Matthew 5:43 - 47 You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?'
Today is a gray, cold, cloudy, rainy day. These days are to be expected in Ohio, in the dead of winter. There is a whole month of winter left. The rain got me thinking about these verses. God doesn't care who we are or how we are. He loves us and he wants us to know that he loves everyone. Judgement is going to be for all of us. If you don't know the Lord, he won't know you. He won't save you if you don't accept him as your personal Savior.
Sometimes we think of ourselves as God's chosen people. We are, but, I think he actually chose everyone. We are the ones who decide whether or not to go with God. We choose God and that puts us in his family. He wants us there, he is just waiting for us to make that decision. So are we really God's chosen people? Do we really have that right to call ourselves that? Yes! We all have been hand-picked by the Lord. But it is up to us to do what needs done. So let the rain come and the wind blow, God's love and righteousness is forever.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
I Am Free
Easter is fast approaching! The choir is starting tonight, to practice for the Easter Cantata. The very first song is called I AM Free. It talks about how through Christ's love for us and our acceptance of all he has done for us, we are free to do anything; dance, run, even live for him. In this country people say nothing is free. Well to show your faith and to show your love is free, if you let it be.
Freedom is part of our every day lives and most of us take it for granted. We run around, during our daily living, spouting off that we love God, that we go to church and that God loves everybody. We know that we can do this freely and that most of the time, people will not bother us about it. But how about the people who feel trapped and in despair. Are we really living our lives that show we are free? That if we trust God and through him we can feel free. We can be joyful and in doing what he wants us to do, we are able to freely offer to others what God has offered to us through Jesus. The free gift of eternal life. So, are you free?
Romans 8:1-2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
Freedom is part of our every day lives and most of us take it for granted. We run around, during our daily living, spouting off that we love God, that we go to church and that God loves everybody. We know that we can do this freely and that most of the time, people will not bother us about it. But how about the people who feel trapped and in despair. Are we really living our lives that show we are free? That if we trust God and through him we can feel free. We can be joyful and in doing what he wants us to do, we are able to freely offer to others what God has offered to us through Jesus. The free gift of eternal life. So, are you free?
Romans 8:1-2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Smile! God Loves You!
I took the day off yesterday. Actually I used a sick day. To top off an incredibly stressful week, something happened to me that had not happened in 25 years. Some of you know this, some of you don't.
In third grade, I received a new bike for my birthday. It was yellow and white and it had a plastic basket with flowers on the front. I really liked that bike. On May 28, 1977, my father's parents were in town visiting. I was showing my grandpa how I could ride my bike and how cool I was popping wheelies. I would come back to him and say, "Did you see that?" And he would tell me no, go try again. So I did.
Unfortunately, one time I didn't come back. My dad asked my sister if she saw me and she said something like, she was lying on the ground. From what we can tell, I popped a wheelie and when the came down, it bounced back up and I lost control. I flipped over the handle bars and one of the handles hit me in the side of the nose, somehow digging in and knocking out a front tooth, root and all. I also landed on my face. I was bleeding from my forehead, my nose, my chin, my mouth, and both knees. I was not a pretty sight to behold. My dad picked me up, and with help from my grandmother, they cleaned me up, all the while I kept asking them "What happened?" I still to this day do not remember the accident. My mother had left for a wedding and my grandfather, the minute he realized I was hurt, took off.
Now those of you who have been in Cincinnati for longer than 20 years know what that date sounds familar. That weekend, was the weekend of the third deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. My story is from the night before it burned. Why I remember that is because my dentist was down at the club the night I knocked my tooth out. It was actually the night before it burned. My dad called him and he did call back and told dad exactly what to do to save the tooth. And it did for a while. I finally had to have a bridge put in twice. Well, after a 25 year smile, it finally loosened up and came out. So I did what I could. I put it back in place and called the dentist. Bless his heart! He offered to meet me on Sunday and put it back in or I could come in on Monday. So, I was a bit stressed about it. I didn't want the bridge to come out or anything.
