My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. ~ Psalm 139:15-16 (NIV)
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In Psalm 139, David marvels at God's amazing knowledge and power. God knows everything about us...where we go, what we're thinking, what we say...BEFORE any of it ever happens. And as we go about our business, there's no place we go that He's not watching. Even in the dark...the darkness of night, or a dark cave, or the womb...God sees and knows. David says, Wow, God, this is almost too much to handle -- You're blowin' my mind with who You are...
Nothing escapes His glance, nothing is formed without His foreknowledge, nothing continues to exist without His hand upon it. Does any of this blow your mind? Do you really believe in God's omnipotence, His omniscience, His omnipresence? Or does God not seem very big in your eyes?
I sit here in my bedroom this morning, looking at my beautiful mahogany dresser. Guess what? God designed mahogany with its rich, red colors, and He created the tree that provided the wood for my dresser. He could tell me exactly which tree was used and where it was planted. He knows the person who fashioned this dresser and gave them the ability to work with their hands. He knows every person who's ever put their clothes in it, including me. And He knows where this piece of furniture will travel far into the future. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere!
Does it comfort you to know this about Him? Or does it make you uneasy?
Sometimes we want God to see us, to know all that we're going through, to help us when we're hurting or in trouble. But sometimes we want to hide from God. We don't want to see His face when we're not what or where we should be. We have dark thoughts that rattle around in the cave of our mind, and we hope He can't or won't see what's in our darkness. But David acknowledged God's power and presence, and stood honest before God, desiring to be changed...
Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. ~ Psalm 139:21-24 (NIV)
Not only does God see our hearts, He loves us and can change our hearts when they're not in line with His character and purposes. But we must give God license to do so, because He won't force Himself on us. In love, He allows us to be awed by who He is so that we would want to seek after Him, to desire Him, to be like Him...
The God who made the universe and everything in it, who saw you before you were born as you cell-divided in your mother's womb, who knows how this world's story ends, sees you now...wherever you are. And He loves you! I hope you know that today, and that your knowledge of His greatness will cause you to fall down at His feet and worship Him, thanking Him for all He is and does, and that you desire to be moulded into His likeness, through the power of the Holy Spirit working within you.
Our God is an AWESOME God, amen? Then let us give Him the glory and honor and praise that is due Him in all we say and do!
Love,
Joelene
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Verse of the Day - James 2:1
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others? ~ James 2:1 (NLT, 1st Edition)
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Here is the fuller context...
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? ~ James 2:1-4 (NLT, 2nd Edition)
I struggle with judging others. I mean, in my heart, I desire to love all people, to treat them fairly, to not judge others by outward appearances...but I do it -- all the time. My eye sees, and my heart judges...what people wear, how they do their hair, if they are overweight or even underweight, what their cars or yards look like, how their kids behave, and on and on it goes. It comes on in an instant, and if I'm not savvy as to what's going on within me, before I can blink an eye, I've judged them and belittled them in my heart! As Paul says in Romans 7:23-24..."What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?"
But James takes judgment one step further to the sin of showing favoritism. That's like double the trouble, putting one person down and heaping that insult on them by showing to favoritism to someone else, right in front of them!
You know, the "beautiful people" of the world are shown favor all the time. It's really a sad thing to me, but it's everywhere, and I can't say I'm immune to it. I never see a homely, slovenly sales person come into my job. No, they're attractive, well-dressed and charming! People naturally gravitate to those who are handsome, chic, "presentable". Those with bad grooming habits, shabby clothes, and poor grammar, don't go very far in the business world, or most any other world we circle in. We disregard them, and focus our attention on those who "have it all together". Oh Lord, forgive us...
James goes on to say this...
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?
~ James 2:5-7 (NLT, 2nd Edition)
Sometimes people show favoritism to the rich and the beautiful because they just want to schmooze with them to make themselves feel important. Sometimes it's because they want to "get in good" with those who can give them something they don't have. Either way, God says that will most likely backfire on you, and you'll be the one that's taken advantage of!
Faith, or finances...which do we favor? Don't think you or others in your church body have a problem with this? Hmm. I wonder what you might think if you just stood back and observed your church lobby on a Sunday morning before services. Watch how people treat the well-dressed versus the not-so-well-dressed, the Suit versus the Shabby. Or how about the Affluent versus the Alternative? We see the package and we make our judgments. And then we often behave in a manner that says we like one better than the other. We'll shake the hand and smile at the "chosen one", while ignoring the "shunned one". Oh Lord, forgive us...
The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. ~ 1 Samuel 16:7b
"All that glitters is not gold", so the saying goes. We can be hypnotized by the sparkle, but it can leave us grasping after fool's gold. I pray that we would be willing to allow God to strike from our spirits the sin of judgment and favoritism, to give us eyes to see people the way God sees them, and to honor faith and love for God over all the glitz and glam of this world.
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Here is the fuller context...
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? ~ James 2:1-4 (NLT, 2nd Edition)
I struggle with judging others. I mean, in my heart, I desire to love all people, to treat them fairly, to not judge others by outward appearances...but I do it -- all the time. My eye sees, and my heart judges...what people wear, how they do their hair, if they are overweight or even underweight, what their cars or yards look like, how their kids behave, and on and on it goes. It comes on in an instant, and if I'm not savvy as to what's going on within me, before I can blink an eye, I've judged them and belittled them in my heart! As Paul says in Romans 7:23-24..."What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?"
But James takes judgment one step further to the sin of showing favoritism. That's like double the trouble, putting one person down and heaping that insult on them by showing to favoritism to someone else, right in front of them!
You know, the "beautiful people" of the world are shown favor all the time. It's really a sad thing to me, but it's everywhere, and I can't say I'm immune to it. I never see a homely, slovenly sales person come into my job. No, they're attractive, well-dressed and charming! People naturally gravitate to those who are handsome, chic, "presentable". Those with bad grooming habits, shabby clothes, and poor grammar, don't go very far in the business world, or most any other world we circle in. We disregard them, and focus our attention on those who "have it all together". Oh Lord, forgive us...
James goes on to say this...
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?
~ James 2:5-7 (NLT, 2nd Edition)
Sometimes people show favoritism to the rich and the beautiful because they just want to schmooze with them to make themselves feel important. Sometimes it's because they want to "get in good" with those who can give them something they don't have. Either way, God says that will most likely backfire on you, and you'll be the one that's taken advantage of!
Faith, or finances...which do we favor? Don't think you or others in your church body have a problem with this? Hmm. I wonder what you might think if you just stood back and observed your church lobby on a Sunday morning before services. Watch how people treat the well-dressed versus the not-so-well-dressed, the Suit versus the Shabby. Or how about the Affluent versus the Alternative? We see the package and we make our judgments. And then we often behave in a manner that says we like one better than the other. We'll shake the hand and smile at the "chosen one", while ignoring the "shunned one". Oh Lord, forgive us...
The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. ~ 1 Samuel 16:7b
"All that glitters is not gold", so the saying goes. We can be hypnotized by the sparkle, but it can leave us grasping after fool's gold. I pray that we would be willing to allow God to strike from our spirits the sin of judgment and favoritism, to give us eyes to see people the way God sees them, and to honor faith and love for God over all the glitz and glam of this world.
Love,
Joelene
Monday, April 28, 2008
Verse of the Day - Proverbs 22:6
Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it. ~ Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)
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...one of the most quoted verses in the Bible by parents, don't you think? And it's quoted by those dealing with straying kids, or their friends and family, right? I memorized it this way...train up a child in the way he should go, and when he's old, he will not depart from it...you may have, too.
And we cling to this verse as a promise when our kids question their faith, when they do stupid stuff and make a mess out of their lives, when they live their lives completely contrary to God's word. But is this a promise, or a premise? They're very different, you know.
I have heard pastors say that the Proverbs are wise sayings but not hard-and-fast promises. These words of wisdom usually bear out, but not always. And if you have a wayward child in your life right now, that's probably not what you want to hear. Sorry.
But if you look back at your own life and the lives of many others and listen to testimony over and over again, you'll see and hear that this premise usually does bear out. When we are instructed in the ways of the Lord, we usually do return to it. The phrase when he is old is different for every person, but most seem to wake up to their senses and recognize God's truth eventually.
But for parents, grandparents and beloved family members, the waiting can seem interminable, huh? How long, oh Lord, how long? A day of a child's rebellion and unbelief can seem like 1,000 years to an adult who loves them. We want them on the right track, and we want it NOW! Unfortunately, we just don't know our kids like God does. He knows exactly what our kids need to get to the place of knowledge and understanding. He knows what they need to get to the place of repentance and submission. Us "beating" it into them once they've taken the side roads usually backfires, doesn't it?
Our job is to teach them when they're young, to read God's word to them and live it in front of them. When they reach their teenage years, they may sail through on the sea of faith...and they may shipwreck on the rocks of rebellion. At that point, I urge you to love them. Love them and pray. Allow God to deal with them, because like the old TV show, "Father knows best". Continue to live out God's word in front of them, but resist the urge to beat the Word of God into their pores. They have to test God's Word for themselves. They have to test themselves. They have to test. Let them test without trying to rescue them out of it. But love them through it. Always love them through it.
BTW, God knows what parents go through, too...'cause we're so often just like rebellious teenagers, aren't we? Does he rescue us out of our rebelliousness when we make a mess of things? Or does He let us feel the truth of His Word and love us through it? You know the answer to that, as well as I do.
I pray God's strength and peace to all who are working through the challenges of raising children. Please know that God is in control, and that children have a choice. They must make it for themselves, and you can't force the issue. Teach them the truth, and let God be their personal trainer. Trust Him even when your kids fall on their faces in the mud. Because getting dirty is often part of the process of understanding how to avoid the mud pits of life and the value of listening to the wisdom of your personal trainer.
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
...one of the most quoted verses in the Bible by parents, don't you think? And it's quoted by those dealing with straying kids, or their friends and family, right? I memorized it this way...train up a child in the way he should go, and when he's old, he will not depart from it...you may have, too.
And we cling to this verse as a promise when our kids question their faith, when they do stupid stuff and make a mess out of their lives, when they live their lives completely contrary to God's word. But is this a promise, or a premise? They're very different, you know.
I have heard pastors say that the Proverbs are wise sayings but not hard-and-fast promises. These words of wisdom usually bear out, but not always. And if you have a wayward child in your life right now, that's probably not what you want to hear. Sorry.
But if you look back at your own life and the lives of many others and listen to testimony over and over again, you'll see and hear that this premise usually does bear out. When we are instructed in the ways of the Lord, we usually do return to it. The phrase when he is old is different for every person, but most seem to wake up to their senses and recognize God's truth eventually.
But for parents, grandparents and beloved family members, the waiting can seem interminable, huh? How long, oh Lord, how long? A day of a child's rebellion and unbelief can seem like 1,000 years to an adult who loves them. We want them on the right track, and we want it NOW! Unfortunately, we just don't know our kids like God does. He knows exactly what our kids need to get to the place of knowledge and understanding. He knows what they need to get to the place of repentance and submission. Us "beating" it into them once they've taken the side roads usually backfires, doesn't it?
Our job is to teach them when they're young, to read God's word to them and live it in front of them. When they reach their teenage years, they may sail through on the sea of faith...and they may shipwreck on the rocks of rebellion. At that point, I urge you to love them. Love them and pray. Allow God to deal with them, because like the old TV show, "Father knows best". Continue to live out God's word in front of them, but resist the urge to beat the Word of God into their pores. They have to test God's Word for themselves. They have to test themselves. They have to test. Let them test without trying to rescue them out of it. But love them through it. Always love them through it.
BTW, God knows what parents go through, too...'cause we're so often just like rebellious teenagers, aren't we? Does he rescue us out of our rebelliousness when we make a mess of things? Or does He let us feel the truth of His Word and love us through it? You know the answer to that, as well as I do.
I pray God's strength and peace to all who are working through the challenges of raising children. Please know that God is in control, and that children have a choice. They must make it for themselves, and you can't force the issue. Teach them the truth, and let God be their personal trainer. Trust Him even when your kids fall on their faces in the mud. Because getting dirty is often part of the process of understanding how to avoid the mud pits of life and the value of listening to the wisdom of your personal trainer.
Love,
Joelene
Verse of the Day - Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. ~ Psalm 23:6 (NIV)
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Sometimes, we think that goodness and love come in packages like these...
...and when we don't have these in our lives, we can feel cheated or ripped off by God. We think hey, what about that goodness and love, God? My finances are in the toilet and my love life stinks. Where's the goodness? Where's the love?
But we're so short-sighted and limited in our understanding of God's riches! We think so horizontally, putting God in our little box of human understanding. What does God's goodness and love really look like?
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Sometimes, we think that goodness and love come in packages like these...
...and when we don't have these in our lives, we can feel cheated or ripped off by God. We think hey, what about that goodness and love, God? My finances are in the toilet and my love life stinks. Where's the goodness? Where's the love?
But we're so short-sighted and limited in our understanding of God's riches! We think so horizontally, putting God in our little box of human understanding. What does God's goodness and love really look like?
God's character is good, not evil. He loves, not hates. And He shows His goodness and love to us over and over again! But if we're looking for love in all the wrong places, we'll miss it. We'll miss Him.
May you know today how much God loves you and how He pursues you with the goodness and love that flows from His heart. May you choose to look vertically at the spiritual riches that God gives those who love and trust Him. May you open your eyes to who He really is and how He really operates. You might be surprised at what you see...
Love,
Joelene
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Verse of the Day - John 15:16
[Jesus says], "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit -- fruit that will last." ~ John 15:16 (NIV)
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Last weekend, I bought some beautiful looking strawberries at the store -- yummy! It was a large container, and I thought it would last me all week. Wrong. The fruit just didn't last. Some got shriveled and some got kind of rubbery before I could eat them all! I wasn't happy to throw a quarter of those berries away, but fruit doesn't last forever...sometimes not even a week! :-(
Jesus says that, as His followers, He calls us to be fruit-bearers...not just pretty trees blowing in the breeze. In fact, He has some pretty strong words for those trees that aren't productive in John 15. There are great theological debates about what it means to be cut down and thrown in the fire for those who are unproductive, and I won't go down that path today. But I think His point is, if you are connected to Him and stay connected, you will bear fruit...fruit that will last.
