Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Time...
I have so many ideas I want to write about. I come here often and visit my poor lonely blog. I thought about forgiveness all this week. Last week I pondered beauty and what it looks like in God's economy. Dressing myself up in the righteousness of God. *sigh* Now that I am gainfully employed I have more time for bible study and less for writing. Go figure. I will try to write something this week. I am too tired for now. I need a decent night sleep... hmmm, that is another topic I could write about! Sleep, or the seeming lack of it that I've been getting lately. I'm off! I'm so tired I can't tell if any of this made sense! Where are those shrugging "smiley's" my friend Icebear is so good at finding??
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Reliability
I have been struggling with this word lately. I seem to be late every where I go. The strange thing is I leave everything ready the night before for the kids and myself. I even double check.
My heart really aches over this. I don't want people to have the impression that I am disorganized, or worse that I care more for myself than I do for them and that is why I am late. I could make a million excuses, or think of a million reasons for my lateness, but it doesn't matter. Late is late, and habitually late is inexcusable. This morning I went to God's word for help in this area. Here is a little of what the Lord showed me.
The dictionary says: Reliable–(adjective) that may be relied on; dependable in achievement, accuracy, honesty.
In Ruth chapter 3:1-18. Naomi tells Ruth to go and lay at the feet of Boaz, asking him to become her kinsman redeemer. However, she has a kinsman who is closer to her so Boaz resolves to find an answer for her and Naomi. The key part of this is in verse 18: "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today." Boaz was a known and respected man. His integrity made it possible for Naomi to know that once Boaz gave his word he would follow through. Such reliable people would stand out in any age. Do others regard me as a person who will do as I say I will? Not if I am late, or if I forget an appointment.
In 1 Chronicles 9:17-34 regarding the keepers of the gates :
22 All those chosen as gatekeepers were two hundred and twelve. They were recorded by their genealogy, in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their trusted office. 23 So they and their children were in charge of the gates of the house of the LORD, the house of the tabernacle, by assignment. 24 The gatekeepers were assigned to the four directions: the east, west, north, and south. 25 And their brethren in their villages had to come with them from time to time for seven days. 26 For in this trusted office were four chief gatekeepers; they were Levites. And they had charge over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God. 27 And they lodged all around the house of God because they had the responsibility, and they were in charge of opening it every morning.
What if they had been late every day? I doubt that the Lord, through David and Samuel, would have given them such an awesome responsibility. They guarded the four main entrances to the temple and opened the gates each morning for those who wanted to worship! They also did other daily tasks like cleaning, preparing offerings, and accounting for the gifts for the temple. They had to be reliable, honest and trustworthy. One of my many excuses for being late is I have so many responsibilities. Getting everyone up and ready in the morning, cleaning, cooking, driving to school... hmmm, their responsibilities seem very similar. The way I carry out my responsibilities ought to always be marked by reliability. How else will I set the example that I want my children to follow?
Finally in Psalm 33: 1-22 For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all he does.
My God is faithful in all He does. I trust Him completely because He always does what He says He will. He does not lie, forget, change His words, or leave His promises unfulfilled: And HE is never late. As His follower I am to follow His example. However imperfect I may be I need to strive a little harder in this area to be like the one who is.
Father, I ask your forgiveness for not being more reliable. Help me to grow in this area. Give me the will and understanding of how to better structure my time so I do not dishonor you. Your word says a good name is to be had above all riches, let me give you glory in this. I pray this in the name of your precious son Jesus, Amen.
My heart really aches over this. I don't want people to have the impression that I am disorganized, or worse that I care more for myself than I do for them and that is why I am late. I could make a million excuses, or think of a million reasons for my lateness, but it doesn't matter. Late is late, and habitually late is inexcusable. This morning I went to God's word for help in this area. Here is a little of what the Lord showed me.
The dictionary says: Reliable–(adjective) that may be relied on; dependable in achievement, accuracy, honesty.