I took for granted this bridge. It has been there and done it's job for so long that I rarely thought about it not being real. I can honestly say that it was one of the most dependable things in my life. I can also honestly say that the second I realized that it was out, my pride took over. I ran to the bathroom of the school, and put it back in myself. I just stuffed it back up there and hardly anyone knew what had happened. It made me feel ugly and very self conscious. I wasn't want to open my mouth for fear it would fall out or would show the world what the true me, the one behind the fake teeth and smile really looked like.
Isn't that a truth for all of us? We don't want the world to see the ugly side of us. The inside of our brain that thinks those thoughts about others that are unkind and unflattering, all the while making sure we put on that fake smile and show those fake pearly whites. God wants you to show people the real you, but he wants the real you to be beautiful in his creation. Whether you have a crooked smile, large ears or tiny feet, God loves all of you and expects you to love everyone else the same.
1Peter 3:3 - 4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
In third grade, I received a new bike for my birthday. It was yellow and white and it had a plastic basket with flowers on the front. I really liked that bike. On May 28, 1977, my father's parents were in town visiting. I was showing my grandpa how I could ride my bike and how cool I was popping wheelies. I would come back to him and say, "Did you see that?" And he would tell me no, go try again. So I did.
Unfortunately, one time I didn't come back. My dad asked my sister if she saw me and she said something like, she was lying on the ground. From what we can tell, I popped a wheelie and when the came down, it bounced back up and I lost control. I flipped over the handle bars and one of the handles hit me in the side of the nose, somehow digging in and knocking out a front tooth, root and all. I also landed on my face. I was bleeding from my forehead, my nose, my chin, my mouth, and both knees. I was not a pretty sight to behold. My dad picked me up, and with help from my grandmother, they cleaned me up, all the while I kept asking them "What happened?" I still to this day do not remember the accident. My mother had left for a wedding and my grandfather, the minute he realized I was hurt, took off.
Now those of you who have been in Cincinnati for longer than 20 years know what that date sounds familar. That weekend, was the weekend of the third deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. My story is from the night before it burned. Why I remember that is because my dentist was down at the club the night I knocked my tooth out. It was actually the night before it burned. My dad called him and he did call back and told dad exactly what to do to save the tooth. And it did for a while. I finally had to have a bridge put in twice. Well, after a 25 year smile, it finally loosened up and came out. So I did what I could. I put it back in place and called the dentist. Bless his heart! He offered to meet me on Sunday and put it back in or I could come in on Monday. So, I was a bit stressed about it. I didn't want the bridge to come out or anything.
I took for granted this bridge. It has been there and done it's job for so long that I rarely thought about it not being real. I can honestly say that it was one of the most dependable things in my life. I can also honestly say that the second I realized that it was out, my pride took over. I ran to the bathroom of the school, and put it back in myself. I just stuffed it back up there and hardly anyone knew what had happened. It made me feel ugly and very self conscious. I wasn't want to open my mouth for fear it would fall out or would show the world what the true me, the one behind the fake teeth and smile really looked like.
Isn't that a truth for all of us? We don't want the world to see the ugly side of us. The inside of our brain that thinks those thoughts about others that are unkind and unflattering, all the while making sure we put on that fake smile and show those fake pearly whites. God wants you to show people the real you, but he wants the real you to be beautiful in his creation. Whether you have a crooked smile, large ears or tiny feet, God loves all of you and expects you to love everyone else the same.
1Peter 3:3 - 4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Rest in the Lord
This has not been a happy week. many of my friends and acquaintances are going through a lot of awful things. Death, divorce, devastation...to name a few. And it has wore me down. Yesterday, my emotions got the better of me at times. I was melancholy, teary, and tired. By the end of the day, I just went home, sat on the couch and tried to sleep it all away. That doesn't work, but it did make me feel a little better.
This morning, I got up and am in a much better mood today. Sleep is a good thing. Rest is something that the Lord says we can do in him. My motto usually is, "I can sleep when I am dead."
Psalm 55: 4 - 8
This morning, I got up and am in a much better mood today. Sleep is a good thing. Rest is something that the Lord says we can do in him. My motto usually is, "I can sleep when I am dead."
Psalm 55: 4 - 8
4 My heart is in anguish within me;
the terrors of death assail me.
5 Fear and trembling have beset me;
horror has overwhelmed me.
