To all VOTD readers and friends...
I have been putting off this task of taking my computer to the Geek Squad for, oh, about six months, but i think now is a good time. They told me previously that it's a standard two-week turn around, and since I'll be on vacation for a good portion of this two weeks, I thought I'd take the plunge and "get 'er done!"
This blog site has alot of old VOTDs in archive -- you can review these, if you like, until I return. And I encourage you to continue reading God's word and developing your relationship with God.
Love,
Joelene
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Verse of the Day - Proverbs 29:25
The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.
~ Proverbs 29:25 (The Msg)
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Wow -- this is pretty telling, isn't it?
How many of us have fallen into the trap of trying to please people over God, of worrying about what others think, instead of what God thinks?
Being a people-pleaser is a weight that's hard to bear. No matter how hard we try, we will never measure up to people's standards and opinions, which are often unrealistic, unbiblical and self-motivated. You will never please all people all the time...or even some of the people some of the time. God says that's a trap, and I'm sure you can attest to that.
Where does our self-worth and significance lie? In man's opinion, or God's? Where does our loyalty lie -- with man, or with God?
God says that He's the One we need to be concerned with, not mere man...
Don't be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There's nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands. ~ Matthew 10:28 (The Msg)
Whether it's approval we're after, or an avoidance of uncomfortable pressure, we need to trust and obey God over man. He is the one we're accountable to, above all else. And if we're in His will, we have nothing to fear...the rest is just gravy.
Peter and John had in right...
...they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” ~ Acts 4:19-20 (NLT)
I pray that you can trust God for your significance and your safety, as you walk with Him and talk of Him. Being a follower of Christ is not always popular in public opinion...but it's the safe place to be. Safe and secure with God.
Love,
Joelene
~ Proverbs 29:25 (The Msg)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow -- this is pretty telling, isn't it?
How many of us have fallen into the trap of trying to please people over God, of worrying about what others think, instead of what God thinks?
Being a people-pleaser is a weight that's hard to bear. No matter how hard we try, we will never measure up to people's standards and opinions, which are often unrealistic, unbiblical and self-motivated. You will never please all people all the time...or even some of the people some of the time. God says that's a trap, and I'm sure you can attest to that.
Where does our self-worth and significance lie? In man's opinion, or God's? Where does our loyalty lie -- with man, or with God?
God says that He's the One we need to be concerned with, not mere man...
Don't be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There's nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands. ~ Matthew 10:28 (The Msg)
Whether it's approval we're after, or an avoidance of uncomfortable pressure, we need to trust and obey God over man. He is the one we're accountable to, above all else. And if we're in His will, we have nothing to fear...the rest is just gravy.
Peter and John had in right...
...they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” ~ Acts 4:19-20 (NLT)
I pray that you can trust God for your significance and your safety, as you walk with Him and talk of Him. Being a follower of Christ is not always popular in public opinion...but it's the safe place to be. Safe and secure with God.
Love,
Joelene
Friday, July 18, 2008
Verse of the Day - Proverbs 28:26
The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. ~Proverbs 28:26 (Holman)
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To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. ~ Job 12:13 (NIV)
Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. ~ Daniel 2:20 (NIV)
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! ~ Romans 11:33 (NIV)
We've said it a million times: "...sounds right to me..."
Red flag, my friends. Red flag...
How many times have you relied on your own judgment and paid the sad price of a bad decision, huh? Yeah, you're shaking your head 'yes' -- too many times to want to count, most likely.
We just have to face it -- our judgment is flawed, skewed, imbalanced. On our own, we are truly like a wave upon the sea, tossed back and forth with the wind. So many pride themselves on their knowledge and wisdom, but even scholars and Ph.D.s are foolish if they don't seek the wisdom of God. The reality is that if humanity is not seeking God, they're seeking self and other gods. And wisdom comes from God. Therefore, if they are not tapping into the source of wisdom, they are running on foolishness. Big-time.
For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." [Isaiah 29:14]
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ~ 1 Corinthians 1:19-2 (NIV)
Humanity thinks it's so smart. We elevate ourselves with college degrees and expansive libraries...and then cheat on our taxes and our spouses. We consider ourselves spiritual and seek to attain a higher consciousness...and then kill ourselves and others in cult massacres.
Wisdom?!? We are fools, with a capital 'F'.
It all comes down to acknowledging who has the wisdom, and who doesn't. It's about Who's in charge, and who isn't. Basic rebellion against God is really the foundation of foolishness. If God is the author of wisdom, and you decide you don't want to follow Him, He gives you what you want and lets you walk your own way, on your own. What's sorta funny is that when people rebel against God and then their life goes awry, they want to blame God for their messed-up life and say He's mean and unloving! Hello---does the phrase, "you've made your bed, now lie in it..." mean anything to them?
From a daily-walk standpoint to our search for spirituality, if we don't believe that God is all-knowing and all-sufficient AND listen and obey what He has to say, then we are left on our own, floating on the sea without sail or rudder. What a helpless position to be in! Unfortunately, most in that situation are clueless as to their predicament. Their foolishness seems like truth and wisdom to them. But when compared side by side with God's truth and wisdom, it falls completely short, completely shallow, completely sad.
Yet, praise the Lord! He is so willing to give wisdom to anyone who asks! You don't have to be a pastor or missionary or church big-wig! God gives to all who come to Him!
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. ~ James 1:5 (NIV)
I pray that you can bow before God today and every day, acknowledging your faulty judgment and asking for His perfect wisdom. Trust Him completely to guide you. As His Word says, He will keep your way safe.
With all your heart you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (CEV)
Love,
Joelene
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. ~ Job 12:13 (NIV)
Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. ~ Daniel 2:20 (NIV)
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! ~ Romans 11:33 (NIV)
We've said it a million times: "...sounds right to me..."
Red flag, my friends. Red flag...
How many times have you relied on your own judgment and paid the sad price of a bad decision, huh? Yeah, you're shaking your head 'yes' -- too many times to want to count, most likely.
We just have to face it -- our judgment is flawed, skewed, imbalanced. On our own, we are truly like a wave upon the sea, tossed back and forth with the wind. So many pride themselves on their knowledge and wisdom, but even scholars and Ph.D.s are foolish if they don't seek the wisdom of God. The reality is that if humanity is not seeking God, they're seeking self and other gods. And wisdom comes from God. Therefore, if they are not tapping into the source of wisdom, they are running on foolishness. Big-time.
For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." [Isaiah 29:14]
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ~ 1 Corinthians 1:19-2 (NIV)
Humanity thinks it's so smart. We elevate ourselves with college degrees and expansive libraries...and then cheat on our taxes and our spouses. We consider ourselves spiritual and seek to attain a higher consciousness...and then kill ourselves and others in cult massacres.
Wisdom?!? We are fools, with a capital 'F'.
It all comes down to acknowledging who has the wisdom, and who doesn't. It's about Who's in charge, and who isn't. Basic rebellion against God is really the foundation of foolishness. If God is the author of wisdom, and you decide you don't want to follow Him, He gives you what you want and lets you walk your own way, on your own. What's sorta funny is that when people rebel against God and then their life goes awry, they want to blame God for their messed-up life and say He's mean and unloving! Hello---does the phrase, "you've made your bed, now lie in it..." mean anything to them?
From a daily-walk standpoint to our search for spirituality, if we don't believe that God is all-knowing and all-sufficient AND listen and obey what He has to say, then we are left on our own, floating on the sea without sail or rudder. What a helpless position to be in! Unfortunately, most in that situation are clueless as to their predicament. Their foolishness seems like truth and wisdom to them. But when compared side by side with God's truth and wisdom, it falls completely short, completely shallow, completely sad.
Yet, praise the Lord! He is so willing to give wisdom to anyone who asks! You don't have to be a pastor or missionary or church big-wig! God gives to all who come to Him!
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. ~ James 1:5 (NIV)
I pray that you can bow before God today and every day, acknowledging your faulty judgment and asking for His perfect wisdom. Trust Him completely to guide you. As His Word says, He will keep your way safe.
With all your heart you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (CEV)
Love,
Joelene
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Verse of the Day - Psalm 103:13
The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. ~ Psalm 103:13 (NLT)
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Dads have a tough job. They are, I believe, given the strength role in the home, giving children the firm direction they need (sometimes firm on the bottom, when needed :-). Yet, they love their kids so much, and often go soft when little eyes look up for a hug or a piece of candy from the grocery store. Deep down, dads can be real softies.
That is the balanced character of God. He disciplines those He loves (Proverbs 3:12), and yet has abundant mercy and compassion on them, too (Psalm 103:8). People who think that God is an angry God with a celestial bat, waiting to knock people's head off are ignorant of God's character. They just don't know Him. They haven't really read the Bible to see how He gives people chances over and over and over again to turn from their destructive lifestyle. They haven't seen the love He showed on the cross, as He gave up His Son to die for them. They haven't experienced the amazing mystery of His forgiveness in their hearts and minds, for all the wrong they've done. They don't know my Dad like I know Him.
He [Jesus] came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. ~ John 1:10-13 (NLT)
If you have laid down your will to God and asked for Jesus to come into your life and be the center, you are a child of God. He's no longer a big, bad bully up in heaven -- He's your Father. And you have the opportunity and the responsibility to give unbelieving people a picture of what your Heavenly Father is really like. All we who are children of God need to shine a light on Him, so that the world can see what He's really like. He's full of compassion and mercy, not giving us what we deserve. He's faithful and patient in our weaknesses. He's gracious and kind in His spiritual gifts. Do you talk about Him with others, so that they hear it from your mouth? When difficult circumstances come your way, are you able to give Him praise to others, because you've experienced His love that never leaves nor forsakes? When the Holy Spirit guides you through this life and you know it's your Father's hand, do you share that with people around you?
Our God is an awesome God. And He is also a loving Father. You know it, but the world is clueless. God wants the world to know of Him, so that they can really know Him. Let us open our mouths and let the world know the loving kindness that He has for all those who will come to Him with an honest, humble heart.
Love,
Joelene
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dads have a tough job. They are, I believe, given the strength role in the home, giving children the firm direction they need (sometimes firm on the bottom, when needed :-). Yet, they love their kids so much, and often go soft when little eyes look up for a hug or a piece of candy from the grocery store. Deep down, dads can be real softies.
That is the balanced character of God. He disciplines those He loves (Proverbs 3:12), and yet has abundant mercy and compassion on them, too (Psalm 103:8). People who think that God is an angry God with a celestial bat, waiting to knock people's head off are ignorant of God's character. They just don't know Him. They haven't really read the Bible to see how He gives people chances over and over and over again to turn from their destructive lifestyle. They haven't seen the love He showed on the cross, as He gave up His Son to die for them. They haven't experienced the amazing mystery of His forgiveness in their hearts and minds, for all the wrong they've done. They don't know my Dad like I know Him.
