Day 44
Thanksgiving is almost here and I’m so excited. The beautiful colors of fall and the Thanksgiving holiday are some of my favorite things in life. And then the Christmas music begins! I can listen to Christmas carols all year. But since it would drive everyone else nuts, I just wait for the first radio station of the season that plays them and that’s where the station stays until after New Year’s Day. There’s just such a feeling of anticipation and excitement that’s hard to explain. Maybe it goes back to my childhood when the holidays were always a special time in our home.
I’m taking a few days off from work to spend some time with my family this year. And during that time I plan to reflect on the many things that I should be more thankful for. I have a tendency to keep plowing ahead, working toward the next goal and not taking time to consider the goals that were reached, the ones that were not but provided a huge learning opportunity, the special people that have come into my life this year and the many burdens that have been lifted. It’s so easy to get caught up in ‘what’s next’ that I miss today. But also, it’s difficult to justify being unhappy, worried or disappointed when you consider so many blessings in life. I found 58 references to the word ‘thanksgiving’ in the Bible and I’m sure there are a lot more than that. Apparently God wants us to stay focused on giving thanks. I know for me, that it keeps balance in my life and takes the focus off myself, both good and bad. Phillipians 4:6 tells us ‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God’. I hope this holiday season that you also spend time in thanksgiving and find that you no longer need to be anxious about anything!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- What Do We Implant in our Minds, Thoughts and Memories?
Day 43
When we came home from church the other night, I had good intentions of doing some reading and studying. But after I got home, I realized that it had been a hectic day, my brain was tired and I didn’t want to think. So I sat down with Lanny in front of the TV and he turned it to an old musical western made in the mid l940’s called ‘The Harvey Girls’ starring Judy Garland.
The movie was originally made in black and white and had been colorized at some point since then. The color looked strange and the movie plot was simple and predictable, pretty corny actually. The production itself was so uncomplicated that I had forgotten how simple movies used to look with the fake movie sets. There was a lot missing in the movie. Let’s see – there were no special effects and it wasn’t in HD but there was also no foul language, no graphic bloodshed or death, no torture or mutilation of anyone or anything. There were no sexually explicit scenes or nudity and at no point was the Lord’s name taken in vain. When the movie was over, I actually felt good! I had a smile on my face and I went to bed and slept like a baby. I had no horribly graphic scenes that were forever implanted into my memory, only to come back at some point in my dreams. I had not watched anything that I knew would not help me to grow in my walk with God and I had no sense of uneasiness or regret about my time spent. I had spent time with my husband, watching a movie that was positive and relaxing. Actually, it was so relaxing that Lanny slept through most of it. He doesn’t get into musicals.
As I reflected on this later, I thought about movies, video games and TV shows today and what is being implanted into our minds and more frightening, what is being implanted into the minds of children. It made me realize the impact of what we put in front of us and them. Psalm 139:23 says ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.’ Our thoughts are so powerful and what is implanted into our memories determines the decisions that we will make. My desire is to keep things of God in my thoughts and hope that in time, they will begin to replace the thoughts and memories that need to be erased.
When we came home from church the other night, I had good intentions of doing some reading and studying. But after I got home, I realized that it had been a hectic day, my brain was tired and I didn’t want to think. So I sat down with Lanny in front of the TV and he turned it to an old musical western made in the mid l940’s called ‘The Harvey Girls’ starring Judy Garland.
The movie was originally made in black and white and had been colorized at some point since then. The color looked strange and the movie plot was simple and predictable, pretty corny actually. The production itself was so uncomplicated that I had forgotten how simple movies used to look with the fake movie sets. There was a lot missing in the movie. Let’s see – there were no special effects and it wasn’t in HD but there was also no foul language, no graphic bloodshed or death, no torture or mutilation of anyone or anything. There were no sexually explicit scenes or nudity and at no point was the Lord’s name taken in vain. When the movie was over, I actually felt good! I had a smile on my face and I went to bed and slept like a baby. I had no horribly graphic scenes that were forever implanted into my memory, only to come back at some point in my dreams. I had not watched anything that I knew would not help me to grow in my walk with God and I had no sense of uneasiness or regret about my time spent. I had spent time with my husband, watching a movie that was positive and relaxing. Actually, it was so relaxing that Lanny slept through most of it. He doesn’t get into musicals.
