Confession time again.
Somedays I really struggle with the whole "rising while it is yet night" part of Proverbs 31.
I want to get up early. I like getting up early. I really enjoy my quiet times when I get up early. So, why the battle? Once again I know the answer. Warfare. (or sometimes - just maybe just laziness)
Solution... I just ask my Savior to wake me up. And when the eyes pop open with no intention of going back to sleep - I know I have just been tapped on the shoulder. Awesome. Overwhelming.
That happened today. Last night I made preparations for my "quiet time" this morning. Got the Bible and books all together. (Forgot the highlighter, pens and mechanical pencil - but gathered them when I got up this morning.)
6:00 a.m. (now I know that this is not early for some of you - but our alarm is set for about 6:30) Eyes wide open. I knew. I had an appointment and I did not want to miss it. Went down stairs to get the glass of tea. Had to find the reading glasses :) Began reading. There it was. The beautiful sunrise. Painted just for me this morning. And what a sunrise it was. Now, I know others may have seen it - but it was for me. Really.
Once again, I sat there wondering why there is ever a battle to get to the desk? It was truly a Divine appointment.
Sleep is good. ("He gives His beloved, sleep" Ps 127:2)
Rising while it is yet night is better. Much Better.
Thank you, Father.
Isaiah 50:4b "He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught."
Rising and
Holding On....
DeeDee
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
September 9, 2008
Pressure washing –
My husband and son have recently pressured-washed our house. It is a white vinyl house with green shudders. Because of the water-restrictions in our city for the last year and half (or so), and because we needed to clean it before the restrictions, the white house was GREEN. I forgot to take pictures. That probably is a good thing. I do not think I really would want proof of how bad it was.
But can I just tell you how good it looks now? Clean. White. Fresh. Washed.
So, how did they clean it? First, they used bleach. Lots of it. Then they used the pressure-washers to wash off all of the mold/mildew/green stuff. On one side of our house, it is actually three stories high. The son climbed that ladder. He is a trooper and has no fear. It was good that I was not home that day. I am not sure I could have watched him on that high ladder, OR the husband on the roof of the front porch washing the front of the house. They did such a good job. Bleach, high pressure with water, and lots of hard work. Wonderful results.
So, how does it get there? How does it get that bad? Negligence. Just a little bit at a time. Over an extended period of time. Not really noticeable for a while. And then all of a sudden – it is real bad. Really obvious.
Just like we are.
Little sins are usually not very noticeable. And then one day you see the results. How did it get this bad? Just a little “yes” that should have been a “no” – one at a time – over an extended period of time. All of a sudden it is a REAL problem.
Now, it (our sin) is easier to take care of on an on-going basis. But I am afraid that does not always happen. And if neglected – then it is time for a ‘pressure-washing’ of our own.
Apply the Word. Lots of it. Dive in and stay there till you have answers. Acknowledge the sin for what it is. Then allow the power of the Holy Spirit to help you cleanse the whole being.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Ps 139:23-24)
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. " (Isaiah 1:18)
Confession is good for the soul.
Cleansing is good. For the outside of a home. For the inside of the soul.
Holding On…
DeeDee
My husband and son have recently pressured-washed our house. It is a white vinyl house with green shudders. Because of the water-restrictions in our city for the last year and half (or so), and because we needed to clean it before the restrictions, the white house was GREEN. I forgot to take pictures. That probably is a good thing. I do not think I really would want proof of how bad it was.
But can I just tell you how good it looks now? Clean. White. Fresh. Washed.
So, how did they clean it? First, they used bleach. Lots of it. Then they used the pressure-washers to wash off all of the mold/mildew/green stuff. On one side of our house, it is actually three stories high. The son climbed that ladder. He is a trooper and has no fear. It was good that I was not home that day. I am not sure I could have watched him on that high ladder, OR the husband on the roof of the front porch washing the front of the house. They did such a good job. Bleach, high pressure with water, and lots of hard work. Wonderful results.
So, how does it get there? How does it get that bad? Negligence. Just a little bit at a time. Over an extended period of time. Not really noticeable for a while. And then all of a sudden – it is real bad. Really obvious.
Just like we are.
Little sins are usually not very noticeable. And then one day you see the results. How did it get this bad? Just a little “yes” that should have been a “no” – one at a time – over an extended period of time. All of a sudden it is a REAL problem.
Now, it (our sin) is easier to take care of on an on-going basis. But I am afraid that does not always happen. And if neglected – then it is time for a ‘pressure-washing’ of our own.
Apply the Word. Lots of it. Dive in and stay there till you have answers. Acknowledge the sin for what it is. Then allow the power of the Holy Spirit to help you cleanse the whole being.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Ps 139:23-24)
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. " (Isaiah 1:18)
Confession is good for the soul.
Cleansing is good. For the outside of a home. For the inside of the soul.
Holding On…
DeeDee
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
July 30, 2008
I sought the Lord and he answered me;
He delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
Their faces are never covered with shame.
He delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
Their faces are never covered with shame.
(Psalm 34: 4-5)
It’s taken me some time to realize that shame comes from Satan. Satan will put thoughts into your head like “yes, you’re the type of girl who would do that” or “everyone knows what you did.”
These kinds of thoughts are not of the Lord.
Once you have truly asked for forgiveness of something and repented, which means turn and run in the other direction, you are forgiven of that sin. God no longer remembers it. Now that’s a lot easier said than done. As humans, we tend to constantly remind ourselves of that sin and ask for forgiveness repeatedly.
Is it because we don’t trust God and his word? He clearly says:
Psalm 103:12 “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Psalm 103:12 “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
It’d be a whole lot easier if we just believed Him and we felt like our slate was wiped clean. Then we worry about what others might think of us and wonder if they’re judging us. This too is what Satan does to trick us into thinking we are not forgiven, but sister, let me tell you- you are.
Turn it over to Jesus- the one who can make the lyrics of this popular hymn become reality
“My chains are gone, I’ve been set free,
My God, My Savior, has ransomed me,
and like a flood, his mercy rains,
unending love, amazing grace.”
God’s grace is good and I hope you have found it. I want to encourage you to spend some time in His word, get to know Him. That’s what it’s all about. A relationship with the Savior so when you get to Heaven after a lifetime of proclaiming His name- Jesus will proudly proclaim YOUR name to those in Heaven.
I want Him to be able to say, “Well done Michelle, well done. You gave ME the glory. That’s what it was all about.”
Now, my face is no longer covered in shame because I sought the Lord and he answered me.
Have you given God the glory out of a sinful situation?
It’s never too late.
HOLDING ON...
Friday, July 18, 2008
July 18, 2008
Discipline
Several years ago – we were at Walmart… and I was intently looking at the exercise dvds. Studying them. My husband came and asked me, “What are you doing?” I told him – I was trying to find the exercise video that would actually jump out of the tv and pull me up off the couch and make me exercise. Of course, he just laughed and walked off. Probably because he knew how many exercise videos that we had at home. He knew I did not need a new one. I just needed to use the ones I had…. or the treadmill… or the ab machine… or the rubber band workout… or the small free weights … or whatever else that we have bought through the years that I thought I would use.
If only one would make me…. Then it would have to be easier.
Then there is the issue that I posted about a few days ago... Clutter. Paper clutter, specifically. I wanted someone to write me and give me the quick fix. Maybe I just wanted someone to tell me what my daughter did… JUST THROW IT AWAY. All of it. That would fix the problem. However, there is the fact – that I cannot throw all of it away. I have to go through it all. But I had the file folders. (mine are even color coded) I have the desk and the credenza and even a file cabinet. I just had to do what needed to be done. No easy way out.
Sorta like my Christian Life. It all takes discipline. It all takes just doing what I know I need to do.
I need to exercise to take care of this body. I feel better when I do. I just struggle getting started. Almost like there is a barrier there.
I need to continue de-cluttering my office. It will not happen by itself. I function better when I am organized. I just struggle getting started. Almost like there is a barrier there.
I need to “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” ( II Timothy 2:15-Amplified) I am prepared for the day’s battles if I am studying the Word… if I am a workman that has no cause to be ashamed… if I am rightly dividing the Word of Truth. I feel better when I do. I function better. I just sometimes struggle getting started. Almost like there is a barrier there.
