This being the month of Love, I thought I would do love themed devotions. Hopefully I can come up with 20 different things to write about. If you have any ideas, let me know.
Chapter 1: 1-7
Isn't it wonderful that God chose to put in the middle of the Old Testament a beautiful love song? The Song of Solomon (also known as The Song of Songs) is thought to be one of over a thousand songs written by King Solomon. Though at first this song seems like a love story between a maiden and a shepherd and a King, it seems as though it is really about God's love for Israel. The first seven verses are about a young woman who is in love. She wants to be with the one she loves. She is very much in love with this shepherd and wants to be with him. She is bold in her questions and statements to him. She seems to be young.
Chapter 1: 8-17
The next 10 verses are the reply from her shepherd. He tells her he loves her, and compares her to a beautiful mare. He tells her she smells good and is very beautiful. There is no doubt these two are in love. They want to be with each other and compliment each other. Love is in the air. Reading Song of Solomon is like reading a love poem. The best part is that it is out of the greatest love letter ever written. Sometimes we forget that God gave us The Holy Bible as a love letter to us. It tells of his love past, present and future. Give this book a try.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Youthful Contentment
This week, our family have had a few firsts. Especially with Allie. Nothing dramatic, nothing major, well, yeah I guess the first one is major in all our lives. Tomorrow, I am going to take Allie to get her temporary license to drive! Uh, maybe it will snow and I can postpone this? No? Well this is a right of passage, isn't it? The other first is one that both Allie and Timm are interested and dreaming of. Allie brought home from school a packet for a class ring. Did you get a class ring? I did. It cost me $186. I remember that because I wanted a gold one and my parents would only pay half of it. I had to come up with the other half. Which brings me to my next question. Doesn't that mean i was older and had a job? I still have that beautiful ring. I can even still wear it. The prices are ridiculous for rings now days, but the settings, engravings and effects are pretty awesome!
The kids were dreaming, I mean, looking at the packet this morning, saying, "I am going to get this stone, and my friend and I want to have our nicknames engraved on the inside." Okay, but who really wants the nickname Stinky forever engraved on something? For clarification, that is Allie's friend's nickname, not Allie's. Her nickname is Dingy, if you didn't know. That's for another time.
So what does all this have to do with a devotion? I honestly am not sure. Maybe it's just a day to ramble for me. I keep thinking of the plans that Allie and Timm are laying out for their futures. The hopes and dreams that make us keep going when there is sadness around us. Maybe this devotion is to show that the youth still have the same dreams that we all had when we were teenagers. A lot of things have not changed in 50+ years. Kids still dream of driving, class rings, graduation, college, getting married...not all that different from when you were there.
Last weekend we saw the movie The Tooth Fairy, starring Dewayne Johnson and Julie Andrews. It told the story of the man who let reality hit him hard and wipe all his hopes and dreams away. He made sure all the people around him (especially kids) know that you can not aim high because there is always someone bigger and better to knock you down. Sad, isn't it? The moral of that story is that it doesn't matter what the other guy does, dream for yourself and be content with where you are and what you have.
Proverbs 13:25 The righteous eat to their hearts' content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.
Philippians 4:11-13 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
The kids were dreaming, I mean, looking at the packet this morning, saying, "I am going to get this stone, and my friend and I want to have our nicknames engraved on the inside." Okay, but who really wants the nickname Stinky forever engraved on something? For clarification, that is Allie's friend's nickname, not Allie's. Her nickname is Dingy, if you didn't know. That's for another time.
So what does all this have to do with a devotion? I honestly am not sure. Maybe it's just a day to ramble for me. I keep thinking of the plans that Allie and Timm are laying out for their futures. The hopes and dreams that make us keep going when there is sadness around us. Maybe this devotion is to show that the youth still have the same dreams that we all had when we were teenagers. A lot of things have not changed in 50+ years. Kids still dream of driving, class rings, graduation, college, getting married...not all that different from when you were there.
Last weekend we saw the movie The Tooth Fairy, starring Dewayne Johnson and Julie Andrews. It told the story of the man who let reality hit him hard and wipe all his hopes and dreams away. He made sure all the people around him (especially kids) know that you can not aim high because there is always someone bigger and better to knock you down. Sad, isn't it? The moral of that story is that it doesn't matter what the other guy does, dream for yourself and be content with where you are and what you have.