As I reflected on this later, I thought about movies, video games and TV shows today and what is being implanted into our minds and more frightening, what is being implanted into the minds of children. It made me realize the impact of what we put in front of us and them. Psalm 139:23 says ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.’ Our thoughts are so powerful and what is implanted into our memories determines the decisions that we will make. My desire is to keep things of God in my thoughts and hope that in time, they will begin to replace the thoughts and memories that need to be erased.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- Proud to be a Christian!
Day 42
I have a friend that challenges me in positive ways. She reads the devotionals and often comments. Sometimes it’s in agreement and sometimes she questions my thoughts or remarks in a way that makes me dig a little deeper. She’s super smart and I appreciate so much how she manages to very subtly raise the bar for me and forces me to stand behind what I say. A friend does those things for us.
At some point in the devotionals I had commented that I was proud to be a Christian and she called me out on it! Why was I proud? So, I thought, geez Louise, am I wrong here? Why am I proud to be a Christian and is this an inappropriate response to salvation? We all grew up, whether Christian or not, with the Proverb 16:18 that says, paraphrased, Pride goes before a fall. I’ve heard it a hundred times from my grandmother. So, back to the original question, is it wrong to be proud to be a Christian? Am I supposed to be humbled and reserved because of my faith? Or should I prefer to be honored or respected? But isn’t that also pride too? This is getting difficult so I decided to dig down a little deeper.
As I look around our communities and throughout this country, I see organizations like the ACLU that’s pulling out all the stops in order to stop the spread of Christianity under the guise of separation of church and state. But what’s most appalling is that I see Christian people dropping their head as if we should be ashamed and a small minority is making decisions for everyone. I just read in the paper that a group of commissioners in a neighboring town are being sued by two women, backed by the ACLU, because they opened their meetings with prayer. It’s created quite a stir and many people are saying they should stop praying because of the price of the lawsuit. But was this about the price of not standing up for Christ and the power of prayer? Sorry, I digress a little here, but it goes back to pride. Here’s what I’ve realized. Pride in self is destructive. Scripture says it is. I’m not proud of myself. I usually embarrass myself almost every day and there’s hardly a day that goes by that I don’t wish I had done something a little different. I can make a mess out of the simplest things. But pride in our faith, in a God that loved us enough to sacrifice His only Son for us and holds the world in His hand is righteous pride! I’m proud to be part of the family of Christ and so very thankful that the Lord adopted me into the family. And I hope that I’m proud enough of my heavenly Father to stand up for Him when the occasion arises. Yep, I’m proud to be a Christian.
But I’m also proud of my true friends that know they can say what they want and we make each other better because of it.
I have a friend that challenges me in positive ways. She reads the devotionals and often comments. Sometimes it’s in agreement and sometimes she questions my thoughts or remarks in a way that makes me dig a little deeper. She’s super smart and I appreciate so much how she manages to very subtly raise the bar for me and forces me to stand behind what I say. A friend does those things for us.
At some point in the devotionals I had commented that I was proud to be a Christian and she called me out on it! Why was I proud? So, I thought, geez Louise, am I wrong here? Why am I proud to be a Christian and is this an inappropriate response to salvation? We all grew up, whether Christian or not, with the Proverb 16:18 that says, paraphrased, Pride goes before a fall. I’ve heard it a hundred times from my grandmother. So, back to the original question, is it wrong to be proud to be a Christian? Am I supposed to be humbled and reserved because of my faith? Or should I prefer to be honored or respected? But isn’t that also pride too? This is getting difficult so I decided to dig down a little deeper.