And in reality there is. It is a spiritual warfare. The enemy does not want us to excel in any area of our lives. Whether it is exercise to take care of the body (the temple of the Holy Spirit) or whether it is taking care of my earthly home and possessions or whether it is studying the Word to learn more about my Savior and be better equipped for service. So, the battle rages.
Sometimes you just have to do it.
You just have to get up and go out for the walk –
You just have to sit down at the desk and start sorting –
You just have to pick up the Word and study.
You will feel better when you do.
The battle is on – but we are overcomers because, “… greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (I John 4:4b)
What do you need to do today?
Just do it…
Holding On…
DeeDee
Several years ago – we were at Walmart… and I was intently looking at the exercise dvds. Studying them. My husband came and asked me, “What are you doing?” I told him – I was trying to find the exercise video that would actually jump out of the tv and pull me up off the couch and make me exercise. Of course, he just laughed and walked off. Probably because he knew how many exercise videos that we had at home. He knew I did not need a new one. I just needed to use the ones I had…. or the treadmill… or the ab machine… or the rubber band workout… or the small free weights … or whatever else that we have bought through the years that I thought I would use.
If only one would make me…. Then it would have to be easier.
Then there is the issue that I posted about a few days ago... Clutter. Paper clutter, specifically. I wanted someone to write me and give me the quick fix. Maybe I just wanted someone to tell me what my daughter did… JUST THROW IT AWAY. All of it. That would fix the problem. However, there is the fact – that I cannot throw all of it away. I have to go through it all. But I had the file folders. (mine are even color coded) I have the desk and the credenza and even a file cabinet. I just had to do what needed to be done. No easy way out.
Sorta like my Christian Life. It all takes discipline. It all takes just doing what I know I need to do.
I need to exercise to take care of this body. I feel better when I do. I just struggle getting started. Almost like there is a barrier there.
I need to continue de-cluttering my office. It will not happen by itself. I function better when I am organized. I just struggle getting started. Almost like there is a barrier there.
I need to “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” ( II Timothy 2:15-Amplified) I am prepared for the day’s battles if I am studying the Word… if I am a workman that has no cause to be ashamed… if I am rightly dividing the Word of Truth. I feel better when I do. I function better. I just sometimes struggle getting started. Almost like there is a barrier there.
And in reality there is. It is a spiritual warfare. The enemy does not want us to excel in any area of our lives. Whether it is exercise to take care of the body (the temple of the Holy Spirit) or whether it is taking care of my earthly home and possessions or whether it is studying the Word to learn more about my Savior and be better equipped for service. So, the battle rages.
Sometimes you just have to do it.
You just have to get up and go out for the walk –
You just have to sit down at the desk and start sorting –
You just have to pick up the Word and study.
You will feel better when you do.
The battle is on – but we are overcomers because, “… greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (I John 4:4b)
What do you need to do today?
Just do it…
Holding On…
DeeDee
Thursday, July 17, 2008
July 17, 2008
Bearing A Grudge or Extending Forgiveness?
Eph. 4:32 AMP “And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.”
Luke 6:37 AMP “…acquit and forgive and release (give up resentment; let it drop), and you will be acquitted and forgiven and released.”
Why is forgiveness so hard sometimes? And why is it that life sometimes catches you off guard and you find yourself instantly in a situation where you know you need to forgive – but your flesh desires to nurse the offense and hang onto it just a little while, just long enough for that bitterness to start to well up…
That happened to me this week… My father-in-law is here visiting for a week. He will be here thru this coming Sunday. This is no big deal, no problem. He is very laid back, very easy to please, very appreciative of anything we do for him, and we are all enjoying his visit. The boys are absolutely loving having him here – I just fear they are being too demanding of his time, they desire to play with him constantly!
So, the incident which brings up my need to extend forgiveness… My husband gets a call from a cousin who is coming through town Saturday. Without discussing it with me first, he invites 7 people to spend the night here Saturday night! I hear him on the phone saying he will just have to ask for forgiveness! I feel the rage and the stress building!! I am a planner, I am an organizer – and this bit of information seems to throw my life in CHAOS!
I am thinking: where will they all sleep, what will I feed them all for dinner and breakfast, even snacks, how can that many people shower and get dressed on time on Sunday morning – we have to go to church, how will I get my house clean again while we still have company, I have already bought groceries for the next 2 weeks, I will have to go to the store again, and on and on the thoughts go.
I even wrote a short, frustrated and irate sounding post, posted it for about 10 minutes but then deleted it – the Lord would not let me leave it up.
I know I need to forgive him BUT… He does not seem to understand why this has upset me. I told him he should at least consult with his wife before inviting 7 people to spend the night, say you need to talk to your wife and you will call them back. I would not have said no, I just wanted to be consulted. It made me feel unappreciated and like all that I do is taken for granted.
The whole time I am mentally ranting and raving, that still small voice is saying “You need to forgive him.” But I reply, “He hasn’t asked for forgiveness, he hasn’t even apologized…” The still small voice replies, “That does not matter, I command you to forgive, whether he ever asks or says he is sorry.”
So, I have forgiven him. That night as we were laying in bed, I had to force myself to tell him that I forgave him for hurting my feelings and not talking to me about having overnight guests before committing to it. He did not apologize then, but he did the next day… but why was it so hard? It is the battle of the flesh against the Spirit, they do not like each other. I strongly desire to be more controlled by the Spirit rather than my flesh, what about you?
Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive? Even if they never apologize or ask for your forgiveness, God has commanded us in His Word that we are to forgive. Ask Him to enable you to forgive, do not let the bitterness, anger, or rage build up for one more minute, one more day. Forgive, and walk in the freedom and abundant life that Christ has for you!
Luke 17:4 AMP “And even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and turns to you seven times and says, I repent [I am sorry], you must forgive him (give up resentment and consider the offense as recalled and annulled).”
Col. 3:13 AMP “Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive].”
1 Peter 4:8 AMP “Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].”
Eph. 4:32 AMP “And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.”
Luke 6:37 AMP “…acquit and forgive and release (give up resentment; let it drop), and you will be acquitted and forgiven and released.”
Why is forgiveness so hard sometimes? And why is it that life sometimes catches you off guard and you find yourself instantly in a situation where you know you need to forgive – but your flesh desires to nurse the offense and hang onto it just a little while, just long enough for that bitterness to start to well up…
That happened to me this week… My father-in-law is here visiting for a week. He will be here thru this coming Sunday. This is no big deal, no problem. He is very laid back, very easy to please, very appreciative of anything we do for him, and we are all enjoying his visit. The boys are absolutely loving having him here – I just fear they are being too demanding of his time, they desire to play with him constantly!
So, the incident which brings up my need to extend forgiveness… My husband gets a call from a cousin who is coming through town Saturday. Without discussing it with me first, he invites 7 people to spend the night here Saturday night! I hear him on the phone saying he will just have to ask for forgiveness! I feel the rage and the stress building!! I am a planner, I am an organizer – and this bit of information seems to throw my life in CHAOS!
I am thinking: where will they all sleep, what will I feed them all for dinner and breakfast, even snacks, how can that many people shower and get dressed on time on Sunday morning – we have to go to church, how will I get my house clean again while we still have company, I have already bought groceries for the next 2 weeks, I will have to go to the store again, and on and on the thoughts go.
I even wrote a short, frustrated and irate sounding post, posted it for about 10 minutes but then deleted it – the Lord would not let me leave it up.
I know I need to forgive him BUT… He does not seem to understand why this has upset me. I told him he should at least consult with his wife before inviting 7 people to spend the night, say you need to talk to your wife and you will call them back. I would not have said no, I just wanted to be consulted. It made me feel unappreciated and like all that I do is taken for granted.
The whole time I am mentally ranting and raving, that still small voice is saying “You need to forgive him.” But I reply, “He hasn’t asked for forgiveness, he hasn’t even apologized…” The still small voice replies, “That does not matter, I command you to forgive, whether he ever asks or says he is sorry.”
