It has been said a lot that Christmas has become less about Christ and more about everything else. So for those who want to be spurned on to make it about Christ… take this sermon into consideration. Martin Luther gave a sermon in the mid-1520’s about Christ’s resurrection.
Click Here for the full article…
But there are certain points that spoke to me that God has been convicting me of lately – and it has spurned me on to keep my eyes focused on the King of kings… my Savior… The gift from my Heavenly Father – who loves me so (and YOU too!)
Ever struggle with your past sins? You know you are forgiven – that the blood of Christ has washed you clean – but the earthly consequences of our sins can sometime haunt us. Make us feel as though we are not forgiven – sometimes, we don’t forgive each other… but look at this passage from Martin Luther’s sermon;
If Christ has taken away death and our sins by his resurrection and has justified us, why do we then still feel death and sin within us? For our sins torment us still, we are stung by our conscience, and this evil conscience creates the fear of hell. To this I reply: I have often said before that feeling and faith are two different things. It is the nature of faith not to feel, to lay aside reason and close the eyes, to submit absolutely to the Word, and follow it in life and death. Feeling however does not extend beyond that which may be apprehended by reason and the senses, which may be heard, seen, felt and known by the outward senses; For this cause feeling is opposed to faith and faith is opposed to feeling. Therefore the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews writes of faith: "Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) For if we would see Christ visibly in heaven, like the visible sun, we would not need to believe it. But since Christ died for our sins and was raised for our justification, we cannot see it nor feel it, neither can we comprehend it with our reason. Therefore we must disregard our feeling and accept only the Word, write it into our heart and cling to it, even though it seems as if my sins were not taken from me, and even though I still feel them within me. For although we feel that sin is still in us, it is only permitted that our faith may be developed and strengthened, that in spite of all our feelings we accept the Word, and that we unite our hearts and consciences more and more to Christ.
This is the meaning of the words by St. Paul: "Christ was raised for our justification." Here Paul turns my eyes away from my sins and directs them to Christ, for if I look at my sins, they will destroy me.
HALLELUJAH! Praise God for this!
So what does forgiveness look like? Look at what Christ did for us – so that our sins were paid for – in essence, forgiven…
Therefore I must look unto Christ who has taken my sins upon himself, crushed the head of the serpent and become the blessing. Now they no longer burden my conscience, but rest upon Christ, whom they desire to destroy. Let us see how they treat him. They hurl him to the ground and kill him. 0 God; where is now my Christ and my Saviour? But then God appears, delivers Christ and makes him alive; and not only does he make him alive, but he translates him into heaven and lets him rule over all.
THAT is where my confidence comes from… Jesus is who I cling to… for if it were not for the birth of my Savior who came for me, I would be clutched into the hands of death – destroyed and tormented… But CHRIST has saved me from such wrath!
But since Christ has taken my sins upon himself, has died for them, has suffered himself to be slain on account of my sins, they can no longer harm me; for Christ is too strong for them, they cannot keep him, he breaks forth and overpowers them, ascends into heaven, and rules there over all throughout eternity. Now I have a clear conscience, am joyful and happy and am no longer afraid of this tyrant, for Christ has taken my sins away from me and made them his own.
So what happens to my sin? The consequences don’t go away… loved ones are hurt… consequences can be seen and felt for years… maybe a lifetime… Martin reminds us: But they cannot remain upon him; what then becomes of them? They must disappear and be destroyed. This then is the effect of FAITH.
Hebrews 13:6 “So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
We may never see the promises God has made to us – but we are called to continue to live by faith, and in faith we are called to celebrate the birth of the one who came, lived, was crucified, died, and rose again!
In this season the promise began… and in Him it is finished!
The Sermons of Martin Luther, published by Baker Book House
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
To Be Fed What?
I had an interesting conversation with my dad the other night. We were talking about coming before our Father in heaven... and when he asks you what you've done... what would you say? My dad (for as long as I can recall) would always talk about how he would never compare to Mother Theresa. She was such an amazing woman of God - and my father was no where near her level of Godliness.
So I asked my dad, "What do you think made her so much better in God's eyes than you?" His response was "Look at her selfless life. She took care of the sick, and the needy and the poor. Just like God said - when you do this to the least you've done it to me. And I haven't." I listened to my dad - and before I could even pray about how to respond (because I love him dearly!) God instructed me to look up the verse my dad was referring to.
