Have you ever been upset? Have you ever been so angry that you can not do anything but sit there and sigh? Sometimes God is the only one that knows what is going on in you. He is the only one that hears the jumbles of your mind. All you can do is sigh and groan. God knows what that is. He works with that. He will make it better if you let him. I friend of mine lost his wife at a young age. All he could do was groan. His dad said that even though that is all he could do was sit there and groan and cry, God knew his sorrow. God can comfort him like no one else. Pain that deep can only be comforted by Him. God sent us the Holy Spirit, but we have to accept what is offered.
Psalm 38
8I am benumbed and badly crushed;
I groan because of the agitation of my heart.
9Lord, all my desire is before You;
And my sighing is not hidden from You.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Be happy
Psalm 37, verses 16- 19...
16Better is the little of the righteous
Than the abundance of many wicked.
17For the arms of the wicked will be broken,
But the LORD sustains the righteous.
18The LORD knows the days of the blameless,
And their inheritance will be forever.
19They will not be ashamed in the time of evil,
And in the days of famine they will have abundance
The chapter is long and has a lot of comparison's to being follower's of Christ and those who are not. Verse sixteen caught my eye and peaked my interest. Are you satisfied with the little you have? Do you long for more? I don't usually. I feel more like Paul, I am satisfied in what I have. Sure, I'd love to have a maid, a nicer house. But I don't, so I just go on. I would love to be able to buy nice things for my family. And I do, when money permits. But, I try hard to be content. I love that the Lord recognizes what sometimes we do not. We see people with "stuff", and we think how lucky they have it. But do they? We don't see inside their lives. Just what is on the outside. We don't know that they are hurting, lonely, and insecure. Maybe they aren't. But, maybe they have just been misguided down this path. God will deal with each of us in His own way. So don't judge, just be happy with what you have.
16Better is the little of the righteous
Than the abundance of many wicked.
17For the arms of the wicked will be broken,
But the LORD sustains the righteous.
18The LORD knows the days of the blameless,
And their inheritance will be forever.
19They will not be ashamed in the time of evil,
And in the days of famine they will have abundance
The chapter is long and has a lot of comparison's to being follower's of Christ and those who are not. Verse sixteen caught my eye and peaked my interest. Are you satisfied with the little you have? Do you long for more? I don't usually. I feel more like Paul, I am satisfied in what I have. Sure, I'd love to have a maid, a nicer house. But I don't, so I just go on. I would love to be able to buy nice things for my family. And I do, when money permits. But, I try hard to be content. I love that the Lord recognizes what sometimes we do not. We see people with "stuff", and we think how lucky they have it. But do they? We don't see inside their lives. Just what is on the outside. We don't know that they are hurting, lonely, and insecure. Maybe they aren't. But, maybe they have just been misguided down this path. God will deal with each of us in His own way. So don't judge, just be happy with what you have.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
God's Protection
Psalm 36
1Transgression speaks to the ungodly within his heart;
There is no fear of God before his eyes.
2For it flatters him in his own eyes
Concerning the discovery of his iniquity and the hatred of it.
3The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit;
He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
4He plans wickedness upon his bed;
He sets himself on a path that is not good;
He does not despise evil.
5Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
6Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
Your judgments are like a great deep
O LORD, You preserve man and beast.
7How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
8They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house;
And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights.
9For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.
10O continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You,
And Your righteousness to the upright in heart.
11Let not the foot of pride come upon me,
And let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12There the doers of iniquity have fallen;
They have been thrust down and cannot rise.
The storm hit. Not necessarily the way we thought or predicted, but it swept through the area, causing havoc, making things hard for a while. But just as quickly it passed. But sometimes the damage left behind can be substantial. Trees toppled over, branches strewn around yards, anything not tied down could be lost. Just like with the weather, our lives can be damaged. People can tear you down, words can hit their mark and self-doubt can abound. If you are not tethered to God and his promises, it could cause major problems. Depend on God's lovingkindness for all your problems. His faithfulness and righteousness will protect you in all situations.
1Transgression speaks to the ungodly within his heart;
There is no fear of God before his eyes.
2For it flatters him in his own eyes
Concerning the discovery of his iniquity and the hatred of it.
3The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit;
He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
4He plans wickedness upon his bed;
He sets himself on a path that is not good;
He does not despise evil.
5Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
6Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
Your judgments are like a great deep
O LORD, You preserve man and beast.
7How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
8They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house;
And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights.
9For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.
10O continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You,
And Your righteousness to the upright in heart.
