"You are the light of the world--like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all." Matthew 5:14-15
What a powerful verse! Jesus said that we are the light of the world. Notice he didn't say we should be or we can be or that someday we might be. We are the light of the world.
If you're like me, some days you don't really feel like being the light of the world. Some days I would rather just turn my light off, take out the batteries and let someone else do the honors. This light stuff is pretty intense, though. We can't just decide when and where we want to be a light. This is a full time job. More than that--I guess it's really a calling. Once we receive His gift of salvation we are the light of the world.
Someone once said, "There is no plan B!" It's up to us to be the light that points the rest of the world to Jesus.
What a responsibility. What a calling. What a privilege. What an honor. What a Savior!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Word
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.....and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us...." John 1:1, 14
I know, I know--it's not Christmas. This verse is the stuff that some of the most beautiful Christmas cards are made of. I've just been thinking a lot about the Word lately--no, not the word--the Word.
I won't mention how many years it's been since I took New Testament Greek in college and to say I'm a bit "rusty" would be quite an understatement. In fact, I'm sure I've forgotten ninety percent of what I learned back then, I'm ashamed to admit. There are, however, a couple of Greek words that have always stuck with me. One of those is LOGOS or the Word. The English dictionary says of the term logos, "The creative word of God which is itself God and incarnate in Jesus. Also called Word."
If you're like me in your journey of faith, there are seasons that you "re-discover" the wonder of it all. I suppose I'm in one of those seasons. As my youngest will soon leave for college, I have been much more introspective lately. When I am introspective and looking at my life and life in general, my faith always plays a leading role. I find more and more that the Word, or Jesus Christ, is my anchor and my plumb line. As the scripture says, he is my "Rock". Without him, nothing else really makes much sense.
I am forever in awe of the language the Apostle John used when describing Jesus' entrance into our existence..."and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..." In layman's terms I guess you could say that Jesus "put skin on and jumped down in this hole with us." Now don't go off on my use of the term "hole". I'm not referring to specifics in our lives but rather to the human condition in general. Let's face it, the scripture says that without Christ we were and are utterly lost and without hope. When the Word entered the picture--everything changed. If we surrender ourselves and our lives to Him we find the hope that our souls long for. With Christ we have a way out and a way up!
St. Augustine said, "Thou has made us for Thyself, Oh Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee."
Logos. The Word. Think about it.
I know, I know--it's not Christmas. This verse is the stuff that some of the most beautiful Christmas cards are made of. I've just been thinking a lot about the Word lately--no, not the word--the Word.
I won't mention how many years it's been since I took New Testament Greek in college and to say I'm a bit "rusty" would be quite an understatement. In fact, I'm sure I've forgotten ninety percent of what I learned back then, I'm ashamed to admit. There are, however, a couple of Greek words that have always stuck with me. One of those is LOGOS or the Word. The English dictionary says of the term logos, "The creative word of God which is itself God and incarnate in Jesus. Also called Word."
If you're like me in your journey of faith, there are seasons that you "re-discover" the wonder of it all. I suppose I'm in one of those seasons. As my youngest will soon leave for college, I have been much more introspective lately. When I am introspective and looking at my life and life in general, my faith always plays a leading role. I find more and more that the Word, or Jesus Christ, is my anchor and my plumb line. As the scripture says, he is my "Rock". Without him, nothing else really makes much sense.
I am forever in awe of the language the Apostle John used when describing Jesus' entrance into our existence..."and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..." In layman's terms I guess you could say that Jesus "put skin on and jumped down in this hole with us." Now don't go off on my use of the term "hole". I'm not referring to specifics in our lives but rather to the human condition in general. Let's face it, the scripture says that without Christ we were and are utterly lost and without hope. When the Word entered the picture--everything changed. If we surrender ourselves and our lives to Him we find the hope that our souls long for. With Christ we have a way out and a way up!
St. Augustine said, "Thou has made us for Thyself, Oh Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee."
Logos. The Word. Think about it.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
A New Song
"He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:3
In this particular Psalm, David begins by giving us a brief overview of a recent trial in his life. He speaks of several things including: patience, crying, a slimy pit, mud and mire. His description then moves on to a picture of the Lord setting his feet on a rock and a firm place to stand.