Proverbs 13:25 The righteous eat to their hearts' content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.
Philippians 4:11-13 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wisdom
Are you keeping up with your daily Bible reading? I am trying, but I confess, I am not doing the one set forth by Michael Dawson, our Associate Minister*. I have been reading through my Bible on a two-year plan, I am at Proverbs 8. It is an interesting chapter about wisdom. It starts out on what King Solomon says about wisdom and ends as if wisdom was talking to us.
I like that wisdom is described as being with God during the creation of the earth and how it rejoices with God and delights in us. Since with God "all things are possible" (Matthew 16:26 & Mark 10:27), how can we deny that wisdom is not important? How can we say that "ignorance is bliss"? To not want to learn about things and have that knowledge to use when you need it, is like denying God. We can not help people and situations if we do not know what kind of advice to give. God gives us the choice to learn and use our brains and helps us with the words we need to give sound advice, but do we have ability to think quick enough to get out a situation or diffuse a situation. Use wisdom. It comes with time, experience and God.
Proverbs 8:10 - 12
10"Take my instruction and not silver,
And knowledge rather than choicest gold.
11"For wisdom is better than jewels;
And all desirable things cannot compare with her.
12"I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
And I find knowledge and discretion.
I like that wisdom is described as being with God during the creation of the earth and how it rejoices with God and delights in us. Since with God "all things are possible" (Matthew 16:26 & Mark 10:27), how can we deny that wisdom is not important? How can we say that "ignorance is bliss"? To not want to learn about things and have that knowledge to use when you need it, is like denying God. We can not help people and situations if we do not know what kind of advice to give. God gives us the choice to learn and use our brains and helps us with the words we need to give sound advice, but do we have ability to think quick enough to get out a situation or diffuse a situation. Use wisdom. It comes with time, experience and God.
Proverbs 8:10 - 12
10"Take my instruction and not silver,
And knowledge rather than choicest gold.
11"For wisdom is better than jewels;
And all desirable things cannot compare with her.
12"I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
And I find knowledge and discretion.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Teachings
Proverbs 7:1 - 4
My son, keep my words
And treasure my commandments within you.
2Keep my commandments and live,
And my teaching as the apple of your eye.
3Bind them on your fingers;
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4Say to wisdom, "You are my sister,"
And call understanding your intimate friend;
Aren't these verses interesting? How do you keep an inanimate thing close to you as your sister or a friend? That was my first reaction to reading this chapter. But, my next thought was, the things you are taught by your parent or in the Bible should not be just words, they should be part of your life, just as your heart beats, your breath; it should be living through you as naturally as tasting or hearing.
I like that you should see them as special (apple of your eye) and that you should remember them (write them on the tablet of your heart). Doing God's will, the right things of every day life should not be something you think about. You should know what it is. I am talking about the common sense things. Some of us realize that others do no have that. When my dad, Allie and I were on our D.C. trip, one of the boys in our group was hyper and crazy. My dad looked at him and asked, "Do you have any common sense?" Tyler answered, "No, I admit I don't." It was funny, but it made us understand why he did what he did. My dad just shakes his head at that memory. Most people without common sense do not even realize they are without it. They need more guidance and help in sorting out the right from the wrong. That is what these verses want. Everyone to listen to their parent, teacher, or elder and keep the teachings close, remembering them until they are like an old faithful companion.
My son, keep my words
And treasure my commandments within you.
2Keep my commandments and live,
And my teaching as the apple of your eye.
3Bind them on your fingers;
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4Say to wisdom, "You are my sister,"
And call understanding your intimate friend;
Aren't these verses interesting? How do you keep an inanimate thing close to you as your sister or a friend? That was my first reaction to reading this chapter. But, my next thought was, the things you are taught by your parent or in the Bible should not be just words, they should be part of your life, just as your heart beats, your breath; it should be living through you as naturally as tasting or hearing.