In Ruth chapter 3:1-18. Naomi tells Ruth to go and lay at the feet of Boaz, asking him to become her kinsman redeemer. However, she has a kinsman who is closer to her so Boaz resolves to find an answer for her and Naomi. The key part of this is in verse 18: "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today." Boaz was a known and respected man. His integrity made it possible for Naomi to know that once Boaz gave his word he would follow through. Such reliable people would stand out in any age. Do others regard me as a person who will do as I say I will? Not if I am late, or if I forget an appointment.
In 1 Chronicles 9:17-34 regarding the keepers of the gates :
22 All those chosen as gatekeepers were two hundred and twelve. They were recorded by their genealogy, in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their trusted office. 23 So they and their children were in charge of the gates of the house of the LORD, the house of the tabernacle, by assignment. 24 The gatekeepers were assigned to the four directions: the east, west, north, and south. 25 And their brethren in their villages had to come with them from time to time for seven days. 26 For in this trusted office were four chief gatekeepers; they were Levites. And they had charge over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God. 27 And they lodged all around the house of God because they had the responsibility, and they were in charge of opening it every morning.
What if they had been late every day? I doubt that the Lord, through David and Samuel, would have given them such an awesome responsibility. They guarded the four main entrances to the temple and opened the gates each morning for those who wanted to worship! They also did other daily tasks like cleaning, preparing offerings, and accounting for the gifts for the temple. They had to be reliable, honest and trustworthy. One of my many excuses for being late is I have so many responsibilities. Getting everyone up and ready in the morning, cleaning, cooking, driving to school... hmmm, their responsibilities seem very similar. The way I carry out my responsibilities ought to always be marked by reliability. How else will I set the example that I want my children to follow?
Finally in Psalm 33: 1-22 For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all he does.
My God is faithful in all He does. I trust Him completely because He always does what He says He will. He does not lie, forget, change His words, or leave His promises unfulfilled: And HE is never late. As His follower I am to follow His example. However imperfect I may be I need to strive a little harder in this area to be like the one who is.
Father, I ask your forgiveness for not being more reliable. Help me to grow in this area. Give me the will and understanding of how to better structure my time so I do not dishonor you. Your word says a good name is to be had above all riches, let me give you glory in this. I pray this in the name of your precious son Jesus, Amen.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
The Glory of God
I have been contemplating what it means this week on "Reflecting the Glory of God."
I read passages like this in scripture and love meditating on God's glory. I love to think of the things He has done in the past through His prophets, and His ultimate redeeming work on the Cross. I wonder at how we get to spend eternity with Him singing of His Greatness without ceasing and never be tired of it. "When we've been there ten thousand years..." Right now on earth we only get glimpses of God's Glory.
1 Corinthians 13:12 (New International Version)
12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
What does this look like for us now as we walk this earth? Is reflecting the Glory of God only singing praises to Him when you are feeling like it? or When He has done something wonderful in your life? Anah and I lay on her bed snuggling a few weeks ago discussing this very subject. We looked out at the moon and discussed how it didn't give off it's own light but reflected the light of the sun. I mentioned to her that this is what we are supposed to do with Jesus. Reflect His glory to a lost and dying world. But this conversation started me thinking. What does that look like? How can I show God's love in all of my actions, my thoughts, my prayers? I am so easily distracted and like anyone my flesh rises up and demands that I get the glory for things I do. God gave me an opportunity, almost immediately, to put what He was teaching me in action.
In a conversation with a friend she mentioned something to me in passing that hurt my heart. I immediately wanted to show my displeasure, but recognized it would be prudent to be silent, let the moment pass, and think on it more thoroughly. Some times I analyze too much the things that people say. This time I prayed as I was driving away that God would reveal to my heart the intent of the situation. That He would give me her perspective and that I would reflect His glory in that moment and not my own. She had to change something that would effect me and my plans. But the plans were about things that I wanted to do in the service of God. His plans, not mine. What a difference it made in my heart. I was able to let go and not be overly concerned about it. The most amazing thing is I felt as if God reached down from heaven and gave me a pat on the head and said, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
So for this lesson I learned it is important that the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to God. Reflecting His glory is not drawing attention to myself and my plans, but rather to focus on Him and to be flexible when things change. Being slow to speak, and slow to anger gives Him glory because I am wanting to be obedient to Him and accomplish His righteousness. (James 1:19-21) The Lord knows I'm not perfect, but I am striving to be like the one is!