Toss all of the above into a mixing bowl and "voila"! Out pops a new song--right! Not so fast. Don't forget who the cook is. God alone gives us the patience to wait as He is working. His gentle voice is whispering the melody in our ears. He knows when the slimy pit, mud and mire part is finished. He hums the harmony at that point. It is His hand that sets our feet on the rock and gives us a firm place to stand in His perfect timing. Then we have it--the new song!
Interesting thing about new songs; we usually end up teaching them to those around us while we are learning the words ourselves! Whether you are initially interested or not, you usually can't help picking up the tune if the person next to you sings it often enough.
The Psalmist says of our new song, "Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord". Why? Because of us! When we sing our song others will want what we have.
Learning any new songs?
In this particular Psalm, David begins by giving us a brief overview of a recent trial in his life. He speaks of several things including: patience, crying, a slimy pit, mud and mire. His description then moves on to a picture of the Lord setting his feet on a rock and a firm place to stand.
Toss all of the above into a mixing bowl and "voila"! Out pops a new song--right! Not so fast. Don't forget who the cook is. God alone gives us the patience to wait as He is working. His gentle voice is whispering the melody in our ears. He knows when the slimy pit, mud and mire part is finished. He hums the harmony at that point. It is His hand that sets our feet on the rock and gives us a firm place to stand in His perfect timing. Then we have it--the new song!
Interesting thing about new songs; we usually end up teaching them to those around us while we are learning the words ourselves! Whether you are initially interested or not, you usually can't help picking up the tune if the person next to you sings it often enough.
The Psalmist says of our new song, "Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord". Why? Because of us! When we sing our song others will want what we have.
Learning any new songs?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
It's All About Perspective
"My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the Lord, "and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
One of the cries of my heart these days is that the Lord would give me His perspective on life. It's taken me a while, but I'm finally understanding that I don't always see things the way they really are. In fact, most of the time I don't see things the way they really are at all. My perspective is often clouded with my sin, my desires, my fears and my weaknesses. I need to see my marriage and my husband the way He sees them. I need to see my children (and my grandchildren) the way He sees them. I need to see my ministry, my calling and my purpose the way He sees them.
If I don't have the Lord's perspective then I will likely make decisions that are not in the best interests of myself, my family, my friends and my ministry. Most of all, I could easily make choices that cause me to miss out on God's best for me.
My husband enjoys watching old westerns on television. From time to time I like to sit down and slide into the "old west" for a few minutes, too. I especially get caught up in the situations where a group of settlers on their way west stop for a brief reprieve at a rugged old fort or an outpost. They often feel secure and protected within the gates of the fort until the young man way up in the look-out tower starts reporting on who is coming in the distance. What they see on the ground is often totally different from what he can see from his perspective. Even though they may feel perfectly safe at the moment, he knows if danger is just over the next hill and moving their way. Because of his position, the look-out guy has a much better understanding or perspective on their situation. If they listen to him, they can be prepared for what is coming.
In the same way, the trusted look-out can see if even beyond the danger that's approaching, the cavalry is pulling up behind them and help is on the way.
The spiritual connection is pretty clear, isn't it? The people within the fort would be pretty foolish to only rely on what they can see to make decisions about their safety and their future. They desperately need to trust someone who sees far beyond what they are capable of seeing.
Ask God for His perspective on your situation. He can see much further ahead than you can and He's on your side.
One of the cries of my heart these days is that the Lord would give me His perspective on life. It's taken me a while, but I'm finally understanding that I don't always see things the way they really are. In fact, most of the time I don't see things the way they really are at all. My perspective is often clouded with my sin, my desires, my fears and my weaknesses. I need to see my marriage and my husband the way He sees them. I need to see my children (and my grandchildren) the way He sees them. I need to see my ministry, my calling and my purpose the way He sees them.
If I don't have the Lord's perspective then I will likely make decisions that are not in the best interests of myself, my family, my friends and my ministry. Most of all, I could easily make choices that cause me to miss out on God's best for me.
My husband enjoys watching old westerns on television. From time to time I like to sit down and slide into the "old west" for a few minutes, too. I especially get caught up in the situations where a group of settlers on their way west stop for a brief reprieve at a rugged old fort or an outpost. They often feel secure and protected within the gates of the fort until the young man way up in the look-out tower starts reporting on who is coming in the distance. What they see on the ground is often totally different from what he can see from his perspective. Even though they may feel perfectly safe at the moment, he knows if danger is just over the next hill and moving their way. Because of his position, the look-out guy has a much better understanding or perspective on their situation. If they listen to him, they can be prepared for what is coming.