11Let not the foot of pride come upon me,
And let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12There the doers of iniquity have fallen;
They have been thrust down and cannot rise.
The storm hit. Not necessarily the way we thought or predicted, but it swept through the area, causing havoc, making things hard for a while. But just as quickly it passed. But sometimes the damage left behind can be substantial. Trees toppled over, branches strewn around yards, anything not tied down could be lost. Just like with the weather, our lives can be damaged. People can tear you down, words can hit their mark and self-doubt can abound. If you are not tethered to God and his promises, it could cause major problems. Depend on God's lovingkindness for all your problems. His faithfulness and righteousness will protect you in all situations.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Anticipation
"There is going to be a lot of high wind associated with this front, and some moderate severe storms may pop up." I am listening to the weatherman on the tv. My phone gets alerts that our area is under a high wind warning until 8:00 pm tonight, and email tells me that there is a tornado watch for most of the day. It is the most talked about subject so far today. Anticipating storms can be fun. I like to hear that cities to the west are experiencing high winds, thunderstorms, or even snow.
Anticipation is not always good. I let my mind wander to "If this happens, then I'll do that" scenarios. You can not live your life like that. Anticipation seems to always set the bar higher and then we are let down at what happens. But we can take life as it happens. Okay, the weatherman says it is going to rain today. He says it will be windy. Cool. But if none of that happens, who cares? We can't control the weather and we barely predict the outcome.
God wants you to anticipate what he has in store for you in heaven. He gives you a picture of eternity. The New Jerusalem. This is something that you not only can anticipate, you can count on!
Revelation 21
10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 11having the glory of God Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper.
12It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel.
13There were three gates on the east and three gates on the north and three gates on the south and three gates on the west.
14And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall.
16The city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width; and he measured the city with the rod, fifteen hundred miles; its length and width and height are equal.
17And he measured its wall, seventy-two yards, according to human measurements, which are also angelic measurements.
18The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.
19The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald;
20the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst.
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
22I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
23And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
24The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.
25In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed;
26and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it;
27and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Anticipation is not always good. I let my mind wander to "If this happens, then I'll do that" scenarios. You can not live your life like that. Anticipation seems to always set the bar higher and then we are let down at what happens. But we can take life as it happens. Okay, the weatherman says it is going to rain today. He says it will be windy. Cool. But if none of that happens, who cares? We can't control the weather and we barely predict the outcome.
God wants you to anticipate what he has in store for you in heaven. He gives you a picture of eternity. The New Jerusalem. This is something that you not only can anticipate, you can count on!
Revelation 21
10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 11having the glory of God Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper.
12It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel.
13There were three gates on the east and three gates on the north and three gates on the south and three gates on the west.
14And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall.
16The city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width; and he measured the city with the rod, fifteen hundred miles; its length and width and height are equal.
17And he measured its wall, seventy-two yards, according to human measurements, which are also angelic measurements.
18The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.
19The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald;
20the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst.
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
22I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
23And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
24The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.
25In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed;
26and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it;
27and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Protection for Always
How many times do you feel like you need rescued from enemies? Do you even feel like you have enemies? Is there someone that whenever you get around them that you are uncomfortable or that they just radiate hatred? It seems like everyone has an enemy or two. No matter what, if you are close to God, Satan has an issue with you. He wants you to fail. He wants to tempt you into making bad decisions. He want you to turn as far away from God as possible. He uses people, things, morals to get at you. But if you do what David did in this psalm, and talk to God about it, God will see you through.
Psalm 35:1-6
Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;
Fight against those who fight against me.
2Take hold of buckler and shield
And rise up for my help.
3Draw also the spear and the battle-axe to meet those who pursue me;
Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."
4Let those be ashamed and dishonored who seek my life;
Let those be turned back and humiliated who devise evil against me.
5Let them be like chaff before the wind,
With the angel of the LORD driving them on.
6Let their way be dark and slippery,
With the angel of the LORD pursuing them.
Have faith! God will fight for you. He will be your protector, taking up his armor and doing what is right. You do not have to be worried about that.
Psalm 35:1-6
Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;
Fight against those who fight against me.
2Take hold of buckler and shield
And rise up for my help.
3Draw also the spear and the battle-axe to meet those who pursue me;
Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."
4Let those be ashamed and dishonored who seek my life;
Let those be turned back and humiliated who devise evil against me.
5Let them be like chaff before the wind,
With the angel of the LORD driving them on.
6Let their way be dark and slippery,
With the angel of the LORD pursuing them.