As I look around our communities and throughout this country, I see organizations like the ACLU that’s pulling out all the stops in order to stop the spread of Christianity under the guise of separation of church and state. But what’s most appalling is that I see Christian people dropping their head as if we should be ashamed and a small minority is making decisions for everyone. I just read in the paper that a group of commissioners in a neighboring town are being sued by two women, backed by the ACLU, because they opened their meetings with prayer. It’s created quite a stir and many people are saying they should stop praying because of the price of the lawsuit. But was this about the price of not standing up for Christ and the power of prayer? Sorry, I digress a little here, but it goes back to pride. Here’s what I’ve realized. Pride in self is destructive. Scripture says it is. I’m not proud of myself. I usually embarrass myself almost every day and there’s hardly a day that goes by that I don’t wish I had done something a little different. I can make a mess out of the simplest things. But pride in our faith, in a God that loved us enough to sacrifice His only Son for us and holds the world in His hand is righteous pride! I’m proud to be part of the family of Christ and so very thankful that the Lord adopted me into the family. And I hope that I’m proud enough of my heavenly Father to stand up for Him when the occasion arises. Yep, I’m proud to be a Christian.
But I’m also proud of my true friends that know they can say what they want and we make each other better because of it.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- A Believers Walk with Christ
Day 41
As I write these devotionals each day, my heart’s desire is to provide a glimpse into a believer’s walk with Christ and the many thoughts, concerns, joys and trials that come with that walk. Some days seem almost perfect and some days it’s just one problem after another. That’s just the way life is, whether you are a believer in Christ or not. But how you make it through those days, in a close walk with the Lord is what makes all the difference.
But as I write, I’m always hoping and praying that my journey will be an encouragement to someone or in some way be a little help as you get through your day and never be a hindrance. I’m not a Bible scholar or professionally trained in theology. I’m just a spiritually hungry person that has discovered where to find food and want to share it with everyone else.
James says in 3:1 ‘Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.’ My prayer is that as I share my walk with Christ, that you will somehow be blessed and that I will not cause you to stumble in any way. I open up my heart and hope that it may somehow lead you to Christ.
As I write these devotionals each day, my heart’s desire is to provide a glimpse into a believer’s walk with Christ and the many thoughts, concerns, joys and trials that come with that walk. Some days seem almost perfect and some days it’s just one problem after another. That’s just the way life is, whether you are a believer in Christ or not. But how you make it through those days, in a close walk with the Lord is what makes all the difference.
But as I write, I’m always hoping and praying that my journey will be an encouragement to someone or in some way be a little help as you get through your day and never be a hindrance. I’m not a Bible scholar or professionally trained in theology. I’m just a spiritually hungry person that has discovered where to find food and want to share it with everyone else.
James says in 3:1 ‘Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.’ My prayer is that as I share my walk with Christ, that you will somehow be blessed and that I will not cause you to stumble in any way. I open up my heart and hope that it may somehow lead you to Christ.
Monday, November 16, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- Gaze Into the Magnifying Glass of Scripture and Look Intently Into God's Face
Day 40
Imagine you have some place important to go this morning like work or a special meeting. And you look in the mirror when you first get up and see that your hair is a mess, your teeth haven’t been brushed, you need a shower and definitely a little touch of makeup. But instead of going through your morning ritual, you throw on your clothes and walk out the door, totally ignoring what you have just seen in the mirror as if you don’t remember what you looked like. You know that this is not the way you want to present yourself to the world. My mom is one of those ladies that can’t imagine going to the store to grab a loaf of bread without having everything in place. Make up on, hair done, jewelry on, ready to face the world. That’s just who she was and who she still is. And it’s also one of the things that I admire about her. It wasn’t about trying to impress anyone. It was more about how she wanted to face the world, prepared, bringing her best and knowing she was ready for whatever came. Slothfulness was not an acceptable lifestyle.
James 1:22-25 says ‘Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.