In the same way, the trusted look-out can see if even beyond the danger that's approaching, the cavalry is pulling up behind them and help is on the way.
The spiritual connection is pretty clear, isn't it? The people within the fort would be pretty foolish to only rely on what they can see to make decisions about their safety and their future. They desperately need to trust someone who sees far beyond what they are capable of seeing.
Ask God for His perspective on your situation. He can see much further ahead than you can and He's on your side.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Jars of Clay
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us."' 2 Corinthians 4:7
2 Corinthians 4:7 is hands down my favorite scripture. Maybe it's because it very honestly reminds me of who I am--nobody. Nobody without the Lord Jesus, of course. I have read that in biblical times homes usually had a number of containers of various sizes, colors and materials. Different occasions called for certain containers. However, the regular clay jar was what one usually had the most of.
If you were expecting special guests you might want to use the more expensive containers from which to serve them. If it were just you and the family, the basic jar of clay would do just fine.
A very interesting note that I picked up on here; someone remarked that oftentimes folks would hide their most precious possessions--perhaps some precious stone or a little bag of coins in one of their many clay pots. It would be unlikely for a thief to think to look in one of the numerous jars of clay for a special treasure. Thus, the unassuming jar of clay often become the vessel that held that which was most valuable. It wasn't the jar that was of lasting value. It was what it contained--a treasure!
The spiritual application is obvious, isn't it? We are the jars of clay. The gift of knowing Christ (the Good News) and his Holy Spirit dwelling in us is the treasure. My Dad always says, "Remember who you are and remember whose you are."
Jars of clay. hmmm. Yeah, I like that.
2 Corinthians 4:7 is hands down my favorite scripture. Maybe it's because it very honestly reminds me of who I am--nobody. Nobody without the Lord Jesus, of course. I have read that in biblical times homes usually had a number of containers of various sizes, colors and materials. Different occasions called for certain containers. However, the regular clay jar was what one usually had the most of.
If you were expecting special guests you might want to use the more expensive containers from which to serve them. If it were just you and the family, the basic jar of clay would do just fine.
A very interesting note that I picked up on here; someone remarked that oftentimes folks would hide their most precious possessions--perhaps some precious stone or a little bag of coins in one of their many clay pots. It would be unlikely for a thief to think to look in one of the numerous jars of clay for a special treasure. Thus, the unassuming jar of clay often become the vessel that held that which was most valuable. It wasn't the jar that was of lasting value. It was what it contained--a treasure!
The spiritual application is obvious, isn't it? We are the jars of clay. The gift of knowing Christ (the Good News) and his Holy Spirit dwelling in us is the treasure. My Dad always says, "Remember who you are and remember whose you are."
Jars of clay. hmmm. Yeah, I like that.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Rainy Days and Mondays
"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:5
As my husband and I drove home from dropping one of our cars at the mechanic this morning we remarked about the fact that it is Monday and it is raining--again! I love living in New England and I love the rain but after a while something inside me longs for a glimpse of the sun again.
We reminisced about the old Carpenter's song, "Rainy Days and Mondays". Yes, that would put us smack dab in the middle of the 70's. I'll never forget the sad sound of Karen Carpenter's voice as she began the song..."Talking to myself and feelin' old. Sometimes I'd like to quit. Nothin' ever seems to fit. Hangin' around--nothin' to do but frown. Rainy days and Mondays always get me down..."
Even if you're an "Up" person, from time to time life can really get to you, can't it? Maybe it's a health issue, or a financial struggle, or a personal struggle involving your spouse or a child. Let's face it. We've all had those days when we just cried out to the Lord and said, "I can't do this anymore--it's too hard!" What do you think the Lord says when we cry out to him in that way? Does he say, "Don't be a baby," or "Come on. Pull yourself together. You're embarrassing us both!" No, I don't think so. He usually says something like this to me,"I know this is hard. I know you feel like giving up. But hold on to me--I will see you through this."
I love this verse in Psalm 42 because David is basically having a talk with himself. He's saying, "Why are you so down? Remember where your hope is. It doesn't feel like it now but one day you will praise Him for all of this!"
We sing a song in our church called, "I Still Run To You". The last part of the song says, "Though sometimes my mind's confused my heart still knows what's true: That you alone are faithful, the One that I run to. When all the world deserts me I still run, I still run, I still run to You."
