"...Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." I Peter 5:7
Christmas is over. After all the build up and preparation--it's finished. What are you left with? Well, let's see. There is a tree that is losing needles by the minute, lights and ornaments that are destined for the storage box to await their turn to shine next year, cast off wrapping paper, bags and bows that are beyond their usefulness today. That's what is "physically" left. But what about the emotional?
For many, we are left with memories--good and bad, and we aren't always sure what to do with them are we? Kind of like some of the gifts we've received. Some gifts we open are a pleasant and wonderful surprise--something we had always hoped for but never expected to receive. Others, however, are things we never asked for and have no idea what to do with. Ever receive a gift and in your mind you are thinking, "What in the world am I going to do with this?" What does one do with a painful memory or a disappointment that we have no idea how to handle?
Maybe it's not as complicated as it may seem. If I receive a gift that I have no idea what to do with, I look for someone who is familiar with that particular item and pass it on to them. Perhaps that what the scripture is telling us in 1 Peter 5:7. We are to cast our anxiety on him (Jesus). Why? Because he (Jesus) cares about us.
We are to give him the things we don't know what to do with. Why? Because he likes to collect stuff? No, because He cares about us. He knows that carrying around unnecessary baggage is not healthy. He's all about our health (physical, emotional and spiritual).
Need to do some "casting" today?
Monday, December 26, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
His Ways Are Perfect.....
"As for God, his way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection." Psalm 18:30
Psalm 18:30 keeps me grounded. It gives me perspective when mine has gone haywire. It reminds me that my loving God has everything under control even when I am totally out of control.
Notice that it doesn't say God's way is usually a pretty good idea, or that his way almost always makes a lot of sense. No. It says -His way is perfect. Sometimes that's all I need to hear. That phrase is God's way of wrapping up all my why's and how's in a neat package marked "trust me" and lovingly handing them back to me with a smile.
Next it says, "...All the Lord's promises prove true." Although I have long since forgotten most of what I learned in my 3 semesters of Greek in college, I have managed to hang onto this--All means All. When I feel disappointed or disillusioned or betrayed, I need that reminder. All that the Lord has promised me will prove true. Maybe I don't see it yet. But I have his word on that.
Finally then, I get to the shield part. I like that word - shield. Just makes me feel safe. I also like that fact that it doesn't say that the Lord will give me a shield--it says he "is" a shield to all who look to him for protection. If I keep looking to him then that includes me. I need that assurance. I'm not too good at protecting myself. Truth be told, much of the time I don't even realize when I'm in danger and need protection.
Thank you Almighty God for Your ways, Your promises and Your protection.
Psalm 18:30 keeps me grounded. It gives me perspective when mine has gone haywire. It reminds me that my loving God has everything under control even when I am totally out of control.
Notice that it doesn't say God's way is usually a pretty good idea, or that his way almost always makes a lot of sense. No. It says -His way is perfect. Sometimes that's all I need to hear. That phrase is God's way of wrapping up all my why's and how's in a neat package marked "trust me" and lovingly handing them back to me with a smile.
Next it says, "...All the Lord's promises prove true." Although I have long since forgotten most of what I learned in my 3 semesters of Greek in college, I have managed to hang onto this--All means All. When I feel disappointed or disillusioned or betrayed, I need that reminder. All that the Lord has promised me will prove true. Maybe I don't see it yet. But I have his word on that.
Finally then, I get to the shield part. I like that word - shield. Just makes me feel safe. I also like that fact that it doesn't say that the Lord will give me a shield--it says he "is" a shield to all who look to him for protection. If I keep looking to him then that includes me. I need that assurance. I'm not too good at protecting myself. Truth be told, much of the time I don't even realize when I'm in danger and need protection.
Thank you Almighty God for Your ways, Your promises and Your protection.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Wanted: Disciple
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Matthew 16:24
Don't you love that part in a dramatic movie when one person says to another in frustration, "What do you want from me?" We've all said that to someone in our life. Maybe a parent, a spouse, an employer. Maybe........God? Come on. Sure you have. Be honest. We've all asked the Lord at one point or another just exactly what is it that He wants from us anyway.
I love direct answers, don't you? Don't beat around the bush with me. Give it to me straight. Well Jesus didn't mince words. We don't have to wonder what he was getting at. He said what he meant and meant what he said.
There are 3 directives here for the potential recruit: 1) Deny yourself 2) Take up your cross and 3) Follow me. Pretty simple, right? Well, yes and no.