As unlikely as it is that we would go to an important event, unclean and disheveled, how much more unlikely should it be to read and study God’s word and then completely ignore it, as if you never knew what it said. But if we gaze into it intently, just like looking very close into the mirror and observing every little detail in our face, we will see the richness and wisdom in God’s word and as James says, be blessed. It’s my heart’s desire to gaze into the magnifying glass of scripture and look intently into God’s face.
Imagine you have some place important to go this morning like work or a special meeting. And you look in the mirror when you first get up and see that your hair is a mess, your teeth haven’t been brushed, you need a shower and definitely a little touch of makeup. But instead of going through your morning ritual, you throw on your clothes and walk out the door, totally ignoring what you have just seen in the mirror as if you don’t remember what you looked like. You know that this is not the way you want to present yourself to the world. My mom is one of those ladies that can’t imagine going to the store to grab a loaf of bread without having everything in place. Make up on, hair done, jewelry on, ready to face the world. That’s just who she was and who she still is. And it’s also one of the things that I admire about her. It wasn’t about trying to impress anyone. It was more about how she wanted to face the world, prepared, bringing her best and knowing she was ready for whatever came. Slothfulness was not an acceptable lifestyle.
James 1:22-25 says ‘Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.
As unlikely as it is that we would go to an important event, unclean and disheveled, how much more unlikely should it be to read and study God’s word and then completely ignore it, as if you never knew what it said. But if we gaze into it intently, just like looking very close into the mirror and observing every little detail in our face, we will see the richness and wisdom in God’s word and as James says, be blessed. It’s my heart’s desire to gaze into the magnifying glass of scripture and look intently into God’s face.
Friday, November 13, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- Trials and Hardship
Day 39
It seems that as I go through my Bible study, I keep going back to various subjects dealing with trials and hardship. It’s interesting that there are multiple references to difficulties in life throughout scripture in both the Old and New Testaments. God spoke of it frequently and offered guidance and wisdom.
I don’t believe there has been a more challenging time in our country for several generations, since the Great Depression. Generally speaking, as a nation, we have grandparents, parents and children who have never truly dealt with financial disaster to the extent we are witnessing now. My family was not wealthy but we were not poor either. I don’t recall ever going hungry because there was no food in the house or not having a warm coat or shoes on my feet. Yet today our Christian Crisis Center is overwhelmed with requests for help and it’s not just the same people that have always relied upon public assistance. There are people who have never had to ask for help before. Life changes so quickly and I’m reminded more than ever in my entire life, that material possessions are fleeting and temporary. People that once had much are now humbled by their needs.
James 1:2-3 says ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Joy during hardship may seem like an impossible response. Hardship and trials are not fun. No one wants them and we quickly want them to go away. But every hardship draws us closer to God because we realize how fragile, dependent and incomplete we are without Him. The question I’m pondering now is, will we draw closer to God because life is more difficult or will we as a nation despise Him because life is not as good as it used to be? Look around. What do you see? I see both and I see it with more conviction and passion than ever before. But I know which path I will take. Do you?
It seems that as I go through my Bible study, I keep going back to various subjects dealing with trials and hardship. It’s interesting that there are multiple references to difficulties in life throughout scripture in both the Old and New Testaments. God spoke of it frequently and offered guidance and wisdom.
I don’t believe there has been a more challenging time in our country for several generations, since the Great Depression. Generally speaking, as a nation, we have grandparents, parents and children who have never truly dealt with financial disaster to the extent we are witnessing now. My family was not wealthy but we were not poor either. I don’t recall ever going hungry because there was no food in the house or not having a warm coat or shoes on my feet. Yet today our Christian Crisis Center is overwhelmed with requests for help and it’s not just the same people that have always relied upon public assistance. There are people who have never had to ask for help before. Life changes so quickly and I’m reminded more than ever in my entire life, that material possessions are fleeting and temporary. People that once had much are now humbled by their needs.