He [Jesus] came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. ~ John 1:10-13 (NLT)
If you have laid down your will to God and asked for Jesus to come into your life and be the center, you are a child of God. He's no longer a big, bad bully up in heaven -- He's your Father. And you have the opportunity and the responsibility to give unbelieving people a picture of what your Heavenly Father is really like. All we who are children of God need to shine a light on Him, so that the world can see what He's really like. He's full of compassion and mercy, not giving us what we deserve. He's faithful and patient in our weaknesses. He's gracious and kind in His spiritual gifts. Do you talk about Him with others, so that they hear it from your mouth? When difficult circumstances come your way, are you able to give Him praise to others, because you've experienced His love that never leaves nor forsakes? When the Holy Spirit guides you through this life and you know it's your Father's hand, do you share that with people around you?
Our God is an awesome God. And He is also a loving Father. You know it, but the world is clueless. God wants the world to know of Him, so that they can really know Him. Let us open our mouths and let the world know the loving kindness that He has for all those who will come to Him with an honest, humble heart.
Love,
Joelene
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Verse of the Day - Romans 11:6
And if he chose them by grace, it is not for the things they have done. If they could be made God's people by what they did, God's gift of grace would not really be a gift.~ Romans 11:6 (NCV)
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Grace is a mystery that our human minds just have a hard time with. We want to pay for what we have, earning "our keep". Or we want to show off our ability to do more and be more holy than the next guy, 'cuz isn't there some sort of tier ladder in this thing called the "kingdom"?
Grace has been defined as a gift given than is undeserved. Not only do you not work to pay for it, but you haven't been good enough to deserve it. All human effort is wiped out with grace. It causes us to stand before God, completely bare of our own hard work and striving, and accept the robe of righteousness through His grace. Though His gift of love and mercy.
How good are we at living in grace? Are we able to tolerate it, without His robe itching our skin? It can be uncomfortable, if we haven't lain down our efforts and ego at the foot of the cross and His throne.
The gift that God has given is a great mystery. There is no way that anyone in this world could work hard enough or be pure enough to save their soul. Human effort cannot bridge the spiritual gap caused by sin. But praise God -- He is the Great Bridge-Builder! His grace gives us the ability to have a relationship with Him through belief and trust in Jesus....just because. Because God is love, and because He wants that relationship with us. He just can't help but reach out His hand and offer the gift. Over and over again. To all.
I pray that you can rest in God's grace today, knowing that your efforts didn't earn it, nor can you ever work hard to make it better. If you have trusted Jesus to deliver you from your sin, His grace covers you completely. Dwell in the safety of God's graceful arms today.
Love,
Joelene
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Verse of the Day - Psalm 37:5-6
Commit your life to the Lord. Here is what he will do if you trust in him. He will make your godly ways shine like the dawn. He will make your honest life shine like the sun at noon.
~ Psalm 37:5 (NIrV)
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You realize that the Christian life is not about us, per se, right? I mean, it's not just for us that we are saved from sin and set on a new path, right?
God didn't open our eyes to the truth of His good news gospel, just so we could be set free and then hang out, "chilaxing", 'til Jesus comes back and takes us to where He is. No, we are called to be a light to the world...
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill can't be hidden. Also, people do not light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand. Then it gives light to everyone in the house. "In the same way, let your light shine in front of others. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will praise your Father who is in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:14-16 (NIrV)
~ When we commit our way to the Lord, we turn over the keys of our life to Him. We are acknowledging that how we think and act is not up to par, not good or right, but flawed and distorted. We surrender to His thinking and His ways, and allow Him to be the guiding influence in our daily walk.
~ When we trust in the Lord, we are putting our weight fully on Him, believing that He will hold us and not break apart like sandcastles in the incoming tide. We are relying on the fact that He is truth, and nothing and no one is more trustworthy than He.
The Word says that when we do these things, God causes our life to shine -- a light to the world, bright like the sun on a summer day! Living a life that submits to God and rests in His leading is a life of goodness and right living. It stands out like pink in a sea of gray, like the graphic technique that is so popular because of the 'pop' that color gives to a black and white world...
The point God is making is that He is the one who causes us to shine. Like the moon that simply reflects off of the sun, we reflect off the one we gaze at and focus on. And that shines to the world, making an impact that causes people to look to God.
I pray you can commit your way to God today and every day, trusting that He knows what He's doing and has things in control, and know that your life, as a result, will give light to a dark world, to those searching for lasting truth that can only be found in God Himself.
Love,
Joelene
~ Psalm 37:5 (NIrV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You realize that the Christian life is not about us, per se, right? I mean, it's not just for us that we are saved from sin and set on a new path, right?
God didn't open our eyes to the truth of His good news gospel, just so we could be set free and then hang out, "chilaxing", 'til Jesus comes back and takes us to where He is. No, we are called to be a light to the world...
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill can't be hidden. Also, people do not light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand. Then it gives light to everyone in the house. "In the same way, let your light shine in front of others. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will praise your Father who is in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:14-16 (NIrV)
~ When we commit our way to the Lord, we turn over the keys of our life to Him. We are acknowledging that how we think and act is not up to par, not good or right, but flawed and distorted. We surrender to His thinking and His ways, and allow Him to be the guiding influence in our daily walk.
~ When we trust in the Lord, we are putting our weight fully on Him, believing that He will hold us and not break apart like sandcastles in the incoming tide. We are relying on the fact that He is truth, and nothing and no one is more trustworthy than He.
The Word says that when we do these things, God causes our life to shine -- a light to the world, bright like the sun on a summer day! Living a life that submits to God and rests in His leading is a life of goodness and right living. It stands out like pink in a sea of gray, like the graphic technique that is so popular because of the 'pop' that color gives to a black and white world...
The point God is making is that He is the one who causes us to shine. Like the moon that simply reflects off of the sun, we reflect off the one we gaze at and focus on. And that shines to the world, making an impact that causes people to look to God.
I pray you can commit your way to God today and every day, trusting that He knows what He's doing and has things in control, and know that your life, as a result, will give light to a dark world, to those searching for lasting truth that can only be found in God Himself.
Love,
Joelene
Monday, July 14, 2008
Verse of the Day - John 15:10
If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love. That's what I've done—kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in his love.
~ John 15:10 (The Msg)
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How many of you have either been a rebellious teen, or had one? Can I see a show of hands?....hmm...seems to be a rather large consensus in the group here today.... :-)
There's nothing like a disobedient teenager to stir up a hornet's nest in a home, amen? I can say that, 'cuz I was one once. Rules? Well, let's just see if I can wiggle my way around 'em to get what I want. And what do you think that did to my relationship with my parents? Did they stop loving me? No, of course not. But, the intimate connection got whacked. Distance was created because there was something standing between us...
When you allow disobedience toward God in your life, you create a gap in the relationship. He says I can't even talk to you the same when you do this. You've got a bad attitude and you're disrespecting Me. Obviously, you've forgotten who's in charge, and I'm sorry for that, because now, you've distanced yourself from our closeness. Is the sin you want so badly worth all that?
Fellowship, I've heard (though not validated), comes from the idea of "fellows in a ship". Sounds reasonable to me. When you're in a boat together, you work together in harmony to keep it sailing. You're headed in the same direction, and share in the adventure. But if one person decides that they want to go East, instead of West, and decides to try switching sails or rudder, there's gonna be trouble. Suddenly, self has risen above the relationship. Now there is a strain between the two and chaos on the ship. So there the ship sits, floating aimlessly, while they could be going somewhere, together.
Selfish decisions always put oneself above God's ways, which He knows are best for us, and best for the relationship. When we choose to go East when God says to go West, the proverbial ship stops. He doesn't leave us or stop loving us. Please understand that. But the harmony...the intimacy...is gone.
I'm sure you've been a part of a strained relationship sometime in your life. Someone does something against the other, and all of a sudden, the chatty-ness is gone, and in it's place is short, civil conversation. The fellowship has been lost. Forgiveness and relational restoration is needed, and until the fence is mended, the strain remains.
A teenager that's not following the house rules doesn't like spending much time at home, do they? They know they're doing wrong, they know they've created a strain. It's just easier to stay away than face the sad look on their parents' faces. And yet, somehow, their selfish lifestyle is more important than resting in a good relationship with their mom and dad.
So, where are you in your relationship to God? Do your sinful desires in life keep your ship from moving forward with Him? Are you staying away from "home", avoiding your Father in Heaven, because you just can't bear to look in His eyes when you know you're breaking His ways, and breaking His heart? All of us sin, please know that. We all fall short, and go our own way. And the beauty of God is that He understands that, and still offers His loving hand of forgiveness and restoration, if we will lay down our will and be healed of that. Daily, we need to confess our self-led decisions, turning our back on them, and returning to the God who desires our fellowship.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ~ 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Nothing is worth more than our solid connection with Him. No amount of sinful pleasure or pursuits can compare with remaining in God's love. You have a choice, whether to sail together with God, or let your ship float aimlessly, or worse, let a leak enter your boat and end up bailing water, instead of enjoying your adventure. I pray that we can value a healthy, intimate relationship with God over selfish thoughts and actions that threaten to strain that relationship.
Love,
Joelene
~ John 15:10 (The Msg)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How many of you have either been a rebellious teen, or had one? Can I see a show of hands?....hmm...seems to be a rather large consensus in the group here today.... :-)
There's nothing like a disobedient teenager to stir up a hornet's nest in a home, amen? I can say that, 'cuz I was one once. Rules? Well, let's just see if I can wiggle my way around 'em to get what I want. And what do you think that did to my relationship with my parents? Did they stop loving me? No, of course not. But, the intimate connection got whacked. Distance was created because there was something standing between us...
When you allow disobedience toward God in your life, you create a gap in the relationship. He says I can't even talk to you the same when you do this. You've got a bad attitude and you're disrespecting Me. Obviously, you've forgotten who's in charge, and I'm sorry for that, because now, you've distanced yourself from our closeness. Is the sin you want so badly worth all that?
Fellowship, I've heard (though not validated), comes from the idea of "fellows in a ship". Sounds reasonable to me. When you're in a boat together, you work together in harmony to keep it sailing. You're headed in the same direction, and share in the adventure. But if one person decides that they want to go East, instead of West, and decides to try switching sails or rudder, there's gonna be trouble. Suddenly, self has risen above the relationship. Now there is a strain between the two and chaos on the ship. So there the ship sits, floating aimlessly, while they could be going somewhere, together.
Selfish decisions always put oneself above God's ways, which He knows are best for us, and best for the relationship. When we choose to go East when God says to go West, the proverbial ship stops. He doesn't leave us or stop loving us. Please understand that. But the harmony...the intimacy...is gone.