Psalm 19:14 (New International Version)
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
New International Version (NIV)
Exodus 15:11
"Who among the gods is like you, O LORD ?
Who is like you—
majestic in holiness,
awesome in glory,
working wonders?
"Who among the gods is like you, O LORD ?
Who is like you—
majestic in holiness,
awesome in glory,
working wonders?
I read passages like this in scripture and love meditating on God's glory. I love to think of the things He has done in the past through His prophets, and His ultimate redeeming work on the Cross. I wonder at how we get to spend eternity with Him singing of His Greatness without ceasing and never be tired of it. "When we've been there ten thousand years..." Right now on earth we only get glimpses of God's Glory.
1 Corinthians 13:12 (New International Version)
12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
What does this look like for us now as we walk this earth? Is reflecting the Glory of God only singing praises to Him when you are feeling like it? or When He has done something wonderful in your life? Anah and I lay on her bed snuggling a few weeks ago discussing this very subject. We looked out at the moon and discussed how it didn't give off it's own light but reflected the light of the sun. I mentioned to her that this is what we are supposed to do with Jesus. Reflect His glory to a lost and dying world. But this conversation started me thinking. What does that look like? How can I show God's love in all of my actions, my thoughts, my prayers? I am so easily distracted and like anyone my flesh rises up and demands that I get the glory for things I do. God gave me an opportunity, almost immediately, to put what He was teaching me in action.
In a conversation with a friend she mentioned something to me in passing that hurt my heart. I immediately wanted to show my displeasure, but recognized it would be prudent to be silent, let the moment pass, and think on it more thoroughly. Some times I analyze too much the things that people say. This time I prayed as I was driving away that God would reveal to my heart the intent of the situation. That He would give me her perspective and that I would reflect His glory in that moment and not my own. She had to change something that would effect me and my plans. But the plans were about things that I wanted to do in the service of God. His plans, not mine. What a difference it made in my heart. I was able to let go and not be overly concerned about it. The most amazing thing is I felt as if God reached down from heaven and gave me a pat on the head and said, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
So for this lesson I learned it is important that the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to God. Reflecting His glory is not drawing attention to myself and my plans, but rather to focus on Him and to be flexible when things change. Being slow to speak, and slow to anger gives Him glory because I am wanting to be obedient to Him and accomplish His righteousness. (James 1:19-21) The Lord knows I'm not perfect, but I am striving to be like the one is!
Psalm 19:14 (New International Version)
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
New International Version (NIV)
James 1:19-21 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
19 My dearly loved brothers, understand this: everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, A)">(A) 20 for man's anger does not accomplish God's righteousness. 21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil excess, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you. B)">(B) [a]
Monday, September 14, 2009
Growly Gus
Last night I was a horrible "growly gus." I can't remember what upset me. We as women sometimes like to push it off as "hormonal." (However, don't EVEN let a man bring that up!)
All afternoon, I was quick tempered and "short" with everyone. Being creative sometimes helps me to feel better. Therefore, I went down to Bob's office to work on our new family devotion books. I worked so hard to put them together, and distributed them with pride to each family member. There's a place for them to put their memory work, and pockets to keep extra stuff. On each book I carefully, and as artistically as I could, put each members name on the front cover. To my joy everyone was so pleased with their new book. My girls, being my girls, decided it needed further decoration. Anah immediately went off to put paint designs on her name, and came back to excitedly show me what she had done. The perfect mother would have lovingly looked at her hard work and said something that would have encouraged her to continue to be artistic to the Glory of God. After all isn't that what I had just done? When God creates a beautiful sunset, I thank him and praise him for it. When my daughter is creative I say, "Anah I worked so hard on those! What were you thinking? I wanted them to all be the same!" Granted, this is not my normal response to my girls and if I could rewind that moment I would not speak those words. I would look at the excitement on her face and proclaim it genius! But the hurt on Anah's face, makes my own heart hurt. Of course I apologized, but once we "put a hole in the fence," even if we mend it, it cannot be as if it never happened. Enough holes and you might as well build a new fence.