So what is this fruit that will last? Many would say this is evangelism, because a soul saved is for eternity (John 3:16). Others would say faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 15:13), because as Paul says, these three will remain when other things fade. And then, of course, there is the fruit of the Spirit that Paul references in Galatians 5:22-23...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. So which is it? All of the above, and more.
Just as we can't put God in a box by trying to label our spiritual gifts, I don't think we can say there's only one kind of fruit we bear that lasts. Anything inspired by God in your life will last! Why? Because He lasts. He is eternal. What springs from Him is always green and vibrant and fruitful! When you are connected to the True Vine, you're gonna produce fruit that doesn't go bad in a week -- because God doesn't know the word "decay".
But we sure know the word "decay", don't we? When we're not spending time with God but running solo instead, what kind of fruit do we produce? Rotten. Don't think so? Let me help you...
It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. ~ Galatians 5:19-20 (The Msg)
Wow. That is pretty sobering. Do we see ourselves in this mirror?
If we are followers of Jesus, we have a job to do -- we're on mission for Him! If we're connected to Him, we're gonna bear fruit that represents His eternal plan and glory, fruit that lasts...if we're not, we're just clogging up God's garbage disposal with rotten produce.
Are we willing to take a sober look at our lives and examine our fruit, the outward evidence of what's on the inside? If we really desire to be all that God has planned for us, we will walk the vineyards of our lives and be honest with ourselves and with God. Is there stuff that needs to be tossed, branches that need pruning? Then ask God to help you, to clean out the inside of your soul that is producing bad fruit or no fruit at all.
Jesus calls you to a productive spiritual life -- it's not a call for the weak. I challenge you to work alongside the Master Gardener to develop in you a life that springs forth the eternal good from Him, fruit that never needs to be thrown away.
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Last weekend, I bought some beautiful looking strawberries at the store -- yummy! It was a large container, and I thought it would last me all week. Wrong. The fruit just didn't last. Some got shriveled and some got kind of rubbery before I could eat them all! I wasn't happy to throw a quarter of those berries away, but fruit doesn't last forever...sometimes not even a week! :-(
Jesus says that, as His followers, He calls us to be fruit-bearers...not just pretty trees blowing in the breeze. In fact, He has some pretty strong words for those trees that aren't productive in John 15. There are great theological debates about what it means to be cut down and thrown in the fire for those who are unproductive, and I won't go down that path today. But I think His point is, if you are connected to Him and stay connected, you will bear fruit...fruit that will last.
So what is this fruit that will last? Many would say this is evangelism, because a soul saved is for eternity (John 3:16). Others would say faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 15:13), because as Paul says, these three will remain when other things fade. And then, of course, there is the fruit of the Spirit that Paul references in Galatians 5:22-23...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. So which is it? All of the above, and more.
Just as we can't put God in a box by trying to label our spiritual gifts, I don't think we can say there's only one kind of fruit we bear that lasts. Anything inspired by God in your life will last! Why? Because He lasts. He is eternal. What springs from Him is always green and vibrant and fruitful! When you are connected to the True Vine, you're gonna produce fruit that doesn't go bad in a week -- because God doesn't know the word "decay".
But we sure know the word "decay", don't we? When we're not spending time with God but running solo instead, what kind of fruit do we produce? Rotten. Don't think so? Let me help you...
It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. ~ Galatians 5:19-20 (The Msg)
Wow. That is pretty sobering. Do we see ourselves in this mirror?
If we are followers of Jesus, we have a job to do -- we're on mission for Him! If we're connected to Him, we're gonna bear fruit that represents His eternal plan and glory, fruit that lasts...if we're not, we're just clogging up God's garbage disposal with rotten produce.
Are we willing to take a sober look at our lives and examine our fruit, the outward evidence of what's on the inside? If we really desire to be all that God has planned for us, we will walk the vineyards of our lives and be honest with ourselves and with God. Is there stuff that needs to be tossed, branches that need pruning? Then ask God to help you, to clean out the inside of your soul that is producing bad fruit or no fruit at all.
Jesus calls you to a productive spiritual life -- it's not a call for the weak. I challenge you to work alongside the Master Gardener to develop in you a life that springs forth the eternal good from Him, fruit that never needs to be thrown away.
Love,
Joelene
Friday, April 25, 2008
Verse of the Day - Psalm 3:5-6
I lay down and slept; I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side. ~Psalm 3:5-6 (NLT)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
If anyone had cause to sleep with one eye open, it was David. Saul was trying to kill David, plain and simple, and Saul didn't go on his own. He took help with him, and lots of it -- David was a wanted man on the run. And yet, he could say that he slept well without fear, even if an army of 10,000 hunted him down. He trusted God that much. Wow.
How 'bout us? Can we say the same?
The worries in life can cause our minds to be on the run, and we can feel like a hunted animal, trying to hide in this cave or under that bush. And yet the worries stalk us like an army of 10,000 men. Who can rest, who can sleep when we can't turn off the worry?
David said, "The Lord watches over me." He understood God's ability to reign supreme and watch over the earth, and God's love and care for him personally. And he trusted God. He believed that God would take care of him, period. And so he could lay down, close his eyes, and let go of trying to control his universe. He slept, because God never does.
Oh, to take lessons from David...
A friend said so wisely yesterday, "Control is an illusion. We may have influence, but we don't have control." How true that is -- God is in control! We sing it, we say it, but do we believe it?
There are very likely things in your life that are hounding you right now. It could be finances, family strife, pressures on the job, or health concerns. You might lay awake at night replaying negative film footage of the past, and create new horror scenes yet to be filmed...and your heart and mind race back and forth between wanting to trust God and feeling the need to try to control the situations. I pray that you can let go with both hands the things you're hanging onto. Give God the honor He is due by trusting Him to be who He is -- the Maker and Provider of everything you see and don't see.
God is God, and we are not. Can we rest in that fact? I know He's up to the challenge, so give it a whirl -- trust Him! Don't try to predict the outcome and don't let circumstances discourage you -- keep believing God is good and loving and capable of being Himself.
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
~ Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Rest well, my friends, as you trust the Lord for all the enemies you face.
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
If anyone had cause to sleep with one eye open, it was David. Saul was trying to kill David, plain and simple, and Saul didn't go on his own. He took help with him, and lots of it -- David was a wanted man on the run. And yet, he could say that he slept well without fear, even if an army of 10,000 hunted him down. He trusted God that much. Wow.
How 'bout us? Can we say the same?
The worries in life can cause our minds to be on the run, and we can feel like a hunted animal, trying to hide in this cave or under that bush. And yet the worries stalk us like an army of 10,000 men. Who can rest, who can sleep when we can't turn off the worry?
David said, "The Lord watches over me." He understood God's ability to reign supreme and watch over the earth, and God's love and care for him personally. And he trusted God. He believed that God would take care of him, period. And so he could lay down, close his eyes, and let go of trying to control his universe. He slept, because God never does.
Oh, to take lessons from David...
A friend said so wisely yesterday, "Control is an illusion. We may have influence, but we don't have control." How true that is -- God is in control! We sing it, we say it, but do we believe it?
There are very likely things in your life that are hounding you right now. It could be finances, family strife, pressures on the job, or health concerns. You might lay awake at night replaying negative film footage of the past, and create new horror scenes yet to be filmed...and your heart and mind race back and forth between wanting to trust God and feeling the need to try to control the situations. I pray that you can let go with both hands the things you're hanging onto. Give God the honor He is due by trusting Him to be who He is -- the Maker and Provider of everything you see and don't see.
God is God, and we are not. Can we rest in that fact? I know He's up to the challenge, so give it a whirl -- trust Him! Don't try to predict the outcome and don't let circumstances discourage you -- keep believing God is good and loving and capable of being Himself.
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
~ Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Rest well, my friends, as you trust the Lord for all the enemies you face.
Love,
Joelene
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Verse of the Day - Galatians 6:4
Each person should judge his own actions and not compare himself with others. Then he can be proud for what he himself has done. ~ Galatians 6:4 (NCV)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In the business world, benchmarks are a way of measuring performance, standards which are set to qualify excellence in a particular field. It's like the pole vault in track and field -- keep raising the bar to reach new heights.
But the comparison game is different. Instead of measuring our lives against the Word of God, we want to compare ourselves against other people, as if Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the end-all of personal and/or spiritual living. I say, only as they measure up to the benchmarks of God.
But you've got to get into God's Word before you can know what His standards are. Often, our idea of spiritual excellence is based on human legalism, and we become enslaved to a list of rules and potentially become a holy legend in our own mind. Ouch.
What should I bring to the Lord when I bow down before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt gifts, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with 10,000 rivers of oil? Should I give my first-born to pay for not obeying? Should I give the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? O man, He has told you what is good. What does the Lord ask of you but to do what is fair and to love kindness, and to walk without pride with your God?
~ Micah 6:6-8 (NLV)
...to do what is fair and to love kindness, and to walk without pride with your God.
Those are pretty plain-and-simple benchmarks to compare ourselves with, don't you think? Simple, but not easy. God's standards require a radical reorientation of our heart...
~ Seeking justice for the opressed and refusing to take advantage of people for our own gain...
~ Purposefully showing mercy and love to others...
~ Being in an active, honest relationship with God, recognizing fully who we are and who He is, and being okay with that.
When we play the comparison game, the competition is against others, not the bar. The focus is on us and our ego, and not God and our relationship with Him. Not good.
Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Set your sights on the bar God raises...and don't worry about what everyone else is up to.
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In the business world, benchmarks are a way of measuring performance, standards which are set to qualify excellence in a particular field. It's like the pole vault in track and field -- keep raising the bar to reach new heights.
But the comparison game is different. Instead of measuring our lives against the Word of God, we want to compare ourselves against other people, as if Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the end-all of personal and/or spiritual living. I say, only as they measure up to the benchmarks of God.
But you've got to get into God's Word before you can know what His standards are. Often, our idea of spiritual excellence is based on human legalism, and we become enslaved to a list of rules and potentially become a holy legend in our own mind. Ouch.
What should I bring to the Lord when I bow down before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt gifts, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with 10,000 rivers of oil? Should I give my first-born to pay for not obeying? Should I give the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? O man, He has told you what is good. What does the Lord ask of you but to do what is fair and to love kindness, and to walk without pride with your God?
~ Micah 6:6-8 (NLV)
...to do what is fair and to love kindness, and to walk without pride with your God.
Those are pretty plain-and-simple benchmarks to compare ourselves with, don't you think? Simple, but not easy. God's standards require a radical reorientation of our heart...
~ Seeking justice for the opressed and refusing to take advantage of people for our own gain...
~ Purposefully showing mercy and love to others...
~ Being in an active, honest relationship with God, recognizing fully who we are and who He is, and being okay with that.
When we play the comparison game, the competition is against others, not the bar. The focus is on us and our ego, and not God and our relationship with Him. Not good.
Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Set your sights on the bar God raises...and don't worry about what everyone else is up to.
Love,
Joelene
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Verse of the Day - Psalm 24:1
The earth is the LORD's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.
~ Psalm 24:1 (NIV)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
ah, rats...and just when we thought we owed the universe...
King David reminds us that we're not the kings and queens of our castles...God is. And David uses this verse to remind us of God's supreme authorship and authority. Then David asks these questions: "Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?" (Psalm 24:3)
He basically says, What right do you have to come into the presence of the King? What offering to you bring?
I think of the scene in "The Ten Commandments" when foreign visitors coming to Egypt would bring gifts to Pharaoh when entering His land. If you and your gifts were acceptable, you could stay. If not, well...it might not be pretty, because the King has the authority to kick you out...or worse.
When we understand who God is in all His holiness and majesty as King of the universe, we should be humbled when we look at the rags of our pride and selfishness...at the gifts of our hateful, greedy hearts. What offerings could we possibly bring to Him that would satisfy, that would give us right to live and breath in His land?
Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?
Who may stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.
He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God his Savior.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob. Selah. ~ Psalm 24:3-6 (NIV)
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise. ~ Psalm 51:16-17 (NIV)
When you stand before the King of this land, do you try to appease Him with gifts of good works and lofty words? Or do humble yourself to the One who made you and provides everything you possess, handing Him your heart that's filled with self and asking for real change, and laying yourself at His feet at a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2)?
God is God, and we are not. We are completely at His mercy, whether we want to admit it or not. Fortunately for us, He is a good King, full of mercy. And He longs for us to enter His presence...that's why He gave His Son, Jesus.
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. ~ Hebrews 4:13-16 (NLT)
Love,
Joelene
~ Psalm 24:1 (NIV)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
ah, rats...and just when we thought we owed the universe...
King David reminds us that we're not the kings and queens of our castles...God is. And David uses this verse to remind us of God's supreme authorship and authority. Then David asks these questions: "Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?" (Psalm 24:3)
He basically says, What right do you have to come into the presence of the King? What offering to you bring?
I think of the scene in "The Ten Commandments" when foreign visitors coming to Egypt would bring gifts to Pharaoh when entering His land. If you and your gifts were acceptable, you could stay. If not, well...it might not be pretty, because the King has the authority to kick you out...or worse.
When we understand who God is in all His holiness and majesty as King of the universe, we should be humbled when we look at the rags of our pride and selfishness...at the gifts of our hateful, greedy hearts. What offerings could we possibly bring to Him that would satisfy, that would give us right to live and breath in His land?
Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?
Who may stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.
He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God his Savior.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob. Selah. ~ Psalm 24:3-6 (NIV)
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise. ~ Psalm 51:16-17 (NIV)
When you stand before the King of this land, do you try to appease Him with gifts of good works and lofty words? Or do humble yourself to the One who made you and provides everything you possess, handing Him your heart that's filled with self and asking for real change, and laying yourself at His feet at a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2)?
God is God, and we are not. We are completely at His mercy, whether we want to admit it or not. Fortunately for us, He is a good King, full of mercy. And He longs for us to enter His presence...that's why He gave His Son, Jesus.