So, I have forgiven him. That night as we were laying in bed, I had to force myself to tell him that I forgave him for hurting my feelings and not talking to me about having overnight guests before committing to it. He did not apologize then, but he did the next day… but why was it so hard? It is the battle of the flesh against the Spirit, they do not like each other. I strongly desire to be more controlled by the Spirit rather than my flesh, what about you?
Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive? Even if they never apologize or ask for your forgiveness, God has commanded us in His Word that we are to forgive. Ask Him to enable you to forgive, do not let the bitterness, anger, or rage build up for one more minute, one more day. Forgive, and walk in the freedom and abundant life that Christ has for you!
Luke 17:4 AMP “And even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and turns to you seven times and says, I repent [I am sorry], you must forgive him (give up resentment and consider the offense as recalled and annulled).”
Col. 3:13 AMP “Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive].”
1 Peter 4:8 AMP “Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].”
Holding on...
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
July 16, 2008
The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.
This last week has been one emotional exhausting week for me. There are a couple reasons for this, but for today’s purpose, I am going to share the general situation I am in.
I have a friend that I have known for years. Since childhood really. He and I have not had much contact through the years, but this last week I heard about some serious struggles he is having with his relationship with Christ. He and I started emailing back and forth about his questions, my questions, my answers. The emails have been long, deep, and challenging. We have kept a spirit of conversation, I don’t want it to seem as if we were at odds with each other, but we have also kept true to what we each believe – and those are as different as night and day.
Monday this started. Wednesday, my husband sees how even my eyes look tired as I deal with this and asks that painful question. “Julia, are you fighting this spiritual warfare without Jesus?”
I just walked away. I didn’t want to answer the question. The truth was, yes, I was fighting for three days, a battle that is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, and other rulers of darkness. I was fighting without my Sword! I was fighting leaving my Shield lying beside the bed! I was completely unarmed!
Wednesday night, before we went to bed, my husband made sure we had some time together with Christ.
Thursday night, we were eating with friends, and discussing things along these lines. My friend said to me “Oh, I will be praying for you, because you are in a battle, probably along with his family and other friends, but you guys are battling for this young man’s eternity. Truth is, the enemy won’t like that. He may come after you!” For the next two hours, I was sick to my stomach. I am not sure if it was the realization that I am now on the front lines…. Or how ashamed I felt to have left God, while I was presenting His case! We were at Red Lobster (one of my favorites) and even then I could barely eat! (That should tell you how sickly I was!)
So, here I was, not only feeling like I could offensively go into a battle without my armor… but also thinking I could defend the fiery darts being shot at me without and protection.
We are reading in Hebrews – and we crossed the scripture at the top of the page. In my head, my question was “Why do I leave my double-edged sword on the ground?” If I were going to fight a “flesh and blood” battle, I might forget to take some things… its just the way I am. However, I guarantee my weapon would NOT be the thing I left behind. Not only would I take it with me to the battle, but I would be training with it before the battle so that I knew how to use it in the best way properly.
On Friday morning, I sent the next email. It was the first email I sent knowing that I had fully prepared and got my armor on before going into it. It was also the first email in which I felt like I had something worth saying!
The conversation continues. Pray for my friend.
What are you facing? When do you have those moments of feeling “too strong,” or “too busy” for getting your armor together before walking into the battle field?
So, this week, as each of us face different battles, I encourage you to go find your Sword, Shield, Helmet, Shoes, Breastplate…. And don’t forget to gird those loins (whatever that means)!!
Holding On...
Julia
This last week has been one emotional exhausting week for me. There are a couple reasons for this, but for today’s purpose, I am going to share the general situation I am in.
I have a friend that I have known for years. Since childhood really. He and I have not had much contact through the years, but this last week I heard about some serious struggles he is having with his relationship with Christ. He and I started emailing back and forth about his questions, my questions, my answers. The emails have been long, deep, and challenging. We have kept a spirit of conversation, I don’t want it to seem as if we were at odds with each other, but we have also kept true to what we each believe – and those are as different as night and day.
Monday this started. Wednesday, my husband sees how even my eyes look tired as I deal with this and asks that painful question. “Julia, are you fighting this spiritual warfare without Jesus?”
I just walked away. I didn’t want to answer the question. The truth was, yes, I was fighting for three days, a battle that is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, and other rulers of darkness. I was fighting without my Sword! I was fighting leaving my Shield lying beside the bed! I was completely unarmed!
Wednesday night, before we went to bed, my husband made sure we had some time together with Christ.
Thursday night, we were eating with friends, and discussing things along these lines. My friend said to me “Oh, I will be praying for you, because you are in a battle, probably along with his family and other friends, but you guys are battling for this young man’s eternity. Truth is, the enemy won’t like that. He may come after you!” For the next two hours, I was sick to my stomach. I am not sure if it was the realization that I am now on the front lines…. Or how ashamed I felt to have left God, while I was presenting His case! We were at Red Lobster (one of my favorites) and even then I could barely eat! (That should tell you how sickly I was!)
So, here I was, not only feeling like I could offensively go into a battle without my armor… but also thinking I could defend the fiery darts being shot at me without and protection.
We are reading in Hebrews – and we crossed the scripture at the top of the page. In my head, my question was “Why do I leave my double-edged sword on the ground?” If I were going to fight a “flesh and blood” battle, I might forget to take some things… its just the way I am. However, I guarantee my weapon would NOT be the thing I left behind. Not only would I take it with me to the battle, but I would be training with it before the battle so that I knew how to use it in the best way properly.
On Friday morning, I sent the next email. It was the first email I sent knowing that I had fully prepared and got my armor on before going into it. It was also the first email in which I felt like I had something worth saying!
The conversation continues. Pray for my friend.
What are you facing? When do you have those moments of feeling “too strong,” or “too busy” for getting your armor together before walking into the battle field?
So, this week, as each of us face different battles, I encourage you to go find your Sword, Shield, Helmet, Shoes, Breastplate…. And don’t forget to gird those loins (whatever that means)!!
Holding On...
Julia
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
July 15, 2008
Encourage Yourself
We all face trials and difficult seasons in life. The key to victory during these times is to stay encouraged. Although it's important to be lifted up by our friends, the best way to stay encouraged is to encourage ourselves! In this day and age when people are so critical of themselves, we need to be just the opposite and become our own greatest encourager.
David is one of the best examples of this.
1 Samuel 30:6 says, "David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."
We all face trials and difficult seasons in life. The key to victory during these times is to stay encouraged. Although it's important to be lifted up by our friends, the best way to stay encouraged is to encourage ourselves! In this day and age when people are so critical of themselves, we need to be just the opposite and become our own greatest encourager.
David is one of the best examples of this.
1 Samuel 30:6 says, "David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."
He faced many oppositions, disappointments, and set backs. But the key to David's success is found in the fact that despite the negative circumstances all around him, he drew his strength from the Lord and remembered what God had done for him in the past.
Start a journal of how God has worked in your life each day.
List the delights that God has sent your way. Examples: when a red bird is on the fence post - a nice summer breeze blows across your face - enjoying the taste of strawberries or chocolate or both together!
List your prayer request with a date ...also list your praises and answers to your requests.
When you look back on the journal you will see how many times God worked in your life and all the prayers HE has answered for you.
If you forget one day to write in your journal ...its okay. It is your journal write as much you like....or pick up where you left off.
What season of life are you in?
Can you look back and see where and what God has brought you from?
When you are faced with trials and well just life....DON'T GIVE UP! Remember God has got your back!
A great way to encourage ourselves is to remember what the Lord has done for us. Nobody else can truly know how the Lord has provided for, blessed, cared for and delivered you than yourself! Focus your mind and heart on what the Lord has done for you. You will increase your faith and have more strength, joy and hope to continue living a better life.
Holding on....
Darlene
Thursday, July 10, 2008
July 10, 2008
Relationship
I’m not one of those Baptists who know the exact day and time and place of their salvation. I’ve always heard about Jesus from my grandmother or my aunt and uncle and other members of my family and I sincerely believed in my heart that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that He died for my sins so that I may have eternal life with Him.