I'm sure you've been a part of a strained relationship sometime in your life. Someone does something against the other, and all of a sudden, the chatty-ness is gone, and in it's place is short, civil conversation. The fellowship has been lost. Forgiveness and relational restoration is needed, and until the fence is mended, the strain remains.
A teenager that's not following the house rules doesn't like spending much time at home, do they? They know they're doing wrong, they know they've created a strain. It's just easier to stay away than face the sad look on their parents' faces. And yet, somehow, their selfish lifestyle is more important than resting in a good relationship with their mom and dad.
So, where are you in your relationship to God? Do your sinful desires in life keep your ship from moving forward with Him? Are you staying away from "home", avoiding your Father in Heaven, because you just can't bear to look in His eyes when you know you're breaking His ways, and breaking His heart? All of us sin, please know that. We all fall short, and go our own way. And the beauty of God is that He understands that, and still offers His loving hand of forgiveness and restoration, if we will lay down our will and be healed of that. Daily, we need to confess our self-led decisions, turning our back on them, and returning to the God who desires our fellowship.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ~ 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Nothing is worth more than our solid connection with Him. No amount of sinful pleasure or pursuits can compare with remaining in God's love. You have a choice, whether to sail together with God, or let your ship float aimlessly, or worse, let a leak enter your boat and end up bailing water, instead of enjoying your adventure. I pray that we can value a healthy, intimate relationship with God over selfish thoughts and actions that threaten to strain that relationship.
Love,
Joelene
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Verse of the Day - Psalm 32:10
Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. ~ Psalm 32:10 (NIV)
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...the woes of the wicked...
What, or who, do you think of when you hear the word 'wicked'? Evil fictional characters, like the Wicked Witch of the West, from The Wizard of Oz? Or serial killers, like Jeffrey Dahmer?
But isn't wickedness simply the absence of God? If we don't have God in us, we are ungodly. Wicked. And those without God leave themselves to their own devices...what a lot of woe that brings...
A lot of people think they don't need God, that they're doing just fine without Him. But if they take an honest, reflective look at themselves, they've just got to see the ill effects of sinful living, of living outside of a dependent relationship with God...
~ What good can greed bring? It brings thoughts and actions of getting, getting, getting, to the exclusion of most everything else. We even break the law, potentially putting oneself (and others) in danger, in order to get what we want. It brings distrust of our friends when we do get what we want, because we wonder if they're really our friends, or just trying to steal our stuff. Talk about stress...!
~ We want people to give us attention, and so we break our moral compass and head off into ungodly parts unknown, searching for people to love us, in all the wrong places. That leads to no end of heartache and residual pain, long after "the lovin's gone..."
~ Death is usually a very scary thing for those who choose to ignore or reject God. We strive for health and that eternal fountain of youth, trying desperately to avoid the inevitable thoughts of our mortal decay. Funerals are avoided at all costs, because of the uncomfortable emotions they bring, with all their fear and uncertainty.
Woes? An understatement, really.
The flipside of that is a life with God. A life of submission to the One Who is love revealed, Who desires a relationship with us, on godly terms. Godly terms, because His terms are perfect, and right, and good. And His word says that He wraps His arms of loving-kindness around those who come to Him desiring that kind of relationship. When you are in God's arms, you are embraced with all that He is about...completely.
When you look at the two sides of this coin, doesn't it seem like a no-brainer as to which we would choose? One would think so, but the reality is that so many choose the way of woe over the way of wonderful. Rebellion is a relentless addiction, and many choose this poison over and over again.
Which one are you?
A choice is set before you now
living or dying, blessing or cursing
You know, the time has come around
to turn from your fighting
and rest in his mercy
[chorus]
Choose life, that you might live
the life that He gives
He gives you forever
Choose life, the way that is true
from the one who chose you
your father in Heaven
Choose life
Trust the Lord with all your heart
all of your soul and all of your being
Hold on, listen and obey
surrender your life into His keeping
[chorus]
And the weight you're under
will be lifted away
And the world will wonder
what happened here today
then you'll stand right here and say
Choose life...
~Choose Life, by Big Tent Revival
Love,
Joelene
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
...the woes of the wicked...
What, or who, do you think of when you hear the word 'wicked'? Evil fictional characters, like the Wicked Witch of the West, from The Wizard of Oz? Or serial killers, like Jeffrey Dahmer?
But isn't wickedness simply the absence of God? If we don't have God in us, we are ungodly. Wicked. And those without God leave themselves to their own devices...what a lot of woe that brings...
A lot of people think they don't need God, that they're doing just fine without Him. But if they take an honest, reflective look at themselves, they've just got to see the ill effects of sinful living, of living outside of a dependent relationship with God...
~ What good can greed bring? It brings thoughts and actions of getting, getting, getting, to the exclusion of most everything else. We even break the law, potentially putting oneself (and others) in danger, in order to get what we want. It brings distrust of our friends when we do get what we want, because we wonder if they're really our friends, or just trying to steal our stuff. Talk about stress...!
~ We want people to give us attention, and so we break our moral compass and head off into ungodly parts unknown, searching for people to love us, in all the wrong places. That leads to no end of heartache and residual pain, long after "the lovin's gone..."
~ Death is usually a very scary thing for those who choose to ignore or reject God. We strive for health and that eternal fountain of youth, trying desperately to avoid the inevitable thoughts of our mortal decay. Funerals are avoided at all costs, because of the uncomfortable emotions they bring, with all their fear and uncertainty.
Woes? An understatement, really.
The flipside of that is a life with God. A life of submission to the One Who is love revealed, Who desires a relationship with us, on godly terms. Godly terms, because His terms are perfect, and right, and good. And His word says that He wraps His arms of loving-kindness around those who come to Him desiring that kind of relationship. When you are in God's arms, you are embraced with all that He is about...completely.
When you look at the two sides of this coin, doesn't it seem like a no-brainer as to which we would choose? One would think so, but the reality is that so many choose the way of woe over the way of wonderful. Rebellion is a relentless addiction, and many choose this poison over and over again.
Which one are you?
A choice is set before you now
living or dying, blessing or cursing
You know, the time has come around
to turn from your fighting
and rest in his mercy
[chorus]
Choose life, that you might live
the life that He gives
He gives you forever
Choose life, the way that is true
from the one who chose you
your father in Heaven
Choose life
Trust the Lord with all your heart
all of your soul and all of your being
Hold on, listen and obey
surrender your life into His keeping
[chorus]
And the weight you're under
will be lifted away
And the world will wonder
what happened here today
then you'll stand right here and say
Choose life...
~Choose Life, by Big Tent Revival
Love,
Joelene
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Verse of the Day - Proverbs 21:2
You may believe you are doing right, but the Lord judges your reasons.
~ Proverbs 21:2 (NCV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is it enough to do the right thing, even if our motives are wrong? What have we gained to, say, give to the needy, if our motive is commendation or other personal advancement?
Doing good benefits the receiver, no doubt. If you give a cup of cold water in Jesus' name, those quenched are blessed by your efforts. But God says that's not enough. Doing good works apart from a clean heart is not only insufficient, it's wrong. If you are serving self or others when you claim to do good in service to God, it's wrong. I say, "Don't do it," (whatever 'it' is for you) if your motives are not in keeping with God's heart.
He sees your insides, anyway, so trying to "keep up appearances", when you loathe the task or are only doing it for the kickbacks, is not really where you want to be ... that is, if you truly desire to be moulded into the image of Christ.
King David was a man who allowed God to come on his inside and make changes, letting go of the reins on his attitudes and motives...
Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about; See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong—then guide me on the road to eternal life.
~ Psalm 139:23-24 (The Msg)
Jesus' motives on earth were to bring glory to the Father. His agenda was God's agenda. His task was perfect submission to the Father. Paul does a great job in Philippians 2 in helping us understand how we should operate in keeping with Jesus' example...
(http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians%202;&version=65;)
I pray that we can be a people who desire to be clean and right on the inside, as well as the outside, and the only way that can happen is for us to submit to the Lord's cleansing and filling in our lives.
Let us echo David's words as we conduct our own heart check...
I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." ~ Psalm 16:2 (NIV)
Love,
Joelene
~ Proverbs 21:2 (NCV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is it enough to do the right thing, even if our motives are wrong? What have we gained to, say, give to the needy, if our motive is commendation or other personal advancement?
Doing good benefits the receiver, no doubt. If you give a cup of cold water in Jesus' name, those quenched are blessed by your efforts. But God says that's not enough. Doing good works apart from a clean heart is not only insufficient, it's wrong. If you are serving self or others when you claim to do good in service to God, it's wrong. I say, "Don't do it," (whatever 'it' is for you) if your motives are not in keeping with God's heart.
He sees your insides, anyway, so trying to "keep up appearances", when you loathe the task or are only doing it for the kickbacks, is not really where you want to be ... that is, if you truly desire to be moulded into the image of Christ.
King David was a man who allowed God to come on his inside and make changes, letting go of the reins on his attitudes and motives...
Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about; See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong—then guide me on the road to eternal life.
~ Psalm 139:23-24 (The Msg)
Jesus' motives on earth were to bring glory to the Father. His agenda was God's agenda. His task was perfect submission to the Father. Paul does a great job in Philippians 2 in helping us understand how we should operate in keeping with Jesus' example...
(http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians%202;&version=65;)
I pray that we can be a people who desire to be clean and right on the inside, as well as the outside, and the only way that can happen is for us to submit to the Lord's cleansing and filling in our lives.
Let us echo David's words as we conduct our own heart check...
I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." ~ Psalm 16:2 (NIV)
Love,
Joelene
Friday, July 11, 2008
Verse of the Day - Jeremiah 32:17
Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. ~ Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm constantly amazed at God's handiwork when I look at the earth and sky, aren't you? Cloud formations, stars in the night sky, the intricacies of a flower pedal. Amazed, I tell you ... simply amazed.
Nothing is too hard for Him. Do you believe that? If He can stretch out His hand and create the incredible thing we call the human body, do you think He's incapable of "lesser" things? Oh, we wouldn't say that out loud, but our faith, or lack thereof, speaks loudly that we do not fully understand the immensity of our God and His mighty hand.
Puny prayers...I heard that in a sermon some time ago. Where is our faith when our prayers are small and untesting? It's like asking Einstein to answer the equation, "2 + 2 = ?" If we seek God's intervention in matters where humanity can intervene easily, where people can excuse it away as a coincidence, how have we shown the world God's power?