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. ~ Hebrews 4:13-16 (NLT)
Love,
Joelene
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Verse of the Day - Deuteronomy 20:19
"When you are besieging a town and the war drags on, do not destroy the trees. Eat the fruit, but do not cut down the trees. They are not enemies that need to be attacked!"
~ Deuteronomy 20:19 (NLT)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
This verse comes from some instructions God gave to the Israelites in preparation for taking the land of Canaan that was promised to them. In order to scale the walls of some cities, siege ramps needed to be built, and what do you think they needed to build these ramps? Wood. So they would cut down the trees around them to create these ramps.
(I think it's kind of funny when God gives instructions to people, knowing what they will do or will think of doing. He often leaves nothing to chance, but addresses all of the options we might consider as we go through life...good, bad, or otherwise.)
You've heard the old saying, "don't cut off your nose to spite your face"? That's what God was saying to them. The fruit trees "are for the benefit of man" (NIV footnote). Duh....how else are we supposed to get our 2-3 servings of fruits every day like the nutritional pyramids tells us?!? :-) But sometimes people just don't think rationally when tackling a project or job, especially when conquer is the motive and plan. Good things can get bowled over in the effort, and then when looking back and you see the destruction of the good for the sake of conquering, you're left saying to yourself , What was I thinking? Now I've conquered, but what do I have left to sustain me? God said, "Use your head. Think! Don't destroy the good of this land that I've created to keep you alive -- you're going to live here when this is all over--that is, unless you kill off your food supply in the process!"
Sometime in our conquest for money, technology or habitation, we have destroyed that which God has given us to sustain life. Recently on my vacation, while at an information center at Lake Tahoe, I read that, due to commercial fishing overharvesting during the booming mining and railway days of the 1860's, the native Lahontan Cutthroat trout was obliterated by the 1940's. Obliterated...wiped out...no more. See what I mean about cutting off your nose to spite your face! People just don't see long-term sometimes when the conquer mindset comes into play. Some things just don't come back. We've done it to the land. We've done it to the animals. We've done it to people. What are we thinking? Are we thinking?
And is it possible that we continue to do that today, in the 21st century world we live in? We overharvest our time in order to conquer the almighty dollar. We suck dry our finances in order to conquer materialism. We cut down people to conquer our ego. What are we thinking? Are we thinking?
Lord, forgive us when we have lost sight of Your will and purpose for us. Forgive us for trampling the resources You've given us. Help us to recognize the treasures around us and moderate our use of them. Lord, help us to have a godly perspective of where we're going, and how we need to get there. Teach us respect for Your creation...land and animals. Teach us respect for Your provision...time and money. And teach us respect for other people, for whom You love with an unending love. Amen.
Love,
Joelene
~ Deuteronomy 20:19 (NLT)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
This verse comes from some instructions God gave to the Israelites in preparation for taking the land of Canaan that was promised to them. In order to scale the walls of some cities, siege ramps needed to be built, and what do you think they needed to build these ramps? Wood. So they would cut down the trees around them to create these ramps.
(I think it's kind of funny when God gives instructions to people, knowing what they will do or will think of doing. He often leaves nothing to chance, but addresses all of the options we might consider as we go through life...good, bad, or otherwise.)
You've heard the old saying, "don't cut off your nose to spite your face"? That's what God was saying to them. The fruit trees "are for the benefit of man" (NIV footnote). Duh....how else are we supposed to get our 2-3 servings of fruits every day like the nutritional pyramids tells us?!? :-) But sometimes people just don't think rationally when tackling a project or job, especially when conquer is the motive and plan. Good things can get bowled over in the effort, and then when looking back and you see the destruction of the good for the sake of conquering, you're left saying to yourself , What was I thinking? Now I've conquered, but what do I have left to sustain me? God said, "Use your head. Think! Don't destroy the good of this land that I've created to keep you alive -- you're going to live here when this is all over--that is, unless you kill off your food supply in the process!"
Sometime in our conquest for money, technology or habitation, we have destroyed that which God has given us to sustain life. Recently on my vacation, while at an information center at Lake Tahoe, I read that, due to commercial fishing overharvesting during the booming mining and railway days of the 1860's, the native Lahontan Cutthroat trout was obliterated by the 1940's. Obliterated...wiped out...no more. See what I mean about cutting off your nose to spite your face! People just don't see long-term sometimes when the conquer mindset comes into play. Some things just don't come back. We've done it to the land. We've done it to the animals. We've done it to people. What are we thinking? Are we thinking?
And is it possible that we continue to do that today, in the 21st century world we live in? We overharvest our time in order to conquer the almighty dollar. We suck dry our finances in order to conquer materialism. We cut down people to conquer our ego. What are we thinking? Are we thinking?
Lord, forgive us when we have lost sight of Your will and purpose for us. Forgive us for trampling the resources You've given us. Help us to recognize the treasures around us and moderate our use of them. Lord, help us to have a godly perspective of where we're going, and how we need to get there. Teach us respect for Your creation...land and animals. Teach us respect for Your provision...time and money. And teach us respect for other people, for whom You love with an unending love. Amen.
Love,
Joelene
Monday, April 21, 2008
Verse of the Day - Proverbs 12:22
The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. ~ Proverbs 12:22 (NIV)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Most people I know wouldn't lie, because it's too easy to get caught, and then there's you-know-what to pay from those around you, and your reputation with people can end up in the toilet. But how many of us fear the admonition of the Lord over the you-know-what from other people? I just wonder...
I think too often we're more concerned about how our actions affect us rather than because it displeases God.
True, God is concerned about us and instructs us toward holy living, in part because He loves us and wants to prevent our destruction. But sin is detestable to Him, as much as sex crimes against children is detestable to us. It comes straight from the evil one, who exalts himself as a god and desires everything that God hates. God and the devil are in diametric opposition to one another...no two ways about it. Sin is the devil's trademark, and when we participate in sinful behavior, we become walking billboards for the devil's ad campaign.
Yes, lying is damaging to relationships, adultery can destroy marriages, and fraud and theft can result in jail time. But we need to get back to the root of our sin, as David did. When we participate in evil behavior, we strike at the heart of God.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge. ~ Psalm 51:4
Punishment is a deterrent for most people, but God desires obedience from the heart...out of love, not out of fear of the repercussions. Let us draw close to God and allow His spirit to give us a burning desire for obedience to the Father, children who simply want to please Him.
Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy."
~ 1 Peter 1:14-16 (The Message)
May God bless you richly as you seek after Him and what truly pleases Him!
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Most people I know wouldn't lie, because it's too easy to get caught, and then there's you-know-what to pay from those around you, and your reputation with people can end up in the toilet. But how many of us fear the admonition of the Lord over the you-know-what from other people? I just wonder...
I think too often we're more concerned about how our actions affect us rather than because it displeases God.
True, God is concerned about us and instructs us toward holy living, in part because He loves us and wants to prevent our destruction. But sin is detestable to Him, as much as sex crimes against children is detestable to us. It comes straight from the evil one, who exalts himself as a god and desires everything that God hates. God and the devil are in diametric opposition to one another...no two ways about it. Sin is the devil's trademark, and when we participate in sinful behavior, we become walking billboards for the devil's ad campaign.
Yes, lying is damaging to relationships, adultery can destroy marriages, and fraud and theft can result in jail time. But we need to get back to the root of our sin, as David did. When we participate in evil behavior, we strike at the heart of God.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge. ~ Psalm 51:4
Punishment is a deterrent for most people, but God desires obedience from the heart...out of love, not out of fear of the repercussions. Let us draw close to God and allow His spirit to give us a burning desire for obedience to the Father, children who simply want to please Him.
Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy."
~ 1 Peter 1:14-16 (The Message)
May God bless you richly as you seek after Him and what truly pleases Him!
Love,
Joelene
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Verse of the Day - John 10:4
"When he [Jesus] has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice." ~ John 10:4 (NIV)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A person's voice is very distinct, unique in fact, if analyzed with audio technology that can map out a voice like a fingerprint. Many crimes have been solved using voiceprint technology! But you don't have to be a forensic scientist to recognize the voice of people you know. When your phone rings, it usually takes just a couple of words to know whether it's your best friend or a telemarketer. The voice of a friend or loved one brings a sense of joy and comfort. Telemarketers, not so much. :-\
If you had a friend whom you met on the internet and communicated with only through email, how would you know who they were on the phone? I mean, if you never heard their voice, wouldn't that be difficult? Perhaps at first, but by context, you would know them because of their personality and your history of past topics of conversation. You've seen this in TV and film -- if people want to signal someone that they're in trouble, they can send a message that, to an outsider, seems normal, but to someone who knows them, it is out of character and an indication that they're in trouble. They just wouldn't talk that way. So if you get a phone call from someone who says they're your internet friend, the flavor and context of the conversation will tell you pretty quick who you're talking to -- friend or foe.
So, how do you know the voice of Jesus? You've never heard Him speak at a conference or talked to Him on the phone. You've never seen Him on TV or purchased His CDs. How do you know His voice when He speaks?
Interestingly but not surprisingly, a writer has a voice also. When I forwarded a story I'd written to a writer friend of mine for her opinion, she came back with, "I love your voice!" It's a distinct way of writing that defines one from another. Personality and character are revealed through a person's written words.
God recorded Jesus' voice in the Bible -- have you read it? Can you say that you know Him and His voice?
There is a wolf out there, in the world, who desires nothing more than to seek out and destroy humanity. He spreads lies like sugar on a sugar cookie. But you will never be able to tell Satan's voice from God's voice unless you've listened to God through His word. God reveals who He is, in all His divine beauty, through the Scriptures. He is love and mercy, justice and forgiveness. He is comfort and joy, faithfulness and patience. He is light and hope. Do you know this voice?
Don't be misled by the voice of the evil one. Get to know the sweet voice of the Savior. He will never lead you astray, because He's the Good Shepherd. And He talks to us all the time, through many means. Do you hear Him talking to you?
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A person's voice is very distinct, unique in fact, if analyzed with audio technology that can map out a voice like a fingerprint. Many crimes have been solved using voiceprint technology! But you don't have to be a forensic scientist to recognize the voice of people you know. When your phone rings, it usually takes just a couple of words to know whether it's your best friend or a telemarketer. The voice of a friend or loved one brings a sense of joy and comfort. Telemarketers, not so much. :-\
If you had a friend whom you met on the internet and communicated with only through email, how would you know who they were on the phone? I mean, if you never heard their voice, wouldn't that be difficult? Perhaps at first, but by context, you would know them because of their personality and your history of past topics of conversation. You've seen this in TV and film -- if people want to signal someone that they're in trouble, they can send a message that, to an outsider, seems normal, but to someone who knows them, it is out of character and an indication that they're in trouble. They just wouldn't talk that way. So if you get a phone call from someone who says they're your internet friend, the flavor and context of the conversation will tell you pretty quick who you're talking to -- friend or foe.
So, how do you know the voice of Jesus? You've never heard Him speak at a conference or talked to Him on the phone. You've never seen Him on TV or purchased His CDs. How do you know His voice when He speaks?
Interestingly but not surprisingly, a writer has a voice also. When I forwarded a story I'd written to a writer friend of mine for her opinion, she came back with, "I love your voice!" It's a distinct way of writing that defines one from another. Personality and character are revealed through a person's written words.
God recorded Jesus' voice in the Bible -- have you read it? Can you say that you know Him and His voice?
There is a wolf out there, in the world, who desires nothing more than to seek out and destroy humanity. He spreads lies like sugar on a sugar cookie. But you will never be able to tell Satan's voice from God's voice unless you've listened to God through His word. God reveals who He is, in all His divine beauty, through the Scriptures. He is love and mercy, justice and forgiveness. He is comfort and joy, faithfulness and patience. He is light and hope. Do you know this voice?
Don't be misled by the voice of the evil one. Get to know the sweet voice of the Savior. He will never lead you astray, because He's the Good Shepherd. And He talks to us all the time, through many means. Do you hear Him talking to you?
Love,
Joelene
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Verse of the Day - Job 38:18-20
[God says,] "Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me, if you know all this. What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside? Can you take them to their places?" ~ Job 38:18-20 (NIV)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I love the book of Job and God's reply to a man with many troubles and no answers. It's rather "in your face", and it's not just this verse. It goes on...and on...and on. I encourage you to read how God lays it out on the table for Job. God starts out like this...
Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said:
"Who is this that darkens my counsel
with words without knowledge?
Brace yourself like a man;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me."~ Job 38:1-3 (NIV)
WOW! (I told you God got in Job's face!)
Sometimes we just need to be told "what for", you know? We just need "a good talking to", and that's what Job got.
God's response is so incredibly detailed regarding His creation. He reminds Job of how He formed the earth and sky, the rain and snow, and He controls when they come and go. He created the habits of all the animals, some of whom Job probably didn't even know existed! He gets down to the human level in verse 36... "Who endowed the heart with wisdom or gave understanding to the mind?" (NIV)
God says, Yeah, that would be Me. Not you. I am God, and you are not, so get over yourself. I am the Creator, you are created. I am holy, you are sinful. I am justice, you are justified---not by your own strength, but by My hand...
The LORD said to Job:
"Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him?
Let him who accuses God answer him!"
Then Job answered the LORD :
"I am unworthy—how can I reply to you?
I put my hand over my mouth.
I spoke once, but I have no answer twice,
but I will say no more."
Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm:
"Brace yourself like a man;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.
"Would you discredit my justice?
Would you condemn me to justify yourself?
Do you have an arm like God's,
and can your voice thunder like his?
Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor,
and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.
Unleash the fury of your wrath,
look at every proud man and bring him low,
look at every proud man and humble him,
crush the wicked where they stand.
Bury them all in the dust together;
shroud their faces in the grave.
Then I myself will admit to you
that your own right hand can save you." ~ Job 40:1-14
Good works and right behavior may seem to us as valid justification for a trouble-free life. But God says that His justice is the only true justice...ours is short-sighted and prone to self-glorification and self-gratification. So what He does in us, and through us, is handed out through a divine filter that we simply can't grasp. It's no wonder that the book, "Why bad things happen to good people" is so popular, and its title has become a modern catch-phrase!