Matthew 25:40 (English Standard Version)
And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'
As I read this God spoke to me. And it keeps coming to mind - and God asked me to share it.
I've read this passage many times before - but God gave me a new perspective on it. One that is even more challenging than my old perspective.
Matthew 25:35-40 (ESV) For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'
For I was hungry and thirsty and you gave me food and drink: but Jesus also told us that He is our true food and drink. That He is better than bread and water... John 6:55 (ESV) "For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink."
I was a stranger and you welcomed me: All those who call themselves children of God - weren't we at one time strangers brought into this family... Ephesians 2:12 & 16 22 (ESV) But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ."remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world." Ephesians 2:19(ESV) "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,"
I was sick, and you visited me: we are ALL sick. Jesus came for the sick - not the healthy. Mark 2:17 (ESV) And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
When I was in prison, you came to me. We are all imprisoned by something. Chained to our past, present and future sins. Galatians 3:22 (NLT) But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.
And being naked... that one has SO many meanings. But the one I love is 2 Corinthians 5:2-3 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked.
I don't know what's harder... meeting someone's physical needs or spiritual needs. What I do know is that looking at this scripture has challenged me and ministered to me in such a profound way.
So the next time I see a stranger who is hungry or thirsty, naked, sick or imprisoned... how will I feed them? Quench their thirst? Clothe them? Will I welcome them? Will I care for them? Will I visit them?
Will I step out of my own understanding and grab hold of what God is calling me to do?
Will you?
Here is truth - With Him and Him alone... I can... and will.
So I asked my dad, "What do you think made her so much better in God's eyes than you?" His response was "Look at her selfless life. She took care of the sick, and the needy and the poor. Just like God said - when you do this to the least you've done it to me. And I haven't." I listened to my dad - and before I could even pray about how to respond (because I love him dearly!) God instructed me to look up the verse my dad was referring to.
Matthew 25:40 (English Standard Version)
And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'
As I read this God spoke to me. And it keeps coming to mind - and God asked me to share it.
I've read this passage many times before - but God gave me a new perspective on it. One that is even more challenging than my old perspective.
Matthew 25:35-40 (ESV) For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'
For I was hungry and thirsty and you gave me food and drink: but Jesus also told us that He is our true food and drink. That He is better than bread and water... John 6:55 (ESV) "For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink."
I was a stranger and you welcomed me: All those who call themselves children of God - weren't we at one time strangers brought into this family... Ephesians 2:12 & 16 22 (ESV) But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ."remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world." Ephesians 2:19(ESV) "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,"
I was sick, and you visited me: we are ALL sick. Jesus came for the sick - not the healthy. Mark 2:17 (ESV) And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
When I was in prison, you came to me. We are all imprisoned by something. Chained to our past, present and future sins. Galatians 3:22 (NLT) But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.
And being naked... that one has SO many meanings. But the one I love is 2 Corinthians 5:2-3 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked.
I don't know what's harder... meeting someone's physical needs or spiritual needs. What I do know is that looking at this scripture has challenged me and ministered to me in such a profound way.
So the next time I see a stranger who is hungry or thirsty, naked, sick or imprisoned... how will I feed them? Quench their thirst? Clothe them? Will I welcome them? Will I care for them? Will I visit them?
Will I step out of my own understanding and grab hold of what God is calling me to do?
Will you?
Here is truth - With Him and Him alone... I can... and will.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
That's CRAZY!!!
1 Kings 17:1-6 Elijah Fed by Ravens
Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word." Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: "Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there." So he did what the LORD had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
This is CRAZY!!! Did you read that???!??! Elijah was told he would be fed by ravens… birds flying… dropping food for him… meat and bread!!!! Not – ravens dying in the sky and dropping to the ground and Elijah cooked them for food – but the ravens fed him – as the Lord God commanded!!! That is crazy!
But is it? Or is that God? Doing things in a crazy manner (in our minds) that is just more proof of his faithfulness and existence?
I am ministered to by this… that my God will provide for me. If you go on to read in 1 Kings you read about how Elijah was sent to a nearby town and that God would provide more food and water for him. A woman – who was literally on her last tablespoon of flour and oil – was asked by Elijah to bring him bread and water. She told him what she had left and after that her and her family would surely die – because they had nothing left. God spoke through Elijah and told the woman to go – make the bread and bring it to him first and then she and her family would be fed for days. And you know what… she did! And God proved himself faithful because the flour nor the oil ran out and the family ate for days!!!