I believed that when I had my 8th grade confirmation at a church in Nashville where I was the only girl NOT wearing a white dress (I didn’t know any better). I believed it all throughout high school and into college. I believed it when I walked the aisle at another altar call in Ft. Lauderdale while I was about 20 years old. I always wanted to go up to the altar because I just wasn’t sure if I was saved. If you don’t know for sure that you are saved then sometimes when preachers are giving altar calls you kind of question your salvation.
There’s no question now.
However, nothing in my life showed that I was a Christian. It took me years to realize that it not only takes believing and asking Jesus to come into your heart- it takes a relationship. I adore fellowship with my Savior. I adore reading the Word of God and being in Christian fellowship with my fellow brothers and sisters of Christ. Why did it take so long to realize that that’s all I needed?
I am sad that I’ve missed out on that relationship for the last 26 or so years. A relationship- but not just any relationship- it’s the most important relationship of all. More important than the relationship with my husband or my children. I firmly believe that if your relationship with God is where it should be, everything else falls in place.
Oh, the pain I could have been spared had I known Jesus in my childhood and longed to follow Him as I do now. I can’t get enough of Him now. My favorite time of day is when I can sit alone and read His word and speak to Him and listen. That’s an important part of the relationship too- not just to ask and ask and ask but to listen. I want to be silent and be still and know for certain that God is leading me in my life. I’m working on that.
I knew when I got married that I needed to have the kind of family that goes to church and takes their kids to all the church events and it took me a few years into marriage to just grasp that concept- to have that lightbulb turned on.
DUH- my Savior wants a relationship with ME.
He longs for it as I do. He longs for me even though he knows my past, my present, my future. He knows my heart and He loves me anyway.
Oh how precious.
Thank you God for turning that light bulb on (even though it took 30 years). Now I just look forward to that sweet fellowship with God for the rest of my life.
Holding On,
Michelle
I’m not one of those Baptists who know the exact day and time and place of their salvation. I’ve always heard about Jesus from my grandmother or my aunt and uncle and other members of my family and I sincerely believed in my heart that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that He died for my sins so that I may have eternal life with Him.
I believed that when I had my 8th grade confirmation at a church in Nashville where I was the only girl NOT wearing a white dress (I didn’t know any better). I believed it all throughout high school and into college. I believed it when I walked the aisle at another altar call in Ft. Lauderdale while I was about 20 years old. I always wanted to go up to the altar because I just wasn’t sure if I was saved. If you don’t know for sure that you are saved then sometimes when preachers are giving altar calls you kind of question your salvation.
There’s no question now.
However, nothing in my life showed that I was a Christian. It took me years to realize that it not only takes believing and asking Jesus to come into your heart- it takes a relationship. I adore fellowship with my Savior. I adore reading the Word of God and being in Christian fellowship with my fellow brothers and sisters of Christ. Why did it take so long to realize that that’s all I needed?
I am sad that I’ve missed out on that relationship for the last 26 or so years. A relationship- but not just any relationship- it’s the most important relationship of all. More important than the relationship with my husband or my children. I firmly believe that if your relationship with God is where it should be, everything else falls in place.
Oh, the pain I could have been spared had I known Jesus in my childhood and longed to follow Him as I do now. I can’t get enough of Him now. My favorite time of day is when I can sit alone and read His word and speak to Him and listen. That’s an important part of the relationship too- not just to ask and ask and ask but to listen. I want to be silent and be still and know for certain that God is leading me in my life. I’m working on that.
I knew when I got married that I needed to have the kind of family that goes to church and takes their kids to all the church events and it took me a few years into marriage to just grasp that concept- to have that lightbulb turned on.
DUH- my Savior wants a relationship with ME.
He longs for it as I do. He longs for me even though he knows my past, my present, my future. He knows my heart and He loves me anyway.
Oh how precious.
Thank you God for turning that light bulb on (even though it took 30 years). Now I just look forward to that sweet fellowship with God for the rest of my life.
Holding On,
Michelle
Friday, June 27, 2008
June 27, 2008
Live Connection or Online Interaction
I read today, on the Facebook of an acquaintance of mine, in the "about me" section a quote... "I prefer live connection to online interaction." The statement made me pause. And well, if you know me much, it takes a good bit to make me pause. Usually it has to be some LONG narrative, or something bad to "make me pause." But today, those few words got me thinking. Here are the thoughts.
First, I thought about how much I look forward to getting on my computer. Daily. Hourly. Every time I have been away. For hopes of some new interaction with someone. Anyone. Someone I know. Some complete stranger. I REALLY look forward to getting a blog comment, an email from a friend, a facebook/myspace comment or message. I just LOVE to see numbers of unread messages on my screen. I actually feel disappointed when there are no new numbers! So, my thoughts after reading this statement went first of all to this addiction that I have to online interaction. How much do I really pursue online interaction?
Too much probably.
How much of an impact is my life really going to leave from the other side of a computer screen?
Not much honestly.
I do not really expect, with the hoards of wonderful bloggers out there that my blog is something that will ever truly make a change in someone's life. Honestly, it’s not my gift. Sure, I can write, and I am not downplaying it, but it’s much harder for me to "show" love - as we are commanded to do - from the other side of a computer screen! Especially when I don't even know who might read it. And posting my favorite pictures is great and all, especially since my family can't readily see my pics unless I post them, however, what difference do those pics really make in the long run?
The Second direction this thought took me is this... In all this, do I prefer live connection to my Father? Honestly? Or is it more of an "online interaction." Where I place my requests, or post my prayers, in hopes He will read them and send a "comment" back into my life? Even if He does "comment" Do I look forward to that interaction with Him as I should? I take that back - God doesn't "comment" our lives, God is actively pursuing me with a passion I can hardly understand. Why do I simply want to anonymously post information to Him? Where is my heart's desire for "live connection" for my Creator, the one who, whether I acknowledge Him or not, is holding my life, literally, in the palm of His hand? I want my passion for Him - for His heart - for LIVE CONNECTION to be stronger than my desire for "online (dare I say... superficial?) interaction."
Maybe those two thoughts are in reverse order as far as priorities. Actually, I know that they are, but that is the order in which they arrived in my brain as I read that statement - and so that is the order in which I wanted to share them.
My prayer, is not that any of us would quit doing things that bring us joy (facebook.myspace.blogs.emails. etc.) but that our passions would begin to lie MORE in our live connection to our Father, and in our love to be shown to the world around us.
A perfectly written post is a wonderful thing, and has great potential - but a hug for a child who is hurting, or a lady who needs someone to listen will just go so much further. Let us keep encouraging our sisters (and brothers) in Christ through our connections on this internet - but let us keep our passions focused in the right direction.
Holding On...
Julia
I read today, on the Facebook of an acquaintance of mine, in the "about me" section a quote... "I prefer live connection to online interaction." The statement made me pause. And well, if you know me much, it takes a good bit to make me pause. Usually it has to be some LONG narrative, or something bad to "make me pause." But today, those few words got me thinking. Here are the thoughts.
First, I thought about how much I look forward to getting on my computer. Daily. Hourly. Every time I have been away. For hopes of some new interaction with someone. Anyone. Someone I know. Some complete stranger. I REALLY look forward to getting a blog comment, an email from a friend, a facebook/myspace comment or message. I just LOVE to see numbers of unread messages on my screen. I actually feel disappointed when there are no new numbers! So, my thoughts after reading this statement went first of all to this addiction that I have to online interaction. How much do I really pursue online interaction?
Too much probably.
How much of an impact is my life really going to leave from the other side of a computer screen?
Not much honestly.
I do not really expect, with the hoards of wonderful bloggers out there that my blog is something that will ever truly make a change in someone's life. Honestly, it’s not my gift. Sure, I can write, and I am not downplaying it, but it’s much harder for me to "show" love - as we are commanded to do - from the other side of a computer screen! Especially when I don't even know who might read it. And posting my favorite pictures is great and all, especially since my family can't readily see my pics unless I post them, however, what difference do those pics really make in the long run?