James 1:2-3 says ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Joy during hardship may seem like an impossible response. Hardship and trials are not fun. No one wants them and we quickly want them to go away. But every hardship draws us closer to God because we realize how fragile, dependent and incomplete we are without Him. The question I’m pondering now is, will we draw closer to God because life is more difficult or will we as a nation despise Him because life is not as good as it used to be? Look around. What do you see? I see both and I see it with more conviction and passion than ever before. But I know which path I will take. Do you?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- Reading and Studying the Scriptures Together in Worship
Day 38
Do you know the first thing the Israelites did after they finished rebuilding the wall, under Nehemiah’s leadership? It says in chapter 8 that all the people assembled as one in the square. And then after they all got together in one place, the Levites began to read the scriptures to all the people and they explained it to them so they could understand it better. The people were so happy to be able to join together and study God’s word after so many years that they cried with joy. It was a wonderful celebration because they had fortified their beloved city but more importantly they were able to worship together safely.
I love having a church for worship and having my church family. Our preacher reads the scriptures and explains things, just like in Nehemiah, so that we can better understand how to live to serve the Lord. Sometimes when I go to church, I’m tired or have too many other things on my mind and I’m not 100% present. But that wasn’t the case with the people in Nehemiah’s day. They were so happy to worship and hear the word read. They had to be instructed to leave and go home to eat and celebrate, sharing their food with each other. Obviously they were not Baptist! We don’t have to be reminded when it’s 12:00 and time to go home and eat. I would love to see a revival in our churches in this country that was so awesome that we had to be reminded to go home and eat. What a miracle that would be! What joy that would bring to the Lord!
Do you know the first thing the Israelites did after they finished rebuilding the wall, under Nehemiah’s leadership? It says in chapter 8 that all the people assembled as one in the square. And then after they all got together in one place, the Levites began to read the scriptures to all the people and they explained it to them so they could understand it better. The people were so happy to be able to join together and study God’s word after so many years that they cried with joy. It was a wonderful celebration because they had fortified their beloved city but more importantly they were able to worship together safely.
I love having a church for worship and having my church family. Our preacher reads the scriptures and explains things, just like in Nehemiah, so that we can better understand how to live to serve the Lord. Sometimes when I go to church, I’m tired or have too many other things on my mind and I’m not 100% present. But that wasn’t the case with the people in Nehemiah’s day. They were so happy to worship and hear the word read. They had to be instructed to leave and go home to eat and celebrate, sharing their food with each other. Obviously they were not Baptist! We don’t have to be reminded when it’s 12:00 and time to go home and eat. I would love to see a revival in our churches in this country that was so awesome that we had to be reminded to go home and eat. What a miracle that would be! What joy that would bring to the Lord!
Monday, November 9, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- All a Man's Ways Seem Innocent to Him but God Weighs His Motives":
Day 37
Have you ever said something that could clearly be misinterpreted or just wish you had said nothing at all? It seems like I always do this. I was recently interviewed and after the interview, I reviewed in my mind all the answers to the questions and thought of a dozen things that would have been better to have said or explained better. It’s so easy to be an arm chair quarterback after it’s all over or when you’re not under pressure. When I say dumb things or perhaps imply something that I didn’t intend to, it physically hurts me to think about it. And it really hurts when someone puts words into my mouth or questions my true motivation behind what I say. I know in my heart what my true motivation is. Proverbs 16:2 tells us that ‘All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.’ So when I totally mess up something or say the wrong thing, it’s comforting to know that the Lord knows my heart and my true motivation.
I think of professional athletes or politicians that are always being scrutinized for every word and deed they say or do. What a burden to bear and how well I know that I would always be in trouble! The Lord knows if there is anyone in His kingdom that will insert a foot into the mouth, it will likely be me. How do I treat people when they say things they shouldn’t or they don’t say them in the best way? I have to admit, there are times that I’m just as judgmental as anyone. I know that the Lord called me to service but He didn’t call me to be judge over others thoughts and motivations. I believe I better leave that job to Him and just hope that others will do the same for me.