Have faith! God will fight for you. He will be your protector, taking up his armor and doing what is right. You do not have to be worried about that.
Friday, October 22, 2010
What Do You Want?
Psalm 34: 10b
But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.
What a nice promise! Seek the Lord and he will supply all your needs. We are a needy bunch, aren't we? We want this, that, and everything in between. A lot of what we want is good, health, peace, safety. Some of what we want is not good for us. But God knows better than we what we need. He will make sure that his children have what they need and will not want for it. Now sometimes we may feel that what he gives us is not what we need, or comes just in the nick of time, but we are children. What do we really know? As a parent we are trusted by our kids to give them what they need. We make mistakes. But God doesn't. We need to trust our parent and know that he is the coolest father ever!
But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.
What a nice promise! Seek the Lord and he will supply all your needs. We are a needy bunch, aren't we? We want this, that, and everything in between. A lot of what we want is good, health, peace, safety. Some of what we want is not good for us. But God knows better than we what we need. He will make sure that his children have what they need and will not want for it. Now sometimes we may feel that what he gives us is not what we need, or comes just in the nick of time, but we are children. What do we really know? As a parent we are trusted by our kids to give them what they need. We make mistakes. But God doesn't. We need to trust our parent and know that he is the coolest father ever!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
This to Shall Pass
It's been a trying few days. Just ask me, I'll tell you. Well, actually I'll tell you now. Tuesday, I took my daughter around to have her toe looked at and x-rayed. We thought it may have been broke. Thankfully, it wasn't. It's just really, really bruised. Then we took Timm to Children's Hospital where they did a septoplasty. That is where they take a piece of the cartilage out of his septum and straighten his nose out so he can breathe better. He is still in a lot of pain and has a headache this morning. He thinks he will never get better. We keep telling him he will, and we pray that God will take this pain away.
Timm is not good with physical pain. Everyone says it's a man thing. I don't know. If my nose hurt like that, I can only imagine it hurts somewhat like sinus pressure, then I do not think I would handle it any better. He's just lying around on the couch, sleeping when the pills take affect and trying to focus when he's awake. It's hard to see him with this attitude. But when you are in enough pain, you do not see how it affects you.
One of my favorite verses when I think about sickness and death is Revelations 21: 4. It reminds us that God is planning a perfect place for us. So all this pain, sorrow, and death will not exist in heaven. Even though it it hard sometimes to endure here, we have to remember that there is much better things to come.
Revelations 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Timm is not good with physical pain. Everyone says it's a man thing. I don't know. If my nose hurt like that, I can only imagine it hurts somewhat like sinus pressure, then I do not think I would handle it any better. He's just lying around on the couch, sleeping when the pills take affect and trying to focus when he's awake. It's hard to see him with this attitude. But when you are in enough pain, you do not see how it affects you.
One of my favorite verses when I think about sickness and death is Revelations 21: 4. It reminds us that God is planning a perfect place for us. So all this pain, sorrow, and death will not exist in heaven. Even though it it hard sometimes to endure here, we have to remember that there is much better things to come.
Revelations 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Can you see the picture?
Whoever wrote this was in a great mood!
Psalm 33
Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.
2Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre;
Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings.
3Sing to Him a new song;
Play skillfully with a shout of joy.
4For the word of the LORD is upright,
And all His work is done in faithfulness.
5He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.
6By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
And by the breath of His mouth all their host.
7He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;
He lays up the deeps in storehouses.
I look at the blurry pictures and move my eyes around until a picture forms. It's a boat. It's subtle, not very sharp, but by using your mind's eye, you can see the bow, the stern, the sails. That's what this first part of Psalm 33 is like. You can see what the author is talking about in your mind. But you can go deeper than that with this. You can hear the soothing sounds of the lyre and harps. You can imagine the concert that the musicians put on for God. I can not wait to meet King David and listen to his hands skillfully play his harp.
I can only imagine that the instruments played in King David's day must have soothed and calmed you. But not all of it. These verses say to play your instrument as a way of praising and giving thanks to God. Sing to him, and play while shouting with joy! Then it goes into how the Lord spoke and things happened. The heavens were made, His breath made man breath, and then he widened his arms and started gathering up the waters on earth and moved them to become deeper and deeper so dry land appeared. What a picture that can be brought in your mind's eye.
Psalm 33
Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.
2Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre;
Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings.
3Sing to Him a new song;
Play skillfully with a shout of joy.
4For the word of the LORD is upright,
And all His work is done in faithfulness.
5He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.