The Second direction this thought took me is this... In all this, do I prefer live connection to my Father? Honestly? Or is it more of an "online interaction." Where I place my requests, or post my prayers, in hopes He will read them and send a "comment" back into my life? Even if He does "comment" Do I look forward to that interaction with Him as I should? I take that back - God doesn't "comment" our lives, God is actively pursuing me with a passion I can hardly understand. Why do I simply want to anonymously post information to Him? Where is my heart's desire for "live connection" for my Creator, the one who, whether I acknowledge Him or not, is holding my life, literally, in the palm of His hand? I want my passion for Him - for His heart - for LIVE CONNECTION to be stronger than my desire for "online (dare I say... superficial?) interaction."
Maybe those two thoughts are in reverse order as far as priorities. Actually, I know that they are, but that is the order in which they arrived in my brain as I read that statement - and so that is the order in which I wanted to share them.
My prayer, is not that any of us would quit doing things that bring us joy (facebook.myspace.blogs.emails. etc.) but that our passions would begin to lie MORE in our live connection to our Father, and in our love to be shown to the world around us.
A perfectly written post is a wonderful thing, and has great potential - but a hug for a child who is hurting, or a lady who needs someone to listen will just go so much further. Let us keep encouraging our sisters (and brothers) in Christ through our connections on this internet - but let us keep our passions focused in the right direction.
Holding On...
Julia
Thursday, June 26, 2008
June 26, 2008
Worshipping God yet Serving Idols…
Jonah 2:8-9 “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord.”
I have had some very hard days lately… I have had to make a stand for my Lord and Savior in a way I never thought I would have to. It has been excruciatingly hard, for some do not understand why I have to be obedient to His Word and to my decision to follow Christ, no matter what… and I never thought I would be in this position. However, I am, and I have chosen to follow my Lord and Savior, to be obedient to His Word, and to cling and hold tightly to Him.
This situation has also led me to examine myself, to lay my heart and life open on the altar before the Lord; so He can reveal to me what in my life is not pleasing to Him. I desire for Him to open my eyes to the things in my life that He longs to remove and replace with Himself…
The Lord is speaking one basic theme to me through just about everything I read and hear. When this happens the Lord gets your attention and you sit up and listen. He is speaking to me about other gods, or idols, in my life. Yes, I worship and love the Lord, but all too often it is the “idols” in my life that I serve rather than Him. I worship Him, but am I serving Him as much as I worship Him. He is beginning to reveal to me the “idols” in my life that I allow to take the place of Him in my heart.
You see, I don’t just want to say that I follow God, and I do not just want to follow Him some of the time, or just be obedient to a portion of His Word. I want to follow Him all the way, no compromises, and no apologies. The recent struggles in my life have led me to look deep into my heart, to examine my desires, my motives, and my attitudes in light of God’s Word. I am asking God to open my eyes to any “idols” in my life.
Notice in this passage of scripture below, how Amaziah serves God, but not wholeheartedly. Immediately after God gives him the victory in battle against the Edomites, he brings back the foreign gods, sets them up as his own, bows down to them, and sacrifices to them. Immediately after God’s hand works in his life!
2 Chronicles 25:1-14
My prayer is that God would open my eyes and would allow me to see myself as He seems me. That He would give me a burning desire to run from the things of this world that distract me from Him, and to run wholeheartedly toward Him. That I would be so in love with my Lord, and so in awe of Him that the things of this world would pale in comparison and would lose all power to lure me away.
What about you? Are you worshipping our Lord but serving “idols”?
Ask God to open your eyes and reveal to you any idols in your life that are preventing you from serving Him wholeheartedly. Determine to do away with them, and run wholeheartedly to our Lord and Savior, and allow Him to give you a heart that longs to wholeheartedly serve Him.
Holding On,
Tricia
Jonah 2:8-9 “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord.”
I have had some very hard days lately… I have had to make a stand for my Lord and Savior in a way I never thought I would have to. It has been excruciatingly hard, for some do not understand why I have to be obedient to His Word and to my decision to follow Christ, no matter what… and I never thought I would be in this position. However, I am, and I have chosen to follow my Lord and Savior, to be obedient to His Word, and to cling and hold tightly to Him.
This situation has also led me to examine myself, to lay my heart and life open on the altar before the Lord; so He can reveal to me what in my life is not pleasing to Him. I desire for Him to open my eyes to the things in my life that He longs to remove and replace with Himself…
The Lord is speaking one basic theme to me through just about everything I read and hear. When this happens the Lord gets your attention and you sit up and listen. He is speaking to me about other gods, or idols, in my life. Yes, I worship and love the Lord, but all too often it is the “idols” in my life that I serve rather than Him. I worship Him, but am I serving Him as much as I worship Him. He is beginning to reveal to me the “idols” in my life that I allow to take the place of Him in my heart.
You see, I don’t just want to say that I follow God, and I do not just want to follow Him some of the time, or just be obedient to a portion of His Word. I want to follow Him all the way, no compromises, and no apologies. The recent struggles in my life have led me to look deep into my heart, to examine my desires, my motives, and my attitudes in light of God’s Word. I am asking God to open my eyes to any “idols” in my life.
Notice in this passage of scripture below, how Amaziah serves God, but not wholeheartedly. Immediately after God gives him the victory in battle against the Edomites, he brings back the foreign gods, sets them up as his own, bows down to them, and sacrifices to them. Immediately after God’s hand works in his life!
2 Chronicles 25:1-14
That just amazes me, that immediately after God moves and provides for Him and the people of Judah, he turns and serves other gods. But how often do you and I do the same thing? God works in our lives, we are pleased with how He has provided and answered our prayers, and then we just turn back to the things of this world rather than drawing closer to our Lord. In essence we are taking the presence and power of God in our lives for granted! How dare we take for granted the God of this universe… He is a holy God, and is worthy of all the praise, honor, and glory we can give; yet how quickly we turn away and give our time, energy, and yes, praise and glory to the things of this world.“Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in
Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother's name was Jehoaddin; she was from
Jerusalem. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.
After the kingdom was firmly in his control, he executed the officials who had murdered his father the king. Yet he did not put their sons to death, but acted in accordance with what is written in the Law, in the Book of Moses, where the Lord commanded: “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sins.”He also hired a hundred thousand fighting men from Israel for a hundred talents of silver.
Amaziah called the people of Judah together and assigned them according to their families to commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds for all Judah and Benjamin. He then mustered those twenty years old or more and found that there were three hundred thousand men ready for military service, able to handlethe spear and shield.But a man of God came to him and said, “O king, these troops from Israel must not march with you, for the Lord is not with Israel—not with any of the people of Ephraim. Even if you go and fight courageously in battle, God will overthrow you before the enemy, for God has the power to help or to overthrow.”
Amaziah asked the man of God, “But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?” The man of God replied, “The Lord can give you much more than that.” So Amaziah dismissed the troops who had come to him from
Ephraim and sent them home. They were furious with Judah and left for home in a
great rage.Amaziah then marshaled his strength and led his army to the Valley of Salt, where he killed ten thousand men of Seir. The army of Judah also captured ten thousand men alive, took them to the top of a cliff and threw them down so that all were dashed to pieces. Meanwhile the troops that Amaziah had sent back and had not allowed to take part in the war raided Judean towns from Samaria to Beth Horon. They killed three thousand people and carried off great quantities of plunder.
When Amaziah returned from slaughtering the Edomites, he brought back the gods of the people of Seir. He set them up as his own gods, bowed down to them and burned sacrifices to them.”
My prayer is that God would open my eyes and would allow me to see myself as He seems me. That He would give me a burning desire to run from the things of this world that distract me from Him, and to run wholeheartedly toward Him. That I would be so in love with my Lord, and so in awe of Him that the things of this world would pale in comparison and would lose all power to lure me away.
What about you? Are you worshipping our Lord but serving “idols”?
Ask God to open your eyes and reveal to you any idols in your life that are preventing you from serving Him wholeheartedly. Determine to do away with them, and run wholeheartedly to our Lord and Savior, and allow Him to give you a heart that longs to wholeheartedly serve Him.