Let's look at number 1 - Deny yourself. Ouch! That one doesn't leave much wiggle room. Deny yourself means you can't be the center of your world. It won't work that way. Jesus has to come first in everything. Others have to slide in next and you actually belong in the caboose. Yep. You're dead last.
Number 2 is the part about taking up your cross. Ever hear someone say in relating a painful or difficult situation in their life, "Well I guess that's just my cross to bear?" Sounds so humble doesn't it? Maybe, but I don't think that's what the Lord meant here. You see, the cross was actually an instrument of death. Number 2 actually is building on number 1. We deny ourselves, and then we die to ourselves. We die to our old way of thinking, living, relating. The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:31 "...I die daily..."
Finally, number 3 says that we are to follow him. That one's not too tough either. Where he goes--you go. What he loves--you love. What he hates--you hate.
Ready, set..............surrender!
Don't you love that part in a dramatic movie when one person says to another in frustration, "What do you want from me?" We've all said that to someone in our life. Maybe a parent, a spouse, an employer. Maybe........God? Come on. Sure you have. Be honest. We've all asked the Lord at one point or another just exactly what is it that He wants from us anyway.
I love direct answers, don't you? Don't beat around the bush with me. Give it to me straight. Well Jesus didn't mince words. We don't have to wonder what he was getting at. He said what he meant and meant what he said.
There are 3 directives here for the potential recruit: 1) Deny yourself 2) Take up your cross and 3) Follow me. Pretty simple, right? Well, yes and no.
Let's look at number 1 - Deny yourself. Ouch! That one doesn't leave much wiggle room. Deny yourself means you can't be the center of your world. It won't work that way. Jesus has to come first in everything. Others have to slide in next and you actually belong in the caboose. Yep. You're dead last.
Number 2 is the part about taking up your cross. Ever hear someone say in relating a painful or difficult situation in their life, "Well I guess that's just my cross to bear?" Sounds so humble doesn't it? Maybe, but I don't think that's what the Lord meant here. You see, the cross was actually an instrument of death. Number 2 actually is building on number 1. We deny ourselves, and then we die to ourselves. We die to our old way of thinking, living, relating. The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:31 "...I die daily..."
Finally, number 3 says that we are to follow him. That one's not too tough either. Where he goes--you go. What he loves--you love. What he hates--you hate.
Ready, set..............surrender!
Friday, July 15, 2011
It Will Always Be This Way....
"...He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44b
Have you noticed that our enemy, Satan, gets a good deal of mileage out of every lie he speaks to us? By this I mean that he takes one lie and uses it forward, backward, twists it, turns it inside out and uses it all over again. He is the ultimate recycler (is that a word?)
Anyway, have you noticed that when things aren't going so well for you, maybe you're sick, or your finances are upside down, or a relationship in your life is damaged and painful, that the enemy sings this tune into your ear as often as he can? It usually goes something like this, "Your life is depressing. Nothing is going right. Everything is falling apart. You'll never get a break. Why should you keep putting forth so much effort in this area? It's not worth the trouble. No one appreciates what you do anyway. It's hopeless. Nothing will ever change. It will always be this way."
Amazingly, later on when things are going great, he turns over the same record (for those of us who remember records) and plays the other side. It usually sounds something like this, "Everything is going great (and by the way, you have yourself to thank for that, you are so smart). Don't worry about being obedient to Christ in every area of your life right now, there will be time to straighten things out later. Just relax and enjoy today. Yes, you have some very unhealthy physical and emotional habits but you can take care of them down the road. By all means, don't worry about mending any broken relationships in your life. Sure, you have some unforgiveness and maybe a little bitterness here and there but who doesn't? After all, you've been mistreated yourself, you know. Maybe you owe a couple of people an apology but they will be around for awhile and so will you for that matter. Those things can wait. Concentrate on you. Take it easy and do some things that you want to do. You've worked hard--You deserve it! You are definitely on a roll. It will always be this way!
Hmmm. I often wonder if the enemy's favorite name for most of us is--Sucker!
Have you noticed that our enemy, Satan, gets a good deal of mileage out of every lie he speaks to us? By this I mean that he takes one lie and uses it forward, backward, twists it, turns it inside out and uses it all over again. He is the ultimate recycler (is that a word?)
Anyway, have you noticed that when things aren't going so well for you, maybe you're sick, or your finances are upside down, or a relationship in your life is damaged and painful, that the enemy sings this tune into your ear as often as he can? It usually goes something like this, "Your life is depressing. Nothing is going right. Everything is falling apart. You'll never get a break. Why should you keep putting forth so much effort in this area? It's not worth the trouble. No one appreciates what you do anyway. It's hopeless. Nothing will ever change. It will always be this way."