6By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
And by the breath of His mouth all their host.
7He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;
He lays up the deeps in storehouses.
I look at the blurry pictures and move my eyes around until a picture forms. It's a boat. It's subtle, not very sharp, but by using your mind's eye, you can see the bow, the stern, the sails. That's what this first part of Psalm 33 is like. You can see what the author is talking about in your mind. But you can go deeper than that with this. You can hear the soothing sounds of the lyre and harps. You can imagine the concert that the musicians put on for God. I can not wait to meet King David and listen to his hands skillfully play his harp.
I can only imagine that the instruments played in King David's day must have soothed and calmed you. But not all of it. These verses say to play your instrument as a way of praising and giving thanks to God. Sing to him, and play while shouting with joy! Then it goes into how the Lord spoke and things happened. The heavens were made, His breath made man breath, and then he widened his arms and started gathering up the waters on earth and moved them to become deeper and deeper so dry land appeared. What a picture that can be brought in your mind's eye.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Psalm32
Read through this psalm. I have highlighted the parts that I think are interesting. They may just apply to me today, but as you read, I hope you can take something away from this as your own.
PSALM 32
1How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered!
2How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit!
3When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
Through my groaning all day long.
4For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah.
5I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I did not hide;
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD";
And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.
6Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.
7You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.
8I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
9Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.
Whose sin is covered!
2How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit!
3When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
Through my groaning all day long.
4For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah.
5I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I did not hide;
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD";
And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.
6Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.
7You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.
8I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
9Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
There's Always Hope
Psalm 31 is kind of depressing. I mean, it talks about feeling like the lowest of the low.
11Because of all my adversaries, I have become a reproach,
Especially to my neighbors,
And an object of dread to my acquaintances;
Those who see me in the street flee from me.
12I am forgotten as a dead man, out of mind;
I am like a broken vessel.
But somewhere along the line, the writer remembers that God is holy and good and wants to save you.
19How great is Your goodness,
Which You have stored up for those who fear You,
Which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You,
Before the sons of men!
20You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man;
You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues.
I like that God will hide us in the secret place, and keep us from harm. He loves you enough that if you just ask, he will keep you close to him. It's something that you have to work at. It's not easy to do, but prayer time, devotion time, worship time, church time, Sunday school time, these are ways to keep it up. If you do these things, your hope increases. If you detach yourself, then that hope wanes. So keep up the good work! Keep that hope up! Sometimes, it's all you got.
11Because of all my adversaries, I have become a reproach,
Especially to my neighbors,
And an object of dread to my acquaintances;
Those who see me in the street flee from me.
12I am forgotten as a dead man, out of mind;
I am like a broken vessel.
But somewhere along the line, the writer remembers that God is holy and good and wants to save you.
19How great is Your goodness,
Which You have stored up for those who fear You,
Which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You,
Before the sons of men!
20You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man;
You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues.
I like that God will hide us in the secret place, and keep us from harm. He loves you enough that if you just ask, he will keep you close to him. It's something that you have to work at. It's not easy to do, but prayer time, devotion time, worship time, church time, Sunday school time, these are ways to keep it up. If you do these things, your hope increases. If you detach yourself, then that hope wanes. So keep up the good work! Keep that hope up! Sometimes, it's all you got.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Psalm 30
Psalm 30 has one of my favorite passages in it. Verse five says:
5For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for a lifetime;
Weeping may last for the night,
But a shout of joy comes in the morning.
God's anger doesn't last long and by morning he forgives. You may feel sorrowful for now, but soon you will be happy again. We don't always remember that, especially when we are going through the dark times of our lives. But no matter what, you will be happy again.
5For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for a lifetime;
Weeping may last for the night,
But a shout of joy comes in the morning.
God's anger doesn't last long and by morning he forgives. You may feel sorrowful for now, but soon you will be happy again. We don't always remember that, especially when we are going through the dark times of our lives. But no matter what, you will be happy again.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Go read Psalms 29. I'll wait.
How did that strike you? All I could think of was, I am not sure I want to hear the Lord's voice! It strips forests, breaks cedars, and spits out fire. It scares me. I picture a large man with a booming voice that is deep and loud, especially when he's angry. But then I think of his laughter and how it may start as a chuckle deep down in his belly and comes up. I love big laughter.
I work as a receptionist and I hear voices on the phone all the time. I try to picture what that person looks like. I am always amazed at how wrong I am. There was this one time that a deep, rumbling voice was on the other end. When the man came in to the office, he was very nicely dressed, but short. Like, less than five feet tall. I was shocked. I really didn't picture that. He was a nice guy, though.