When we go through hard times, we want answers and we want relief. See what I mean about our selfishness? In our humanity, it's all about us. God said to Job and He says to us, It's not about you. There's a bigger picture here that you can't grasp. And this world is not based on works, good or bad alone, because I blend justice and mercy, and you will never be able to weigh them with holy scales like I can -- please don't try. Instead, trust Me to be who I am -- (in case you're not sure Who I am, read Job 38-42 again. It's quite detailed.)
Trust God...place your full weight on Him. Throw off human argument about why this is happening, or why that hasn't happened. Throw it off! And then worship God for all that He is, in spite of all that swirls around you. Make Him the focus of your thoughts and energy. Period. He is worthy of all praise, honor, glory, power, and strength! Period.
Humbling ourselves before God is a difficult process. But it is vital for a good working relationship with Him. When we are willing to submit to the hierarchy of God and man, life becomes more manageable to our feeble minds. When we fight against the hierarchy, we become confused and frustrated and angry.
So, which will you choose?
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I love the book of Job and God's reply to a man with many troubles and no answers. It's rather "in your face", and it's not just this verse. It goes on...and on...and on. I encourage you to read how God lays it out on the table for Job. God starts out like this...
Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said:
"Who is this that darkens my counsel
with words without knowledge?
Brace yourself like a man;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me."~ Job 38:1-3 (NIV)
WOW! (I told you God got in Job's face!)
Sometimes we just need to be told "what for", you know? We just need "a good talking to", and that's what Job got.
God's response is so incredibly detailed regarding His creation. He reminds Job of how He formed the earth and sky, the rain and snow, and He controls when they come and go. He created the habits of all the animals, some of whom Job probably didn't even know existed! He gets down to the human level in verse 36... "Who endowed the heart with wisdom or gave understanding to the mind?" (NIV)
God says, Yeah, that would be Me. Not you. I am God, and you are not, so get over yourself. I am the Creator, you are created. I am holy, you are sinful. I am justice, you are justified---not by your own strength, but by My hand...
The LORD said to Job:
"Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him?
Let him who accuses God answer him!"
Then Job answered the LORD :
"I am unworthy—how can I reply to you?
I put my hand over my mouth.
I spoke once, but I have no answer twice,
but I will say no more."
Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm:
"Brace yourself like a man;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.
"Would you discredit my justice?
Would you condemn me to justify yourself?
Do you have an arm like God's,
and can your voice thunder like his?
Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor,
and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.
Unleash the fury of your wrath,
look at every proud man and bring him low,
look at every proud man and humble him,
crush the wicked where they stand.
Bury them all in the dust together;
shroud their faces in the grave.
Then I myself will admit to you
that your own right hand can save you." ~ Job 40:1-14
Good works and right behavior may seem to us as valid justification for a trouble-free life. But God says that His justice is the only true justice...ours is short-sighted and prone to self-glorification and self-gratification. So what He does in us, and through us, is handed out through a divine filter that we simply can't grasp. It's no wonder that the book, "Why bad things happen to good people" is so popular, and its title has become a modern catch-phrase!
When we go through hard times, we want answers and we want relief. See what I mean about our selfishness? In our humanity, it's all about us. God said to Job and He says to us, It's not about you. There's a bigger picture here that you can't grasp. And this world is not based on works, good or bad alone, because I blend justice and mercy, and you will never be able to weigh them with holy scales like I can -- please don't try. Instead, trust Me to be who I am -- (in case you're not sure Who I am, read Job 38-42 again. It's quite detailed.)
Trust God...place your full weight on Him. Throw off human argument about why this is happening, or why that hasn't happened. Throw it off! And then worship God for all that He is, in spite of all that swirls around you. Make Him the focus of your thoughts and energy. Period. He is worthy of all praise, honor, glory, power, and strength! Period.
Humbling ourselves before God is a difficult process. But it is vital for a good working relationship with Him. When we are willing to submit to the hierarchy of God and man, life becomes more manageable to our feeble minds. When we fight against the hierarchy, we become confused and frustrated and angry.
So, which will you choose?
Love,
Joelene
Friday, April 18, 2008
Verse of the Day - Proverbs 10:4
Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich. ~ Proverbs 10:4 (NLT)
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I don't know very many lazy people. Most people I know are hard-working folks who slave from sun up til sun down, doing whatever it is they do. But, I do think we can slump now and then into a rut of complacency and doldrums, where it's difficult to rally our energy and motivation when that alarm jars our subconscious every morning.
Routine can be a good thing, but it can also cause a stagnation of the spirit. When there's nothing new or fresh, no new challenges --"same ol', same ol'" -- people can become rather lazy. The edge is gone. I know...I've been there. How do we stay sharp in a world when life has become so routine, that we could do it blindfolded? And does that translate into our spiritual lives, our spiritual work?
~ When is the last time you challenged yourself to tackle something new on your job, or to change the way you do something at home to spark and inspire you?
~ When is the last time you challenged yourself to participate in a ministry that is out of your comfort zone, or dedicated yourself to, say, reading through the Bible in a year?
I believe that God is a God of inspiration, excitement and joy! He delights in His work, and we should delight in ours. And His creativity knows no bounds...just look at His creation around you, or watch the National Geographic Channel sometime...God is amazingly diverse and has change-ups all over the place! We can take lessons from Him and avoid the lazy rut by striving to use the creativity He gives us to stay fresh, to be diverse, to be a reflection of Him.
No one likes stale bread...we either throw it away, or feed it to the ducks. Commit to God and yourself to stay fresh, in your daily life and your walk with Him. You'll be amazed at how rich and colorful the world can be when we make the effort!
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I don't know very many lazy people. Most people I know are hard-working folks who slave from sun up til sun down, doing whatever it is they do. But, I do think we can slump now and then into a rut of complacency and doldrums, where it's difficult to rally our energy and motivation when that alarm jars our subconscious every morning.
Routine can be a good thing, but it can also cause a stagnation of the spirit. When there's nothing new or fresh, no new challenges --"same ol', same ol'" -- people can become rather lazy. The edge is gone. I know...I've been there. How do we stay sharp in a world when life has become so routine, that we could do it blindfolded? And does that translate into our spiritual lives, our spiritual work?
~ When is the last time you challenged yourself to tackle something new on your job, or to change the way you do something at home to spark and inspire you?
~ When is the last time you challenged yourself to participate in a ministry that is out of your comfort zone, or dedicated yourself to, say, reading through the Bible in a year?
I believe that God is a God of inspiration, excitement and joy! He delights in His work, and we should delight in ours. And His creativity knows no bounds...just look at His creation around you, or watch the National Geographic Channel sometime...God is amazingly diverse and has change-ups all over the place! We can take lessons from Him and avoid the lazy rut by striving to use the creativity He gives us to stay fresh, to be diverse, to be a reflection of Him.
No one likes stale bread...we either throw it away, or feed it to the ducks. Commit to God and yourself to stay fresh, in your daily life and your walk with Him. You'll be amazed at how rich and colorful the world can be when we make the effort!
Love,
Joelene
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Verse of the Day - Psalm 18:19
He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
~ Psalm 18:19 (NIV)
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On the surface, David can almost sounds egotistical...God delights in me...I am blameless in His sight...He has rewarded my righteousness... (read this chapter through...it's in there)
I almost wonder if God allowed David to feel heady about his own purity in his early years, so that he'd really feel the weight of his depravity later on in his life.
At any rate, God delivered him from his enemies in a mighty way, and David attributes it to God's faithfulness to the righteous, to mercy on one who is faithful to God. God is able to reach down, even in the most sticky situations, and rescue those in need. He does reward those who cling to Him, who believe in him. But does He always bring us "out into a spacious place"? I wonder what Job would think of David's 18th Psalm? Would he say, Silly boy...tricks are for kids--you just haven't lived long enough to understand life as it really is... ?
God's ways simply are not our ways. His thoughts are so much higher than our thoughts. Trying to put God in a box or think of Him as a cookie cutter will just get you frustrated, because He doesn't always treat us as we deserve (thankfully) or as we think we deserve. When we are disobeying God, we should expect chastisement...yet that doesn't always surface. When we are diligently obeying Him, we expect green pastures...yet we might be stuck in the mud. We're like Spock on Star Trek...Where's the logic? Where's the reason?
Who can understand the mind of God?
All I know is that those who trust in Him will never be disappointed, provided they understand the true nature of God (holy, good, loving, faithful) and how we fit in His big picture. It's not about me and my comfort, my needs being met...not even my health or my life. Every martyr for God was cut off from this earth by their enemies and not rescued. Does this mean God switched channels during a commercial and forgot to come back to the show? Does this mean those martyrs had somehow backsliden and, therefore, deserved their death as chastisement from the Lord? This is the thinking of many. This was the thinking of Job's friends, who just knew he'd done something bad to deserve his many trials and tribulations.
One thing we must never do -- never underestimate God's power to deliver you. Believe in Him to save! But allow Him the sovereignty not to deliver you from whatever you're going through. Let Him be God, and you be the servant. Trust and obey, that's the bottom line. Let Him be in charge. He's very capable, you know. :-)
And yes, God does delight in His children, in those who turn their eyes toward His face and seek to serve Him in love. He loves to see their smiles and wants to give good gifts to them. But they are also bound to this sin-sick world and are needed in service to Him. This calls for action and self-sacrifice now, in this world.
I saw a funny t-shirt the other day that said, "Support your local Search and Rescue...get lost!" Well, if you are a Christ follower, you are part of God's Search and Rescue Team! You're gonna get cold and dirty and scratched up doing God's business, but don't forget that you're on mission...and your life is "mission-critical" to God's plan to rescue the world.
Love,
Joelene
~ Psalm 18:19 (NIV)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
On the surface, David can almost sounds egotistical...God delights in me...I am blameless in His sight...He has rewarded my righteousness... (read this chapter through...it's in there)
I almost wonder if God allowed David to feel heady about his own purity in his early years, so that he'd really feel the weight of his depravity later on in his life.
At any rate, God delivered him from his enemies in a mighty way, and David attributes it to God's faithfulness to the righteous, to mercy on one who is faithful to God. God is able to reach down, even in the most sticky situations, and rescue those in need. He does reward those who cling to Him, who believe in him. But does He always bring us "out into a spacious place"? I wonder what Job would think of David's 18th Psalm? Would he say, Silly boy...tricks are for kids--you just haven't lived long enough to understand life as it really is... ?
God's ways simply are not our ways. His thoughts are so much higher than our thoughts. Trying to put God in a box or think of Him as a cookie cutter will just get you frustrated, because He doesn't always treat us as we deserve (thankfully) or as we think we deserve. When we are disobeying God, we should expect chastisement...yet that doesn't always surface. When we are diligently obeying Him, we expect green pastures...yet we might be stuck in the mud. We're like Spock on Star Trek...Where's the logic? Where's the reason?
Who can understand the mind of God?
All I know is that those who trust in Him will never be disappointed, provided they understand the true nature of God (holy, good, loving, faithful) and how we fit in His big picture. It's not about me and my comfort, my needs being met...not even my health or my life. Every martyr for God was cut off from this earth by their enemies and not rescued. Does this mean God switched channels during a commercial and forgot to come back to the show? Does this mean those martyrs had somehow backsliden and, therefore, deserved their death as chastisement from the Lord? This is the thinking of many. This was the thinking of Job's friends, who just knew he'd done something bad to deserve his many trials and tribulations.
One thing we must never do -- never underestimate God's power to deliver you. Believe in Him to save! But allow Him the sovereignty not to deliver you from whatever you're going through. Let Him be God, and you be the servant. Trust and obey, that's the bottom line. Let Him be in charge. He's very capable, you know. :-)
And yes, God does delight in His children, in those who turn their eyes toward His face and seek to serve Him in love. He loves to see their smiles and wants to give good gifts to them. But they are also bound to this sin-sick world and are needed in service to Him. This calls for action and self-sacrifice now, in this world.
I saw a funny t-shirt the other day that said, "Support your local Search and Rescue...get lost!" Well, if you are a Christ follower, you are part of God's Search and Rescue Team! You're gonna get cold and dirty and scratched up doing God's business, but don't forget that you're on mission...and your life is "mission-critical" to God's plan to rescue the world.
Love,
Joelene
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Verse of the Day - Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:13 (NIV)
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Yesterday, on my commute home, I heard a radio ad for local rescue missions. A guy was telling his story about what his local mission did for him. His word was "hope"...they gave him hope. Hope to get out of a bad lifestyle, hope to strive for a desired career. And he gave credit to God for that hope.
The Bible says that God is "the God of hope"...
(okay, so in trying to find testimonials from a local rescue mission, I stumbled on this page from a Tennessee rescue mission called "Hope House". May you be encouraged to read how God changes lives and gives hope to the hopeless... http://www.hopehousemission.com/testimonials.htm)
You could spend countless hours reading stories of people that had no hope, where God stepped in and rescued their dying spirit. What a blessing to know God has that kind of power! He is an awesome God, amen?!?
I was also thinking yesterday about those in my community who may be drowning in hopelessness and what my small group could do to help them feel human again, feel like life is worth living. I have some ideas that I'll be sharing with my small group friends to lend a hand and offer hope in the name of Jesus. I hope you can consider, too, what you, as a believer in Jesus Christ, can do to be the hands and feet of Him who gave you hope.
I want to be your hands
I want to be your feet
I'll go where you send me
I'll go where you send me
And I try, yeah I try
To touch the world like
You touched my life
And I find my way
To be your hands
~ from Hands and Feet, by Audio Adrenaline
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ~ Romans 10:13-14
Jesus is help for the helpless and hope for the hopeless. Jesus does save, Jesus does rescue. Are you offering the Bread of life and hope to someone...?...anyone?
Be His hands and His feet today and offer the Hope of the world to a world without hope.
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Yesterday, on my commute home, I heard a radio ad for local rescue missions. A guy was telling his story about what his local mission did for him. His word was "hope"...they gave him hope. Hope to get out of a bad lifestyle, hope to strive for a desired career. And he gave credit to God for that hope.
The Bible says that God is "the God of hope"...