But maybe we're not focused on showing the world God's power, per se. Maybe we just want help for ourselves or our loved ones. To get past that next payday, Lord, without having to borrow money. To have patience while the test results of that biopsy come in. To not have that daily argument in the home over stupid stuff...again. Are the answers to these prayers any less noteworthy in pointing people to the Almighty God of the universe?
Some people need the "wow" factor in this life. They need that "parting of the Red Sea" to wake them up to the reality of a God as a door-opening experience. But the day-to-day involvement of God in a believer's life is powerful, too, to manifest a living, loving God to this world . . . that is, if we are faithful to give Him the glory in the day-to-day. Are we giving Him the glory out loud for how He answers prayer?
We need to believe that He is capable of the big and the small, and seek Him constantly for all things. I think, too often, we either don't think to ask God for His provision -- operating on self-sufficiency -- or we think in a very small box, not opening our eyes to the grandeur of God and His abilities.
Is anything too hard for God? We say 'no' with our mouths, but our prayers, or lack of them, give away our limited faith. We need to ask God to give us HUGE faith in Him, because He is a HUGE God. If we could get our arms around this concept, it could radically alter our prayers.
Seek God for all things, big and small. And give Him the glory in all His answers to prayer, be they affirmative or not. This acknowledges His sovereignty and power both to you, and to the world. Our prayers can and should be as grand as He is. Do we just give God the "2+2", or are we giving Him the pleasure of showing us the answers to unsolvable life equations?
I hope today that you can open your eyes to the grandeur of God. Look at Him full in the face and know that He is completely capable of all things. And then lean on Him...for everything. Let yourself and the world see the greatness of our God.
Love,
Joelene
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm constantly amazed at God's handiwork when I look at the earth and sky, aren't you? Cloud formations, stars in the night sky, the intricacies of a flower pedal. Amazed, I tell you ... simply amazed.
Nothing is too hard for Him. Do you believe that? If He can stretch out His hand and create the incredible thing we call the human body, do you think He's incapable of "lesser" things? Oh, we wouldn't say that out loud, but our faith, or lack thereof, speaks loudly that we do not fully understand the immensity of our God and His mighty hand.
Puny prayers...I heard that in a sermon some time ago. Where is our faith when our prayers are small and untesting? It's like asking Einstein to answer the equation, "2 + 2 = ?" If we seek God's intervention in matters where humanity can intervene easily, where people can excuse it away as a coincidence, how have we shown the world God's power?
But maybe we're not focused on showing the world God's power, per se. Maybe we just want help for ourselves or our loved ones. To get past that next payday, Lord, without having to borrow money. To have patience while the test results of that biopsy come in. To not have that daily argument in the home over stupid stuff...again. Are the answers to these prayers any less noteworthy in pointing people to the Almighty God of the universe?
Some people need the "wow" factor in this life. They need that "parting of the Red Sea" to wake them up to the reality of a God as a door-opening experience. But the day-to-day involvement of God in a believer's life is powerful, too, to manifest a living, loving God to this world . . . that is, if we are faithful to give Him the glory in the day-to-day. Are we giving Him the glory out loud for how He answers prayer?
We need to believe that He is capable of the big and the small, and seek Him constantly for all things. I think, too often, we either don't think to ask God for His provision -- operating on self-sufficiency -- or we think in a very small box, not opening our eyes to the grandeur of God and His abilities.
Is anything too hard for God? We say 'no' with our mouths, but our prayers, or lack of them, give away our limited faith. We need to ask God to give us HUGE faith in Him, because He is a HUGE God. If we could get our arms around this concept, it could radically alter our prayers.
Seek God for all things, big and small. And give Him the glory in all His answers to prayer, be they affirmative or not. This acknowledges His sovereignty and power both to you, and to the world. Our prayers can and should be as grand as He is. Do we just give God the "2+2", or are we giving Him the pleasure of showing us the answers to unsolvable life equations?
I hope today that you can open your eyes to the grandeur of God. Look at Him full in the face and know that He is completely capable of all things. And then lean on Him...for everything. Let yourself and the world see the greatness of our God.
Love,
Joelene
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Verse of the Day - Psalm 84:11
For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. ~ Psalm 84:11 (NLT)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When we think of God giving us good things, I think we often look to the earthly, the temporal. A good job with a comfortable income, a nice house in a nice neighborhood, good relationships without drama. But I think we misrepresent God's word when we attached the good things of God to what we see, hear and touch. God's spiritual riches are of the spiritual realm...the intangible. The eternal.
We think God has blessed us when we make enough money and have enough "things" to live a life of ease. Conversely, we feel cursed, or less-than-blessed, if we're on unemployment or scraping by to make ends meet. Are these temporal circumstances our blessing indicator? Some would say 'yes'. I say 'no'.
God never promises us ease in this life. Many saints in the Bible are testimony of lives that endured hardships. Were they cursed by God? Was Paul out of favor with God when he was shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned? When you read his books, you find that his take on this life is very different than many of us today.
Grace. Honor. Forgiveness. Love. Mercy. Joy. Just a sampling of the riches that God lavishes on those who walk in His ways. Who follow His lead. Who refuse to succumb to the way of the evil one. Who commit everything they have to the God of the universe.
I pray that we can desire spiritual riches over earthly riches. That we seek God's grace and mercy more than a fat wallet. That we gauge God's blessings from the fourth dimension, rather than the temporal third dimension. What is invisible lasts...what is seen is fleeting. Seek the invisible. Seek God.
Love,
Joelene
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When we think of God giving us good things, I think we often look to the earthly, the temporal. A good job with a comfortable income, a nice house in a nice neighborhood, good relationships without drama. But I think we misrepresent God's word when we attached the good things of God to what we see, hear and touch. God's spiritual riches are of the spiritual realm...the intangible. The eternal.
We think God has blessed us when we make enough money and have enough "things" to live a life of ease. Conversely, we feel cursed, or less-than-blessed, if we're on unemployment or scraping by to make ends meet. Are these temporal circumstances our blessing indicator? Some would say 'yes'. I say 'no'.
God never promises us ease in this life. Many saints in the Bible are testimony of lives that endured hardships. Were they cursed by God? Was Paul out of favor with God when he was shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned? When you read his books, you find that his take on this life is very different than many of us today.
Grace. Honor. Forgiveness. Love. Mercy. Joy. Just a sampling of the riches that God lavishes on those who walk in His ways. Who follow His lead. Who refuse to succumb to the way of the evil one. Who commit everything they have to the God of the universe.
I pray that we can desire spiritual riches over earthly riches. That we seek God's grace and mercy more than a fat wallet. That we gauge God's blessings from the fourth dimension, rather than the temporal third dimension. What is invisible lasts...what is seen is fleeting. Seek the invisible. Seek God.
Love,
Joelene
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Verse of the Day - Proverbs 25:20
Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound. ~ Proverbs 25:20 (NLT)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Isn't it just like us to want to cheer people up?
We hate to see people sad and in the dumps. We say, "Cheer up!", and "Don't worry -- be happy!", or we tell jokes -- anything to lift people out of their sadness. But God's word tells us what we really already know, from experience -- yet forget when it's not happening to us . . . a heavy heart has a hard time accepting cheer. It can hurt almost like being cut with a knife.
At the hospital where I work, the lobby has a sunken waiting area for family and friends who await word of their loved ones' surgeries. A co-worker has called it "The Pit of Equality", because no matter who you are, everyone in that pit is in the same place...waiting, wondering, worrying, praying. On occasion, you'll see some smiles in "the pit", but for the most part, people there look frightened and somber. They definitely fit the bill of a heavy heart. So, I try to be very conscious of my demeanor when passing through the lobby. I try to honor their heavy hearts with a subdued countenance, not wanting to put "vinegar" in their wounds. Unfortunately, not all workers are sensitive to the needs of patients' loved ones in the pit. It hurts me when I see and hear hospital staff getting off their shift, walking through the lobby with loud laughter, telling the latest joke and talking boisterously about their weekend plans. I'm sure that the heavy hearts just want to scream, "Shut up! Can't you see I'm in pain, here?!"
At funerals, although sometimes we might hear a request from the family not to wear black because they want to consider it a celebration of their loved one's life, I choose to moderate my wardrobe selection with muted tones, because although the family may want to be "up", I know they're grieving. To me, a loud, yellow floral blouse to signify a big happy face just screams insensitivity to the hurting. But that's just me.
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. ~ Romans 12:15 (NLT)
People need to process emotions, and we often want to pass over the difficult ones. They make us uncomfortable when others go through them, so we try to act like they don't exist, or try to give the hurting a free pass on the bullet train to whiz right past what they're going through. But it doesn't work, and often makes the hurting person feel worse. Glossing over the pain of a heavy heart may seem like a loving thing to do, but real love will shed tears with those who are crying.
We need to exercise love in ways that can reach down to the heavy heart. Rather than looking down from your cheery high place with an extended hand, perhaps God is saying Go down into the pit and sit with them, where they are. Be willing to feel their hurt and cry with them. Knowing they have a friend in the midst of their pain can help more than a joke or a song. Are you willing to go through their pain with them?
That's a hard question to answer, isn't it? None of us wants to go through heavy heart times ourselves, let alone share in someone else's emotional lows. But that is the heart of God, to walk through the valley of the shadow of death with people.
Vinegar can taste good in a salad dressing, but it can sting like crazy in an open cut. Let's be willing to be God's hands and feet with the heavy hearts around us, to seek God's guidance in how best to administer His love to the hurting. May we be like healing ointment, as we mourn with those who mourn, yet at the same time offering them hope in God's deep love.
Love,
Joelene
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Isn't it just like us to want to cheer people up?
We hate to see people sad and in the dumps. We say, "Cheer up!", and "Don't worry -- be happy!", or we tell jokes -- anything to lift people out of their sadness. But God's word tells us what we really already know, from experience -- yet forget when it's not happening to us . . . a heavy heart has a hard time accepting cheer. It can hurt almost like being cut with a knife.
At the hospital where I work, the lobby has a sunken waiting area for family and friends who await word of their loved ones' surgeries. A co-worker has called it "The Pit of Equality", because no matter who you are, everyone in that pit is in the same place...waiting, wondering, worrying, praying. On occasion, you'll see some smiles in "the pit", but for the most part, people there look frightened and somber. They definitely fit the bill of a heavy heart. So, I try to be very conscious of my demeanor when passing through the lobby. I try to honor their heavy hearts with a subdued countenance, not wanting to put "vinegar" in their wounds. Unfortunately, not all workers are sensitive to the needs of patients' loved ones in the pit. It hurts me when I see and hear hospital staff getting off their shift, walking through the lobby with loud laughter, telling the latest joke and talking boisterously about their weekend plans. I'm sure that the heavy hearts just want to scream, "Shut up! Can't you see I'm in pain, here?!"