There is another person, who looks like what Timm thinks Jesus looks like. He is a classmate's step-father. He has long, brown hair, thin face and long nose. Every time Timm sees him, he tells me "There's Jesus." I keep telling him that he doesn't know what Jesus looks like, but he insists he does. But we don't. There is not one physical description of Jesus in the Bible. So someone paints a picture and suddenly it's him. What if what we imagine Christ to look like, is what he will look like when we finally see him? What if he looks different to every person? Then we wouldn't be disappointed, right? But I do not think we will be disappointed, anyway. But for now, it's fun to pretend.
So listen in the wind, the babbling brook, and the thunder. God is there talking to us, with his booming voice. Can you hear him?
Monday, October 11, 2010
Seeds of Faith
Today I am posting at Seeds of Faith! Just click on our button on the side and see what I am talking about today.
Have a great, blessed day!
Cheryl
Friday, October 8, 2010
Stop the Bullying
I just read a very disturbing, yet interesting article on Yahoo! News. It was about how in one school in northern Ohio, over a period of time, four kids committed suicide for being bullied and the school doing little if nothing to deal with this issue. I think at one time or another most of us have been bullied.
As a child, I was bullied. I remember in fourth or fifth grade, I was ridiculed because my teeth were horribly crooked and I was buck-toothed. I remember that the person that said the mean thing to me (which I honestly do not remember what exactly she said), was actually in the special education class. I am not sure what I did to her, but I remember the hatred she emitted at me. I felt so bad. It hurt to hear those words. I know that I didn't cry, but I tucked it away. I learned from it, and luckily, she forgot about me, or I stayed out of her way.
I also know what it's like to be passed over for something because I was not skinny enough or pretty enough. I had the talent, but yet it didn't seem to matter. That one my parents defended me on and I so appreciate that still, to this day.
Bullying is a real problem. It isn't just a grade school problem either. It is a problem that can affect anyone. Who deemed the social status? Who picks what is beautiful? I know both my kids have had some problems, but my husband and I have been right there. Sometimes people just spout off. Someone called my daughter something because she didn't have a movie time right. My husband wanted to go deal with that. Maybe he should have, but my daughter and I are more passive, and did not feel it was worth getting into anything with this angry person. My kids are outspoken when needed to be. Sometimes, getting them to open up about a situation is hard because they are embarrassed. But you have to. You have to talk to the kids and talk to the school if the problem becomes unbearable to the kids.
In the article, on child took Pepto every day because going to school made her sick. The mother now regrets that she made her go. Hindsight is always 20/20, isn't it? But watching the situation and talking to teachers, counselors, principals and administrative personnel is a start. I know our school does a big bullying program, but is it enough? I guess we will see.
God doesn't specifically talk about bullying, but he does give us words to really live by.
James 5:9
9Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
I know that I have no answers for anyone who is on either side of the bullying. I just know that it needs to stop! Just because someone is different, you don't have to be rude or mean to them. If you get to know them, you will probably even like them, and they will be open to you too. Prayer is a key element.
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
and
Luke 6:27-31
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
The Yahoo! article
As a child, I was bullied. I remember in fourth or fifth grade, I was ridiculed because my teeth were horribly crooked and I was buck-toothed. I remember that the person that said the mean thing to me (which I honestly do not remember what exactly she said), was actually in the special education class. I am not sure what I did to her, but I remember the hatred she emitted at me. I felt so bad. It hurt to hear those words. I know that I didn't cry, but I tucked it away. I learned from it, and luckily, she forgot about me, or I stayed out of her way.
I also know what it's like to be passed over for something because I was not skinny enough or pretty enough. I had the talent, but yet it didn't seem to matter. That one my parents defended me on and I so appreciate that still, to this day.
Bullying is a real problem. It isn't just a grade school problem either. It is a problem that can affect anyone. Who deemed the social status? Who picks what is beautiful? I know both my kids have had some problems, but my husband and I have been right there. Sometimes people just spout off. Someone called my daughter something because she didn't have a movie time right. My husband wanted to go deal with that. Maybe he should have, but my daughter and I are more passive, and did not feel it was worth getting into anything with this angry person. My kids are outspoken when needed to be. Sometimes, getting them to open up about a situation is hard because they are embarrassed. But you have to. You have to talk to the kids and talk to the school if the problem becomes unbearable to the kids.