Amazingly, later on when things are going great, he turns over the same record (for those of us who remember records) and plays the other side. It usually sounds something like this, "Everything is going great (and by the way, you have yourself to thank for that, you are so smart). Don't worry about being obedient to Christ in every area of your life right now, there will be time to straighten things out later. Just relax and enjoy today. Yes, you have some very unhealthy physical and emotional habits but you can take care of them down the road. By all means, don't worry about mending any broken relationships in your life. Sure, you have some unforgiveness and maybe a little bitterness here and there but who doesn't? After all, you've been mistreated yourself, you know. Maybe you owe a couple of people an apology but they will be around for awhile and so will you for that matter. Those things can wait. Concentrate on you. Take it easy and do some things that you want to do. You've worked hard--You deserve it! You are definitely on a roll. It will always be this way!
Hmmm. I often wonder if the enemy's favorite name for most of us is--Sucker!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
For This Purpose
"...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8
One of the most basic pieces of advice you get from a mentor or trusted teacher and friend is this: "When you set out to do something important and life changing, make sure you are totally and completely certain of your purpose." Of course there are many side issues and short and long term advantages with each endeavor but one needs to always have his or her primary purpose in the forefront of their mind. That's what keeps you pushing forward when everything around you says, "Just quit!"
Jesus came. He was born, he lived, and he died. There were many reasons for his coming. He came to show God's unbelievable love for us. He came to seek and save the lost. He came to set the captives free. He came to deliver us from our sin and ourselves. He came to model grace, forgiveness and unselfishness. The reasons go on and on and on......
But what about purpose? Did Jesus have a singular focus--a clearly defined sight on his spiritual radar? You bet He did! 1 John 3:8b puts all the cards on the table. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil!
John 10:10 says, "the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy but I (Jesus) have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly!" Do you see that? Jesus came to oppose and destroy everything that the enemy wants to do in your life and mine. That's it! His main purpose is the destroy the one who is keeping me down. If that is His purpose for me then that should be my desire as well. More than anything I want to cooperate with everything Jesus asks me to do to give Him the freedom to destroy the works of the enemy in my life.
Lord, show me what I need to surrender to you to allow you to destroy any and all work of the devil in my life. I want what you want for me--to walk in freedom, joy and victory!
One of the most basic pieces of advice you get from a mentor or trusted teacher and friend is this: "When you set out to do something important and life changing, make sure you are totally and completely certain of your purpose." Of course there are many side issues and short and long term advantages with each endeavor but one needs to always have his or her primary purpose in the forefront of their mind. That's what keeps you pushing forward when everything around you says, "Just quit!"
Jesus came. He was born, he lived, and he died. There were many reasons for his coming. He came to show God's unbelievable love for us. He came to seek and save the lost. He came to set the captives free. He came to deliver us from our sin and ourselves. He came to model grace, forgiveness and unselfishness. The reasons go on and on and on......
But what about purpose? Did Jesus have a singular focus--a clearly defined sight on his spiritual radar? You bet He did! 1 John 3:8b puts all the cards on the table. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil!
John 10:10 says, "the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy but I (Jesus) have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly!" Do you see that? Jesus came to oppose and destroy everything that the enemy wants to do in your life and mine. That's it! His main purpose is the destroy the one who is keeping me down. If that is His purpose for me then that should be my desire as well. More than anything I want to cooperate with everything Jesus asks me to do to give Him the freedom to destroy the works of the enemy in my life.
Lord, show me what I need to surrender to you to allow you to destroy any and all work of the devil in my life. I want what you want for me--to walk in freedom, joy and victory!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Are You Ready For Forever?
"The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever."
Isaiah 40:8
Tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, famines, wars.... Where do we turn for hope? Where do we look for meaning and purpose? What do we do with all our why's and how's? There is so much happening that doesn't seem to make sense.
Maybe the first step is to just surrender and say, "I don't know". I don't know why it often seems that bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. I find that it's not good for me to dwell on what I don't know, though. I have to keep my thoughts and my heart on what I do know. I know that God loves me and promises to work everything out for my good (Romans 8:28). That doesn't mean that everything that happens to me is good but it does mean that my loving Father can bring good out of anything if I surrender it to him.
Someday, though...........someday we'll know. 1 John 3:2-3 says, "Yes, dear friends, we are already God's children, and we can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he come we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is."