Holding On,
Tricia
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
June 25, 2008
I Am the True Vine
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:1-11
I have been reading “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson. I have just been amazed at how the above passage has been broken down and explained so wonderfully It is explained through the process of grapes growing on the vine. You will have to read the book to get the whole scripture above but what really touched me was the following (Paraphrased of course):
New branches of a grapevine naturally trail along the ground. There is no fruit near the end of the vine and the leaves get covered with dust. When the rain comes they get muddy and mildew. Therefore, this branch is “sick” or useless. The Vinedresser sees that this branch is not fruitful so he takes a bucket of water and carefully washes the leaves and then ties the branch up on the trellis. Before long, this lifeless branch is then thriving.
Is this not what God does for us when we are wayward believers?
Sin is the dirt that is on us and it takes away joy. When the air and light do not get in, no fruit develops. He wants us to thrive and be fruitful. The Vinedresser feels abundance and joy when he tends to a dirty branch.
Just as Christ is overjoyed when we spend time with Him so that we will continue to grow and thrive in our relationship with Him. God’s actions are intended to nudge us lovingly, wisely, and persistently toward the life and character that we desire (and He desires for us).
So what about you?
Are you a dirty leaf in need of the Vinedresser to pick you up?
Or..
Are you a nice, full fruitful vine?
Holding On...
Mitzi
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:1-11
I have been reading “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson. I have just been amazed at how the above passage has been broken down and explained so wonderfully It is explained through the process of grapes growing on the vine. You will have to read the book to get the whole scripture above but what really touched me was the following (Paraphrased of course):
New branches of a grapevine naturally trail along the ground. There is no fruit near the end of the vine and the leaves get covered with dust. When the rain comes they get muddy and mildew. Therefore, this branch is “sick” or useless. The Vinedresser sees that this branch is not fruitful so he takes a bucket of water and carefully washes the leaves and then ties the branch up on the trellis. Before long, this lifeless branch is then thriving.
Is this not what God does for us when we are wayward believers?
Sin is the dirt that is on us and it takes away joy. When the air and light do not get in, no fruit develops. He wants us to thrive and be fruitful. The Vinedresser feels abundance and joy when he tends to a dirty branch.
Just as Christ is overjoyed when we spend time with Him so that we will continue to grow and thrive in our relationship with Him. God’s actions are intended to nudge us lovingly, wisely, and persistently toward the life and character that we desire (and He desires for us).
So what about you?
Are you a dirty leaf in need of the Vinedresser to pick you up?
Or..
Are you a nice, full fruitful vine?
Holding On...
Mitzi
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
June 18, 2008
Submission
Spiritually it seems everything is right in my life.
Seems.
That’s the operative word. I am an active member of my church, I am gladly and anxiously reading my bible everyday, I am praying, I am listening to praise music, I am teaching classes on different biblical principles, but there is one area where I’m not practicing what I preach and that’s with my husband. You’d think after 11 years together we’d have each other trained by now but it just doesn’t work that way.
I am a strong willed wife who thinks she desires to be submissive. I do, really, want to be the Proverbs 31 woman however, I may not be putting in the somewhat “easy” effort that it takes to be that woman. A book I am reading poses a hard question “When people see the way I live my life, would they know that I am a Christian?” In most cases, yes. I guess it’s what happens behind closed doors that people don’t see that make me question whether or not they would know that I am a follower of Christ.
Another book said to live your life in such a way that you wouldn’t mind loaning your pet parrot to the town gossip! That’s where I’d get in trouble because, quite frankly, I’m not the submissive wife that I think I want to be. I just read a great book called “The Strong Willed Wife” by Debbie Cherry and I want to “lead” it in a women’s discussion group soon. Notice I didn’t say teach it! Many times I believe that those that can’t do, teach. Now if you would ask my husband, he would say that our relationship is completely normal and much better than average and that all couples argue occasionally- I guess it’s the Type A personality in me that is looking for perfection. I know it’s not going to happen because we are not perfect people, only Jesus Christ is perfect. But a life filled with no more arguments or disagreements with my husband- that seems like utopia to me.
Just when it seems I am on top of my game spiritually I get knocked down a notch when I read that my relationship with my husband is the only relationship on earth that I can show Jesus Christ how much I love him through my submission to my husband. It is the one and only relationship we have that God is looking at as a mirror image of how we would treat HIM if He were standing among us.
Try swallowing that horse sized pill!
What an opportunity to show God how much we love Him. He gave us a husband to love, respect, and submit to just as we would submit to Him. He wants to see our love for Him through the way we love and treat our husbands each day of our lives. So since the way I treat my husband is a direct reflection of how I am doing spiritually- I feel that I fail daily (okay, maybe every 3rd day or so).
Now, would Lee say that I’ve failed? Absolutely not. He’d give me a B+ at least if not an A- but sometimes little arguments to me seem gargantuan and just really make me look inward and say “Wow, would I have said that to God?” or “Would I ignore God to watch TV?” or “Would I have treated God that way?” I would like to say “Of course I wouldn’t do that to God” but that’s what I do everyday when I don’t place my husband above the kids and all other things going on in this difficult season of life with two children 3 and under. God comes first- naturally. Lee should come second. The kids should come third.
The requirements of biblical submission can only be met by a willing heart. There can be no self-serving motives in submission.
So my prayer today is that the Lord would give me a heart that genuinely wants to be submissive to my husband.
How about you?
Holding On…
Michelle
Spiritually it seems everything is right in my life.
Seems.
That’s the operative word. I am an active member of my church, I am gladly and anxiously reading my bible everyday, I am praying, I am listening to praise music, I am teaching classes on different biblical principles, but there is one area where I’m not practicing what I preach and that’s with my husband. You’d think after 11 years together we’d have each other trained by now but it just doesn’t work that way.
I am a strong willed wife who thinks she desires to be submissive. I do, really, want to be the Proverbs 31 woman however, I may not be putting in the somewhat “easy” effort that it takes to be that woman. A book I am reading poses a hard question “When people see the way I live my life, would they know that I am a Christian?” In most cases, yes. I guess it’s what happens behind closed doors that people don’t see that make me question whether or not they would know that I am a follower of Christ.
Another book said to live your life in such a way that you wouldn’t mind loaning your pet parrot to the town gossip! That’s where I’d get in trouble because, quite frankly, I’m not the submissive wife that I think I want to be. I just read a great book called “The Strong Willed Wife” by Debbie Cherry and I want to “lead” it in a women’s discussion group soon. Notice I didn’t say teach it! Many times I believe that those that can’t do, teach. Now if you would ask my husband, he would say that our relationship is completely normal and much better than average and that all couples argue occasionally- I guess it’s the Type A personality in me that is looking for perfection. I know it’s not going to happen because we are not perfect people, only Jesus Christ is perfect. But a life filled with no more arguments or disagreements with my husband- that seems like utopia to me.
Just when it seems I am on top of my game spiritually I get knocked down a notch when I read that my relationship with my husband is the only relationship on earth that I can show Jesus Christ how much I love him through my submission to my husband. It is the one and only relationship we have that God is looking at as a mirror image of how we would treat HIM if He were standing among us.
Try swallowing that horse sized pill!
What an opportunity to show God how much we love Him. He gave us a husband to love, respect, and submit to just as we would submit to Him. He wants to see our love for Him through the way we love and treat our husbands each day of our lives. So since the way I treat my husband is a direct reflection of how I am doing spiritually- I feel that I fail daily (okay, maybe every 3rd day or so).
Now, would Lee say that I’ve failed? Absolutely not. He’d give me a B+ at least if not an A- but sometimes little arguments to me seem gargantuan and just really make me look inward and say “Wow, would I have said that to God?” or “Would I ignore God to watch TV?” or “Would I have treated God that way?” I would like to say “Of course I wouldn’t do that to God” but that’s what I do everyday when I don’t place my husband above the kids and all other things going on in this difficult season of life with two children 3 and under. God comes first- naturally. Lee should come second. The kids should come third.
The requirements of biblical submission can only be met by a willing heart. There can be no self-serving motives in submission.
So my prayer today is that the Lord would give me a heart that genuinely wants to be submissive to my husband.
How about you?
Holding On…
Michelle
Saturday, June 14, 2008
June 14, 2008
A Vessel in the Potter's House
This is a song that I use to sing at the church I grew up in. I don't know why ...but last night this song came in my head and will not leave! So, I have been just a singing away and it reminded me of what I am putting into my vessel.