Rainy days and Mondays will come and go. As long as our hope is Him--we're going to be OK!
As my husband and I drove home from dropping one of our cars at the mechanic this morning we remarked about the fact that it is Monday and it is raining--again! I love living in New England and I love the rain but after a while something inside me longs for a glimpse of the sun again.
We reminisced about the old Carpenter's song, "Rainy Days and Mondays". Yes, that would put us smack dab in the middle of the 70's. I'll never forget the sad sound of Karen Carpenter's voice as she began the song..."Talking to myself and feelin' old. Sometimes I'd like to quit. Nothin' ever seems to fit. Hangin' around--nothin' to do but frown. Rainy days and Mondays always get me down..."
Even if you're an "Up" person, from time to time life can really get to you, can't it? Maybe it's a health issue, or a financial struggle, or a personal struggle involving your spouse or a child. Let's face it. We've all had those days when we just cried out to the Lord and said, "I can't do this anymore--it's too hard!" What do you think the Lord says when we cry out to him in that way? Does he say, "Don't be a baby," or "Come on. Pull yourself together. You're embarrassing us both!" No, I don't think so. He usually says something like this to me,"I know this is hard. I know you feel like giving up. But hold on to me--I will see you through this."
I love this verse in Psalm 42 because David is basically having a talk with himself. He's saying, "Why are you so down? Remember where your hope is. It doesn't feel like it now but one day you will praise Him for all of this!"
We sing a song in our church called, "I Still Run To You". The last part of the song says, "Though sometimes my mind's confused my heart still knows what's true: That you alone are faithful, the One that I run to. When all the world deserts me I still run, I still run, I still run to You."
Rainy days and Mondays will come and go. As long as our hope is Him--we're going to be OK!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I Need To Hear Your Voice
"My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27
As with all kids, when my children were young they would often find themselves in what to them were very "scary" circumstances. Perhaps a fall from their bicycle, a skinned knee, a finger accidentally closed in the door or a "monster in the closet" at bedtime. Even more terrifying for them (and for me) were the few times we got separated in a department store, a family picnic or playground. Panic sets in with children usually about the time they realize that no one who looks familiar is anywhere around and they know they need some help.
However, I noticed something very interesting when my children were separated from me--I usually discovered it long before they did. In fact, I was already looking for them before they realized that they needed me. I began calling out to them often before they knew they were lost. Because of that, they usually heard my voice long before they saw my face. The sound of my voice was such a comfort that it helped them calm down until they could see me with their eyes.
The spiritual lesson here is more than obvious, isn't it? Do you ever have those days when the enemy really does seem to be "coming in like a flood"? (Isaiah 59:19) Do you ever feel the need to cry out to the Lord, "I need to hear your voice!" Or as my children used to say, "I need you, I need you!" I have learned to do that more and more the older I get. And guess what I've discovered? He has started calling out to me long before I even realized I was working up to that panicky feeling. He already knew I needed to hear Him. His voice often sounds something like this: "It's going to be OK. I know what's going on better than you do. Don't make any quick decisions, don't panic. I really am still in control. Hold on to me."
As with all kids, when my children were young they would often find themselves in what to them were very "scary" circumstances. Perhaps a fall from their bicycle, a skinned knee, a finger accidentally closed in the door or a "monster in the closet" at bedtime. Even more terrifying for them (and for me) were the few times we got separated in a department store, a family picnic or playground. Panic sets in with children usually about the time they realize that no one who looks familiar is anywhere around and they know they need some help.
However, I noticed something very interesting when my children were separated from me--I usually discovered it long before they did. In fact, I was already looking for them before they realized that they needed me. I began calling out to them often before they knew they were lost. Because of that, they usually heard my voice long before they saw my face. The sound of my voice was such a comfort that it helped them calm down until they could see me with their eyes.
The spiritual lesson here is more than obvious, isn't it? Do you ever have those days when the enemy really does seem to be "coming in like a flood"? (Isaiah 59:19) Do you ever feel the need to cry out to the Lord, "I need to hear your voice!" Or as my children used to say, "I need you, I need you!" I have learned to do that more and more the older I get. And guess what I've discovered? He has started calling out to me long before I even realized I was working up to that panicky feeling. He already knew I needed to hear Him. His voice often sounds something like this: "It's going to be OK. I know what's going on better than you do. Don't make any quick decisions, don't panic. I really am still in control. Hold on to me."
Feeling better already? Me, too.
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