Kind of causes you to re-evaluate your priorities, doesn't it? Is what I am holding onto going to carry me into eternity? In a moments time it could all be gone. Then what?
Are you ready for forever?
Isaiah 40:8
Tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, famines, wars.... Where do we turn for hope? Where do we look for meaning and purpose? What do we do with all our why's and how's? There is so much happening that doesn't seem to make sense.
Maybe the first step is to just surrender and say, "I don't know". I don't know why it often seems that bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. I find that it's not good for me to dwell on what I don't know, though. I have to keep my thoughts and my heart on what I do know. I know that God loves me and promises to work everything out for my good (Romans 8:28). That doesn't mean that everything that happens to me is good but it does mean that my loving Father can bring good out of anything if I surrender it to him.
Someday, though...........someday we'll know. 1 John 3:2-3 says, "Yes, dear friends, we are already God's children, and we can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he come we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is."
Kind of causes you to re-evaluate your priorities, doesn't it? Is what I am holding onto going to carry me into eternity? In a moments time it could all be gone. Then what?
Are you ready for forever?
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
So Many Things....
"Martha, Martha the Lord answered," "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42
I freely admit I'm a Martha. No need to try and pretend otherwise. I would have been the sister trying to run around and make everything "external" come together for Jesus' visit. I would have been very irritated with my laid back sibling who didn't seem to have the sensitivity to jump in with both feet (and hands) and help me as I wore myself to a frazzle just trying to "make life a little better for everyone around me!" Can you hear that "poor me--martyr" thing coming through here?
I've come to realize that being a multi-tasker is not necessarily a blessing. It can also mean that I'm a "multi-worrier". There are plenty of things out there to worry about if you're interested. Take your pick! Have you noticed that as soon as something you have been so concerned about and prayed over is resolved, something else steps up and fills in that empty spot?
Jesus was so loving with Martha. Notice he didn't say "Martha, when will you ever get it together? I'm so sick and tired of your attitude. You are driving all of us in this room nuts with your perfection issues!" No, of course not. Our Lord didn't speak to the behavior--He spoke to the person. He loved Martha so much. Notice that he spoke her name two times in a row--"Martha, Martha". That alone is evidence of His love and compassion for her. He could see that not only was she worried, she was also upset. Her worrying had led her down a path of being angry and frustrated with those around her for not joining in with her and becoming just as driven as she was. Driving can be relaxing--being driven never is.
Jesus said that Mary chose what was better and that it would not be taken from her. Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and learn from him. Helping, serving and even ministering are very good things, but spending time with Jesus in much better. In fact, it is sitting as His feet that empowers us to do those other things with a much deeper understanding of why they matter. I'm learning each day that I have a choice whether or not to take the time to spend with Jesus or to busy myself with everything else that seems so important at the time.
How about you--Mary or Martha? You do have a choice, you know.
I freely admit I'm a Martha. No need to try and pretend otherwise. I would have been the sister trying to run around and make everything "external" come together for Jesus' visit. I would have been very irritated with my laid back sibling who didn't seem to have the sensitivity to jump in with both feet (and hands) and help me as I wore myself to a frazzle just trying to "make life a little better for everyone around me!" Can you hear that "poor me--martyr" thing coming through here?
I've come to realize that being a multi-tasker is not necessarily a blessing. It can also mean that I'm a "multi-worrier". There are plenty of things out there to worry about if you're interested. Take your pick! Have you noticed that as soon as something you have been so concerned about and prayed over is resolved, something else steps up and fills in that empty spot?
Jesus was so loving with Martha. Notice he didn't say "Martha, when will you ever get it together? I'm so sick and tired of your attitude. You are driving all of us in this room nuts with your perfection issues!" No, of course not. Our Lord didn't speak to the behavior--He spoke to the person. He loved Martha so much. Notice that he spoke her name two times in a row--"Martha, Martha". That alone is evidence of His love and compassion for her. He could see that not only was she worried, she was also upset. Her worrying had led her down a path of being angry and frustrated with those around her for not joining in with her and becoming just as driven as she was. Driving can be relaxing--being driven never is.
Jesus said that Mary chose what was better and that it would not be taken from her. Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and learn from him. Helping, serving and even ministering are very good things, but spending time with Jesus in much better. In fact, it is sitting as His feet that empowers us to do those other things with a much deeper understanding of why they matter. I'm learning each day that I have a choice whether or not to take the time to spend with Jesus or to busy myself with everything else that seems so important at the time.
How about you--Mary or Martha? You do have a choice, you know.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
What Good Is The Gospel?