Potter's House
Tossed about by life's battles
all my hope was sinking fast
The sinful life that I was living
I knew that I just could not last.
Then I went down to the Potter's House
and placed this vessel into HIS hands.
On his wheel of grace and mercy
HE made me over gain.
Yes, I've been to the Potter's House
His hands for mercy molded me.
He set me forth when HE was finished
so that all the world could see
That HE can mend a broken vessel
It matter's not what shape it's in
Yes, I've been to the Potter's House
I've been made over again.
If your life has no meaning
the storms have taken their toll on you
With your vessel in many pieces
you don't know just what to do
Please come with me to the Potter's House
And place your vessel into HIS hands.
And on HIS wheel of grace and mercy
He'll make your over again.
Yes, I've been to the Potter's House
His hands of mercy molded me
He set me forth when HE was finished
So that all the world could see
That HE can mend a broken vessel
It matter's not what shape its in
Yes, I've been to the Potter's House
I've been made over again.
(unknown)
What is your vessel filled with?
I know we get so caught up in everyday life. Husband, family, job, housecleaning, is God in there somewhere?
This is a song that I use to sing at the church I grew up in. I don't know why ...but last night this song came in my head and will not leave! So, I have been just a singing away and it reminded me of what I am putting into my vessel.
Potter's House
Tossed about by life's battles
all my hope was sinking fast
The sinful life that I was living
I knew that I just could not last.
Then I went down to the Potter's House
and placed this vessel into HIS hands.
On his wheel of grace and mercy
HE made me over gain.
Yes, I've been to the Potter's House
His hands for mercy molded me.
He set me forth when HE was finished
so that all the world could see
That HE can mend a broken vessel
It matter's not what shape it's in
Yes, I've been to the Potter's House
I've been made over again.
If your life has no meaning
the storms have taken their toll on you
With your vessel in many pieces
you don't know just what to do
Please come with me to the Potter's House
And place your vessel into HIS hands.
And on HIS wheel of grace and mercy
He'll make your over again.
Yes, I've been to the Potter's House
His hands of mercy molded me
He set me forth when HE was finished
So that all the world could see
That HE can mend a broken vessel
It matter's not what shape its in
Yes, I've been to the Potter's House
I've been made over again.
(unknown)
What is your vessel filled with?
I know we get so caught up in everyday life. Husband, family, job, housecleaning, is God in there somewhere?
School is out for summer and you would think that I have so much time that my vessel should be overflowing with HIM. Well, it is not that easy! Things just keep getting in my way. The same things: housecleaning, talking on the phone, husband, family...Did I mention talking on the phone? Blogging can really take up a lot of time. ..if you let it. I want God to be in my life everyday not just when I have time... like church times. You know....Sunday am, Sunday pm and Wednesday evenings.
Am I allowing my vessel to get so full of everyday life that I forget the most important part? I am sad to admit ...sometimes yes!
2 Timothy 2:20 - 26 "Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.
The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will".
WOW! What are you filling your vessel with?
Are you being used to your fullest potential or over used?
Are you using the spiritual gifts that God has placed in you for the Body of Christ?
What is God speaking to you?
What is HIS will for you?
Now is the time to fill your vessel with HIM.
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
SEEK HIM FIRST!
Isaiah 64:8 "O Lord, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand"
Dear Lord, I am a vessel...a bit cracked...very worn...extremely fragile at times...mended and healed many times. Empty me of me so that I may be filled with more of you. Change me...fill me...with you.
Now is the time to check your vessel.
Now is the time to receive ALL God wants for you!
Join me this week in prayer asking God to show us things that stand in the way of our vessel being full for HIM. For strength to overcome what stands in our way of putting HIM first in our lives.
Holding on...
Darlene
Thursday, June 12, 2008
June 12, 2008
The Truth
This Sunday in church we heard from several men who have been set free from the addiction of drugs and alcohol. They were all set free by the Truth, by Jesus Christ. He and He alone is their deliverer! Praise to Him for the mighty power of His deliverance which brings complete freedom from the bondage of sin!
“You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
What is this truth, and what does it set you free from?
The Truth is Jesus Christ; He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). And only through Jesus Christ can we find freedom. Freedom from sin, freedom from having to conform to the ways of this world, freedom from trying to find your self-worth and fulfillment in the things this world has to offer and not succeeding, freedom from the fear of man and the pride of life.
It is only through Jesus Christ that we can say that we are no longer slaves to sin, but slaves to obedience which leads to righteousness (Romans 6:16). Jesus can set us free in an instant from sin that has held us in bondage for years. He can set us free from the guilt, condemnation, and self-loathing that living in a lifestyle of sin often brings to our lives; and He can replace them with joy, peace, love, hope, and contentment. The Truth gives purpose to your life and guidance to your days.
How can we know this Truth? We can know this truth by spending time studying and rightly dividing the Word of Truth, the Bible; and by spending time on our knees in prayer before God the Father. All throughout the gospels Jesus prefaces the majority of His statements with “I tell you the truth…” Jesus is the Truth and He always speaks the Truth. The Bible is the absolute truth. Many people today do not believe in absolutes, they believe what fits their situation and what makes their desired choice of a lifestyle acceptable. But God’s truth is absolute, it is free from imperfection, it does not change with the culture, and it will always lead you down the right path (which often looks very different from the path the world is offering).
Many today have chosen lies over the Truth. They have chosen to believe lies straight from the father of all lies, Satan. Satan masquerades as an angel of light, making you believe what he tells you is the truth; but everything from Satan is a lie. Satan feeds us these lies through various avenues. He greatly uses all sorts of media: worldly shows we watch that depict lifestyles far from what God ordains, songs we listen to which fill our minds with things we do not need to think on, and numerous things we read which create longings and desires in us we do not need to have. Satan likes to use the media to deaden our senses to sin. Then when our guard is down and we are “desensitized” to sin, Satan steps in with that temptation, and we easily fall prey.
In Matthew chapter 4 Jesus was also tempted by Satan, but Jesus won the battle, and He won it with the Word of God! Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness with the pride of life, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes. The very same way he tempts us today! We can win the battle the same way that Jesus did, with the Word of God, the Truth, Jesus Christ.
- So take inventory of your life, what lies are you being fed by Satan that you are believing?
- Ask God to reveal them to you, and then ask Him to reveal to you His Truth to combat those lies.
- Stand firm in Christ, be grounded in the Word of God, and walk (or maybe run) in the freedom for which Christ died for you.
“I run in the path of your commands for you have set my heart free.” Psalm 119:32
Holding On...
Tricia
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
June 10, 2008
Up the Down Escalator...
Years ago, in our early years of marriage, my younger brother would come and spend time at our home. He is six years younger than me. I was married at 18 ... so you get the idea. We were all young. Trips to the mall were quite an adventure...and I could count on one thing. Sometime before the night was over, my husband and my brother would take a run up the down escalator. I just resigned myself to the fact that I could not stop them even if I tried.
Fast forward many years. My son becomes a young teen... and the practice continues. (Do you see the common denominator here???) My husband and my son... running up the down escalator. They would patiently wait until it was empty, and then they would take off! Sometimes someone would get on the escalator before they accomplished their goal... But they would continue. You could hear them saying, "Excuse me, excuse me" but they would press on!
Several things could be observed: (I was the observer along with many others in the mall who would stop to watch)
"If life is a river, then pursuing Christ requires swimming upstream. When we stop swimming, or actively following Him, we automatically begin to be swept downstream.
Or, to use another metaphor more familiar to city people, we are on a never-ending downward escalator. In order to grow, we have to turn around and sprint up the escalator, putting up with perturbed looks from everyone else who is gradually moving downward."
Chan then says: "I believe that much of the American churchgoing population, while not specifically swimming downstream, is slowly floating away from Christ. It isn't a conscious choice, but it is nonetheless happening because little in their lives propels them towards Christ."
Now, he is not talking about a works based salvation. Salvation is by faith, not of works... but our faith will be evident by our works. We will see our faith in our works. James 2:17 ,"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
So the questions for today:
Philippians 3:12-14 : " Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. " NKJ
So, my encouragment for you today is to keep pursuing...
