spirit of the living God dwells within me and provides me with everything I need to live a godly life. Faithfulness and self-control are two things that come standard with the Holy Spirit. All I have to do is use them. Like the stereo in my car, if I never turn it on it will never play music, but it's there. The potential and the capability are all there waiting to be utilized. There's really no excuse, no legitimate excuse anyway, as to why I can't be more God-honoring in the way I live my life. I need to be honest and not say I'll do something if I know I can't or won't really do it. That's pretty simple, really. The trick is to actually do what I honestly say I will do. Rebuke the spirit of laziness, take captive the thoughts of procrastination ("Oh, I can do that later.") and be a woman of integrity. Excellence and integrity are characteristics of Jesus. That's the kind of person I want to be, a person of excellence and integrity. Solid as a rock....The Rock upon which I stand. For His glory, Amen!
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