At funerals, although sometimes we might hear a request from the family not to wear black because they want to consider it a celebration of their loved one's life, I choose to moderate my wardrobe selection with muted tones, because although the family may want to be "up", I know they're grieving. To me, a loud, yellow floral blouse to signify a big happy face just screams insensitivity to the hurting. But that's just me.
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. ~ Romans 12:15 (NLT)
People need to process emotions, and we often want to pass over the difficult ones. They make us uncomfortable when others go through them, so we try to act like they don't exist, or try to give the hurting a free pass on the bullet train to whiz right past what they're going through. But it doesn't work, and often makes the hurting person feel worse. Glossing over the pain of a heavy heart may seem like a loving thing to do, but real love will shed tears with those who are crying.
We need to exercise love in ways that can reach down to the heavy heart. Rather than looking down from your cheery high place with an extended hand, perhaps God is saying Go down into the pit and sit with them, where they are. Be willing to feel their hurt and cry with them. Knowing they have a friend in the midst of their pain can help more than a joke or a song. Are you willing to go through their pain with them?
That's a hard question to answer, isn't it? None of us wants to go through heavy heart times ourselves, let alone share in someone else's emotional lows. But that is the heart of God, to walk through the valley of the shadow of death with people.
Vinegar can taste good in a salad dressing, but it can sting like crazy in an open cut. Let's be willing to be God's hands and feet with the heavy hearts around us, to seek God's guidance in how best to administer His love to the hurting. May we be like healing ointment, as we mourn with those who mourn, yet at the same time offering them hope in God's deep love.
Love,
Joelene
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Verse of the Day - Psalm 138:2
I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
~ Psalm 138:2 (NIV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was talking to a friend yesterday about the glory we give men versus the glory we give God. How we praise people with clapping hands when a nice song is sung or some other special performance is done at a church service. As an observer, it's difficult to know how much of that praise is being given to people, and how much is being raised to the God who enabled the performer. Something to think about the next time you feel led to applaud -- not that we shouldn't encourage and show appreciation for those who give excellent praise offerings with the gifts God has given them. Not my point. But we need to check our hearts -- is God the focal point when we praise, even when we praise men? Are we thanking and praising God for the message that was delivered in their offering, a message that points us to God? Or are we just applauding a beautiful performance?
The point is that God needs to be at the center of all we are and think. He needs to be exalted in us, because His Word says He is exalted above all things! There is no one higher, nothing more worthy than He. And I think we are dulled in our senses of how great He really is. One day, we will stand before the throne of God, and we will see the countless numbers of those who have believed. We will see the angels and the twenty-four elders bowing before the Great King and The Lamb. Our senses will be overwhelmed with the majesty and glory that belongs to God and God alone!
So, is it possible to awaken our senses now to God's glory? Can we heighten our understanding and sense of His awesomeness now, in this life? Can you imagine what our worship would look like if we could truly sense His greatness?
...Christ Jesus,
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!
~ Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV)
The Word says that God exalts His name and His word above all things. And so should we.
My friend and I also discussed what it looks like when God's people prepare their hearts for worship. When they meditate on the Lord and His greatness and goodness. When their hearts become consumed with the glory of God, and purpose in their hearts to honor Him with praise from deep down inside. When you read the way the angels and the saints worship God in the book of Revelation, you get a glimpse of what that looks like.
He is intentional and passionate about us. Our worship needs to be intentional and passionate about Him. And not just on corporate worship days, my friends. Worshiping God is a lifestyle, not a weekly event. I pray that we can begin to desire -- to want badly -- a heart that worships our God intentionally and passionately -- full on, all the time. A heart that is consumed with God. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to give us that desire, because there is no one and nothing that is more exalted than He, no one and nothing more deserving of our highest praise!
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
~ Revelation 4:11 (NIV)
Love,
Joelene
~ Psalm 138:2 (NIV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was talking to a friend yesterday about the glory we give men versus the glory we give God. How we praise people with clapping hands when a nice song is sung or some other special performance is done at a church service. As an observer, it's difficult to know how much of that praise is being given to people, and how much is being raised to the God who enabled the performer. Something to think about the next time you feel led to applaud -- not that we shouldn't encourage and show appreciation for those who give excellent praise offerings with the gifts God has given them. Not my point. But we need to check our hearts -- is God the focal point when we praise, even when we praise men? Are we thanking and praising God for the message that was delivered in their offering, a message that points us to God? Or are we just applauding a beautiful performance?
The point is that God needs to be at the center of all we are and think. He needs to be exalted in us, because His Word says He is exalted above all things! There is no one higher, nothing more worthy than He. And I think we are dulled in our senses of how great He really is. One day, we will stand before the throne of God, and we will see the countless numbers of those who have believed. We will see the angels and the twenty-four elders bowing before the Great King and The Lamb. Our senses will be overwhelmed with the majesty and glory that belongs to God and God alone!
So, is it possible to awaken our senses now to God's glory? Can we heighten our understanding and sense of His awesomeness now, in this life? Can you imagine what our worship would look like if we could truly sense His greatness?
...Christ Jesus,
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!
~ Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV)
The Word says that God exalts His name and His word above all things. And so should we.
My friend and I also discussed what it looks like when God's people prepare their hearts for worship. When they meditate on the Lord and His greatness and goodness. When their hearts become consumed with the glory of God, and purpose in their hearts to honor Him with praise from deep down inside. When you read the way the angels and the saints worship God in the book of Revelation, you get a glimpse of what that looks like.
He is intentional and passionate about us. Our worship needs to be intentional and passionate about Him. And not just on corporate worship days, my friends. Worshiping God is a lifestyle, not a weekly event. I pray that we can begin to desire -- to want badly -- a heart that worships our God intentionally and passionately -- full on, all the time. A heart that is consumed with God. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to give us that desire, because there is no one and nothing that is more exalted than He, no one and nothing more deserving of our highest praise!
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
~ Revelation 4:11 (NIV)
Love,
Joelene
Monday, July 7, 2008
Verse of the Day - Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
~ Galatians 6:10 (NIV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The term "do-gooder" doesn't always have the best connotation, does it?... as if they're sucking up to someone to get into their good graces or shooting for some sort of payback. But God wants us to be "do-gooders" for all the right reasons.
Galatians 6 talks about what we sow in this life...
Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life. So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. ~ Galatians 6:7-9 (The Msg)
We have work to do on God's behalf, and God says that doing good for others is one of his tools. We may not even fully understand how God uses our kindness toward others, but it's really not our job to understand His working. We can trust that He is working, amen?
So, let's see -- we need to do good to all people, and especially those in the body of Christ. I think of two things about this...
1. Some believers in Jesus sequester themselves from the world so much, that they don't have any contact with those who don't know the Lord. They're very happy to love on their brothers and sisters in Christ at church, but they wouldn't think of knocking on their neighbor's door with an offer of help or even a "hello". It's been called "the holy huddle". Funny -- a football game isn't a game unless the team gets out of the huddle and runs some plays!
2. You've heard it said, "Familiarity breeds contempt." This is so often true in our homes, where the ones we should love the best, we treat the worst. So it is in the church, sometimes. We can spend all kinds of time doing good for the community, sharing the love of God to those who need to see His love in action. And yet, we can get catty and scratch our brothers and sisters in the Lord, like a house full of siblings who can't be in the same room with each other for more than a minute without bickering!
The Word says "do good to all". And what we sow, we'll reap. Pretty simple concept, but it takes diligence to maintain a healthy garden. It takes daily kneeling before God, allowing Him to mould our hearts and minds toward others. It takes a humble heart, desiring to give only what God wants to give others...love, forgiveness, joy, peace. And He says that doing good is good seed sown that will reap a harvest of blessing.
Are you a "do-gooder" for the right reasons? And do you do good to all, or just some? Let's strive to be a tool God can use in His harvest. Do good to all you meet today, and know in your heart that you are blessing God and advancing His kingdom!
Love,
Joelene
~ Galatians 6:10 (NIV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The term "do-gooder" doesn't always have the best connotation, does it?... as if they're sucking up to someone to get into their good graces or shooting for some sort of payback. But God wants us to be "do-gooders" for all the right reasons.
Galatians 6 talks about what we sow in this life...
Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life. So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. ~ Galatians 6:7-9 (The Msg)
We have work to do on God's behalf, and God says that doing good for others is one of his tools. We may not even fully understand how God uses our kindness toward others, but it's really not our job to understand His working. We can trust that He is working, amen?
So, let's see -- we need to do good to all people, and especially those in the body of Christ. I think of two things about this...
1. Some believers in Jesus sequester themselves from the world so much, that they don't have any contact with those who don't know the Lord. They're very happy to love on their brothers and sisters in Christ at church, but they wouldn't think of knocking on their neighbor's door with an offer of help or even a "hello". It's been called "the holy huddle". Funny -- a football game isn't a game unless the team gets out of the huddle and runs some plays!
2. You've heard it said, "Familiarity breeds contempt." This is so often true in our homes, where the ones we should love the best, we treat the worst. So it is in the church, sometimes. We can spend all kinds of time doing good for the community, sharing the love of God to those who need to see His love in action. And yet, we can get catty and scratch our brothers and sisters in the Lord, like a house full of siblings who can't be in the same room with each other for more than a minute without bickering!
The Word says "do good to all". And what we sow, we'll reap. Pretty simple concept, but it takes diligence to maintain a healthy garden. It takes daily kneeling before God, allowing Him to mould our hearts and minds toward others. It takes a humble heart, desiring to give only what God wants to give others...love, forgiveness, joy, peace. And He says that doing good is good seed sown that will reap a harvest of blessing.
Are you a "do-gooder" for the right reasons? And do you do good to all, or just some? Let's strive to be a tool God can use in His harvest. Do good to all you meet today, and know in your heart that you are blessing God and advancing His kingdom!
Love,
Joelene
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Verse of the Day - Proverbs 18:12
Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
~ Proverbs 18:12 (NIV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the world of recreational sports, there is a rather comical phenomenon that occurs -- it's call "trash-talk". You probably know what I'm talking about...
James: "I sure hope you're ready to get your tail kicked in horseshoes, Joe, 'cuz I'm gonna give you a whoopin' today...!"
Joe: "Yeah, right -- you're gonna get skunked so bad, you'll feel like road-kill. I hope you've been practicin', 'cuz you're gonna need it..."
Jessica: "Don't get too high-and-mighty, boys, 'cuz us girls are gonna beat your behinds bad...!"