So this morning in my prayer time and devotion I asked the Lord again to forgive me. Praise the Lord I am assured that he did! However, it seems I'm having to ask forgiveness for this too often. I need to do some heart changes. My memory verses for this week are; Ephesians 4:31-32 which says:
31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness. 32 And be kind A)">(A) and compassionate B)">(B) to one another, forgiving C)">(C) one another, just as God also forgave you a]">[a] in Christ.
And James 1:19-20:
19 My dearly loved brothers, understand this: everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, A)">(A) 20 for man's anger does not accomplish God's righteousness.
My Self Confrontation book that I use to help me when I have an issue with a particular sin says this:
Anger is a sign of being focused on myself and not trusting God's sovereignty in my life. It is the exact opposite of biblical love and failing to put off anger an bitterness grieves the Holy Spirit, gives Satan an opportunity in my life, obscures my witness to my children and others, and disrupts the unity in the Body of Christ. Dealing with it requires wholehearted obedience to God's Word in every circumstance and with every person.
Lord, I pray that you will hold me accountable for my thoughts and actions this week. May I remember to speak words that edify and build up others. Let me not seek glory for myself but rather reflect your glory to everyone I speak to. Let me not grieve your Holy Spirit, with whom I am sealed for the day of redemption. Let me be a blessing to others. In the precious name of your son Jesus I pray. Amen
This afternoon I am pulling out our craft supplies and letting the girls "Go to town" on their books!
All afternoon, I was quick tempered and "short" with everyone. Being creative sometimes helps me to feel better. Therefore, I went down to Bob's office to work on our new family devotion books. I worked so hard to put them together, and distributed them with pride to each family member. There's a place for them to put their memory work, and pockets to keep extra stuff. On each book I carefully, and as artistically as I could, put each members name on the front cover. To my joy everyone was so pleased with their new book. My girls, being my girls, decided it needed further decoration. Anah immediately went off to put paint designs on her name, and came back to excitedly show me what she had done. The perfect mother would have lovingly looked at her hard work and said something that would have encouraged her to continue to be artistic to the Glory of God. After all isn't that what I had just done? When God creates a beautiful sunset, I thank him and praise him for it. When my daughter is creative I say, "Anah I worked so hard on those! What were you thinking? I wanted them to all be the same!" Granted, this is not my normal response to my girls and if I could rewind that moment I would not speak those words. I would look at the excitement on her face and proclaim it genius! But the hurt on Anah's face, makes my own heart hurt. Of course I apologized, but once we "put a hole in the fence," even if we mend it, it cannot be as if it never happened. Enough holes and you might as well build a new fence.
So this morning in my prayer time and devotion I asked the Lord again to forgive me. Praise the Lord I am assured that he did! However, it seems I'm having to ask forgiveness for this too often. I need to do some heart changes. My memory verses for this week are; Ephesians 4:31-32 which says:
31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness. 32 And be kind A)">(A) and compassionate B)">(B) to one another, forgiving C)">(C) one another, just as God also forgave you a]">[a] in Christ.
And James 1:19-20:
19 My dearly loved brothers, understand this: everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, A)">(A) 20 for man's anger does not accomplish God's righteousness.
My Self Confrontation book that I use to help me when I have an issue with a particular sin says this:
Anger is a sign of being focused on myself and not trusting God's sovereignty in my life. It is the exact opposite of biblical love and failing to put off anger an bitterness grieves the Holy Spirit, gives Satan an opportunity in my life, obscures my witness to my children and others, and disrupts the unity in the Body of Christ. Dealing with it requires wholehearted obedience to God's Word in every circumstance and with every person.
Lord, I pray that you will hold me accountable for my thoughts and actions this week. May I remember to speak words that edify and build up others. Let me not seek glory for myself but rather reflect your glory to everyone I speak to. Let me not grieve your Holy Spirit, with whom I am sealed for the day of redemption. Let me be a blessing to others. In the precious name of your son Jesus I pray. Amen
This afternoon I am pulling out our craft supplies and letting the girls "Go to town" on their books!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
I found what I was missing from my day!