I like that you should see them as special (apple of your eye) and that you should remember them (write them on the tablet of your heart). Doing God's will, the right things of every day life should not be something you think about. You should know what it is. I am talking about the common sense things. Some of us realize that others do no have that. When my dad, Allie and I were on our D.C. trip, one of the boys in our group was hyper and crazy. My dad looked at him and asked, "Do you have any common sense?" Tyler answered, "No, I admit I don't." It was funny, but it made us understand why he did what he did. My dad just shakes his head at that memory. Most people without common sense do not even realize they are without it. They need more guidance and help in sorting out the right from the wrong. That is what these verses want. Everyone to listen to their parent, teacher, or elder and keep the teachings close, remembering them until they are like an old faithful companion.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Be an Ant
Proverbs 6: 6
Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise,
Who is the busiest person you know? We all know this person. They work full-time, run their kids to practice and friends houses, go to church, are on committees, and finding time for their friends. At least we assume they are doing all this. How much of this is applies to you? Are you seemingly busy all the time? Do you keep going at a quickened pace? Do you ever slow down and do something for you? When you keep busy, do you at least keep to what needs done and not what happens to get in the way?
Where do you draw that line? I try and set priorities. I try and put God and family first, then my job. But in the process, certain things don't get done like I think they should. The house is usually a mess, or at least dusty and in need of something. I have a stack of mail that needs attention, and I seem to lack in sleep. On the other hand, I think I have a pretty good family life, I am still learning to be a Christian, and I still have a job. I think I am really busy, so when I do get a quiet moment, I take it. I spend it in prayer, or in a book, or just having quiet time for myself. Take last night for instance. After taking Timm to the chiropractor (shout out to Dr. Hakes!), I came home and began fixing supper. I changed into my jammies, did dishes, a couple of loads of laundry and then I just sat down for a couple of hours. I tried to finish a book, watch my favorite show on tv, and relax. I had no place I needed to be, so that was my relaxing. It doesn't sound like much, but it was nice.
Being busy is good, but having that quiet time or the down time is good too. I think I prefer being busy. What about you?
Today, pray for Jim Cox, Jack Wetzig and the Betty Jeffrey family.
Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise,
Who is the busiest person you know? We all know this person. They work full-time, run their kids to practice and friends houses, go to church, are on committees, and finding time for their friends. At least we assume they are doing all this. How much of this is applies to you? Are you seemingly busy all the time? Do you keep going at a quickened pace? Do you ever slow down and do something for you? When you keep busy, do you at least keep to what needs done and not what happens to get in the way?
Where do you draw that line? I try and set priorities. I try and put God and family first, then my job. But in the process, certain things don't get done like I think they should. The house is usually a mess, or at least dusty and in need of something. I have a stack of mail that needs attention, and I seem to lack in sleep. On the other hand, I think I have a pretty good family life, I am still learning to be a Christian, and I still have a job. I think I am really busy, so when I do get a quiet moment, I take it. I spend it in prayer, or in a book, or just having quiet time for myself. Take last night for instance. After taking Timm to the chiropractor (shout out to Dr. Hakes!), I came home and began fixing supper. I changed into my jammies, did dishes, a couple of loads of laundry and then I just sat down for a couple of hours. I tried to finish a book, watch my favorite show on tv, and relax. I had no place I needed to be, so that was my relaxing. It doesn't sound like much, but it was nice.
Being busy is good, but having that quiet time or the down time is good too. I think I prefer being busy. What about you?
Today, pray for Jim Cox, Jack Wetzig and the Betty Jeffrey family.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Do You Have Talent?
Yesterday, Larry Peek kinda inspired me. During his meditation, he brought in a lot of song titles and verses to what he was saying. It is a fun way to get your point across and have people actually remember some of what you said.
Larry quoted the chorus from a song the choir is going to do, Then I Met the Master. Tracy looked at me and realized she recognized it and asked me, "Has the choir sang that yet?" I laughed and told her not yet. It is a good song that tells how the singer is no longer the same because of the change that took place when they met Jesus.
When we practiced this song in choir, it reminded me of another song I had heard. It is called The Touch of the Master's Hand. It actually a poem written by Myra Brooks Welch. The poem talks about an old, worn violin that was going up on the auction block, how the auctioneer didn't think it was worth anything until a musician played it. Then everyone wanted to buy it. Because the master had shown them what it could be like, what it was worth. People in the crowd didn't understand why the change had taken place, but the only reply they got was "The touch of the Master's Hand." Isn't that what we all want? We want God to touch us and to open other's eyes to our abilities. But in honesty, is that what it should be? I am sure people think I get up and sing to show off my talent. I don't look at it that way. I look at it that God gave me this talent and if I don't use it correctly, God will take it away. I look at it as a pleasure to sing to God and if someone else appreciates it, then what a blessing! I thank each of you who let me know you appreciate my voice. I hope to keep singing for God and entertaining you.