And on and on the competitive banter goes! It's all in fun, but often, the wisdom of Solomon comes in to haunt the haughty. This 4th of July, while playing a very fun game, called Slingball, one of my friends said, "I think I'll wait until after I win to talk trash -- it didn't work so well for me the other way around the last game I played, and lost..." :-)
In this life, we want praise...we want to be noticed...we want the accolades. Sometimes we even praise ourselves out loud to others, just in case the gleam from our trophy didn't catch their eye. And God warns us that pride is a trophy-toppler, plain and simple. When we revel and glory in our accomplishments as something we've done, we really set ourselves up for a fall. The bottom line is that all we're able to accomplish is because of God...we couldn't even take our next breath without His doing, let alone scale mountains and conquer our little corner of the world.
Do you think God can simply remove His hand of blessing, in order to help us understand our real weakness in life? You betcha! It's called discipline, and if we're not careful, it can be rather painful.
Thinking more highly of yourself than you ought isn't good for relationships, either. Who wants to hang around a braggart? It gets real old real fast to hear someone talk about how good they did this, or how great they did that. "Don't brag about yourself-- let others praise you." (Proverbs 27:2)
And if people don't praise you and that bugs you, then you've identified a pride problem. The converse of pride is humility -- not the false kind that says, "Oh, stop saying how well I did. Really, I'm not very good. But can you help me carry my 12 gold medals to my room -- they're rather heavy..." True humility recognizes its own real weakness, and God's blessings. It removes ownership of glory and gives it to God, where it needs to be.
Pride is a deep heart issues that require God's intervention. Without Him, we are all prideful people, wanting glory and honor for ourselves. But God's Word reminds us that only God is deserving of honor and glory and praise. Does that mean that we shouldn't accept a compliment for a job well done? No, of course not. Does that mean that we shouldn't clap for those who work hard and accomplish goals? No -- as Proverb 27:2 says, we should commend others for good effort, so they don't feel they have to. Being an encourager, as God tells us to, includes giving people positive feedback on their efforts.
I'm sure you can think of people you know on both sides of this fence -- those that brag about themselves and make sure everyone knows about their accomplishments, and those who quietly go about their business, doing great things but staying out of the limelight. Which people are dearer in your hearts? Which attitude is dearer to God's heart?
God says He opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34), and James and Peter both reference this Scripture in their books (James 4 and 1 Peter 5). This is an issue in the world and in the church, and we need to be mindful of how we view ourselves. It's not just what comes out of our mouths; it's what's in our hearts. And God sees our hearts.
Let us examine soberly how we think about ourselves and our accomplishments. Let us get on our knees in submission to God, who is the Giver of all things. We are not great on our own; only by God's grace are we able to do and be anything. Let us humble ourselves before Him, and give Him the praise and glory He is due -- Amen!
Love,
Joelene
~ Proverbs 18:12 (NIV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the world of recreational sports, there is a rather comical phenomenon that occurs -- it's call "trash-talk". You probably know what I'm talking about...
James: "I sure hope you're ready to get your tail kicked in horseshoes, Joe, 'cuz I'm gonna give you a whoopin' today...!"
Joe: "Yeah, right -- you're gonna get skunked so bad, you'll feel like road-kill. I hope you've been practicin', 'cuz you're gonna need it..."
Jessica: "Don't get too high-and-mighty, boys, 'cuz us girls are gonna beat your behinds bad...!"
And on and on the competitive banter goes! It's all in fun, but often, the wisdom of Solomon comes in to haunt the haughty. This 4th of July, while playing a very fun game, called Slingball, one of my friends said, "I think I'll wait until after I win to talk trash -- it didn't work so well for me the other way around the last game I played, and lost..." :-)
In this life, we want praise...we want to be noticed...we want the accolades. Sometimes we even praise ourselves out loud to others, just in case the gleam from our trophy didn't catch their eye. And God warns us that pride is a trophy-toppler, plain and simple. When we revel and glory in our accomplishments as something we've done, we really set ourselves up for a fall. The bottom line is that all we're able to accomplish is because of God...we couldn't even take our next breath without His doing, let alone scale mountains and conquer our little corner of the world.
Do you think God can simply remove His hand of blessing, in order to help us understand our real weakness in life? You betcha! It's called discipline, and if we're not careful, it can be rather painful.
Thinking more highly of yourself than you ought isn't good for relationships, either. Who wants to hang around a braggart? It gets real old real fast to hear someone talk about how good they did this, or how great they did that. "Don't brag about yourself-- let others praise you." (Proverbs 27:2)
And if people don't praise you and that bugs you, then you've identified a pride problem. The converse of pride is humility -- not the false kind that says, "Oh, stop saying how well I did. Really, I'm not very good. But can you help me carry my 12 gold medals to my room -- they're rather heavy..." True humility recognizes its own real weakness, and God's blessings. It removes ownership of glory and gives it to God, where it needs to be.
Pride is a deep heart issues that require God's intervention. Without Him, we are all prideful people, wanting glory and honor for ourselves. But God's Word reminds us that only God is deserving of honor and glory and praise. Does that mean that we shouldn't accept a compliment for a job well done? No, of course not. Does that mean that we shouldn't clap for those who work hard and accomplish goals? No -- as Proverb 27:2 says, we should commend others for good effort, so they don't feel they have to. Being an encourager, as God tells us to, includes giving people positive feedback on their efforts.
I'm sure you can think of people you know on both sides of this fence -- those that brag about themselves and make sure everyone knows about their accomplishments, and those who quietly go about their business, doing great things but staying out of the limelight. Which people are dearer in your hearts? Which attitude is dearer to God's heart?
God says He opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34), and James and Peter both reference this Scripture in their books (James 4 and 1 Peter 5). This is an issue in the world and in the church, and we need to be mindful of how we view ourselves. It's not just what comes out of our mouths; it's what's in our hearts. And God sees our hearts.
Let us examine soberly how we think about ourselves and our accomplishments. Let us get on our knees in submission to God, who is the Giver of all things. We are not great on our own; only by God's grace are we able to do and be anything. Let us humble ourselves before Him, and give Him the praise and glory He is due -- Amen!
Love,
Joelene
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Verse of the Day - Matthew 6:14-15
If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
~ Matthew 6:14-15 (CEV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow. Pretty harsh-sounding, huh?
Why does God link our forgiveness with how, or if, we forgive others?
Forgiveness comes through confession of our sins (1 John 1:9) to God. This takes an acknowledgment on our part of who we are and what we've done as a result of our sin condition. It takes humility and submission. It means recognizing and accepting God's grace, even though we don't deserve it. With that comes a component of repentance, of turning around and walking in God's direction, instead of our own.
God is our example. He says This is how my heart functions. I love, and I forgive. I am full of grace and mercy, and I expect my children to follow my lead. If we don't forgive offenses done to us, we reflect very poorly on our God, and He won't hold still for that. If we harbor resentment and hold grudges when people hurt us, we set ourselves up as better than them -- as if we are good enough for forgiveness, but they aren't. God says My kingdom doesn't work like that. You are not above anyone else in this world. All of you have sinned and fall short of My standards. If not for Me giving grace to you, you would be dead...cut off...destroyed. Don't ever, EVER forget that, as you deal with your fellow man. It is My job to deal with them, as I have dealt with you. If you want to place the bar at a level that they cannot squeeze under in this spiritual game of Limbo, I will also set the bar the same for you. No one is privileged above another in My reign...
Some things seem easier to forgive in this life...
~ A friend teases you a little too close to home about an issue, and your feelings get hurt. A day goes by, and you've probably forgotten all about it.
But there are things in this life that will challenge your ability and desire to forgive...
~ A dear friend or loved one is killed, and you sit in the courtroom staring at the face of the defendant, who smirks during the trial without remorse. A day...a month...a year goes by, and you can't seem to get the hatred out of your heart.
We just have to remove the degree of offense out of the picture completely. Be it big or small in our eyes, it just can't matter. God forgives our little lies and our huge rebellions. They're not graded on a scale of one to ten. Sin is sin. No big, no little. Just sin. And you are forgiven by God when you seek His forgiveness. He no longer holds it against you. So that is our standard, too. Period.
Okay -- you will never forget the big stuff. But that's not the essence of forgiveness. It's the idea that we are not above God, and if God can forgive someone -- for whatever they've done -- then we must forgive also. We aren't God...we're sinners just like everyone else.
Then Peter came to Jesus and said, "Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him, up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I tell you, not seven times but seventy times seven!
"The holy nation of heaven is like a king who wanted to find out how much money his servants owed him. As he began, one of the servants was brought to him who owed him very much money. He could pay nothing that he owed. So the king spoke the word that he and his wife and his children and all that he had should be sold to pay what he owed. The servant got down on his face in front of the king. He said, 'Give me time, and I will pay you all the money.' Then the king took pity on his servant and let him go. He told him he did not have to pay the money back.
"But that servant went out and found one of the other servants who owed him very little money. He took hold of his neck and said, 'Pay me the money you owe me!' The other servant got down at his feet and said, 'Give me time, and I will pay you all the money.' But he would not. He had him put in prison until he could pay the money.
"When his other servants saw what had happened, they were very sorry. They came and told the king all that was done. Then the king called for the first one. He said, 'You bad servant! I forgave you. I said that you would not have to pay back any of the money you owed me because you asked me. Should you not have had pity on the other servant, even as I had pity on you?' The king was very angry. He handed him over to men who would beat and hurt him until he paid all the money he owed. So will My Father in heaven do to you, if each one of you does not forgive his brother from his heart." ~ Matthew 18:21-25 (NLV)
So, there you have it. From God's mouth, to your ears. He who has an ear, let him hear...and do. Ask God to help you in this area, if you struggle with forgiving someone. Ask Him to help you come to real terms with your own sin and His grace to you. Be willing to let go of the unforgiveness reins you're holding onto. And refuse to pick them up again, with the love and forgiveness God gives you as your focus point.
God is glorified and exalted when you follow His example of forgiveness. It's something the world knows nothing of, but can know through us. Children of God, make it so...
Love,
Joelene
~ Matthew 6:14-15 (CEV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow. Pretty harsh-sounding, huh?
Why does God link our forgiveness with how, or if, we forgive others?
Forgiveness comes through confession of our sins (1 John 1:9) to God. This takes an acknowledgment on our part of who we are and what we've done as a result of our sin condition. It takes humility and submission. It means recognizing and accepting God's grace, even though we don't deserve it. With that comes a component of repentance, of turning around and walking in God's direction, instead of our own.
God is our example. He says This is how my heart functions. I love, and I forgive. I am full of grace and mercy, and I expect my children to follow my lead. If we don't forgive offenses done to us, we reflect very poorly on our God, and He won't hold still for that. If we harbor resentment and hold grudges when people hurt us, we set ourselves up as better than them -- as if we are good enough for forgiveness, but they aren't. God says My kingdom doesn't work like that. You are not above anyone else in this world. All of you have sinned and fall short of My standards. If not for Me giving grace to you, you would be dead...cut off...destroyed. Don't ever, EVER forget that, as you deal with your fellow man. It is My job to deal with them, as I have dealt with you. If you want to place the bar at a level that they cannot squeeze under in this spiritual game of Limbo, I will also set the bar the same for you. No one is privileged above another in My reign...