Up the down escalator...
Holding on...
DeeDee
Years ago, in our early years of marriage, my younger brother would come and spend time at our home. He is six years younger than me. I was married at 18 ... so you get the idea. We were all young. Trips to the mall were quite an adventure...and I could count on one thing. Sometime before the night was over, my husband and my brother would take a run up the down escalator. I just resigned myself to the fact that I could not stop them even if I tried.
Fast forward many years. My son becomes a young teen... and the practice continues. (Do you see the common denominator here???) My husband and my son... running up the down escalator. They would patiently wait until it was empty, and then they would take off! Sometimes someone would get on the escalator before they accomplished their goal... But they would continue. You could hear them saying, "Excuse me, excuse me" but they would press on!
Several things could be observed: (I was the observer along with many others in the mall who would stop to watch)
- You have to keep moving.
- You will back up if you pause or slow down.
- You must move faster in your pursuit of going up...than the escalator is moving down.
"If life is a river, then pursuing Christ requires swimming upstream. When we stop swimming, or actively following Him, we automatically begin to be swept downstream.
Or, to use another metaphor more familiar to city people, we are on a never-ending downward escalator. In order to grow, we have to turn around and sprint up the escalator, putting up with perturbed looks from everyone else who is gradually moving downward."
Chan then says: "I believe that much of the American churchgoing population, while not specifically swimming downstream, is slowly floating away from Christ. It isn't a conscious choice, but it is nonetheless happening because little in their lives propels them towards Christ."
Now, he is not talking about a works based salvation. Salvation is by faith, not of works... but our faith will be evident by our works. We will see our faith in our works. James 2:17 ,"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
So the questions for today:
- Am I pursuing Christ?
- Do I let the grumblers/negative/complacent people that I come in contact with make me slow down? or quit?
- Does the race seem too hard? Have I lost my focus?
- Do I let the world I live in (the downstream of life)...set my pace... and keep me from pursuing Christ with all I am? Am I slowly floating away?
- What or who in my life propels me to my Savior?
- Do I need to re-adjust my priorities/my friends/my time so that nothing keeps me from my pursuit?
Philippians 3:12-14 : " Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. " NKJ
So, my encouragment for you today is to keep pursuing...
Up the down escalator...
Holding on...
DeeDee
Sunday, June 1, 2008
A Journey Together
This is a devotional blog...
We are a group of ladies who were all blogging anyway...so we decided to share a devotional blog together.
Our title:
Holding On... to the truths of God's Word
because whether we are rejoicing or in deep distress; succeeding or struggling; laughing or weeping; We are striving to hold on to the truths of God's Word. We want to share with you.
As I have stated in my personal blog... we want to be transparent... we want to be real... we want to be encouragement...
So, join us on our journey. And comment along the way.
Holding on...
DeeDee
We are a group of ladies who were all blogging anyway...so we decided to share a devotional blog together.
Our title:
Holding On... to the truths of God's Word
because whether we are rejoicing or in deep distress; succeeding or struggling; laughing or weeping; We are striving to hold on to the truths of God's Word. We want to share with you.
As I have stated in my personal blog... we want to be transparent... we want to be real... we want to be encouragement...
So, join us on our journey. And comment along the way.
Holding on...
DeeDee
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Writer Guidelines
We have a group of ladies who will be the regular writers for this blog. But we are open to others submitting a devotion for us to post occasionally. Please see What We Believe.. along with these guidelines.
Since we all have our own personal blogs... we want this blog to focus on devotions.
Since we all have our own personal blogs... we want this blog to focus on devotions.
- Write on a Word Document and email it to deedee@calerabaptist.org. I will let you know which day it will post. Then you can make a note on your own blog... to visit with you here on that particular day. Maybe soon we can get a "Icon" to post. I am working on that
- Please type your scripture as a part of your devotion (not just reference it)
- End with questions of application
Most importantly, we want to point our readers to Christ and to His Word.
I am sure that I will be updating these guidelines.
Thank you in advance for your willingness to be transparent...and for the time it takes to prepare a devotion to post.
Love and Blessings,
DeeDee
What We Believe
What We Believe About . . .
God
We believe in the only true God (John 17:3)—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20).
He created all things (Revelation 4:11) and upholds all things by the Word of His power (Hebrews 1:3).
In Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).
He is a God of truth and without iniquity, and He is just and right (Deuteronomy 32:4).
He will judge the world (Psalm 9:8).
We believe that the Godhead eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God, having precisely the same nature, attributes, and perfections, and are worthy of precisely the same homage, confidence, and obedience (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 12:29; John 1:1-4; Acts 4:3-4.
Jesus Christ
We believe in the total deity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe He is the manifestation of God in the flesh.
We believe He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
We believe Him to be true God and true man (John 1:1, 14, 18; 14:8-9; 1 Timothy 3:16).
Holy Spirit
We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:14).
The Holy Spirit regenerates the sinner upon belief in Christ, baptizing the believer into one body of which Christ is the head.
The Holy Spirit indwells, guides, instructs, fills, comforts, and empowers the believer for godly living (Mark 13:11; John 14:26; 16:13; Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 3:16).
The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, of God’s righteousness, and of coming judgment (John 16:8-11).
While we believe that the Scriptures do not teach that certain gifts have ceased, they indicate that use of the gifts vary according to the need that each gift meets (John 16:8; 13:15; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 1:22; 4:11-12; Romans 8:9-17; 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-19; Galatians 5:25; Hebrews 4:1-4; 2 Corinthians 12:12).
Scriptures
We believe the Scriptures of the Old Testament and New Testament are verbally inspired by God and inerrant in their original writings.
We believe the 66 books of the Old and New Testament are God’s complete and sufficient revelation and therefore carry God’s authority for the total well-being of mankind (Psalm 119:97-104, 160; Matthew 5:18; John 5:46-47; 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:15-16).
Man
We believe man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntarily transgressing fell from his sinless and happy state. Consequently, all mankind is sinful.
All people are sinners not only by inheritance, but also by their own choice and therefore are under just condemnation without defense or excuse.
We believe that without exception every man and every woman is totally depraved and needs a Savior (Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 3:10-19; 1:18, 32).
Salvation
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice (2 Corinthians 5:21).
We believe that each person who by faith receives Him as personal Savior is justified on the basis of Jesus Christ’s shed blood on Calvary.
Each person who receives Christ as personal Savior is born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby becomes eternally secure as a child of God (Romans 8:37-39).
We believe the Holy Spirit baptizes each believing person into the body of Christ at the moment of salvation and that there is no second baptism of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Resurrection
We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord Jesus Christ, His ascension into heaven, and His present life for us as High Priest and Advocate (Acts 1:3, 9; Hebrews 7:25-26).
Heaven, Hell, and the Return of Christ
We believe in the blessed hope: the personal, premillenial return of the Lord Jesus Christ. His return has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
We believe in the bodily resurrection of both the saved and the lost. The saved are raised to eternal, conscious bliss in heaven (Matthew 25:34; John 14:2; 2 Corinthians 5:1; Revelation 2:7).
The lost are raised to eternal torment in hell in conscious separation from God (Matthew 8:11-12; 10:28; 13:49-50; Mark 9:47-48; Luke 12:5; Revelation 21:8).
Church
Upon accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, a believer becomes part of His body, which is the church (Ephesians 5:23). There is one church universal, composed of all those throughout the world who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
The Scriptures command believers to gather in order to devote themselves to worship, prayer, teaching of the Word, observance of the ordinances (baptism and communion), fellowship, service to the body through the development and use of talents and gifts, and outreach to the world in fulfillment of the command of Christ to make disciples of all believers (Romans 12:1; Acts 2:42-46; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Matthew 28:18-20).
Wherever God’s people meet regularly in obedience to this command, there is the local expression of the church under the oversight of elders and other supportive leadership.
The church’s members are to work together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ (Ephesians 4:16).
Missions
Realizing that the cause of Christ extends beyond any one local fellowship, we commit ourselves to an ongoing ministry of extending the call of Christ to make disciples around the world (Matthew 28:19-20)
(Note: This statement is cited from James McDonald at Walk in the Word.)
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