John 5.36-40"I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."
When I had a moment I peeked in at the Living Proof Ministries, with Beth Moore blog site. It was all about reading the scriptures and not really spending time with the Lord. My day was so busy I didn't reaaaaally spend any time with Jesus, even though I spent time in the word and prayer. I was rushed all day.
Off to rectify that! Nighty Night world!
When I had a moment I peeked in at the Living Proof Ministries, with Beth Moore blog site. It was all about reading the scriptures and not really spending time with the Lord. My day was so busy I didn't reaaaaally spend any time with Jesus, even though I spent time in the word and prayer. I was rushed all day.
Off to rectify that! Nighty Night world!
Some days...a rambling account of my day!
Today was just one of those days where I've been running all day. I was up at 6:30 and got the kids up, made sure everyone had breakfast, got dressed, found the inevitable lost shoe, brushed teeth, combed hair, got bags, lunches, double checked homework, out the door, first to the High School, then the 4&5 middle school, then the Charter school, then home for a coffee, bible, prayer break, and I was off again, getting Bob up we read the Bible together then he's out the door, the laundry started, the kitchen cleaned up, the beds made, the clothes hung, start the dryer, another load goes in, wash, dry, fold, put away, wash, dry, fold, put away, it was off to Anah's school to volunteer for a couple of hours, then lunch to get going, for Bob, Pappa, and Me. And on and on my day goes, running here to get the mail, pay a bill, pick up a child take them here, bring them there, answer the phone, can I pick up two more.... to take them there, and pick one other to bring them home???" Somewhere in between, I have a conversation on the phone to encourage my Mom, my sister, and my friend. I typed up a letter for Bob, typed Jeremy's homework, created an alphabet book for Faith, and read a story to charlie, lectured Josh about responsibility. Then it was time for dinner, sometime today I decided to just heat up some leftover chicken soup. While cooking I listened to another story from Pappa's past, for once it's one I haven't heard a dozen times already! lol! Said our blessings, then it was time to eat! On to homework, picked out clothes, gave baths, type this message, then family devotions, story time! Hugs kisses, cuddles, and lights out. But not for me! I still have to clean up the mess in the living room, clean the back bathroom, and I just realized I never got a shower today! *sigh* Don't get too close! With all the running around I've done I probably don't smell too pretty! It's strange though, for all I've done, I somehow don't feel like I've accomplished much??? What's missing? When my brains stops running I'll slow down and figure it out!
Monday, September 7, 2009
A case in point...
If you haven't read my previous post regarding "Faith" you better go do that before reading this.
This afternoon my darling daughter brings to me a one armed rabbit, that I've had for about 15 years now. It is faceless, in that it has no eyes or mouth. But I've always liked it that way. It was one of those craft store bunnies that you can dress up or down and use it for decoration. I don't know how she found it but she said to me, "Mom, I'm going to put a face on this bunny." I replied. "No Faith, that is my bunny and I like her that way." She then replied, "But Mom, she can't see!" I said, "I know Faith, it's okay that she can't. I say no Faith. Okay?" I should have known by her absentminded non-committal answer "Uh-huh." That she was going to do what she wanted anyway. This bunny needed to see.
This afternoon my darling daughter brings to me a one armed rabbit, that I've had for about 15 years now. It is faceless, in that it has no eyes or mouth. But I've always liked it that way. It was one of those craft store bunnies that you can dress up or down and use it for decoration. I don't know how she found it but she said to me, "Mom, I'm going to put a face on this bunny." I replied. "No Faith, that is my bunny and I like her that way." She then replied, "But Mom, she can't see!" I said, "I know Faith, it's okay that she can't. I say no Faith. Okay?" I should have known by her absentminded non-committal answer "Uh-huh." That she was going to do what she wanted anyway. This bunny needed to see.
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About Me
- LadyJ
- Pastor's wife, Mom of 5, & Homemaker! Doing all to the Glory of God! That about sums it up!