Some things seem easier to forgive in this life...
~ A friend teases you a little too close to home about an issue, and your feelings get hurt. A day goes by, and you've probably forgotten all about it.
But there are things in this life that will challenge your ability and desire to forgive...
~ A dear friend or loved one is killed, and you sit in the courtroom staring at the face of the defendant, who smirks during the trial without remorse. A day...a month...a year goes by, and you can't seem to get the hatred out of your heart.
We just have to remove the degree of offense out of the picture completely. Be it big or small in our eyes, it just can't matter. God forgives our little lies and our huge rebellions. They're not graded on a scale of one to ten. Sin is sin. No big, no little. Just sin. And you are forgiven by God when you seek His forgiveness. He no longer holds it against you. So that is our standard, too. Period.
Okay -- you will never forget the big stuff. But that's not the essence of forgiveness. It's the idea that we are not above God, and if God can forgive someone -- for whatever they've done -- then we must forgive also. We aren't God...we're sinners just like everyone else.
Then Peter came to Jesus and said, "Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him, up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I tell you, not seven times but seventy times seven!
"The holy nation of heaven is like a king who wanted to find out how much money his servants owed him. As he began, one of the servants was brought to him who owed him very much money. He could pay nothing that he owed. So the king spoke the word that he and his wife and his children and all that he had should be sold to pay what he owed. The servant got down on his face in front of the king. He said, 'Give me time, and I will pay you all the money.' Then the king took pity on his servant and let him go. He told him he did not have to pay the money back.
"But that servant went out and found one of the other servants who owed him very little money. He took hold of his neck and said, 'Pay me the money you owe me!' The other servant got down at his feet and said, 'Give me time, and I will pay you all the money.' But he would not. He had him put in prison until he could pay the money.
"When his other servants saw what had happened, they were very sorry. They came and told the king all that was done. Then the king called for the first one. He said, 'You bad servant! I forgave you. I said that you would not have to pay back any of the money you owed me because you asked me. Should you not have had pity on the other servant, even as I had pity on you?' The king was very angry. He handed him over to men who would beat and hurt him until he paid all the money he owed. So will My Father in heaven do to you, if each one of you does not forgive his brother from his heart." ~ Matthew 18:21-25 (NLV)
So, there you have it. From God's mouth, to your ears. He who has an ear, let him hear...and do. Ask God to help you in this area, if you struggle with forgiving someone. Ask Him to help you come to real terms with your own sin and His grace to you. Be willing to let go of the unforgiveness reins you're holding onto. And refuse to pick them up again, with the love and forgiveness God gives you as your focus point.
God is glorified and exalted when you follow His example of forgiveness. It's something the world knows nothing of, but can know through us. Children of God, make it so...
Love,
Joelene
Friday, July 4, 2008
Verse of the Day - Psalm 72:12-14
For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight. ~ Psalm 72:12-14 (NIV)
Love,
Joelene
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy Independence Day, America!
I was talking with friends the other day and reflecting on how removed we really are, here in the 21st century, from the British-ruling days of the early colonies, that fueled the American revolution and our ultimate independence, into what we celebrate today as "The 4th of July". We wear red-white-and-blue, have parades, BBQ, light fireworks, and wave our star-spangled banners on this great celebration day of independence. But we who were born free can't begin to understand the deep significance of experiencing freedom and independence, like someone who has lived in bondage and then is set free. We are spoiled, my friends, and we take our freedom in this country for granted -- we can't really help it. It's the nature of privilege.
America is a country of many immigrants from all over the world -- we are a global melting pot. It hurts me to hear people criticizing immigrants for being in the U.S., as if the critics have sole rights to this land! All I can say is, they need to look at their own family tree, 'cause unless they are pure blood Native American Indian, they're just as much an immigrant as people today coming from Russia, Asia or Central America! 99% of us have no sole proprietorship here. Where is our grace? Where is our understanding? They're lost in privilege.
We can't understand what it's like to live under a hostile, dictatorial government. We can't relate to abject poverty and rampant disease. We are unacquainted with generation after generation of hopelessness in bondage to tyranny and oppression. People in other countries are seeking relief and freedom, and they come to America. Can you really blame them? Can you blame your own ancestors for coming to America? Where would you be today, if Lady Liberty had said your immigrating family was not welcome?
I was talking with friends the other day and reflecting on how removed we really are, here in the 21st century, from the British-ruling days of the early colonies, that fueled the American revolution and our ultimate independence, into what we celebrate today as "The 4th of July". We wear red-white-and-blue, have parades, BBQ, light fireworks, and wave our star-spangled banners on this great celebration day of independence. But we who were born free can't begin to understand the deep significance of experiencing freedom and independence, like someone who has lived in bondage and then is set free. We are spoiled, my friends, and we take our freedom in this country for granted -- we can't really help it. It's the nature of privilege.
America is a country of many immigrants from all over the world -- we are a global melting pot. It hurts me to hear people criticizing immigrants for being in the U.S., as if the critics have sole rights to this land! All I can say is, they need to look at their own family tree, 'cause unless they are pure blood Native American Indian, they're just as much an immigrant as people today coming from Russia, Asia or Central America! 99% of us have no sole proprietorship here. Where is our grace? Where is our understanding? They're lost in privilege.
We can't understand what it's like to live under a hostile, dictatorial government. We can't relate to abject poverty and rampant disease. We are unacquainted with generation after generation of hopelessness in bondage to tyranny and oppression. People in other countries are seeking relief and freedom, and they come to America. Can you really blame them? Can you blame your own ancestors for coming to America? Where would you be today, if Lady Liberty had said your immigrating family was not welcome?
The New Colossus
by Emma Lazarus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Today's psalm speaks of King Solomon...a good king, who loved his people, and did right by them. But as I read the 72nd Psalm, I can't help but see Jesus, too. His heart goes out to the oppressed and needy, those yearning to be free. Not just spiritually oppressed, but those in bondage and need in the physical realm, also.
For Christians in America, we have freedom on both levels --give God all praise and glory for that! But never let it be said that Christ followers become selfish with either freedom -- none of us deserve the blessings we have as American citizens and God's Kingdom citizens. Let us fall on our heart's knees in gratitude to God for the grace and mercy He has given us, and let us open our hearts and hands to all who desire freedom -- on this land, and in eternity.
Let freedom ring...!
by Emma Lazarus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Today's psalm speaks of King Solomon...a good king, who loved his people, and did right by them. But as I read the 72nd Psalm, I can't help but see Jesus, too. His heart goes out to the oppressed and needy, those yearning to be free. Not just spiritually oppressed, but those in bondage and need in the physical realm, also.
For Christians in America, we have freedom on both levels --give God all praise and glory for that! But never let it be said that Christ followers become selfish with either freedom -- none of us deserve the blessings we have as American citizens and God's Kingdom citizens. Let us fall on our heart's knees in gratitude to God for the grace and mercy He has given us, and let us open our hearts and hands to all who desire freedom -- on this land, and in eternity.
Let freedom ring...!
Love,
Joelene
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Verse of the Day - Psalm 40:3
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many people will see this and worship him. Then they will trust the Lord. ~ Psalm 40:3 (NCV)
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I've been walking the American River bike trail for a number of years, and it's very interesting to catch snippets of conversation as serious cyclists pass by. Often, they're in pairs (which is a good idea for safety, as well as helpful in staying motivated in an exercise regimen), and with the speed they're traveling, I may hear one or two sentences -- that's all. But I can tell some of what's on their minds with this brief encounter. If it's on a weekday, more than likely, it will be office/corporate-driven conversation, and I can tell they work together. So-and-so in the office said this, can you believe such-and-such happened on that project. If it's on the weekend, topics might be on retirement and investments, or personal relationship issues. Even in a cardio workout session like cycling, people talk! They want to verbalize what's on their heart and mind.
The Bible says that out of the overflow of a man's heart, his mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). So, what we say is what's on our heart. What we think is usually what we verbalize. So, what are we thinking? What's in our heart?
Those who don't know Jesus, who have not yet given themselves to Him, will not normally speak of Him in regular conversation...unless used as an expletive. The flavor of their conversation will tend toward earthly pursuits and problems, seasoned with pride and selfishness. Go to a mall sometime, and just hang out on a bench, listening as people pass by. You will be amazed, and perhaps saddened, by what you hear. Where is the Lord in the mouths of people? Is anyone singing a new song to the Lord?
Christ followers are great about "singing a new song" to the Lord on worship days. We share testimony with brothers and sisters in Christ, we sing songs about and to the Lord, we pray silently and aloud to the Rock of our Salvation. And that is pleasing to God and a blessing to our spirits. But what song are we singing the rest of the week? Does anyone in our weekday circle of influence hear "a new song to the Lord"? Are our lips singing the praises of God, or are we stuck in the complaining mud or the boasting sludge, like so much of the world?
If you have submitted your life to Christ, He has given you new life in Him. The old life is gone, and you are brand new...not the same, ever again (2 Corinthians 5:17). And if we are disciplining ourselves under His direction through prayer and absorbing His Word on a regular basis, our hearts and minds are going to be more consumed with Him than with other things. If that's true, we will verbalize it. What's in your heart comes our of your mouth, right?
So, two things:
1) Be diligent in conversation with God, and in getting into His Word. Make your relationship with Him of utmost value and importance, and work toward letting the Holy Spirit have complete control in your thoughts and actions.
2) Practice talking about God with others, and not just your Christian cronies, either. We are to sing His praises, so we need to get busy and do that -- not obnoxiously or intrusively, but conversationally. Give Him the glory for the blessings that someone else tells you is happening in their life. They need to know that "every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights..." (James 1:17). When someone mentions a concern in their life, tell them that God cares about them deeply and wants to help them carry their burdens (1 Peter 5:7), if they will let Him.
Believers in Jesus are called to be "salt and light" to this dying world (Matthew 5:13-14). As has been said before, we have to get out of the salt shaker if we're ever going to season anyone! And a flashlight doesn't do any good to anyone who's in the dark, just sitting in a junk drawer. We have to get out and get used by God. Turn on the switch...tip over the shaker. Sing praises to our God! Let there be "a new song" on our lips! Less of the trivial, and more of the triumphal!
Our God is all in all. He is everything. Without Him, the earth would cease to be. And He is the source of love. So many people are so unaware of who He is, and how much He loves them. The song they hear in the world is dismal and gray, and reeks of evil and death. They need to hear "a new song" -- one of life and love...of God.