In the article, on child took Pepto every day because going to school made her sick. The mother now regrets that she made her go. Hindsight is always 20/20, isn't it? But watching the situation and talking to teachers, counselors, principals and administrative personnel is a start. I know our school does a big bullying program, but is it enough? I guess we will see.
God doesn't specifically talk about bullying, but he does give us words to really live by.
James 5:9
9Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
I know that I have no answers for anyone who is on either side of the bullying. I just know that it needs to stop! Just because someone is different, you don't have to be rude or mean to them. If you get to know them, you will probably even like them, and they will be open to you too. Prayer is a key element.
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
and
Luke 6:27-31
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
The Yahoo! article
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Music for All
I am very musical. Most everything that is important to me has to do with music. I associate songs to feelings, to actions, to memories, to movies, to most everything. It is nothing for me to just breakout into a song and my kids start hollering for me to stop. I don't think it's because my singing is bad either. I think they don't understand.
Music is a gift from God. Whether you have talent to sing, play and instrument or if you are in the audience to just enjoy the concert, God gave us music. King David was very musical. He loved to play the harp and many songs in the Bible were written by him. I Chronicles 6:31 - 33 tells that David even had men who he put in charge of the music in front of the Tent of Meeting.
31 These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark came to rest there. 32 They ministered with music before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem. They performed their duties according to the regulations laid down for them.
33 Here are the men who served, together with their sons:
From the Kohathites:
Heman, the musician,
the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,
In 1 Chronicles 25:6 - 7, it says the sons of Heman were there to exalt him. All Heman's fourteen sons were musical. That must have been quite a band!
5 All these were sons of Heman the king's seer. They were given him through the promises of God to exalt him. God gave Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. 6 All these men were under the supervision of their fathers for the music of the temple of the LORD, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king. 7 Along with their relatives—all of them trained and skilled in music for the LORD -they numbered 288.
For me, music is just my way of talking to God. It is something that I love and it is something that I use to express myself and feelings of my life about. Everyone needs that kind of outlet. For some it is building and using their hands. For some, it is speaking or drawing, or painting. Whatever it is, I firmly believe that if you don't use it, you will loose it. I pray that I will use my singing more and that God won't take that talent from me. But if he does, I'll be content, no matter what.
Music is a gift from God. Whether you have talent to sing, play and instrument or if you are in the audience to just enjoy the concert, God gave us music. King David was very musical. He loved to play the harp and many songs in the Bible were written by him. I Chronicles 6:31 - 33 tells that David even had men who he put in charge of the music in front of the Tent of Meeting.
31 These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark came to rest there. 32 They ministered with music before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem. They performed their duties according to the regulations laid down for them.
33 Here are the men who served, together with their sons:
From the Kohathites:
Heman, the musician,
the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,
In 1 Chronicles 25:6 - 7, it says the sons of Heman were there to exalt him. All Heman's fourteen sons were musical. That must have been quite a band!
5 All these were sons of Heman the king's seer. They were given him through the promises of God to exalt him. God gave Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. 6 All these men were under the supervision of their fathers for the music of the temple of the LORD, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king. 7 Along with their relatives—all of them trained and skilled in music for the LORD -they numbered 288.
For me, music is just my way of talking to God. It is something that I love and it is something that I use to express myself and feelings of my life about. Everyone needs that kind of outlet. For some it is building and using their hands. For some, it is speaking or drawing, or painting. Whatever it is, I firmly believe that if you don't use it, you will loose it. I pray that I will use my singing more and that God won't take that talent from me. But if he does, I'll be content, no matter what.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Glee and Religion
I am sure there are going to be a million posts on the television show Glee because last night's episode was sorta about religion. I say sorta, because there were all sorts of views on believing in God or not, how to talk to God, and what to do to comfort your friends in their hour of pain.
I was following twitter last night while Glee was on and so many people were either totally for this Episode or against it. I wasn't home watching it when it was on, but quickly turned it on when I arrived and watched it all. It started out the one kid "found Jesus." I had to giggle because he thought he saw the face of Jesus in a grilled cheese sandwich that he had burnt. Now, I don't want to be rude, and I do respect all types of religion and think that we can learn something from each of them, but I found that part of the storyline funny, but sad. I mean, how many people today will just see something like that and believe that it is a sign from God? There are a lot of people that are misguided or misled.