Have you ever said something that could clearly be misinterpreted or just wish you had said nothing at all? It seems like I always do this. I was recently interviewed and after the interview, I reviewed in my mind all the answers to the questions and thought of a dozen things that would have been better to have said or explained better. It’s so easy to be an arm chair quarterback after it’s all over or when you’re not under pressure. When I say dumb things or perhaps imply something that I didn’t intend to, it physically hurts me to think about it. And it really hurts when someone puts words into my mouth or questions my true motivation behind what I say. I know in my heart what my true motivation is. Proverbs 16:2 tells us that ‘All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.’ So when I totally mess up something or say the wrong thing, it’s comforting to know that the Lord knows my heart and my true motivation.
I think of professional athletes or politicians that are always being scrutinized for every word and deed they say or do. What a burden to bear and how well I know that I would always be in trouble! The Lord knows if there is anyone in His kingdom that will insert a foot into the mouth, it will likely be me. How do I treat people when they say things they shouldn’t or they don’t say them in the best way? I have to admit, there are times that I’m just as judgmental as anyone. I know that the Lord called me to service but He didn’t call me to be judge over others thoughts and motivations. I believe I better leave that job to Him and just hope that others will do the same for me.
Friday, November 6, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- Do You Really Want to be Chosen by God to be Used by Him?
Do you really want to be chosen by God to be used by Him? Do you really want to be selected to take on responsibility for His honor? So many times in my life, both in my Christian and non-Christian walk; I’ve wanted to do things for my own benefit or my own self-interest. And I think that I mistakenly thought that serving God and doing what I wanted were on opposite ends of the spectrum. How could I be chosen to serve God and honor Him and do what I wanted to do? But I’ve realized in the Lord’s awesome wisdom that the two are not exclusive. I really enjoy what I do for a living and often I meet with young families that want to buy their first home. Many times the conversation goes from their financial situation to their spiritual life and it usually happens so easily and so naturally. I don’t strategically plan it or target anyone for these times. It just happens. Or does it? I feel so blessed that the Lord placed me in a position to do work that I enjoy but He also brings people along my path that I can share Jesus with. He does that, not me. So, it’s clear to me that serving God does not mean you must live a life of denial. Serving God means you get to live a rich, fulfilling life full of opportunities, not just to do what you want but to do it for Him as well.
Nehemiah 7:2 says that Nehemiah chose Hananiah to do a specific task because ‘…..Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do.’ I want to be a person of integrity that God knows He can use in any capacity He chooses. I know that it will be a wonderful journey.
Nehemiah 7:2 says that Nehemiah chose Hananiah to do a specific task because ‘…..Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do.’ I want to be a person of integrity that God knows He can use in any capacity He chooses. I know that it will be a wonderful journey.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- We Can Claim God's Comforting Presence When Life Turns Sour
Day 35
There seems to be a lot of ‘preaching’ these days that says if you want health and wealth, all you need to do is name it and claim it. That may be an encouraging thought. But when I hear this type of theology, I have to ask does it line up with scripture? I’m not a preacher or highly trained in the doctrine but I can read the Bible. After all, may as well go directly to source, right? In James 1:2-4, it says ‘Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.’
The reality is that sometimes life is just lousy. People we love die, tragic accidents happen, businesses fail, parents divorce and families lose their homes. Believing that God meets all our wants and desires if we just ask and believe it, can lead to distrust in the Lord and a distorted concept of what a real relationship with God means when bad things happen. Scripture says clearly that we will face trials and tribulations. But the richest, most comforting truth of having a relationship with God is in knowing that when these things happen, we are never alone. He is always there with us and for us. God is the Great Comforter and I can speak from personal experience. When bad things have happened in my life, having a close walk with God has brought me through it. I believe that the Lord desires for us to prosper for His honor and glory but all the riches in the world can’t replace His comforting presence when life turns sour. If you want to name and claim something, let it be the knowledge that you are a child of God, that He loves you and He has a great plan for you and that He will walk with you through the valleys of life.