(okay, so in trying to find testimonials from a local rescue mission, I stumbled on this page from a Tennessee rescue mission called "Hope House". May you be encouraged to read how God changes lives and gives hope to the hopeless... http://www.hopehousemission.com/testimonials.htm)
You could spend countless hours reading stories of people that had no hope, where God stepped in and rescued their dying spirit. What a blessing to know God has that kind of power! He is an awesome God, amen?!?
I was also thinking yesterday about those in my community who may be drowning in hopelessness and what my small group could do to help them feel human again, feel like life is worth living. I have some ideas that I'll be sharing with my small group friends to lend a hand and offer hope in the name of Jesus. I hope you can consider, too, what you, as a believer in Jesus Christ, can do to be the hands and feet of Him who gave you hope.
I want to be your hands
I want to be your feet
I'll go where you send me
I'll go where you send me
And I try, yeah I try
To touch the world like
You touched my life
And I find my way
To be your hands
~ from Hands and Feet, by Audio Adrenaline
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ~ Romans 10:13-14
Jesus is help for the helpless and hope for the hopeless. Jesus does save, Jesus does rescue. Are you offering the Bread of life and hope to someone...?...anyone?
Be His hands and His feet today and offer the Hope of the world to a world without hope.
Love,
Joelene
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Verse of the Day - Romans 13:7
Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
~ Romans 13:7 (NIV)
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Ah, yes...the ol' Tax Day...
I have a couple of friends I chatted with this weekend who still weren't done with their taxes, even crunching numbers last night -- Yikes!
I know most people grumble and complain at paying taxes, but I say, hey, you want social programs? You want help for schools? Then where do you think the money's gonna come from--trees? 'Cuz you know it doesn't grow there!
We want, want, want in our society....but we don't want to give, give, give. God says we need to give what is due, period. To whomever it's due, be that society (through social and civil programs funded by taxes), your boss, your neighbor, or a stranger. He wants us to be generous and just, letting go and giving in justice what is due to others. Because remember --everything we have comes from Him. It's not ours to hoard -- it's ours to give.
And Jesus goes beyond this command and makes sure we get the idea of generosity. Not only are we to give to those who are due something specifically, who've not earned it... we're to give to those who haven't.
Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.” ~ Luke 14:12-14 (NLT)
Jesus gave everything for those who were not due anything...that's you, and that's me. Every single person deserved NOTHING good for their sinful ways -- only the punishment that was justly due to us. But Jesus still gave. He gave His love...He gave His life. That is His nature--generosity in love. If He is our role model, are we imitating this type of loving generosity?
Pay your taxes with a smile...
Give a compliment with a smile...
Serve in the community with a smile...
God smiles when we give with a genuine smile!
~ Romans 13:7 (NIV)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Ah, yes...the ol' Tax Day...
I have a couple of friends I chatted with this weekend who still weren't done with their taxes, even crunching numbers last night -- Yikes!
I know most people grumble and complain at paying taxes, but I say, hey, you want social programs? You want help for schools? Then where do you think the money's gonna come from--trees? 'Cuz you know it doesn't grow there!
We want, want, want in our society....but we don't want to give, give, give. God says we need to give what is due, period. To whomever it's due, be that society (through social and civil programs funded by taxes), your boss, your neighbor, or a stranger. He wants us to be generous and just, letting go and giving in justice what is due to others. Because remember --everything we have comes from Him. It's not ours to hoard -- it's ours to give.
And Jesus goes beyond this command and makes sure we get the idea of generosity. Not only are we to give to those who are due something specifically, who've not earned it... we're to give to those who haven't.
Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.” ~ Luke 14:12-14 (NLT)
Jesus gave everything for those who were not due anything...that's you, and that's me. Every single person deserved NOTHING good for their sinful ways -- only the punishment that was justly due to us. But Jesus still gave. He gave His love...He gave His life. That is His nature--generosity in love. If He is our role model, are we imitating this type of loving generosity?
Pay your taxes with a smile...
Give a compliment with a smile...
Serve in the community with a smile...
God smiles when we give with a genuine smile!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Verse of the Day - 1 Corinthians 3:16
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? ~ 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)
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I have heard so many times this verse quoted with regard to our physical bodies...don't smoke, drink, have illicit sex, etc., because your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, right? I'm sure you've heard it, too. And that makes sense -- but I just read through this chapter again (something I often do when doing my VOTD), and the context is not about our individual bodies! It's about the church body and divisions among it that destroy it.
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? 1f anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NIV)
Paul makes a case prior to these verses about church members who were taking sides about who they were following: Paul or Apollos. Things were getting fractured in the church because of it. So Paul reminds them that he and Apollos are just men, and have tried by God's grace to lay a solid foundation among them. But he also says that we, too, must be careful how we build our "church"...not the building, itself, of course, but the body of believers that cling together to form a local congregation.
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:11-13 (NIV)
How we build determines whether it will stand up to God's refining fire. Are we building with the gold and silver of love and self-sacrifice toward others for the glory of God, or are we building with the wood and straw of pride, jealously and the pursuit of self-containment?
Then Paul gets pretty blunt about what happens to those who destroy God's temple. I believe, in context, this temple means the body of believers. God says we destroy the temple when we build with combustible materials, things that will not survive the Day of Judgment, when all things come to light.
We must stay grounded to the ways of the Lord in how we conduct ourselves personally and in our local church. We need to keep the main thing the main thing, which is Jesus Christ. Getting hung up on following this preacher or that preacher, by elevating ourselves and others and allowing jealousy to pervade the body, by focusing on ministry tools instead of the ministry....these things are wood and straw. Where is the gold? Where is the silver?
This is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. ~ 1 John 3:23
We need to lift up in prayer our local congregations, that we would be unified by the Holy Spirit, that our pastors would be free from pride and digression of the truth, that we would not become complacent in our salvation and dull in our worship. Let us pray to stay sharp and vibrant as we seek to lift up the name of the Lord to our neighbors, our community. Keep the gospel pure and simple. And love people in action and in truth, not just with words.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. ~ Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I have heard so many times this verse quoted with regard to our physical bodies...don't smoke, drink, have illicit sex, etc., because your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, right? I'm sure you've heard it, too. And that makes sense -- but I just read through this chapter again (something I often do when doing my VOTD), and the context is not about our individual bodies! It's about the church body and divisions among it that destroy it.
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? 1f anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NIV)
Paul makes a case prior to these verses about church members who were taking sides about who they were following: Paul or Apollos. Things were getting fractured in the church because of it. So Paul reminds them that he and Apollos are just men, and have tried by God's grace to lay a solid foundation among them. But he also says that we, too, must be careful how we build our "church"...not the building, itself, of course, but the body of believers that cling together to form a local congregation.
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:11-13 (NIV)
How we build determines whether it will stand up to God's refining fire. Are we building with the gold and silver of love and self-sacrifice toward others for the glory of God, or are we building with the wood and straw of pride, jealously and the pursuit of self-containment?
Then Paul gets pretty blunt about what happens to those who destroy God's temple. I believe, in context, this temple means the body of believers. God says we destroy the temple when we build with combustible materials, things that will not survive the Day of Judgment, when all things come to light.
We must stay grounded to the ways of the Lord in how we conduct ourselves personally and in our local church. We need to keep the main thing the main thing, which is Jesus Christ. Getting hung up on following this preacher or that preacher, by elevating ourselves and others and allowing jealousy to pervade the body, by focusing on ministry tools instead of the ministry....these things are wood and straw. Where is the gold? Where is the silver?
This is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. ~ 1 John 3:23
We need to lift up in prayer our local congregations, that we would be unified by the Holy Spirit, that our pastors would be free from pride and digression of the truth, that we would not become complacent in our salvation and dull in our worship. Let us pray to stay sharp and vibrant as we seek to lift up the name of the Lord to our neighbors, our community. Keep the gospel pure and simple. And love people in action and in truth, not just with words.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. ~ Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)
Love,
Joelene
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Verse of the Day - Proverbs 26:18-19
Just as damaging as a mad man shooting a lethal weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, "I was only joking."
~ Proverbs 26:18-19 (NLT)
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People often try to cover up lies and deception by saying, "I was just joking...", as if that's the way to get out of getting caught being untruthful. If the other person doesn't accept that, then "you just can't take a joke!" How Satan twists relationships, huh?
Who can you trust? Are people interested in integrity, or personal gain? Do they care about relationships, or just getting what's theirs? And when did we begin to believe that we could get over on someone with a lie by just turning it into a joke?
The Bible says that's like standing on a street corner with a military assault rifle and picking people off like they were ducks on a pond. A mad gunman, slaying people without a care in the world...
What we say matters. It should matter to us, because it is a reflection of what's on the inside...
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. ~ Luke 6:45 (NIV)
If we're only interested in self and selfish pursuits, deception and lies are just tools to elevate oneself and get what we want. If we keep doing it long enough, it won't even seem very wrong to us. It was just a little white lie...it was a fib--that's not a lie, really...I was just joking--C'mon, man...
And when we're self-motivated, other people are just collateral damage. They lose value, becoming expendable. It becomes all about the Almighty Me. Unfortunately, when you kill off all your friendships with deadly lies, Almighty Me becomes a very lonely place. And then what you do you have to keep you company? A liquor bottle? Your accumulation of toys? Ultimately, the price of a selfish lifestyle is very high, indeed, because the things that really matter...personal integrity and other people...are laid waste in a sea of unscrupulous gunfire.
If you struggle with honesty in relationships, I pray you can acknowledge that to yourself and to God. Allow Him to clean out the junk you've allowed to build up. Choose to value others higher than yourself and to honor God with an honest heart. The result is having friends that love you for who you are and never having to cover your tracks with "I was just joking..."
Love,
Joelene
~ Proverbs 26:18-19 (NLT)
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People often try to cover up lies and deception by saying, "I was just joking...", as if that's the way to get out of getting caught being untruthful. If the other person doesn't accept that, then "you just can't take a joke!" How Satan twists relationships, huh?
Who can you trust? Are people interested in integrity, or personal gain? Do they care about relationships, or just getting what's theirs? And when did we begin to believe that we could get over on someone with a lie by just turning it into a joke?
The Bible says that's like standing on a street corner with a military assault rifle and picking people off like they were ducks on a pond. A mad gunman, slaying people without a care in the world...
What we say matters. It should matter to us, because it is a reflection of what's on the inside...
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. ~ Luke 6:45 (NIV)
If we're only interested in self and selfish pursuits, deception and lies are just tools to elevate oneself and get what we want. If we keep doing it long enough, it won't even seem very wrong to us. It was just a little white lie...it was a fib--that's not a lie, really...I was just joking--C'mon, man...
And when we're self-motivated, other people are just collateral damage. They lose value, becoming expendable. It becomes all about the Almighty Me. Unfortunately, when you kill off all your friendships with deadly lies, Almighty Me becomes a very lonely place. And then what you do you have to keep you company? A liquor bottle? Your accumulation of toys? Ultimately, the price of a selfish lifestyle is very high, indeed, because the things that really matter...personal integrity and other people...are laid waste in a sea of unscrupulous gunfire.
If you struggle with honesty in relationships, I pray you can acknowledge that to yourself and to God. Allow Him to clean out the junk you've allowed to build up. Choose to value others higher than yourself and to honor God with an honest heart. The result is having friends that love you for who you are and never having to cover your tracks with "I was just joking..."
Love,
Joelene
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Verse of the Day - 1 Timothy 2:1
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks.
~ 1 Timothy 2:1 (NLT)
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One of my friends recently attended a Hindu funeral of a beloved co-worker. The funeral home was literally packed with friends and family, and my friend was very sad at everyone's loss, including her own. But what saddened her so deeply was the loud wailing of the man's family, especially his wife. Perhaps in Hindu culture, this outward grieving is normal, but my friend was unaccustomed to it. It just broke her heart. And she just prayed, Lord, please comfort them!
God bless my friend for reaching out to God, the One she knows as the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, to help people who don't even know Him! Although God was mentioned in the service, the Hindu faith does not embrace the God of the Bible. And yet, that did not stop my friend from praying for them. That is love for the hurting, unbridled.
I think sometimes Christ followers can get the idea that if someone doesn't believe in God, why should we pray for them when they're struggling? As if to think that unless they're praying the "salvation prayer", no other prayers are worthwhile or valid. But if it is your natural inclination to seek God when your heart is broken over a believer's struggles, should it not also send you to your knees for an unbeliever's struggles? If compassion flows for one, should it not also flow for the other? Or do we dole out compassion only for those who think and believe like we do?
If the barista at the local Starbucks lets you in on her life and tells you that she's pregnant and her deadbeat (her words) boyfriend beat her up and left, do you preface your compassion with "are you a Christian?" first, before you love her and pray for God to give her comfort and direction?
I think two things are vital here: 1) that believers in Jesus have a compassion for all people that crosses all boundaries, and 2) that we pray for them sincerely and let them know we're praying for them. When our heart is right toward people and we seek God on their behalf, we are completely in line with Jesus' heart and purpose.
Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.” Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother. ~ Luke 7:11-15 (NLT)
Please don't forget people, because that is Jesus' number one priority. Listen when people talk and pick up on the markers of fear, loneliness, and pain. Let your heart be broken for them, as they struggle to deal with all the junk in their lives, the junk that we all deal with, at one time or other. Some have faith to believe God, and you can pray with them. Some just don't. But they still need love. And if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you have real love to give, God's love to give. So give it...freely and lavishly. Pray for them, give a listening ear, and if God prompts you for more, give more. Be a true disciple of Christ.
Love,
Joelene
~ 1 Timothy 2:1 (NLT)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
One of my friends recently attended a Hindu funeral of a beloved co-worker. The funeral home was literally packed with friends and family, and my friend was very sad at everyone's loss, including her own. But what saddened her so deeply was the loud wailing of the man's family, especially his wife. Perhaps in Hindu culture, this outward grieving is normal, but my friend was unaccustomed to it. It just broke her heart. And she just prayed, Lord, please comfort them!
God bless my friend for reaching out to God, the One she knows as the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, to help people who don't even know Him! Although God was mentioned in the service, the Hindu faith does not embrace the God of the Bible. And yet, that did not stop my friend from praying for them. That is love for the hurting, unbridled.