One of the character's had a heart attack. His son, professed that he is atheist and gave his reasons. It shocked a lot of his friends. He shared his reasons the same as his friends' shared theirs. At one point, he was very angry and stated that he stated, "Right now I don't want a Heavenly Father, I want my real one back." His friend was very truthful and real with him. She said she didn't know what to say or how to say things because he did not believe in God. His beliefs did not line up with hers and she wanted him to be open to how she showed her concern and comfort. Is that not what we all want? We all want to comfort those in need. But in doing so, sometimes we go overboard or the other person takes it the wrong way. For example, the girls of the Glee Club went to his father's hospital room and were praying for him. Kurt came in and asked what they were doing. The told him and then he asked them to leave so the acupuncturist could work on his father.
It was interesting the way the producer's spun it. At times I was disappointed with what the message was. During the whole thing, there was also this underlying separation of church and state issue, but it became a non-issue in my opinion.
I can't stop the show, but i can make sure my kids are grounded in God's real message. God loves everyone, even those who don't believe in God. I feel everyone can have an opinion and we need to let them know God's way in a loving way, without causing too much conflict. Just remember, the seed you sow today may not grow for many days. Prayer is a good way to fertilize the seeds. It will grow when God is ready. You may not be there when it happens, and it shouldn't matter that you were the one who God chose to plant it. Because the goal is not to see how many you can win to Christ, but how many will come to Christ because you are doing His will.
I was following twitter last night while Glee was on and so many people were either totally for this Episode or against it. I wasn't home watching it when it was on, but quickly turned it on when I arrived and watched it all. It started out the one kid "found Jesus." I had to giggle because he thought he saw the face of Jesus in a grilled cheese sandwich that he had burnt. Now, I don't want to be rude, and I do respect all types of religion and think that we can learn something from each of them, but I found that part of the storyline funny, but sad. I mean, how many people today will just see something like that and believe that it is a sign from God? There are a lot of people that are misguided or misled.
One of the character's had a heart attack. His son, professed that he is atheist and gave his reasons. It shocked a lot of his friends. He shared his reasons the same as his friends' shared theirs. At one point, he was very angry and stated that he stated, "Right now I don't want a Heavenly Father, I want my real one back." His friend was very truthful and real with him. She said she didn't know what to say or how to say things because he did not believe in God. His beliefs did not line up with hers and she wanted him to be open to how she showed her concern and comfort. Is that not what we all want? We all want to comfort those in need. But in doing so, sometimes we go overboard or the other person takes it the wrong way. For example, the girls of the Glee Club went to his father's hospital room and were praying for him. Kurt came in and asked what they were doing. The told him and then he asked them to leave so the acupuncturist could work on his father.
It was interesting the way the producer's spun it. At times I was disappointed with what the message was. During the whole thing, there was also this underlying separation of church and state issue, but it became a non-issue in my opinion.
I can't stop the show, but i can make sure my kids are grounded in God's real message. God loves everyone, even those who don't believe in God. I feel everyone can have an opinion and we need to let them know God's way in a loving way, without causing too much conflict. Just remember, the seed you sow today may not grow for many days. Prayer is a good way to fertilize the seeds. It will grow when God is ready. You may not be there when it happens, and it shouldn't matter that you were the one who God chose to plant it. Because the goal is not to see how many you can win to Christ, but how many will come to Christ because you are doing His will.
iFellowship Wednesday
Today is Wednesday and that means iFellowship Day at Seeds of Faith! Have a great day!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Praying in God's Will
The scariest thing happened in front of me this morning. As I was driving down the highway, all the cars (about 10) slammed on their brakes. I wondered, What is going on? and as I looked up, a car was going straight across all four lanes of traffic and hit the underpass/median wall a ton! Several people stopped, and as I passed, the driver was moving (thank you Lord!). Both bumpers were a mess. I have no idea if the driver was hit from behind, or what, but all I could do was pray. I prayed that God would take care of the driver. I prayed that God was wonderful and that it was only a one car accident and no one else was involved. I thanked Him for keeping me safe, but reminding me to always keep my eyes sharp and senses alert.
Sometimes a wake up call is needed to remind us of things. Today he reminded me that going 72 mph down the highway is dangerous. I did slow down, but will I tonight? I don't really know. I hope I heed this example. I hope I can convey to my student driver that something bad can happen even if you are not doing something wrong. It doesn't have to be your fault for you to be in an accident.
I pray every day for my husband and kids. I pray that God will give them a good day, that he will help them in their situations and that will keep the faith. I hope they pray for me. Prayer is our biggest weapon against the enemy.