This is CRAZY!!!
It’s CRAZY by this worlds standard… this world as we know it… would read this or if they lived this it would be looked at as crazy! But our God is crafty and sovereign… He knows how to catch our attention and for God - there is no such thing as “that’s CRAZY”.
God calls us to live according to His (living) word… and it's totally different from the standard of this world. In order for us to do so – "we need to get outside the realm of what is comfortable to us and focus instead on radical obedience of God" (Tim Challies). I read this blog today – actually it was a book review… it says: “God doesn’t call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn’t come through.” ~ Tim Challies (http://www.challies.com/book-reviews)
Interesting? Strange? CRAZY? Assuredly – but only by this worlds standards… by God’s standards… it’s expected and normal.
I've heard this song a couple of times on the radio and it is a fitting end to this post... It's called Crazy Love by Hawk Nelson. They wrote it after reading the book "Crazy Love"... this world thinks I'm ridiculous... but God thinks I'm beautiful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jFlW_j4G1A
To Him be all the Glory!
Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word." Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: "Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there." So he did what the LORD had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
This is CRAZY!!! Did you read that???!??! Elijah was told he would be fed by ravens… birds flying… dropping food for him… meat and bread!!!! Not – ravens dying in the sky and dropping to the ground and Elijah cooked them for food – but the ravens fed him – as the Lord God commanded!!! That is crazy!
But is it? Or is that God? Doing things in a crazy manner (in our minds) that is just more proof of his faithfulness and existence?
I am ministered to by this… that my God will provide for me. If you go on to read in 1 Kings you read about how Elijah was sent to a nearby town and that God would provide more food and water for him. A woman – who was literally on her last tablespoon of flour and oil – was asked by Elijah to bring him bread and water. She told him what she had left and after that her and her family would surely die – because they had nothing left. God spoke through Elijah and told the woman to go – make the bread and bring it to him first and then she and her family would be fed for days. And you know what… she did! And God proved himself faithful because the flour nor the oil ran out and the family ate for days!!!
This is CRAZY!!!
It’s CRAZY by this worlds standard… this world as we know it… would read this or if they lived this it would be looked at as crazy! But our God is crafty and sovereign… He knows how to catch our attention and for God - there is no such thing as “that’s CRAZY”.
God calls us to live according to His (living) word… and it's totally different from the standard of this world. In order for us to do so – "we need to get outside the realm of what is comfortable to us and focus instead on radical obedience of God" (Tim Challies). I read this blog today – actually it was a book review… it says: “God doesn’t call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn’t come through.” ~ Tim Challies (http://www.challies.com/book-reviews)
Interesting? Strange? CRAZY? Assuredly – but only by this worlds standards… by God’s standards… it’s expected and normal.
I've heard this song a couple of times on the radio and it is a fitting end to this post... It's called Crazy Love by Hawk Nelson. They wrote it after reading the book "Crazy Love"... this world thinks I'm ridiculous... but God thinks I'm beautiful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jFlW_j4G1A
To Him be all the Glory!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Why Was She Crying?
So everyone knows about my trip to Florida to visit my brother and sister-in-law and 3 of my beautiful nieces (the 4TH lives in Rhode Island!). I had an amazing time and was so grateful to get to spend the weekend with them.
On the way home – I had an interesting encounter. It took all of maybe 20 seconds… but it is still on my heart and I can’t get it out of my head.
When my sister, brother-in-law and I arrived at the airport it was about 1pm. We stood in the security line for what seemed like forever and we rushed to the tram to take us to our boarding gate. We were starving, so we stopped at the food court that was right next to our gate. We ate our lunches and then hustled over to our gate to find that it was as packed as the security line. Since there were no seats together, we decided to sit on the floor against the wall. And when we did a young woman caught my attention. She was sitting directly in front of us – and an open seat to her left – and she was bawling. Uncontrollably sobbing. She was wearing sunglasses and it was very obvious she was trying to not draw attention to herself. She was wiping the tears away on her hand and then wiping her hand on her jeans.