I think sometimes Christ followers can get the idea that if someone doesn't believe in God, why should we pray for them when they're struggling? As if to think that unless they're praying the "salvation prayer", no other prayers are worthwhile or valid. But if it is your natural inclination to seek God when your heart is broken over a believer's struggles, should it not also send you to your knees for an unbeliever's struggles? If compassion flows for one, should it not also flow for the other? Or do we dole out compassion only for those who think and believe like we do?
If the barista at the local Starbucks lets you in on her life and tells you that she's pregnant and her deadbeat (her words) boyfriend beat her up and left, do you preface your compassion with "are you a Christian?" first, before you love her and pray for God to give her comfort and direction?
I think two things are vital here: 1) that believers in Jesus have a compassion for all people that crosses all boundaries, and 2) that we pray for them sincerely and let them know we're praying for them. When our heart is right toward people and we seek God on their behalf, we are completely in line with Jesus' heart and purpose.
Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.” Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother. ~ Luke 7:11-15 (NLT)
Please don't forget people, because that is Jesus' number one priority. Listen when people talk and pick up on the markers of fear, loneliness, and pain. Let your heart be broken for them, as they struggle to deal with all the junk in their lives, the junk that we all deal with, at one time or other. Some have faith to believe God, and you can pray with them. Some just don't. But they still need love. And if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you have real love to give, God's love to give. So give it...freely and lavishly. Pray for them, give a listening ear, and if God prompts you for more, give more. Be a true disciple of Christ.
Love,
Joelene
Friday, April 11, 2008
Verse of the Day - Psalm 94:19
When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. ~ Psalm 94:19(NLT)
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The NIV says it this way...
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
Anxiety. Different than doubt, huh? Synonyms are: fear, foreboding; worry, disquiet. Ever feel this way? Sure you do. We all do.
Nervousness about the impending, the unknown. A ton of mental weight about this situation or that circumstance. What am I going to do? What's going to happen to me, or others? We can whip ourselves into a frenzy of anxiety. Why? Because negative outcomes are what we try to avoid, and we often have no control over the negative situation.
But at those times, have we forgotten to keep God in our picture? Have we detached from the Mothership (or Fathership, as He were), just floating out in space without our anchoring in place?
For some reason, when hard times come, we are so quick to hit the disconnect button. Thanks, God, but I'll take it from here. I'd rather try to handle this anxiety on my own. I mean, look at all my tools...worrying, complaining, lack of mental concentration, upset stomach, anger outbursts, depression. I've got it all under control, thank you...
Yeah, right.
How much better to stay connected to the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort! (2 Corinthians 1:3) He knows you better than you know you. He knows your situation and circumstances completely. Not one single detail is beyond Him. You and me? Our concept of most details is so sketchy, we can't even draw a stick figure about our problems! Face it, we're clueless. But God has the clues. God has the answers. He may reveal them, and He may not. What He desires from us is to trust Him for the outcome.
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. ~ Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT)
For the believer in Jesus Christ, there is comfort personified. He's called the Holy Spirit, Who counsels us and reminds us of all that we are in Jesus. He tells our hearts and minds about God's amazing love for us over and over again, something we can so quickly forget.
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. ~ Psalm 119:76 (NIV)
The only tool we really need for living this life is trust. Trust in our God. All of our other tools just weigh down our toolbox, to the point that it becomes like a ball and chain. Talk about heavy -- and who can walk or work with that kind of dead weight?!? Get rid of the human tools you use to deal with your difficulties, and experience divine comfort when you truly trust God for help. He will never rust or need sharpening, and His battery is the ultimate EverReady!
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The NIV says it this way...
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
Anxiety. Different than doubt, huh? Synonyms are: fear, foreboding; worry, disquiet. Ever feel this way? Sure you do. We all do.
Nervousness about the impending, the unknown. A ton of mental weight about this situation or that circumstance. What am I going to do? What's going to happen to me, or others? We can whip ourselves into a frenzy of anxiety. Why? Because negative outcomes are what we try to avoid, and we often have no control over the negative situation.
But at those times, have we forgotten to keep God in our picture? Have we detached from the Mothership (or Fathership, as He were), just floating out in space without our anchoring in place?
For some reason, when hard times come, we are so quick to hit the disconnect button. Thanks, God, but I'll take it from here. I'd rather try to handle this anxiety on my own. I mean, look at all my tools...worrying, complaining, lack of mental concentration, upset stomach, anger outbursts, depression. I've got it all under control, thank you...
Yeah, right.
How much better to stay connected to the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort! (2 Corinthians 1:3) He knows you better than you know you. He knows your situation and circumstances completely. Not one single detail is beyond Him. You and me? Our concept of most details is so sketchy, we can't even draw a stick figure about our problems! Face it, we're clueless. But God has the clues. God has the answers. He may reveal them, and He may not. What He desires from us is to trust Him for the outcome.
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. ~ Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT)
For the believer in Jesus Christ, there is comfort personified. He's called the Holy Spirit, Who counsels us and reminds us of all that we are in Jesus. He tells our hearts and minds about God's amazing love for us over and over again, something we can so quickly forget.
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. ~ Psalm 119:76 (NIV)
The only tool we really need for living this life is trust. Trust in our God. All of our other tools just weigh down our toolbox, to the point that it becomes like a ball and chain. Talk about heavy -- and who can walk or work with that kind of dead weight?!? Get rid of the human tools you use to deal with your difficulties, and experience divine comfort when you truly trust God for help. He will never rust or need sharpening, and His battery is the ultimate EverReady!
Love,
Joelene
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Verse of the Day - Lamentations 3:27-29
And it is good for the young to submit to the yoke of [God's] discipline. Let them sit alone in silence beneath the LORD's demands. Let them lie face down in the dust; then at last there is hope for them.
~ Lamentations 3:27-29 (NLT)
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When you see your teen or grandteen heading for trouble, getting mixed up in stuff you know isn't good for them, your first reaction is to banish them to their room til they're 30! But, you know, sometimes sheltering them from all of their folly isn't so helpful to them. Until they see and hear and feel, firsthand, the consequences of their selfishness and rebellion, they just may not get it. You can preach sermons all day long to people, but if they haven't felt the sting of the sin of themselves for themselves, you may feel you're talking to a wall. Seems to be the way we're wired in all our sinfulness.
But God knows. He knows where our head and heart are at. He knows what we're thinking and planning. And most importantly, He knows what we need in order to get us on our knees before Him...finally...in humility and surrender.
And when we finally do, it is good. It is best. It's the only place to be in the spiritual realm, face down before God.
The gifts on an altar that God wants are a broken spirit. O God, You will not hate a broken heart and a heart with no pride. ~ Psalm 51:17 (NLV)
O man, He has told you what is good. What does the Lord ask of you but to do what is fair and to love kindness, and to walk without pride with your God? ~ Micah 6:8 (NLV)
And the beauty of God is that, when we get hit over the head with our self-made consequences and finally come to Him with a humble heart, He doesn't gloat over us as we sit in the ash heap. He doesn't say, I told you so, rubbing our noses in our foolishness. He is LOVE...fully and completely. And He embraces those who submit to His sovereign authority, as a Father hugs on His kids whom He loves.
But He gives us more loving-favor. For the Holy Writings say, "God works against the proud but gives loving-favor to those who have no pride." (Proverbs 3:34) So give yourselves to God.~ James 4:6-7 (NLV)
His way is best, and ultimately, we all have to acknowledge it. Some listen by simply hearing the truth and obeying; others...and that's probably most of us...need the teaching tool of consequences to break through our pride and foolishness. But, however we get to God's throne of grace, it is the path of blessing. No other place is safe. No other place will satisfy. I know, because I've "been there, done that." Did the rebellion thing, did the ash heap thing. God knew what I needed, so I'm thankful for the mistakes I was allowed to make, because God used them to change my life.
Love,
Joelene
~ Lamentations 3:27-29 (NLT)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ + ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When you see your teen or grandteen heading for trouble, getting mixed up in stuff you know isn't good for them, your first reaction is to banish them to their room til they're 30! But, you know, sometimes sheltering them from all of their folly isn't so helpful to them. Until they see and hear and feel, firsthand, the consequences of their selfishness and rebellion, they just may not get it. You can preach sermons all day long to people, but if they haven't felt the sting of the sin of themselves for themselves, you may feel you're talking to a wall. Seems to be the way we're wired in all our sinfulness.
But God knows. He knows where our head and heart are at. He knows what we're thinking and planning. And most importantly, He knows what we need in order to get us on our knees before Him...finally...in humility and surrender.
And when we finally do, it is good. It is best. It's the only place to be in the spiritual realm, face down before God.
The gifts on an altar that God wants are a broken spirit. O God, You will not hate a broken heart and a heart with no pride. ~ Psalm 51:17 (NLV)
O man, He has told you what is good. What does the Lord ask of you but to do what is fair and to love kindness, and to walk without pride with your God? ~ Micah 6:8 (NLV)
And the beauty of God is that, when we get hit over the head with our self-made consequences and finally come to Him with a humble heart, He doesn't gloat over us as we sit in the ash heap. He doesn't say, I told you so, rubbing our noses in our foolishness. He is LOVE...fully and completely. And He embraces those who submit to His sovereign authority, as a Father hugs on His kids whom He loves.
But He gives us more loving-favor. For the Holy Writings say, "God works against the proud but gives loving-favor to those who have no pride." (Proverbs 3:34) So give yourselves to God.~ James 4:6-7 (NLV)
His way is best, and ultimately, we all have to acknowledge it. Some listen by simply hearing the truth and obeying; others...and that's probably most of us...need the teaching tool of consequences to break through our pride and foolishness. But, however we get to God's throne of grace, it is the path of blessing. No other place is safe. No other place will satisfy. I know, because I've "been there, done that." Did the rebellion thing, did the ash heap thing. God knew what I needed, so I'm thankful for the mistakes I was allowed to make, because God used them to change my life.
Love,
Joelene
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Verse of the Day - Matthew 5:44
[Jesus says,] "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...." ~ Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
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Here is the fuller passage...
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." ~ Jesus, in Matthew 5:43-48
This command is a tough one! We hear when Jesus reminds us of the summation of God's law with "love the Lord your God with all your heart...and love your neighbor as yourself", but then He throws in this wrench in the works! Love my enemy? Are you kidding? Do you know how hard that is? I just want to choke the living daylights out of them!
Actually, He does know what it's like. The Gospel books are filled with the retelling of Jesus' enemies and their constant badgering of him, their needling and planned entrapments. They feigned hospitality by inviting Him into their homes, yet really desired to dismantle Him and His ministry. Of course, they tried to use civility with their tricks, not normally resorting to outright violence in their hatred of Him. But sometimes they couldn't keep it under wraps, even trying to stone Him at one point (John 8). And eventually, they had their way with Him, and were allowed the gruesome pleasure of seeing the object of their hatred driven into the bloody ground.
Yeah, Jesus knows what it's like to have enemies...and He still tells us to love them, just as He loved them. Sigh.
I had a situation a few years ago, where God really laid this command on my heart. There was someone I worked with that simply seemed to have it out for me. The animosity was not even loosely veiled. At first, I complained. To close friends, to God. I harbored negative thoughts about this person, and generally dreaded all contact with them. I certainly did not make a point to be where they were unless I absolutely had to. It was a bad situation, and I was not happy. And then one day, God reminded me of the passage that Luke recorded...
"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." ~ Jesus, in Luke 6:27-28
Do good to those who hate you? You mean, God, that it's not enough for me to just not do bad to this person? I need to do good?......ugghhh.
But I said okay to God. And I began to consciously, purposefully take the time to be kind to this person, speaking to them unsolicited, with a smile. A genuine smile. It wasn't easy to have a kind heart for someone I knew couldn't care less about me, but God gave me the will and the wherewithal to do it. And let me tell you something: God did a miracle in that relationship. There is no other explanation that will satisfy me. God did it! When I went on the offense to show love -- not just the absence of hate -- God began to soften this person toward me. It was one of the most significant examples of God's direct hand in my life that I know of.
And here's the thing: God didn't promise me that things would change. I really didn't expect things to change. I was simply obeying my Father...that's all. Just doing what He told me to do. And yet, people really are affected by love, the "go out of your way to be nice" kind of love. It's part of the spiritual dimension of God's universe, I guess -- the currency amongst the hearts of humanity.
I can almost bet that you have at least one person in your life that you struggle with, that you consider an adversary. Maybe they oppress you in your dealings with them; or maybe you are holding something against them. Either way, the thread of animosity is there, and you know it. God is asking you to rethread your needle with love and get to work. Make purposeful stitches of love and kindness toward this person, in active pursuit. God's in charge of the design of the garment He's creating by your obedience, so don't be concerned about how it's coming out. Just keep stitching. Lives will be changed, because that's how God works...through love.
And even if your enemy is still your enemy, you will be changed, becoming like a true child of your Father in heaven, who sends the sunshine and the rain on the just and the unjust. So, I challenge you today to get on your knees and ask God to give you genuine love for your enemies. Ask God to change your heart. Never mind the other person. You be the love initiator by the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. It is radical and goes against our selfish nature, for sure. But, hey, that's the point of God in our life, right, to get rid of that selfish nature, to show the radical love of God?
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Here is the fuller passage...
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." ~ Jesus, in Matthew 5:43-48
This command is a tough one! We hear when Jesus reminds us of the summation of God's law with "love the Lord your God with all your heart...and love your neighbor as yourself", but then He throws in this wrench in the works! Love my enemy? Are you kidding? Do you know how hard that is? I just want to choke the living daylights out of them!
Actually, He does know what it's like. The Gospel books are filled with the retelling of Jesus' enemies and their constant badgering of him, their needling and planned entrapments. They feigned hospitality by inviting Him into their homes, yet really desired to dismantle Him and His ministry. Of course, they tried to use civility with their tricks, not normally resorting to outright violence in their hatred of Him. But sometimes they couldn't keep it under wraps, even trying to stone Him at one point (John 8). And eventually, they had their way with Him, and were allowed the gruesome pleasure of seeing the object of their hatred driven into the bloody ground.
Yeah, Jesus knows what it's like to have enemies...and He still tells us to love them, just as He loved them. Sigh.