Today can be the start of a new way of communicating for us, where the song of God's praises is what is heard loudest from our lips. It takes purpose and practice, but it is our privilege to praise Him -- openly and often!
Love,
Joelene
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've been walking the American River bike trail for a number of years, and it's very interesting to catch snippets of conversation as serious cyclists pass by. Often, they're in pairs (which is a good idea for safety, as well as helpful in staying motivated in an exercise regimen), and with the speed they're traveling, I may hear one or two sentences -- that's all. But I can tell some of what's on their minds with this brief encounter. If it's on a weekday, more than likely, it will be office/corporate-driven conversation, and I can tell they work together. So-and-so in the office said this, can you believe such-and-such happened on that project. If it's on the weekend, topics might be on retirement and investments, or personal relationship issues. Even in a cardio workout session like cycling, people talk! They want to verbalize what's on their heart and mind.
The Bible says that out of the overflow of a man's heart, his mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). So, what we say is what's on our heart. What we think is usually what we verbalize. So, what are we thinking? What's in our heart?
Those who don't know Jesus, who have not yet given themselves to Him, will not normally speak of Him in regular conversation...unless used as an expletive. The flavor of their conversation will tend toward earthly pursuits and problems, seasoned with pride and selfishness. Go to a mall sometime, and just hang out on a bench, listening as people pass by. You will be amazed, and perhaps saddened, by what you hear. Where is the Lord in the mouths of people? Is anyone singing a new song to the Lord?
Christ followers are great about "singing a new song" to the Lord on worship days. We share testimony with brothers and sisters in Christ, we sing songs about and to the Lord, we pray silently and aloud to the Rock of our Salvation. And that is pleasing to God and a blessing to our spirits. But what song are we singing the rest of the week? Does anyone in our weekday circle of influence hear "a new song to the Lord"? Are our lips singing the praises of God, or are we stuck in the complaining mud or the boasting sludge, like so much of the world?
If you have submitted your life to Christ, He has given you new life in Him. The old life is gone, and you are brand new...not the same, ever again (2 Corinthians 5:17). And if we are disciplining ourselves under His direction through prayer and absorbing His Word on a regular basis, our hearts and minds are going to be more consumed with Him than with other things. If that's true, we will verbalize it. What's in your heart comes our of your mouth, right?
So, two things:
1) Be diligent in conversation with God, and in getting into His Word. Make your relationship with Him of utmost value and importance, and work toward letting the Holy Spirit have complete control in your thoughts and actions.
2) Practice talking about God with others, and not just your Christian cronies, either. We are to sing His praises, so we need to get busy and do that -- not obnoxiously or intrusively, but conversationally. Give Him the glory for the blessings that someone else tells you is happening in their life. They need to know that "every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights..." (James 1:17). When someone mentions a concern in their life, tell them that God cares about them deeply and wants to help them carry their burdens (1 Peter 5:7), if they will let Him.
Believers in Jesus are called to be "salt and light" to this dying world (Matthew 5:13-14). As has been said before, we have to get out of the salt shaker if we're ever going to season anyone! And a flashlight doesn't do any good to anyone who's in the dark, just sitting in a junk drawer. We have to get out and get used by God. Turn on the switch...tip over the shaker. Sing praises to our God! Let there be "a new song" on our lips! Less of the trivial, and more of the triumphal!
Our God is all in all. He is everything. Without Him, the earth would cease to be. And He is the source of love. So many people are so unaware of who He is, and how much He loves them. The song they hear in the world is dismal and gray, and reeks of evil and death. They need to hear "a new song" -- one of life and love...of God.
Today can be the start of a new way of communicating for us, where the song of God's praises is what is heard loudest from our lips. It takes purpose and practice, but it is our privilege to praise Him -- openly and often!
Love,
Joelene
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Verse of the Day - Psalm 99:4
The King is mighty, he loves justice— You have established equity... ~ Psalm 99:4 (NIV)
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Humanity seems to cry out for fairness and equity. We have the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO). Companies pride themselves on being equal-opportunity employers, giving everyone a chance at getting a job, without discrimination, and we applaud this justice and fairness! It is the right thing to do to be fair, to be just, to be equitable...
Why, then, does the world condemn God when He's just and fair?
Man rebels after being warned not to eat the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Yet, he cries, "Unfair!" when he receives the just reward for his actions; that is, death.
God's laws apply to all. Yet, somehow, we want special treatment when we sin, and we want the judge's gavel to be thrown in the face of others when they sin. Is this fair? Is this true justice?
Fairness and justice must go "across the board". That is their essence. If God was wishy-washy, with His hand of justice looking like a squiggly line, how could He be a holy God? Subjectiveness and privilege don't mesh with justice. The reality is that we are selfish, and we want justice for the causes we believe in, for the efforts we support. But when something doesn't suit us, we want vindication...or conversely, clemency.
God must be just -- that is His nature. But He is also merciful, and for that, believers in Christ are truly grateful. Mercy provided our salvation for all who believe through Jesus' work on the cross. Mercy provides opportunity after opportunity for people to consider and embrace God and His ways. He does not treat us as our sins deserve (Psalm 103:10); otherwise, we would all be dust in the wind.
We have a tough time understanding God's justice and mercy and how they blend together. Our flesh is so subjective, and our minds are so limited. All I know is that God is God, and I am not. I may not understand why He carries things out the way He does, but I believe that He is just and fair. I believe that He offers grace and mercy. If He didn't, I would be toast. And so would you.
I pray that we can be examples to the world of what our God is like, removing our subjective filters, and seek fairness and justice for the oppressed...and give grace and mercy to the oppressors. God walks a divine line between justice and mercy. Ask Him to help you do the same...
Love,
Joelene
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Humanity seems to cry out for fairness and equity. We have the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO). Companies pride themselves on being equal-opportunity employers, giving everyone a chance at getting a job, without discrimination, and we applaud this justice and fairness! It is the right thing to do to be fair, to be just, to be equitable...
Why, then, does the world condemn God when He's just and fair?
Man rebels after being warned not to eat the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Yet, he cries, "Unfair!" when he receives the just reward for his actions; that is, death.
God's laws apply to all. Yet, somehow, we want special treatment when we sin, and we want the judge's gavel to be thrown in the face of others when they sin. Is this fair? Is this true justice?
Fairness and justice must go "across the board". That is their essence. If God was wishy-washy, with His hand of justice looking like a squiggly line, how could He be a holy God? Subjectiveness and privilege don't mesh with justice. The reality is that we are selfish, and we want justice for the causes we believe in, for the efforts we support. But when something doesn't suit us, we want vindication...or conversely, clemency.
God must be just -- that is His nature. But He is also merciful, and for that, believers in Christ are truly grateful. Mercy provided our salvation for all who believe through Jesus' work on the cross. Mercy provides opportunity after opportunity for people to consider and embrace God and His ways. He does not treat us as our sins deserve (Psalm 103:10); otherwise, we would all be dust in the wind.
We have a tough time understanding God's justice and mercy and how they blend together. Our flesh is so subjective, and our minds are so limited. All I know is that God is God, and I am not. I may not understand why He carries things out the way He does, but I believe that He is just and fair. I believe that He offers grace and mercy. If He didn't, I would be toast. And so would you.
I pray that we can be examples to the world of what our God is like, removing our subjective filters, and seek fairness and justice for the oppressed...and give grace and mercy to the oppressors. God walks a divine line between justice and mercy. Ask Him to help you do the same...
Love,
Joelene
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Verse of the Day - Psalm 119:73
You created me and put me together. Make me wise enough to learn what you have commanded. ~ Psalm 119:37 (CEV)
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The writer of this psalm gets the marathon award -- 176 verses in one chapter! And as I scrolled quickly through it this morning, almost every single verse mentions God's law, God's ways, God's instruction as something he delights in, enjoys, revels in, and values greater that all else! Does that sound a little weird to you, a little fanatical? Maybe it does, but what a picture of devotion to God and a heart for obedience -- an example we should want to follow.
The psalmist writes about various issues in his life, trials and difficulties, but always chooses obedience. When people criticize and tease him for being a God follower, it hurts, but it doesn't dissuade him from staying the course. God's teachings and ways are life to him. He has experienced the deep joy of obedience to God, and stays hungry for wisdom and knowledge and greater dependence on Him.
Some would say that being tied to God's ways is slavery...but to the heart who has tasted God's love and mercy, it is a paradoxical freedom. The stronger the chains of obedience to God, the higher the flight of joy. Why? Because God's ways are right and true. Everything else is deceptive and worthless.
If you've lived a little while, you can attest to this truth -- I know I can. "The way of a man seems right to him, but in the end, it leads to death." (Proverbs 14:12, 16:25) How many of us can share testimony of biting the dust time and again when we listen to our own 'wisdom' and choose to walk our own way? No need for a show of hands...we've all exemplified the rightness of God's ways with disobedience. We're a myriad of "Exhibit A"s in God's courtroom that validate His truth.
I pray that we can learn to truly love God's ways and desire obedience as a great treasure. There is no better way to live than in harmony with God, so let's get in tune with Him and follow His direction. Beautiful music with God begins with obedience.
Love,
Joelene
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The writer of this psalm gets the marathon award -- 176 verses in one chapter! And as I scrolled quickly through it this morning, almost every single verse mentions God's law, God's ways, God's instruction as something he delights in, enjoys, revels in, and values greater that all else! Does that sound a little weird to you, a little fanatical? Maybe it does, but what a picture of devotion to God and a heart for obedience -- an example we should want to follow.
The psalmist writes about various issues in his life, trials and difficulties, but always chooses obedience. When people criticize and tease him for being a God follower, it hurts, but it doesn't dissuade him from staying the course. God's teachings and ways are life to him. He has experienced the deep joy of obedience to God, and stays hungry for wisdom and knowledge and greater dependence on Him.
Some would say that being tied to God's ways is slavery...but to the heart who has tasted God's love and mercy, it is a paradoxical freedom. The stronger the chains of obedience to God, the higher the flight of joy. Why? Because God's ways are right and true. Everything else is deceptive and worthless.
If you've lived a little while, you can attest to this truth -- I know I can. "The way of a man seems right to him, but in the end, it leads to death." (Proverbs 14:12, 16:25) How many of us can share testimony of biting the dust time and again when we listen to our own 'wisdom' and choose to walk our own way? No need for a show of hands...we've all exemplified the rightness of God's ways with disobedience. We're a myriad of "Exhibit A"s in God's courtroom that validate His truth.
I pray that we can learn to truly love God's ways and desire obedience as a great treasure. There is no better way to live than in harmony with God, so let's get in tune with Him and follow His direction. Beautiful music with God begins with obedience.
Love,
Joelene
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