I couldn’t stop starring. I was just looking at her… trying to read her movements and when the sobbing would start and stop. I started to come up with scenarios in my head of what could be making this young woman so upset. Maybe a death in the family… maybe she’s moving from her loved ones… maybe a relationship just ended… I didn’t know – but the other obvious thing was – she was alone.
I sat against the wall… talking to myself and finally decided to get her some napkins. I got up and walked around the corner to one of the counters with straws and napkins and I grabbed a bunch. I walked back around the corner right over to her and gently laid them on her hand. Without looking at me, she took them and thanked me. I said “no problem”.
That was it. I didn’t sit in the empty seat beside her, I just walked away. All the while praying… “God… do you want me to engage her? Should I try and comfort her? Do I try and ask if there is something else I can do for her?”
I sat back down next to my sister who then asked… “Do you want to sit next to her? There is an empty seat…” I just shook my head and said no. I didn’t want to disturb her. Or, at least, that was my excuse.
I did pray for God to give me an opportunity if that’s what He wanted me to do. And deep down… I knew He did… but I just couldn’t. For whatever reason – I did not reach out to this young woman – who obviously needed something. Whether it be a friendly ear, or something to take her mind off her thoughts… or maybe… she just needed to know that someone cared.
That God cared.
On the flight home I kept hearing in my head… “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.” I knew there was scripture that went something like that… but couldn’t remember how it went, exactly. I carry my Bible with me in my purse… and you would think I would have pulled it out to look it up. It was really weighing heavy on my heart. But I didn’t. The Bible never came out of my purse.
So sitting here tonight at work… it is still weighing on me… after having a week of ups and downs… struggling with my own sin and situations that are out of my control… God has just been reminding me… He is for me! He loves me and is right there beside me. And this woman came to my mind again… who was there for her? If she doesn’t know Jesus – then she has no clue that He is there for her too. There was an opportunity to share that with her, to let her know SHE mattered to someone.
So… tonight I asked, “God… why do you keep bringing this to my mind?” And He led me to look up the scripture…
It’s Matthew 25:31-40
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.”
“Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
“Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”
“The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Oh… there is much more to this passage… I suggest reading it all the way through. But I wanted to share this to see if it spurns someone else on – if ever you find yourself in the position to show Jesus’ love to someone… whether it’s someone you know or a stranger… it’s a purpose we all have. We were made to glorify Him and to share the good news with the world. And what better an opportunity to share the love, grace and mercy He shows you to someone who needs to know that someone is in their corner. Someone is for them… someone great and magnificent cares about them. He is the creator of heaven and earth… and all that is in it… and cares for little ol’ you… and what’s going on with you.
Think about the one moment in your past – where you felt the most alone. You prayed for God to let you know that you weren’t alone… that He was indeed with you… and someone showed up. A friend, a family member… a stranger… showing you love and compassion.
Kind of like the foot prints poem…
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?" The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you."
He uses each of us… everyday… and the best part is He will carry us through it. So I pray the next time I am faced with an opportunity to show His love to someone, that I realize that He will carry me through. After all, He’s in control of everything, I want to be a willing servant.
So, when faced with the opportunity to share His love with someone… will you?
On the way home – I had an interesting encounter. It took all of maybe 20 seconds… but it is still on my heart and I can’t get it out of my head.
When my sister, brother-in-law and I arrived at the airport it was about 1pm. We stood in the security line for what seemed like forever and we rushed to the tram to take us to our boarding gate. We were starving, so we stopped at the food court that was right next to our gate. We ate our lunches and then hustled over to our gate to find that it was as packed as the security line. Since there were no seats together, we decided to sit on the floor against the wall. And when we did a young woman caught my attention. She was sitting directly in front of us – and an open seat to her left – and she was bawling. Uncontrollably sobbing. She was wearing sunglasses and it was very obvious she was trying to not draw attention to herself. She was wiping the tears away on her hand and then wiping her hand on her jeans.
I couldn’t stop starring. I was just looking at her… trying to read her movements and when the sobbing would start and stop. I started to come up with scenarios in my head of what could be making this young woman so upset. Maybe a death in the family… maybe she’s moving from her loved ones… maybe a relationship just ended… I didn’t know – but the other obvious thing was – she was alone.