I had a situation a few years ago, where God really laid this command on my heart. There was someone I worked with that simply seemed to have it out for me. The animosity was not even loosely veiled. At first, I complained. To close friends, to God. I harbored negative thoughts about this person, and generally dreaded all contact with them. I certainly did not make a point to be where they were unless I absolutely had to. It was a bad situation, and I was not happy. And then one day, God reminded me of the passage that Luke recorded...
"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." ~ Jesus, in Luke 6:27-28
Do good to those who hate you? You mean, God, that it's not enough for me to just not do bad to this person? I need to do good?......ugghhh.
But I said okay to God. And I began to consciously, purposefully take the time to be kind to this person, speaking to them unsolicited, with a smile. A genuine smile. It wasn't easy to have a kind heart for someone I knew couldn't care less about me, but God gave me the will and the wherewithal to do it. And let me tell you something: God did a miracle in that relationship. There is no other explanation that will satisfy me. God did it! When I went on the offense to show love -- not just the absence of hate -- God began to soften this person toward me. It was one of the most significant examples of God's direct hand in my life that I know of.
And here's the thing: God didn't promise me that things would change. I really didn't expect things to change. I was simply obeying my Father...that's all. Just doing what He told me to do. And yet, people really are affected by love, the "go out of your way to be nice" kind of love. It's part of the spiritual dimension of God's universe, I guess -- the currency amongst the hearts of humanity.
I can almost bet that you have at least one person in your life that you struggle with, that you consider an adversary. Maybe they oppress you in your dealings with them; or maybe you are holding something against them. Either way, the thread of animosity is there, and you know it. God is asking you to rethread your needle with love and get to work. Make purposeful stitches of love and kindness toward this person, in active pursuit. God's in charge of the design of the garment He's creating by your obedience, so don't be concerned about how it's coming out. Just keep stitching. Lives will be changed, because that's how God works...through love.
And even if your enemy is still your enemy, you will be changed, becoming like a true child of your Father in heaven, who sends the sunshine and the rain on the just and the unjust. So, I challenge you today to get on your knees and ask God to give you genuine love for your enemies. Ask God to change your heart. Never mind the other person. You be the love initiator by the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. It is radical and goes against our selfish nature, for sure. But, hey, that's the point of God in our life, right, to get rid of that selfish nature, to show the radical love of God?
Love,
Joelene
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Verse of the Day - Job 8:21
"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." ~ Job 8:21 (NIV)
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There are those who are pretty even-keeled in their personality. Nothing ruffles their feathers, not many highs and lows, very stable...like a rock. And then there are folks like me, wearing my heart on my sleeve -- you know when I'm not happy, because it's written all over my face. And when something makes me laugh, everybody knows it, because I laugh OUT LOUD! I can turn heads in a restaurant because I'm laughing so loud! (fortunately, I've never been kicked out of an establishment for disturbing the peace...but I suppose that day could come. :-)
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
~ Proverbs 17:22 (NLT)
Laughter is good medicine! I've always said that if I ever was struck with a serious illness, I would make sure I got my daily dose of "I Love Lucy", because she makes me laugh! And a heart that is cheered is lighter, less weighed down by the worries and sorrows of this sin-sick world. Does it mean that you don't care about serious concerns when you take a laugh break? Of course not! But like the saying goes, "If I didn't laugh, I'd cry." We need to let out our emotions -- laughter is a joyous release of emotion, and God has given it to all people -- it's a universal language!
And laughter doesn't just show up when you watch a comedy on TV or listen to a joke. This past weekend, I watched a young golden retriever on the beach. I walked past his wet, sandy tennis ball, but Charlie was more interested in me. I said, "Get your ball...", but for some reason, he couldn't sniff it out. So I went to pick it up, and then he was onto it! But instead of picking it up with his teeth, he began to paw at it, driving it deeper and deeper into the sand. He just didn't get the fact that, in his excitement, he wasn't helping. It was funny, and I laughed! Charlie's owner came up, and we laughed together! It was a fun moment, and as I continued on down the beach, my heart was light.
See, sometimes, we just miss the pure humor of the little things in life. And when life is hard, often nothing is funny. We get sucked into the vortex of sadness and misery, and not even "I Love Lucy's" Vitametavegamin sketch could make us smile, let alone laugh. I know, because I've been there. But God tells us in Job 8:21 that we will not always sit in the ash heap of despair and depression. Joy will return, by His grace and mercy...
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance...
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 (NIV)
Look for God's humor in your day -- it's out there, so keep your eyes open. It may be a puppy, with their excitement and awkwardness, or maybe a child playing a silly game. Maybe you make yourself laugh when you find a sock in the sleeve of your sweater in the middle of a business meeting. Now that's funny! I hope you can laugh today and every day...often and out loud. Let your heart be light -- it's good for you!
Love,
Joelene
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There are those who are pretty even-keeled in their personality. Nothing ruffles their feathers, not many highs and lows, very stable...like a rock. And then there are folks like me, wearing my heart on my sleeve -- you know when I'm not happy, because it's written all over my face. And when something makes me laugh, everybody knows it, because I laugh OUT LOUD! I can turn heads in a restaurant because I'm laughing so loud! (fortunately, I've never been kicked out of an establishment for disturbing the peace...but I suppose that day could come. :-)
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
~ Proverbs 17:22 (NLT)
Laughter is good medicine! I've always said that if I ever was struck with a serious illness, I would make sure I got my daily dose of "I Love Lucy", because she makes me laugh! And a heart that is cheered is lighter, less weighed down by the worries and sorrows of this sin-sick world. Does it mean that you don't care about serious concerns when you take a laugh break? Of course not! But like the saying goes, "If I didn't laugh, I'd cry." We need to let out our emotions -- laughter is a joyous release of emotion, and God has given it to all people -- it's a universal language!
And laughter doesn't just show up when you watch a comedy on TV or listen to a joke. This past weekend, I watched a young golden retriever on the beach. I walked past his wet, sandy tennis ball, but Charlie was more interested in me. I said, "Get your ball...", but for some reason, he couldn't sniff it out. So I went to pick it up, and then he was onto it! But instead of picking it up with his teeth, he began to paw at it, driving it deeper and deeper into the sand. He just didn't get the fact that, in his excitement, he wasn't helping. It was funny, and I laughed! Charlie's owner came up, and we laughed together! It was a fun moment, and as I continued on down the beach, my heart was light.
See, sometimes, we just miss the pure humor of the little things in life. And when life is hard, often nothing is funny. We get sucked into the vortex of sadness and misery, and not even "I Love Lucy's" Vitametavegamin sketch could make us smile, let alone laugh. I know, because I've been there. But God tells us in Job 8:21 that we will not always sit in the ash heap of despair and depression. Joy will return, by His grace and mercy...
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance...
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 (NIV)
Look for God's humor in your day -- it's out there, so keep your eyes open. It may be a puppy, with their excitement and awkwardness, or maybe a child playing a silly game. Maybe you make yourself laugh when you find a sock in the sleeve of your sweater in the middle of a business meeting. Now that's funny! I hope you can laugh today and every day...often and out loud. Let your heart be light -- it's good for you!
Love,
Joelene
Monday, April 7, 2008
Verse of the Day - Romans 12:11
Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. ~ Romans 12:11 (NLT)
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Okay, I admit it...I don't want to go to work today! I've been on vacation for four days, and although I should feel rested and ready to tackle the world, I don't. Not really. I mean, I'm sure I'll get back in the groove, but it's the getting back that's hard. Know what I mean?
And when we are believers in Jesus Christ, everywhere we go, we're serving Him, be that at our 9-to-5, at school, on the PTA, wherever. So how do we keep up our enthusiasm, our "fervor", as the NIV says it? And why is this enthusiasm important?
Let me liken this to sales. How many times have you seen or heard a sales pitch that sounded like one long, monotonous drone? The sales person looks completely disinterested and unconvinced of his own words. If he has confidence in his product, you would never know it. He's probably never tried it, and never will. Doesn't care -- it's just a job. His life has just not been changed by this product. He has no real faith in it, because he hasn't put it to the test and found it true and helpful. And because he has no genuine excitement over what this product has done and can do, no one is going to listen to him.
If we lose sight of our spiritual dimension with God, if we don't use our "product"...that is, if we neglect our relationship with Him..., if we fail to grasp how pitiful life is without God and how amazingly rich life is with God, we can become like that monotonous sales person. Who in their right mind is going to listen to you talk about "abundant life" and "joy to the full" when you act as if you couldn't be more bored and disinterested? In fact, you won't be telling anyone about it at all. It makes no sense to talk about something that is lifeless and ineffective. Throw out the gospel...let's talk about something really interesting! Hey, did you see that game on TV last night?!? Wasn't that catch in the 7th inning amazing?!?
Have you been changed by the power of God? If so, then you should be excited about that! If you aren't, then ask your Heavenly Father to stir up the embers in your spirit and fan into flame the zeal for the Lord that has gone cold and stale. We're not selling toilet bowl brushes here, folks! We're sharing the truth of the living God Who has made Himself available to all who will believe and choose Him. That is amazing! That is exciting! That is life-changing!
I preach to myself here. We all get lulled by the work-a-day world, buried under a sea of deadlines and piles of papers and customers. Oh Lord, help us keep our #1 priority of living for You on the front burner. Help us know by experience what it's like to live day by day with the presence of the Almighty God within our spirits. Forgive us when we've viewed our relationship with you with the excitement of selling toilet bowl brushes...
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Okay, I admit it...I don't want to go to work today! I've been on vacation for four days, and although I should feel rested and ready to tackle the world, I don't. Not really. I mean, I'm sure I'll get back in the groove, but it's the getting back that's hard. Know what I mean?
And when we are believers in Jesus Christ, everywhere we go, we're serving Him, be that at our 9-to-5, at school, on the PTA, wherever. So how do we keep up our enthusiasm, our "fervor", as the NIV says it? And why is this enthusiasm important?
Let me liken this to sales. How many times have you seen or heard a sales pitch that sounded like one long, monotonous drone? The sales person looks completely disinterested and unconvinced of his own words. If he has confidence in his product, you would never know it. He's probably never tried it, and never will. Doesn't care -- it's just a job. His life has just not been changed by this product. He has no real faith in it, because he hasn't put it to the test and found it true and helpful. And because he has no genuine excitement over what this product has done and can do, no one is going to listen to him.
If we lose sight of our spiritual dimension with God, if we don't use our "product"...that is, if we neglect our relationship with Him..., if we fail to grasp how pitiful life is without God and how amazingly rich life is with God, we can become like that monotonous sales person. Who in their right mind is going to listen to you talk about "abundant life" and "joy to the full" when you act as if you couldn't be more bored and disinterested? In fact, you won't be telling anyone about it at all. It makes no sense to talk about something that is lifeless and ineffective. Throw out the gospel...let's talk about something really interesting! Hey, did you see that game on TV last night?!? Wasn't that catch in the 7th inning amazing?!?
Have you been changed by the power of God? If so, then you should be excited about that! If you aren't, then ask your Heavenly Father to stir up the embers in your spirit and fan into flame the zeal for the Lord that has gone cold and stale. We're not selling toilet bowl brushes here, folks! We're sharing the truth of the living God Who has made Himself available to all who will believe and choose Him. That is amazing! That is exciting! That is life-changing!
I preach to myself here. We all get lulled by the work-a-day world, buried under a sea of deadlines and piles of papers and customers. Oh Lord, help us keep our #1 priority of living for You on the front burner. Help us know by experience what it's like to live day by day with the presence of the Almighty God within our spirits. Forgive us when we've viewed our relationship with you with the excitement of selling toilet bowl brushes...
Love,
Joelene
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Verse of the Day - Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. ~ Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` `
This afternoon, I am heading to Lake Tahoe for four days, and I am soaring! I've been getting excited about this trip since I planned it a few weeks ago! (BTW, this means I won't be doing VOTD again until I get back on Monday). The idea of rest and relaxation, without the responsibility of my normal, day-to-day commitments is exhilarating! (can you tell it's been a while since my last vacation? :-)
Rest is a good thing. But often we don't want to rest. We don't want to wait. We want to move, move, move! I wanted to throw my computer mouse across the room yesterday at work because my computer was being so slow -- or, at least, it wasn't going fast enough for me. I want things to happen, and I want them NOW! Wait...? Are you kidding? I have things to do, people to see, places to go! Can you relate to any of this?
Yet in our humanity, we can get burned out...from sheer exhaustion, fear, rejection, failure, illness, depression, worry. We can get stuck in a rut and unable to fly even with a free airline ticket! We think back to a time when we were soaring, and it can seem so very far away, so unreachable, so long ago. We long to be in that place again where our hearts and minds are light as a feather, where light shines on opportunities and dreams, where God's vision for us seems clear and reachable!
wait... rest... that's what God says. Let the Lord minister to you -- your mind and your body. Take some time to back off --reflect, ponder, meditate. Don't kill yourself trying to be on the top of the jet stream all the time. We need to glide at lower altitudes, too...perhaps, then, even being able to focus better on where we're at, where we've been, and where we're heading.
And maybe if you're at a stopping point in your life, it's because God had to put the brakes on you. Maybe you were going full steam ahead, flaps down, pedal to the metal, max RPMs. Maybe you were gonna burn out if He didn't help you see you needed rest. Maybe you were losing sight of God's map for your life. I don't know. He knows us better than we know ourselves and He is God, so when He makes decisions, we know they are wise and right and good.
I pray that you can allow the downtimes in your life without fighting against them, and seek God and His purpose in the midst of them. If you're not flying at break-neck speed in life at the moment, thank God for the rest. And if your life is flying at 1,000 MPH, seek the Lord for daily rest periods and be sensitive to His leading. He may be telling you in more ways than one that burnout is approaching.
Listen to Him and seek your rest and refreshment from Him. It's amazing how far you can go with a good tune-up and a full tank of gas!