1 John 5:14 - 15
14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Sunday evening our study was partly on this. These verses spoke to me. We can go to God and ask anything, as long as it is in his will, and he will hear us. If we have that confidence, he will get what is asked. Sounds confusing, but it just says that if we ask for something in God's will, then it will happened. But we don't always ask for the right things or the thing that is in God's will. So we have to trust God and just follow along. We have to have the courage to go through the storm and then wait for the rainbow.
Sometimes a wake up call is needed to remind us of things. Today he reminded me that going 72 mph down the highway is dangerous. I did slow down, but will I tonight? I don't really know. I hope I heed this example. I hope I can convey to my student driver that something bad can happen even if you are not doing something wrong. It doesn't have to be your fault for you to be in an accident.
I pray every day for my husband and kids. I pray that God will give them a good day, that he will help them in their situations and that will keep the faith. I hope they pray for me. Prayer is our biggest weapon against the enemy.
1 John 5:14 - 15
14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Sunday evening our study was partly on this. These verses spoke to me. We can go to God and ask anything, as long as it is in his will, and he will hear us. If we have that confidence, he will get what is asked. Sounds confusing, but it just says that if we ask for something in God's will, then it will happened. But we don't always ask for the right things or the thing that is in God's will. So we have to trust God and just follow along. We have to have the courage to go through the storm and then wait for the rainbow.
Monday, October 4, 2010
The Cross Still Stands
Yesterday, our minister gave a potent and personal sermon on how his family is going through some major health issues. His biggest question was "How do I minister to my own family?" It's easy to minister to outsiders, but when it is up close and personal, how do you help those closest to you, when you too are hurting and do not have all the answers. But he said over and over, (paraphrasing) 'No matter what happens, the cross still stands. I am going to follow His will and let him use me to figure this all out.'
I was inspired. I kept hearing, The cross still stands in my head and knew that a song or poem had to come out.
I was inspired. I kept hearing, The cross still stands in my head and knew that a song or poem had to come out.
The Cross Still Stands
She walked the last lonely mile
Behind the one deemed to die.
Her mind could not wrap around
The circumstances of the night.
She remembered hearing about the night he was born
The angels, the shepherds, the wiseman adorned.
And now he hung there for the world to mock
As friends and family stood in shock.
As he cried out forgiveness,
Death became evident and darkness reigned
She thought that all was gone
But at the empty tomb her hope sang
The cross still stands
For all that are lost
For all the world's sins are covered
Forever and eternity
The cross still stands
For your obedience
For light broke through the darkness
Forever and eternity.
God's will became the foundation
For Christians, on their knees will stand
And Jesus took our sin
Because
The cross still stands
For all that were lost
For all the world's sins are covered
Forever eternity
The cross still stands
For your obedience
For light broke through the darkness
Forever and eternity.
This is still in the changing stage. I hope it comes across as I want it to. Do you like it? Do you think it's just okay? Is it bad? Let me know.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Oh The Thought That Jesus Loves Me
Thanks to my parents, I found a new song and a new group that I really enjoyed. The group is The Collingsworth Family. Their style is pretty awesome. I liked that at first it sounded big band/swing style, but just as quickly went to Southern Gospel. It's pretty hard to describe. There were 14 songs on this cd, called The Answer. I kinda liked them all, but when I got to the eleventh song, I started crying.
Oh The thought That Jesus Loves Me
Wayne Haun/Lyn Rowell
VS1: Oh the thought that Jesus loves me
More than I can understand
Fills my heart with calm assurance
I am safe inside His plan.
Chorus: So I will let it change and heal me
Let it ease my troubled mind.
Oh the thought that Jesus loves me
That he loves me for all time.
Vs 2: O the thought that Jesus loves me
And He loves what I will be.
Some sweet day
When He has finished
His creative work in me.
Vs. 3: O the thought that Jesus loves me
Loved when we were far apart.
When my will was set against Him
Loved enough to win my heart.
Vs. 4: Oh the thought that Jesus loves me
That He'd choose a cross to die
Take the death I was deserving
Just to offer me new life.
************************
Isn't that something? Do you ever just think that Jesus really loves you? We say it and sing it all the time. But does it hit you that he really loves you? This song hit me was verse 2. He loves what I will be when he has finished His creative work in me. Have you thought about you being His creative work? WOW. I never thought about it in a personal perspective. We focus on how we dislike our hair, face, our bodies. We want to change our thinking, our habits, whatever else we do not feel satisfied with. But Christ was being creative when he made you. God made you in his own image. We do need to take care of ourselves, but he wants us to be satisfied and comfortable in our own skin. He loved you enough that even when you go far away from Him, He loves you. Always.
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