I sat against the wall… talking to myself and finally decided to get her some napkins. I got up and walked around the corner to one of the counters with straws and napkins and I grabbed a bunch. I walked back around the corner right over to her and gently laid them on her hand. Without looking at me, she took them and thanked me. I said “no problem”.
That was it. I didn’t sit in the empty seat beside her, I just walked away. All the while praying… “God… do you want me to engage her? Should I try and comfort her? Do I try and ask if there is something else I can do for her?”
I sat back down next to my sister who then asked… “Do you want to sit next to her? There is an empty seat…” I just shook my head and said no. I didn’t want to disturb her. Or, at least, that was my excuse.
I did pray for God to give me an opportunity if that’s what He wanted me to do. And deep down… I knew He did… but I just couldn’t. For whatever reason – I did not reach out to this young woman – who obviously needed something. Whether it be a friendly ear, or something to take her mind off her thoughts… or maybe… she just needed to know that someone cared.
That God cared.
On the flight home I kept hearing in my head… “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.” I knew there was scripture that went something like that… but couldn’t remember how it went, exactly. I carry my Bible with me in my purse… and you would think I would have pulled it out to look it up. It was really weighing heavy on my heart. But I didn’t. The Bible never came out of my purse.
So sitting here tonight at work… it is still weighing on me… after having a week of ups and downs… struggling with my own sin and situations that are out of my control… God has just been reminding me… He is for me! He loves me and is right there beside me. And this woman came to my mind again… who was there for her? If she doesn’t know Jesus – then she has no clue that He is there for her too. There was an opportunity to share that with her, to let her know SHE mattered to someone.
So… tonight I asked, “God… why do you keep bringing this to my mind?” And He led me to look up the scripture…
It’s Matthew 25:31-40
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.”
“Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
“Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”
“The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Oh… there is much more to this passage… I suggest reading it all the way through. But I wanted to share this to see if it spurns someone else on – if ever you find yourself in the position to show Jesus’ love to someone… whether it’s someone you know or a stranger… it’s a purpose we all have. We were made to glorify Him and to share the good news with the world. And what better an opportunity to share the love, grace and mercy He shows you to someone who needs to know that someone is in their corner. Someone is for them… someone great and magnificent cares about them. He is the creator of heaven and earth… and all that is in it… and cares for little ol’ you… and what’s going on with you.
Think about the one moment in your past – where you felt the most alone. You prayed for God to let you know that you weren’t alone… that He was indeed with you… and someone showed up. A friend, a family member… a stranger… showing you love and compassion.
Kind of like the foot prints poem…
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?" The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you."
He uses each of us… everyday… and the best part is He will carry us through it. So I pray the next time I am faced with an opportunity to show His love to someone, that I realize that He will carry me through. After all, He’s in control of everything, I want to be a willing servant.
So, when faced with the opportunity to share His love with someone… will you?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Do You Journal?
Seriously… do you journal? I do. When I look back over some of my entries I see where God carried me through some tough times. I remember the lessons He taught me and most importantly, I’m reminded of how much He loves me and how He has cared for me. When I journal – I hear from our Lord. He speaks to me through His living word and it sustains me.
But lately – I’ve been in a slump. I haven’t been seeking my Father’s face and therefore I haven’t heard from Him. And I really miss it. Truth is – He hasn’t left me… I’m the one who has turned away. But He is patiently waiting for me to come back. Which makes this experience I want to share with you so amazing.
A few weeks ago, I was meeting with my brother Chris and during this time pain and anger poured out of me. Times have been tough and I have been struggling and fighting – and the truth is I made an agreement with myself that God had abandoned me. In this moment that I admitted this truth God flooded the room. I was overcome with His Holy presence in such a way I hadn’t felt before. I felt His touch and heard His voice… quietly and fiercely He told me He loves me… and that He was with me. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up – and I became tingly all over. Almost like goose bumps, but I wasn’t cold. I was warm. I felt that warmth all over – and then felt like something was holding me. Tightly… my heart was beating so fast, and I felt unexplainable joy!
I stayed in this moment for a while… and as my Father held me He spoke to my heart. He said that He was and always will be with me. That He hasn’t abandoned me. And then He told me to tell Chris something and have him write it down. At first – I thought, “This is for Chris. How cool that God is using me to speak to Chris.” As I relayed what God had told me… there was silence and then He spoke again… He said – “For you”. Those words were for me. Whoa… beyond amazing! I have held onto those words ever since. I carry that piece of paper with me everywhere I go.