Love,
Joelene
` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` `
This afternoon, I am heading to Lake Tahoe for four days, and I am soaring! I've been getting excited about this trip since I planned it a few weeks ago! (BTW, this means I won't be doing VOTD again until I get back on Monday). The idea of rest and relaxation, without the responsibility of my normal, day-to-day commitments is exhilarating! (can you tell it's been a while since my last vacation? :-)
Rest is a good thing. But often we don't want to rest. We don't want to wait. We want to move, move, move! I wanted to throw my computer mouse across the room yesterday at work because my computer was being so slow -- or, at least, it wasn't going fast enough for me. I want things to happen, and I want them NOW! Wait...? Are you kidding? I have things to do, people to see, places to go! Can you relate to any of this?
Yet in our humanity, we can get burned out...from sheer exhaustion, fear, rejection, failure, illness, depression, worry. We can get stuck in a rut and unable to fly even with a free airline ticket! We think back to a time when we were soaring, and it can seem so very far away, so unreachable, so long ago. We long to be in that place again where our hearts and minds are light as a feather, where light shines on opportunities and dreams, where God's vision for us seems clear and reachable!
wait... rest... that's what God says. Let the Lord minister to you -- your mind and your body. Take some time to back off --reflect, ponder, meditate. Don't kill yourself trying to be on the top of the jet stream all the time. We need to glide at lower altitudes, too...perhaps, then, even being able to focus better on where we're at, where we've been, and where we're heading.
And maybe if you're at a stopping point in your life, it's because God had to put the brakes on you. Maybe you were going full steam ahead, flaps down, pedal to the metal, max RPMs. Maybe you were gonna burn out if He didn't help you see you needed rest. Maybe you were losing sight of God's map for your life. I don't know. He knows us better than we know ourselves and He is God, so when He makes decisions, we know they are wise and right and good.
I pray that you can allow the downtimes in your life without fighting against them, and seek God and His purpose in the midst of them. If you're not flying at break-neck speed in life at the moment, thank God for the rest. And if your life is flying at 1,000 MPH, seek the Lord for daily rest periods and be sensitive to His leading. He may be telling you in more ways than one that burnout is approaching.
Listen to Him and seek your rest and refreshment from Him. It's amazing how far you can go with a good tune-up and a full tank of gas!
Love,
Joelene
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Verse of the Day - Proverbs 12:1
To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. ~ Proverbs 12:1 (NLT)
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My friend and I are currently on a small church bowling league, and we're having a lot of fun! But -- our scores are very inconsistent, with spikes of spectacular and a lot of very average! Another girl from our church has sub'd for our team quite often, and she's amazing! Very consistent with a really nice average. But--she takes lessons every Saturday for two hours. Ahh -- the ol' "take lessons" trick...
I told my friend that maybe if we didn't want to keep bowling with frustration (a low score of, say, 111 is not-so-affectionately called "one hundred stupid eleven!"), we should try taking lessons. She said, "Yeah, maybe...but I don't like someone telling me what to do. I'd rather just figure out what I'm doing wrong on my own..."
Hmm....a chronic human condition -- willful pride.
...no ones gonna tell me what to do!
...who do you think you are? you're not my mama!
...i can do it MYSELF!
We like to make fun of the "nerds" of the world...
...who hang on a teacher's shirttails, doing all the homework and the extra credit, staying after school for the tutorials to get help (and give it, if need be), who's idea of a good time on the weekend is more studying. But when their hard work pays of in a 4.53 GPA and a full-ride scholarship to a good college, we have nothing to say but 'good job' to them, and 'not so smart after all' to ourselves, who wiled away our time partying and watching TV, and who now are scraping just to get into any college at all.
Humility is often not considered the most attractive quality in this world. Submitting to authority? Wimpy. Being disciplined to learn? Boring. Listening to someone tell you what do to? Ain't interested! But we shoot ourselves in the foot when we refuse to take instruction from others, flailing around in the sea of ignorance because we refuse to take our proverbial swimming lessons.
We need to recognize that we will always have someone in authority over us, others who know more and know better. We can overcome many obstacles in this life if we will submit to those who are placed in charge and who've been given knowledge. A student mindset is definitely to our advantage.
A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. ~ Luke 6:40 (NIV)
And God is the great Teacher. But when His methods don't seem to make sense or the testing is taking forever, we want to throw in the towel and say "Forget it! This is too hard--too much work!" We feel like Daniel in "The Karate Kid", who thought he was slave labor for Mr. Miyagi when told to paint fences and wax cars...
There was a method to Mr. Miyagi's madness, but Daniel-san needed to humble himself and do what his teacher told him to, without balking or giving up. In the end, he learned more than just how to stand up for himself and win a karate tournament...he learned the art of discipline.
Can we be true students of God and His word, humbling ourselves to the Master? Are we willing to "wax on, wax off" or "paint the fence", in order to develop character that can stand up to the Adversary in times of trouble?
Oh Lord, forgive us when we refuse to listen to You, or get tired of the regimen You put us through. Help us to have a humble student's heart, desirous to learn from you the things we lack. Forgive us in our pride, thinking we know everything already. And thank You for picking us up out of the dirt when we fall on our faces. Thank you for your gracious ways, never throwing us out of the classroom of life, but continuing to instruct us in Your way, the way everlasting. Amen.
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
My friend and I are currently on a small church bowling league, and we're having a lot of fun! But -- our scores are very inconsistent, with spikes of spectacular and a lot of very average! Another girl from our church has sub'd for our team quite often, and she's amazing! Very consistent with a really nice average. But--she takes lessons every Saturday for two hours. Ahh -- the ol' "take lessons" trick...
I told my friend that maybe if we didn't want to keep bowling with frustration (a low score of, say, 111 is not-so-affectionately called "one hundred stupid eleven!"), we should try taking lessons. She said, "Yeah, maybe...but I don't like someone telling me what to do. I'd rather just figure out what I'm doing wrong on my own..."
Hmm....a chronic human condition -- willful pride.
...no ones gonna tell me what to do!
...who do you think you are? you're not my mama!
...i can do it MYSELF!
We like to make fun of the "nerds" of the world...
...who hang on a teacher's shirttails, doing all the homework and the extra credit, staying after school for the tutorials to get help (and give it, if need be), who's idea of a good time on the weekend is more studying. But when their hard work pays of in a 4.53 GPA and a full-ride scholarship to a good college, we have nothing to say but 'good job' to them, and 'not so smart after all' to ourselves, who wiled away our time partying and watching TV, and who now are scraping just to get into any college at all.
Humility is often not considered the most attractive quality in this world. Submitting to authority? Wimpy. Being disciplined to learn? Boring. Listening to someone tell you what do to? Ain't interested! But we shoot ourselves in the foot when we refuse to take instruction from others, flailing around in the sea of ignorance because we refuse to take our proverbial swimming lessons.
We need to recognize that we will always have someone in authority over us, others who know more and know better. We can overcome many obstacles in this life if we will submit to those who are placed in charge and who've been given knowledge. A student mindset is definitely to our advantage.
A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. ~ Luke 6:40 (NIV)
And God is the great Teacher. But when His methods don't seem to make sense or the testing is taking forever, we want to throw in the towel and say "Forget it! This is too hard--too much work!" We feel like Daniel in "The Karate Kid", who thought he was slave labor for Mr. Miyagi when told to paint fences and wax cars...
There was a method to Mr. Miyagi's madness, but Daniel-san needed to humble himself and do what his teacher told him to, without balking or giving up. In the end, he learned more than just how to stand up for himself and win a karate tournament...he learned the art of discipline.
Can we be true students of God and His word, humbling ourselves to the Master? Are we willing to "wax on, wax off" or "paint the fence", in order to develop character that can stand up to the Adversary in times of trouble?
Oh Lord, forgive us when we refuse to listen to You, or get tired of the regimen You put us through. Help us to have a humble student's heart, desirous to learn from you the things we lack. Forgive us in our pride, thinking we know everything already. And thank You for picking us up out of the dirt when we fall on our faces. Thank you for your gracious ways, never throwing us out of the classroom of life, but continuing to instruct us in Your way, the way everlasting. Amen.
Love,
Joelene
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Verse of the Day - Psalm 14:1
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." ~ Psalm 14:1 (NIV)
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I was just thinking about this thought yesterday, about people who don't believe in God -- one of my friends likes to say this: I'd rather live like there is a God and find out in the end that there isn't, than to live like there's no God and find out in the end that there is.
So, what is your answer to those who say there is no God? What do you base your claim for God on?
I think it's vital for Christ followers to have an answer for this, because so many people are searching. True, a lot aren't searching. Either way, if you spend time with people, you will hear a spiritual tenor from those who don't have a clue about whether there's a God, and if so, who is He? Buddha? Mo-hammed? The Great Spirit of the earth? The God within you? A person like you who became a god (and you, too, can do the same)?
Who is your god and how do you know he's real? That is a very honest question from people today, and I challenge you to have an answer.
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.
~ 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT)
Yes, faith is a funny thing. Difficult to back up with science. But the complexities of this world with its amazing balance, which science so brilliantly reveals, must come from intelligent design. There is no other plausible explanation for how a human brain works, or why there is gravity, or how there is a perfect mixture of air for us breathe, or a million other perfectly crafted plans in this world. I am convinced. Science has also provided evidence to support what the Bible says about physical history; therefore, I believe I can trust what the Bible says about spiritual history. The Creator God says He is the one true God, and there is no other.
For this is what the LORD says—
he who created the heavens,
he is God;
he who fashioned and made the earth,
he founded it;
he did not create it to be empty,
but formed it to be inhabited—
he says:
"I am the LORD,
and there is no other." ~ Isaiah 45:18 (NIV)
This same God foretold of a Savior who He would send to rescue the world from their sins (Isaiah 53). Jesus proved He was that Savior through all He was and did, every prophesy about Him fulfilled. And then He proved He was God, as God Himself and Jesus said, because death has no hold on the Almighty God. He said that I can be free from the chains of my sins if I will believe in Who He is and what He did for me; that is, to die on the cross to pay my sin debt. And I did. And when I did, my life was changed. The Holy Spirit of God came to live within me, and I am changed. Can I fully explain it? Probably not. Does my life prove the power of a God who can change a human heart? I hope so. He prompts me to live in a manner that shows others who God is...loving, compassionate, gracious, holy, just, faithful. This life is to in contrast to those who are spiritually dead...hateful, selfish, rebellious...who follow the prince of the air; that is, Satan.
So when someone says, "There is no God", can you point to your life and say, "If that is true, then who or what changed me?" Those of us who have had a radical turnover inside of us because of God know that externals were not able to make the change. Doing good deeds, piling on education, sequestering oneself from worldly influences, going organic and holistic...NONE of these things changes the heart, and everyone who's tried must come to the same conclusion. The heart of a person is spiritual and must be changed spiritually.
Human life comes from human parents, but spiritual life comes from the Spirit. ~ John 3:6 (NCV)
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give peace to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid." (John 14:27), and I know that peace. Peace in my relationship with God through His forgiveness of my sins, rest in my spirit from guilt and striving to be "good enough", no fear of death. Can those who say there is no god claim these things? And aren't these the things that most people, deep in their souls, are looking for?
I am a witness of the reality of God, the one true God. I hope you can say the same.
Love,
Joelene
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I was just thinking about this thought yesterday, about people who don't believe in God -- one of my friends likes to say this: I'd rather live like there is a God and find out in the end that there isn't, than to live like there's no God and find out in the end that there is.
So, what is your answer to those who say there is no God? What do you base your claim for God on?
I think it's vital for Christ followers to have an answer for this, because so many people are searching. True, a lot aren't searching. Either way, if you spend time with people, you will hear a spiritual tenor from those who don't have a clue about whether there's a God, and if so, who is He? Buddha? Mo-hammed? The Great Spirit of the earth? The God within you? A person like you who became a god (and you, too, can do the same)?
Who is your god and how do you know he's real? That is a very honest question from people today, and I challenge you to have an answer.
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.
~ 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT)
Yes, faith is a funny thing. Difficult to back up with science. But the complexities of this world with its amazing balance, which science so brilliantly reveals, must come from intelligent design. There is no other plausible explanation for how a human brain works, or why there is gravity, or how there is a perfect mixture of air for us breathe, or a million other perfectly crafted plans in this world. I am convinced. Science has also provided evidence to support what the Bible says about physical history; therefore, I believe I can trust what the Bible says about spiritual history. The Creator God says He is the one true God, and there is no other.
For this is what the LORD says—
he who created the heavens,
he is God;
he who fashioned and made the earth,
he founded it;
he did not create it to be empty,
but formed it to be inhabited—
he says:
"I am the LORD,
and there is no other." ~ Isaiah 45:18 (NIV)
This same God foretold of a Savior who He would send to rescue the world from their sins (Isaiah 53). Jesus proved He was that Savior through all He was and did, every prophesy about Him fulfilled. And then He proved He was God, as God Himself and Jesus said, because death has no hold on the Almighty God. He said that I can be free from the chains of my sins if I will believe in Who He is and what He did for me; that is, to die on the cross to pay my sin debt. And I did. And when I did, my life was changed. The Holy Spirit of God came to live within me, and I am changed. Can I fully explain it? Probably not. Does my life prove the power of a God who can change a human heart? I hope so. He prompts me to live in a manner that shows others who God is...loving, compassionate, gracious, holy, just, faithful. This life is to in contrast to those who are spiritually dead...hateful, selfish, rebellious...who follow the prince of the air; that is, Satan.
So when someone says, "There is no God", can you point to your life and say, "If that is true, then who or what changed me?" Those of us who have had a radical turnover inside of us because of God know that externals were not able to make the change. Doing good deeds, piling on education, sequestering oneself from worldly influences, going organic and holistic...NONE of these things changes the heart, and everyone who's tried must come to the same conclusion. The heart of a person is spiritual and must be changed spiritually.
Human life comes from human parents, but spiritual life comes from the Spirit. ~ John 3:6 (NCV)
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give peace to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid." (John 14:27), and I know that peace. Peace in my relationship with God through His forgiveness of my sins, rest in my spirit from guilt and striving to be "good enough", no fear of death. Can those who say there is no god claim these things? And aren't these the things that most people, deep in their souls, are looking for?
I am a witness of the reality of God, the one true God. I hope you can say the same.
Love,
Joelene
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