So I urge each of you to use your talent wisely. Whether it is teaching, singing, fixing things, listening, encouraging, do that. Find a way to praise God for your talent. It doesn't have to be a public display. A lot of my singing is not public. I always seem to have a song on my heart that I will singing in my head, or to myself in the car. Sending someone a note, or doing them a favor will be a wonderful thing.
Psalm 30:11 - 12
11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
Larry quoted the chorus from a song the choir is going to do, Then I Met the Master. Tracy looked at me and realized she recognized it and asked me, "Has the choir sang that yet?" I laughed and told her not yet. It is a good song that tells how the singer is no longer the same because of the change that took place when they met Jesus.
When we practiced this song in choir, it reminded me of another song I had heard. It is called The Touch of the Master's Hand. It actually a poem written by Myra Brooks Welch. The poem talks about an old, worn violin that was going up on the auction block, how the auctioneer didn't think it was worth anything until a musician played it. Then everyone wanted to buy it. Because the master had shown them what it could be like, what it was worth. People in the crowd didn't understand why the change had taken place, but the only reply they got was "The touch of the Master's Hand." Isn't that what we all want? We want God to touch us and to open other's eyes to our abilities. But in honesty, is that what it should be? I am sure people think I get up and sing to show off my talent. I don't look at it that way. I look at it that God gave me this talent and if I don't use it correctly, God will take it away. I look at it as a pleasure to sing to God and if someone else appreciates it, then what a blessing! I thank each of you who let me know you appreciate my voice. I hope to keep singing for God and entertaining you.
So I urge each of you to use your talent wisely. Whether it is teaching, singing, fixing things, listening, encouraging, do that. Find a way to praise God for your talent. It doesn't have to be a public display. A lot of my singing is not public. I always seem to have a song on my heart that I will singing in my head, or to myself in the car. Sending someone a note, or doing them a favor will be a wonderful thing.
Psalm 30:11 - 12
11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Jesus Has a Rocking Chair
Psalm 139:13-16
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I love this passage of scripture. My favorite parts of this is the verses 14 and 15. I love to think of little babies who are yet to be born and know that God has fearfully and wonderfully made them. That they are seen by God in the "secret place". God saw you before you were ready to see him.
This coming Sunday is known as Right To Life Sunday. I mourn the children that never had a chance to be able to see this world, to know earthly, loving parents, or just breathe. I sing a song about a young girl who aborts her child because she didn't have the guidance and was confused. But in the end, she knows that she can be forgiven and Jesus loves her and her unborn child. Jesus, the greatest parent a child could have. The song portrays Jesus as a loving parent, who sits in a room with all the children that have gone on to heaven and rocks them to comfort them and love them. A room, with nothing in it but a rocking chair. I can see, in my mind's eye, my picture of Jesus, holding a baby, cooing to him/her, and slowly rocking back and forth.
"Jesus has a rocking chair.
And he holds that little baby
With oh, such tender care.
He takes the place of Mom and Dad,
He's the greatest parent a child could have.
Don't worry about the children there,
Jesus has a rocking chair."
lyrics by Tony Greene
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
I love this passage of scripture. My favorite parts of this is the verses 14 and 15. I love to think of little babies who are yet to be born and know that God has fearfully and wonderfully made them. That they are seen by God in the "secret place". God saw you before you were ready to see him.
This coming Sunday is known as Right To Life Sunday. I mourn the children that never had a chance to be able to see this world, to know earthly, loving parents, or just breathe. I sing a song about a young girl who aborts her child because she didn't have the guidance and was confused. But in the end, she knows that she can be forgiven and Jesus loves her and her unborn child. Jesus, the greatest parent a child could have. The song portrays Jesus as a loving parent, who sits in a room with all the children that have gone on to heaven and rocks them to comfort them and love them. A room, with nothing in it but a rocking chair. I can see, in my mind's eye, my picture of Jesus, holding a baby, cooing to him/her, and slowly rocking back and forth.
"Jesus has a rocking chair.
And he holds that little baby
With oh, such tender care.
He takes the place of Mom and Dad,
He's the greatest parent a child could have.
Don't worry about the children there,
Jesus has a rocking chair."
lyrics by Tony Greene
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