That was an amazing night with the Lord – and even though my struggles have continued – I have a reminder that I am not alone. That He is right there, carrying me… fighting for me. I am not alone, nor has He forsaken me. That is His promise to us… to me (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
God has since guided me to put those words where I can see it. So I created this picture with the words He spoke to me… and put it in the places where I can get to it when I feel the most challenged and under attack.
Yes – He spoke to me… but I believe He wants us all to remember that He is with us, always.
May God bless you. And remember, where ever you are at… He is with you.
But lately – I’ve been in a slump. I haven’t been seeking my Father’s face and therefore I haven’t heard from Him. And I really miss it. Truth is – He hasn’t left me… I’m the one who has turned away. But He is patiently waiting for me to come back. Which makes this experience I want to share with you so amazing.
A few weeks ago, I was meeting with my brother Chris and during this time pain and anger poured out of me. Times have been tough and I have been struggling and fighting – and the truth is I made an agreement with myself that God had abandoned me. In this moment that I admitted this truth God flooded the room. I was overcome with His Holy presence in such a way I hadn’t felt before. I felt His touch and heard His voice… quietly and fiercely He told me He loves me… and that He was with me. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up – and I became tingly all over. Almost like goose bumps, but I wasn’t cold. I was warm. I felt that warmth all over – and then felt like something was holding me. Tightly… my heart was beating so fast, and I felt unexplainable joy!
I stayed in this moment for a while… and as my Father held me He spoke to my heart. He said that He was and always will be with me. That He hasn’t abandoned me. And then He told me to tell Chris something and have him write it down. At first – I thought, “This is for Chris. How cool that God is using me to speak to Chris.” As I relayed what God had told me… there was silence and then He spoke again… He said – “For you”. Those words were for me. Whoa… beyond amazing! I have held onto those words ever since. I carry that piece of paper with me everywhere I go.
That was an amazing night with the Lord – and even though my struggles have continued – I have a reminder that I am not alone. That He is right there, carrying me… fighting for me. I am not alone, nor has He forsaken me. That is His promise to us… to me (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
God has since guided me to put those words where I can see it. So I created this picture with the words He spoke to me… and put it in the places where I can get to it when I feel the most challenged and under attack.
Yes – He spoke to me… but I believe He wants us all to remember that He is with us, always.
May God bless you. And remember, where ever you are at… He is with you.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Independence Day
Most of you know my knowledge of US History is... well, let's just say I recently learned that "Battle of the Bulge" was, in fact, the single biggest and bloodiest battle that American forces experienced in World War II... not a battle of belly fat.
So - when I read some of the status updates from family and friends thanking those who are serving to protect our freedom... I realized I really wanted to learn more about July 4th. I know about the Declaration of Independence and I remember having to learn the Preamble to the US Constitution, but truly - I wanted a refresher of the history of Independence Day.
I know that it's a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. And (thanks to the Internet) I can read all day long the history of how it came about, who the 5 people were on the committee who wrote the original statement of Independence (which was revised by Congress)... but in my reading I came across a letter that John Adams wrote to his wife on July 3rd, and it made my heart leap!
"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."
Every year, a friend of mine has been reading this letter - as part of the 4th of July celebrations in Dover... he actually shaves for this event so he can properly portray the part of John Adams. I have never seen him do this... I never understood the impact of John's letter - but after reading it... I was moved.
Through his letter to his wife I also felt honored... that so many men had died to give us freedom... and that so many men and women continue to sacrifice so much, including giving their lives protecting that freedom.
So I have a deep appreciation for those serving this country… I am blessed by you.
But I want to remind you all… about another battle that was fought and won for us. There is but one Man who died for a freedom that (sadly) only small percentages of our country know about (recognize) and enjoy. Thank you Jesus!!!
So, as we remember the men and women who are serving here and far away – let’s pray for them... that God keep them safe and continue to give them courage, strength and endurance... HIS courage, strength and endurance.
I quote John Adams... "...day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty"
By Him and through Him alone - our battle is won!
So - when I read some of the status updates from family and friends thanking those who are serving to protect our freedom... I realized I really wanted to learn more about July 4th. I know about the Declaration of Independence and I remember having to learn the Preamble to the US Constitution, but truly - I wanted a refresher of the history of Independence Day.
