My last post was on Colossians 2:6 : As you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him.
I couldn't stop thinking about how we are told to be rooted in Him. It made me think about the parable of the sower:
Matthew 13:6 says: Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots, 6 so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. "Later in Matthew 13:20-21 it says: "The seed cast in the gravel—this is the person who hears and instantly responds with enthusiasm. 21 But there is no soil of character, and so when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it. "(MSG)
This parable and the verse from Colossians are so intertwined.
Just like we compared "receiving Christ as Lord" to receiving a gift, the seed is received in the parable.
And just as we recognized that the Greek word used for 'receive' means 'to take charge of', the parable shows how the seed was received but not 'taken charge of.
It is like the person receives this gift of the seed, but does not take charge of it in their lives…or take it with them as that Greek word tells us to.
Picture yourself receiving a gift that you have desired for a while. You are so excited to get it, and you are so thankful to the giver. There is much joy in that moment. But time goes by, the newness of the gift wears off and you may even forget you have it. Eventually you may start looking for joy in something else.
This is the same as the parable. Both the parable and the verse in Colossians is telling us to be ROOTED in the word.
The parable ends with this: Matthew 13: 23 ~ ‘But the seed falling on good soil refers to people who hear the word and understand it. They produce a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown’.
The gift we receive through the blood of Christ is one we are told to take with us and never lose sight of. Colossians tells us this will build us up in Him. The parable tells us it will cause us to yield a crop for Him.
Just as a healthy plant produces fruit for the nourishment of others, just as a healthy body can provide strength and support for those around them, a healthy soul produces fruit of God that shows others the way to a life in Christ. We are to be alive in Christ, bearing much fruit.
I couldn't get that comparison out of my mind so I thought I'd share it! What do you think about?
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
Take God Out of Your Pocket and Put Him in Charge
My Friend Paula over at Paula's Ponderings asked a question today about slipping into default mode. It got me to thinking about why we do that; default down to our own level when we should be lifted up to the full power and authority given to us in Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:6 says:
As you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him.
Have you received Christ? The Greek word used for received is paralambano meaning ‘to take with you , to take charge of, to receive’.
I couldn't help but think about how I can receive a gift and then put it away. Even a precious gift, like expensive jewelry or such. I receive it and then put it in its place or tuck it away in a safe place, not to be used except on special occasions or when the gift is needed in my daily life. Is this what I do with the gift of salvation?
But this word says to receive it and take with you…to take charge of it.
Salvation is not receiving Christ and then setting that gift aside in ‘its place’. It is receiving and taking it with us. I find it easy to pull that gift out when things are hard, confusing or I’m at church…but God is telling me to carry that gift with me all the time. And not just holding it in a pocket, but actually taking charge of that gift in my daily life.
This thought is expanded by the rest of that verse, saying “continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him”.
Rooted is the greek word rhizoo, meaning ‘to be rooted, with the associative meaning that a rooted object is strong and healthy’. I love that image. Not only am I to be rooted in the Word of God, I am told that doing so will make me strong and healthy.
We have explored the concept of being strong and healthy by feeding our souls with balanced meals instead of junk. This verse is another visual image given to us by God to drive home this same concept of being strong and healthy by the word of God.
And the third point is that we are to be built up in Him. Think about a healthy physical body that is built up (or as we say… ‘bulked up’). When we fill our body with healthy food and exercise our body…we get built up in physical strength. By the same token, when we fill our soul with healthy food, the word of God, and then work out our life using that knowledge, we are built up (or bulked up) in Him.
I used to think I couldn’t serve God until I was a mighty woman of faith…bulked up in Him if you will. At some point I realized that God wasn’t asking me to become a Christian wonder woman before I could be used by Him. I realized that that the wonder woman in me was the power of the Holy Spirit and He was asking me to feed myself on His word to draw more on that power in my day to day life.