There seems to be a lot of ‘preaching’ these days that says if you want health and wealth, all you need to do is name it and claim it. That may be an encouraging thought. But when I hear this type of theology, I have to ask does it line up with scripture? I’m not a preacher or highly trained in the doctrine but I can read the Bible. After all, may as well go directly to source, right? In James 1:2-4, it says ‘Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.’
The reality is that sometimes life is just lousy. People we love die, tragic accidents happen, businesses fail, parents divorce and families lose their homes. Believing that God meets all our wants and desires if we just ask and believe it, can lead to distrust in the Lord and a distorted concept of what a real relationship with God means when bad things happen. Scripture says clearly that we will face trials and tribulations. But the richest, most comforting truth of having a relationship with God is in knowing that when these things happen, we are never alone. He is always there with us and for us. God is the Great Comforter and I can speak from personal experience. When bad things have happened in my life, having a close walk with God has brought me through it. I believe that the Lord desires for us to prosper for His honor and glory but all the riches in the world can’t replace His comforting presence when life turns sour. If you want to name and claim something, let it be the knowledge that you are a child of God, that He loves you and He has a great plan for you and that He will walk with you through the valleys of life.
Monday, November 2, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- Give Every Situation to the Lord
Day 34
Have you ever had someone that was absolutely relentless in trying to harm you or discredit you in some way? No matter how hard you tried to ignore it or fix it, it just would not end? I’ve had a few people in my lifetime that have done that. Sometimes it is people you do business with and sometimes it’s a friend or family member, it could be anyone. But regardless of who it is, it still hurts and causes anxiety.
I was reading this morning in Nehemiah, one of my favorite books, and he’s telling about how they were making great progress in rebuilding the wall but some of the men in the area were resentful of their success. They tried every way to trick the workers and to tell lies. They also tried to deceive Nehemiah into making a bad decision. So I wanted to see. How does he handle this situation that we all have to face at some point? His answer was simple. He prayed. In Nehemiah 6:9, it says ‘But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” And then again in verse 14 we see that he is praying about this matter. He always seemed to be in a constant state of prayer. Miraculously, they completed the wall in only 52 days and Nehemiah’s enemies were frightened because they knew it was only possible through the works of God.
I realize that I have to deal with situations that I just can’t fix, no matter how hard I try. The solution is to give it to the Lord and pray consistently. I can’t perform miracles so why do I try to control things as if I can? But if I pray and give these heartaches to God, He can do miraculous things. He’s God, the Miracle Worker, not me. I’m thankful for that!
Have you ever had someone that was absolutely relentless in trying to harm you or discredit you in some way? No matter how hard you tried to ignore it or fix it, it just would not end? I’ve had a few people in my lifetime that have done that. Sometimes it is people you do business with and sometimes it’s a friend or family member, it could be anyone. But regardless of who it is, it still hurts and causes anxiety.
I was reading this morning in Nehemiah, one of my favorite books, and he’s telling about how they were making great progress in rebuilding the wall but some of the men in the area were resentful of their success. They tried every way to trick the workers and to tell lies. They also tried to deceive Nehemiah into making a bad decision. So I wanted to see. How does he handle this situation that we all have to face at some point? His answer was simple. He prayed. In Nehemiah 6:9, it says ‘But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” And then again in verse 14 we see that he is praying about this matter. He always seemed to be in a constant state of prayer. Miraculously, they completed the wall in only 52 days and Nehemiah’s enemies were frightened because they knew it was only possible through the works of God.
I realize that I have to deal with situations that I just can’t fix, no matter how hard I try. The solution is to give it to the Lord and pray consistently. I can’t perform miracles so why do I try to control things as if I can? But if I pray and give these heartaches to God, He can do miraculous things. He’s God, the Miracle Worker, not me. I’m thankful for that!
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