I know that it's a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. And (thanks to the Internet) I can read all day long the history of how it came about, who the 5 people were on the committee who wrote the original statement of Independence (which was revised by Congress)... but in my reading I came across a letter that John Adams wrote to his wife on July 3rd, and it made my heart leap!
"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."
Every year, a friend of mine has been reading this letter - as part of the 4th of July celebrations in Dover... he actually shaves for this event so he can properly portray the part of John Adams. I have never seen him do this... I never understood the impact of John's letter - but after reading it... I was moved.
Through his letter to his wife I also felt honored... that so many men had died to give us freedom... and that so many men and women continue to sacrifice so much, including giving their lives protecting that freedom.
So I have a deep appreciation for those serving this country… I am blessed by you.
But I want to remind you all… about another battle that was fought and won for us. There is but one Man who died for a freedom that (sadly) only small percentages of our country know about (recognize) and enjoy. Thank you Jesus!!!
So, as we remember the men and women who are serving here and far away – let’s pray for them... that God keep them safe and continue to give them courage, strength and endurance... HIS courage, strength and endurance.
I quote John Adams... "...day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty"
By Him and through Him alone - our battle is won!
Friday, June 5, 2009
My Treasure
I know I have written about being persecuted or under spiritual attack before... and even though I know there is a lot of that happening right now, that's not entirely what I want to share with you.
I had the opportunity to watch something extraordinary.
"Forgotten Stories"... "The Invitation" focused on people who are living in Sitio Veterans, a community of over 14,000 who live in extreme poverty. And there was a young lady and her story that caught my attention and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.
I don't remember her name, but I'll never forget her eyes. You need to see it... the look in this young woman's eyes as she told her story of her want for an education... her faith in God... her prayers to Him and how they were answered. The story is amazing - but more amazing to me was her heart. The battle she was (is) fighting I know I will never truly comprehend. The poverty and oppression... all that she had gone through... and you know what she said? She said she "treasured" all that she had gone through. She went on talking about God's provision and I was stuck... stuck back on "treasured".
Whoa... really? She treasured all that pain she'd gone through?
I just couldn't grasp it... I couldn't move past it...
So I asked God... "Why is this on my heart?" And I listened... and listened... and then...
He led me to Psalm 10:17-18
"O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more."
I am helpless... I am living in a broken world that wants to devour me. It wants to strip me of my joy. But He who holds me... the one who saved me... He hears me and protects me. He equips me, gives me wisdom and holds me when I am too weak to stand.
I do not have victory because of what I've done... but because of what He has done! He deserves all the glory.
"...as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies —in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
~1 Peter 4:10-11
That's what this young woman means. She is where she is because of her Heavenly Father. She would endure it all again - if it meant that He would be glorified.
Amazing... I want that heart!
I had the opportunity to watch something extraordinary.
"Forgotten Stories"... "The Invitation" focused on people who are living in Sitio Veterans, a community of over 14,000 who live in extreme poverty. And there was a young lady and her story that caught my attention and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.
I don't remember her name, but I'll never forget her eyes. You need to see it... the look in this young woman's eyes as she told her story of her want for an education... her faith in God... her prayers to Him and how they were answered. The story is amazing - but more amazing to me was her heart. The battle she was (is) fighting I know I will never truly comprehend. The poverty and oppression... all that she had gone through... and you know what she said? She said she "treasured" all that she had gone through. She went on talking about God's provision and I was stuck... stuck back on "treasured".
Whoa... really? She treasured all that pain she'd gone through?
I just couldn't grasp it... I couldn't move past it...
So I asked God... "Why is this on my heart?" And I listened... and listened... and then...
He led me to Psalm 10:17-18
"O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more."
I am helpless... I am living in a broken world that wants to devour me. It wants to strip me of my joy. But He who holds me... the one who saved me... He hears me and protects me. He equips me, gives me wisdom and holds me when I am too weak to stand.
I do not have victory because of what I've done... but because of what He has done! He deserves all the glory.
"...as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies —in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
~1 Peter 4:10-11
That's what this young woman means. She is where she is because of her Heavenly Father. She would endure it all again - if it meant that He would be glorified.
Amazing... I want that heart!
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