6 I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest-
7 I would flee far away
and stay in the desert;
Selah
8 I would hurry to my place of shelter,
far from the tempest and storm."
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Ramblings
Last night after supper, we were sitting around the table, just relaxing, waiting to go to choir practice. It was me, Mike, Allie and Timm. Allie pulled out a small book and started talking about it. At first, she started talking about rules of the road and things that should be checked out. Then she starting talking about safety rules with motorcycles and mopeds. She didn't say mopeds, and thought it was something else.
Listening to her excitement and how carefully she is trying to read through this, I giggle. I don't remember being that enthused about driving. In fact, I believe my mother forced me to chauffer her and my sister almost everywhere we went. I am not sure why I was not wanting to drive, but obviously, now I am glad I do. I am in my vehicle a lot, over two hours a day most days. Back to Allie, to be young and have your whole life still ahead of you is exciting. In just a few short days she will be 15 and a half. So all of you on the roads, I have two words for you. WATCH OUT! Another new driver will be on the loose.
Last night at church, my father asked me if I felt better. I told him I felt fine. Then I asked him why he thought I feel bad. He told me my devotion yesterday. I told him, I felt fine, but everyone around me seems to be having a lot to deal with and I felt the need to pray. I still do. Things seem to be getting worse for some and my heart is heavy with sadness.
Today pray for the Lambing Family, the Greer Family (co-workers of mine), the Arnold family, the Fox family, the Peek family, Ashley, the people of Haiti and the people trying to get in and help the Haitians. Right now there is so much strife in the world. I am trying not to dwell on it.
Psalms 55:9 Confuse the wicked, O Lord, confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city.
This is from Barb Grever, who has worked with NW Haiti Christian Mission: If you want to send a donation, please sent it to either the address listed or Matthew 25 in Blue Ash (Channel 19 has their address listed on their website). Please do not send donations to the Red Cross or any other organization because the money will not get to the people who really need it.
Listening to her excitement and how carefully she is trying to read through this, I giggle. I don't remember being that enthused about driving. In fact, I believe my mother forced me to chauffer her and my sister almost everywhere we went. I am not sure why I was not wanting to drive, but obviously, now I am glad I do. I am in my vehicle a lot, over two hours a day most days. Back to Allie, to be young and have your whole life still ahead of you is exciting. In just a few short days she will be 15 and a half. So all of you on the roads, I have two words for you. WATCH OUT! Another new driver will be on the loose.
Last night at church, my father asked me if I felt better. I told him I felt fine. Then I asked him why he thought I feel bad. He told me my devotion yesterday. I told him, I felt fine, but everyone around me seems to be having a lot to deal with and I felt the need to pray. I still do. Things seem to be getting worse for some and my heart is heavy with sadness.
Today pray for the Lambing Family, the Greer Family (co-workers of mine), the Arnold family, the Fox family, the Peek family, Ashley, the people of Haiti and the people trying to get in and help the Haitians. Right now there is so much strife in the world. I am trying not to dwell on it.
Psalms 55:9 Confuse the wicked, O Lord, confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city.
This is from Barb Grever, who has worked with NW Haiti Christian Mission: If you want to send a donation, please sent it to either the address listed or Matthew 25 in Blue Ash (Channel 19 has their address listed on their website). Please do not send donations to the Red Cross or any other organization because the money will not get to the people who really need it.
Northwest Haiti Christian Mission
P.O. Box 829
Versailles, KY 40383
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
A Prayer for All
Dear Lord,
Today I come to you Lord with a heavy heart. Many people I know are grieving over the loss of a loved one. I pray for each of them that they may find comfort in knowing you and that your will has been done. Each of these people lived good, fulfilled lives and are now abiding with you. Please help their families cope and do all they can for each other.
I also pray for those individuals that are sick and for their families. May your healing hand be upon them and that you will help the physicians and nurses watching over the sick to be able to comfort them and help them with the healing process. May all of them heal quickly and completely.
In Your Son's name,
Amen
Luke 6: 17 - 19
17He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, 18who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, 19and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.