So we should go out today and everyday, ready to draw on the strength of Christ to be a testimony to the awesome power of His working in us. It doesn’t matter where we are, who we are, what we are or how we are. God’s word for us here says that no matter where, who, what or how…if we receive Him, taking Him with us at all times, we are strong and built up in the power of the Holy Spirit. And with Him, nothing is impossible. So Paula, I am with you ~ let's stop living in default mode and shift into high gear of the power and authority of God!
PRAYER:
Lord, You planted a seed in me that took root the day I submitted my life to You. I received the gift of that seed with great joy. Lord, I confess that there have been times when I tucked that gift away into a ‘safe place’, sometimes walking around without even remembering I had it. Forgive me Lord, and help me remember that when I received this gift, Your expectation is that I take it with me and use it in my daily life. Nudge me Lord when I have slipped it into my pocket for a moment. Remind me to pull it out and let it take charge of my life. I acknowledge that in my flesh I am weak, but in You I am strong. Let me use this strength to Your glory. May I increase in wisdom and stature as I work out my salvation with You leading the way. Amen.
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
Colossians 2:6 says:
As you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him.
Have you received Christ? The Greek word used for received is paralambano meaning ‘to take with you , to take charge of, to receive’.
I couldn't help but think about how I can receive a gift and then put it away. Even a precious gift, like expensive jewelry or such. I receive it and then put it in its place or tuck it away in a safe place, not to be used except on special occasions or when the gift is needed in my daily life. Is this what I do with the gift of salvation?
But this word says to receive it and take with you…to take charge of it.
Salvation is not receiving Christ and then setting that gift aside in ‘its place’. It is receiving and taking it with us. I find it easy to pull that gift out when things are hard, confusing or I’m at church…but God is telling me to carry that gift with me all the time. And not just holding it in a pocket, but actually taking charge of that gift in my daily life.
This thought is expanded by the rest of that verse, saying “continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him”.
Rooted is the greek word rhizoo, meaning ‘to be rooted, with the associative meaning that a rooted object is strong and healthy’. I love that image. Not only am I to be rooted in the Word of God, I am told that doing so will make me strong and healthy.
We have explored the concept of being strong and healthy by feeding our souls with balanced meals instead of junk. This verse is another visual image given to us by God to drive home this same concept of being strong and healthy by the word of God.
And the third point is that we are to be built up in Him. Think about a healthy physical body that is built up (or as we say… ‘bulked up’). When we fill our body with healthy food and exercise our body…we get built up in physical strength. By the same token, when we fill our soul with healthy food, the word of God, and then work out our life using that knowledge, we are built up (or bulked up) in Him.
I used to think I couldn’t serve God until I was a mighty woman of faith…bulked up in Him if you will. At some point I realized that God wasn’t asking me to become a Christian wonder woman before I could be used by Him. I realized that that the wonder woman in me was the power of the Holy Spirit and He was asking me to feed myself on His word to draw more on that power in my day to day life.
So we should go out today and everyday, ready to draw on the strength of Christ to be a testimony to the awesome power of His working in us. It doesn’t matter where we are, who we are, what we are or how we are. God’s word for us here says that no matter where, who, what or how…if we receive Him, taking Him with us at all times, we are strong and built up in the power of the Holy Spirit. And with Him, nothing is impossible. So Paula, I am with you ~ let's stop living in default mode and shift into high gear of the power and authority of God!
PRAYER:
Lord, You planted a seed in me that took root the day I submitted my life to You. I received the gift of that seed with great joy. Lord, I confess that there have been times when I tucked that gift away into a ‘safe place’, sometimes walking around without even remembering I had it. Forgive me Lord, and help me remember that when I received this gift, Your expectation is that I take it with me and use it in my daily life. Nudge me Lord when I have slipped it into my pocket for a moment. Remind me to pull it out and let it take charge of my life. I acknowledge that in my flesh I am weak, but in You I am strong. Let me use this strength to Your glory. May I increase in wisdom and stature as I work out my salvation with You leading the way. Amen.