"And if Christ was not raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your trust in God is useless." 1 Corinthians 15:14
Have you ever watered down something hoping to make it stretch a little further but instead you so diluted it that it became worthless and unusable? Whether it's adding milk to ranch dressing or water to grape juice, some things just aren't the same when we try to spread them too thin.
The question that has been running around in my mind lately is "What Good is the Gospel?" Now don't get me wrong; I don't mean this in a disrespectful way at all. I guess what I am really asking is, "If we don't let the gospel stand alone and be exactly what it is intended to be then what good is it anyway?"
Let me put it this way; if the Gospel doesn't mean that Jesus still heals diseases, or that my God wants to set me free from fear, or that he wants to heal the hurts in my heart, or touch my finances, or direct my steps and give me His supernatural wisdom and power in prayer, then what good is it anyway? Why do I want or need to carry around a Gospel that has no power or that is so watered down that it doesn't even remotely mirror the original?
If Jesus really did rise from the dead, and if the Gospel really does mean "good news"--then let me have it! I want all of what I'm entitled to have! That's not selfish--it's just "cashing the check" that has my name on it for goodness sake!
Romans 8:11 tells us that if we know Christ as Savior, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is alive and at work in our physical bodies. Guess what--that's the GOSPEL!
Sign me up! You???
Have you ever watered down something hoping to make it stretch a little further but instead you so diluted it that it became worthless and unusable? Whether it's adding milk to ranch dressing or water to grape juice, some things just aren't the same when we try to spread them too thin.
The question that has been running around in my mind lately is "What Good is the Gospel?" Now don't get me wrong; I don't mean this in a disrespectful way at all. I guess what I am really asking is, "If we don't let the gospel stand alone and be exactly what it is intended to be then what good is it anyway?"
Let me put it this way; if the Gospel doesn't mean that Jesus still heals diseases, or that my God wants to set me free from fear, or that he wants to heal the hurts in my heart, or touch my finances, or direct my steps and give me His supernatural wisdom and power in prayer, then what good is it anyway? Why do I want or need to carry around a Gospel that has no power or that is so watered down that it doesn't even remotely mirror the original?
If Jesus really did rise from the dead, and if the Gospel really does mean "good news"--then let me have it! I want all of what I'm entitled to have! That's not selfish--it's just "cashing the check" that has my name on it for goodness sake!
Romans 8:11 tells us that if we know Christ as Savior, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is alive and at work in our physical bodies. Guess what--that's the GOSPEL!
Sign me up! You???
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
All The Promises of God
"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through Him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 1:20
The story is told of the great missionary to China, Hudson Taylor, as he once wrote back home to his wife during a great time of financial need at the mission in China, "We have 25 cents and all the promises of God!"
I never cease to be challenged and encouraged by this single example of trust from one whose life was a virtual "scrapbook of faith" and a testimony to the fulfilled promises of God.
I have read that there are over 7000 promises of God in the Bible. As I began to do a deeper study on God's promises I asked myself why the Lord gave us as believers so many promises. I mean, He is the God of the universe, right? He could have sufficed by saying, "I'm here, I love you, I will take care of you." Then I realized that is exactly what He did! But because He understood our weakness and our tendency to forget, He kept repeating himself over and over and over again. We have all heard it said that the Bible is God's "Love Letter" to us. I submit to you that it is also God's "Promise Book" to us. In order to experience His promises we must believe that they are for us--and more importantly that He is for us.
The Lord is the ultimate "PromiseKeeper". Don't let anyone or anything snatch away from you the confidence and peace that comes from standing on His promises.
The story is told of the great missionary to China, Hudson Taylor, as he once wrote back home to his wife during a great time of financial need at the mission in China, "We have 25 cents and all the promises of God!"
I never cease to be challenged and encouraged by this single example of trust from one whose life was a virtual "scrapbook of faith" and a testimony to the fulfilled promises of God.
I have read that there are over 7000 promises of God in the Bible. As I began to do a deeper study on God's promises I asked myself why the Lord gave us as believers so many promises. I mean, He is the God of the universe, right? He could have sufficed by saying, "I'm here, I love you, I will take care of you." Then I realized that is exactly what He did! But because He understood our weakness and our tendency to forget, He kept repeating himself over and over and over again. We have all heard it said that the Bible is God's "Love Letter" to us. I submit to you that it is also God's "Promise Book" to us. In order to experience His promises we must believe that they are for us--and more importantly that He is for us.
The Lord is the ultimate "PromiseKeeper". Don't let anyone or anything snatch away from you the confidence and peace that comes from standing on His promises.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)