Today I come to you Lord with a heavy heart. Many people I know are grieving over the loss of a loved one. I pray for each of them that they may find comfort in knowing you and that your will has been done. Each of these people lived good, fulfilled lives and are now abiding with you. Please help their families cope and do all they can for each other.
I also pray for those individuals that are sick and for their families. May your healing hand be upon them and that you will help the physicians and nurses watching over the sick to be able to comfort them and help them with the healing process. May all of them heal quickly and completely.
In Your Son's name,
Amen
Luke 6: 17 - 19
17He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, 18who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, 19and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
What a Blessing it Could Be
Sunday, seven members of our church went down to the Mt. Healthy Christian Home to put on a service for residents there. I am going to be honest with you. I had a nice time. The people were pleasant and appreciative, the singing was good (if I do say so myself!), and the preaching was very good! There were many in attendance that just love the Lord and the hymns we sang.
It is worrisome that more people do not help out in this area. It is a once a year service that we are asked to put on. I understand that it is not every one's thing, but the seven of us there were so blessed. As my mom and I sang "If Jesus Goes With Me I'll Go Anywhere", this sweet lady with whom I believe was her daughter, sat in her wheelchair and sang the whole song, all three verses! Her daughter was smiling and encouraging her. It was something both Mom and I will remember for a while. Mike and Dad served communion and took up an offering for them. What a privilege it was for us, and a blessing. The people who were there were thankful and as a Christian, we all being a part of God's family, I am glad that I could help out those who just couldn't get out to church.
It is something I think we should encourage more. We should help our homebound people and those feeling poorly. We should try and figure out a way to step out of our comfort zone and show some kindness. Taking a couple hours out of one day a year doesn't seem like a lot, does it? I don't think so. I think we can even take each one that attends the service a little something to show them that we are glad they came out and that we love them.
1 Timothy 5:1 - 5
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. 3Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.
1 Timothy tells us what to do. Let us be faithful in this. Verse 3 and verse 5 really hit home for me. I am not trying to shame anyone. Please don't take that message as what I am saying. I don't always go or want to go to this extra services. Sometimes I am tired, busy, or just want to do something else. This is really just food for thought for all of us. The next time the church asks for us to go sing somewhere, or help take someone a meal, or take someone to an appointment, we should jump at the chance and be willing to serve our fellow man. My heart goes out to those who live there and to those families who take time to visit them. The ministries that could happen, even if it is our seniors going to visit other seniors that are in a retirement home or just not able to get out to church, especially during the winter, what a difference that could make! Not just in their lives, but in yours too.
It is worrisome that more people do not help out in this area. It is a once a year service that we are asked to put on. I understand that it is not every one's thing, but the seven of us there were so blessed. As my mom and I sang "If Jesus Goes With Me I'll Go Anywhere", this sweet lady with whom I believe was her daughter, sat in her wheelchair and sang the whole song, all three verses! Her daughter was smiling and encouraging her. It was something both Mom and I will remember for a while. Mike and Dad served communion and took up an offering for them. What a privilege it was for us, and a blessing. The people who were there were thankful and as a Christian, we all being a part of God's family, I am glad that I could help out those who just couldn't get out to church.
It is something I think we should encourage more. We should help our homebound people and those feeling poorly. We should try and figure out a way to step out of our comfort zone and show some kindness. Taking a couple hours out of one day a year doesn't seem like a lot, does it? I don't think so. I think we can even take each one that attends the service a little something to show them that we are glad they came out and that we love them.
1 Timothy 5:1 - 5
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. 3Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.
1 Timothy tells us what to do. Let us be faithful in this. Verse 3 and verse 5 really hit home for me. I am not trying to shame anyone. Please don't take that message as what I am saying. I don't always go or want to go to this extra services. Sometimes I am tired, busy, or just want to do something else. This is really just food for thought for all of us. The next time the church asks for us to go sing somewhere, or help take someone a meal, or take someone to an appointment, we should jump at the chance and be willing to serve our fellow man. My heart goes out to those who live there and to those families who take time to visit them. The ministries that could happen, even if it is our seniors going to visit other seniors that are in a retirement home or just not able to get out to church, especially during the winter, what a difference that could make! Not just in their lives, but in yours too.
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