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
2009 Anchor Verse
James 4:8 ~ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
When I think about feeding my soul, this verse is top of my mind. As I have stated in past blogs, my prayer this year is that I will develop a craving for time with God that cannot be quenched by anything else. That I will change bad eating habits with good onese. That I will develop a stronger understanding of what it means to feed my soul.
God created us with a need to be fed both physically and spiritually. When we are physically hungry or thirsty…we eat. We know what it feels like to be hungry for food and we respond to it as it occurs, sometimes with great urgency! We also know that if we feed it with good, nutritious food…we grow strong and remain healthy. If we find other things to feed our physical hunger, things that are more satisfying for the moment but lack the nutrition for the long haul…we grow weak and become unwell. This is especially true if we succumb to the temporary pleasures of junk food and snacks on a regular basis and lose our desire for good food and a well balanced diet.
Feeding the soul is very similar. Our soul is hungry all the time, but many times we feed that hunger with junk and snacks instead of a well balanced and consistent diet of God’s word. Some of the junk we feed our soul has no resemblance to spiritual food (just like cheese puffs have no resemblance to real food…they taste great but have no redeeming value!). Some of the unhealthy things we can feed our soul with can be easy to recognize, like drug and alcohol addictions. Others may seem harmless, but in actuality are cheese puffs filling a space that needs a healing touch. Things like shopping to feel better, eating to feel better, even relationships and yes…gossiping, watching television or spending time on the computer. Now I am not saying that shopping, relationships, eating, television and computers are things that should be removed from our lives (you’ll notice I left out gossip from that list!). I am saying, though, that these things can move from being useful to being a replacement for what is truly needed and is the only thing that will lead to a healthy relationship with God.
Most New Year's resolutions consist of a list of these 'junk food' items that we resolve to stop doing. So I believe that instead of resolving to stop doing those thing, what we really need to say is 'I resolve to feed my soul with the word of God so I lose my desire for the habit of feeding it junk food'.
When I feel myself falling into junk food habits, James 4:8 will be my habit changing verse. Stop. Draw near to God. He will draw near to me. And as He does, he will feed my soul with what it truly craves. My prayer is that we will develop a craving for this food that cannot be quenched by anything but time with Him!
So what is your anchor verse for 2009? Leave your verse in the comment section and we will be fed by the word you leave.
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
When I think about feeding my soul, this verse is top of my mind. As I have stated in past blogs, my prayer this year is that I will develop a craving for time with God that cannot be quenched by anything else. That I will change bad eating habits with good onese. That I will develop a stronger understanding of what it means to feed my soul.
God created us with a need to be fed both physically and spiritually. When we are physically hungry or thirsty…we eat. We know what it feels like to be hungry for food and we respond to it as it occurs, sometimes with great urgency! We also know that if we feed it with good, nutritious food…we grow strong and remain healthy. If we find other things to feed our physical hunger, things that are more satisfying for the moment but lack the nutrition for the long haul…we grow weak and become unwell. This is especially true if we succumb to the temporary pleasures of junk food and snacks on a regular basis and lose our desire for good food and a well balanced diet.
Feeding the soul is very similar. Our soul is hungry all the time, but many times we feed that hunger with junk and snacks instead of a well balanced and consistent diet of God’s word. Some of the junk we feed our soul has no resemblance to spiritual food (just like cheese puffs have no resemblance to real food…they taste great but have no redeeming value!). Some of the unhealthy things we can feed our soul with can be easy to recognize, like drug and alcohol addictions. Others may seem harmless, but in actuality are cheese puffs filling a space that needs a healing touch. Things like shopping to feel better, eating to feel better, even relationships and yes…gossiping, watching television or spending time on the computer. Now I am not saying that shopping, relationships, eating, television and computers are things that should be removed from our lives (you’ll notice I left out gossip from that list!). I am saying, though, that these things can move from being useful to being a replacement for what is truly needed and is the only thing that will lead to a healthy relationship with God.
Most New Year's resolutions consist of a list of these 'junk food' items that we resolve to stop doing. So I believe that instead of resolving to stop doing those thing, what we really need to say is 'I resolve to feed my soul with the word of God so I lose my desire for the habit of feeding it junk food'.
When I feel myself falling into junk food habits, James 4:8 will be my habit changing verse. Stop. Draw near to God. He will draw near to me. And as He does, he will feed my soul with what it truly craves. My prayer is that we will develop a craving for this food that cannot be quenched by anything but time with Him!
So what is your anchor verse for 2009? Leave your verse in the comment section and we will be fed by the word you leave.
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
Replacing a Bad Attitude
I want to continue the flow of thought from the last 2 days. If we know that the substance of our faith is in the confidence and trust we have in God, and that we are to reflect that faith in our attitude, then why do we still struggle with bad attitudes?
The answer is in John 10:10…which tells us that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy that which God freely gives. If our attitude of faith is the evidence that will draw others to the kingdom of God, you can be sure the enemy is all about killing that evidence! And what better way than to attack our attitude?
This means we have to be mindful of where he can direct those attacks. What attitudes can we reflect that would shadow or darken an attitude of faith? To name just a few:
Ask God to remind and reassure you of the promise of a good and beneficial home He has prepared for you. Ask God to fill you with an attitude of faith that surpasses understanding.
Romans 5:1-5 tells us that we are justified by faith and in this we have the peace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand and REJOICE in hope of the glory of God.
No bad attitude can rejoice…but we can rejoice in any situation purely by the faith we have in the hope of the glory of God! Our ability to rejoice in the hope of the glory of God is why we can reflect an attitude of faith no matter what is going on in our lives. And sisters in Christ, if we are not stirred up by this calling on our lives, to bring Glory to God, we need to dig deep and find out…why not?
If our spirit is not moved by the hope of bringing glory to God, then our spirit is still bound in ‘self’. Bound in the hope of bringing of glory to ourselves. Bound in the hope of a self fulfilled life without Christ. Bound in the hope of an easy life. Bound in the hope of riches and fame.
Christ was crucified, made dead as a sacrifice to cover our inequities. Without that sacrificial covering, God cannot even look upon us. We may not feel we are ‘that bad’ of a person, but the smallest sin at the youngest age is enough to make us unholy. God can only look upon that which is holy. This is why He sent His son to be a pure and holy sacrifice. When we accept this sacrifice made on our behalf, when we confess to God that we are sinners but accept the blood of Christ as a covering for our sin, then we can enter into fellowship with Him. And in this fellowship we receive the faith that can reflect the attitude that brings glory to Him.
God, let me be a woman that reflects an attitude of faith so that others may be drawn to seek You, the author and source of that faith.
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
The answer is in John 10:10…which tells us that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy that which God freely gives. If our attitude of faith is the evidence that will draw others to the kingdom of God, you can be sure the enemy is all about killing that evidence! And what better way than to attack our attitude?
This means we have to be mindful of where he can direct those attacks. What attitudes can we reflect that would shadow or darken an attitude of faith? To name just a few:
- An attitude of pride
- An attitude of bitterness
- An attitude of fear
- An attitude of pride can be triggered when we listen to the enemy whispering into our ear that we are not being treated fairly. That we deserve better. Counter that with an attitude of faith that says “I am a child of God and look forward to the good and beneficial home God has prepared for me. The things of this earth are just temporary. I choose to fix my eyes and heart on Him and not on me. I choose to reflect the light of God and not the shadow of pride.”
- An attitude of bitterness can be triggered when we listen to the enemy remind us of the way we have been unfairly treated or judged or when we did not get the reward recognition we felt we deserved in a situation, especially if we have a memory of a time when someone else got the reward or recognition that was rightfully ours. Counter that with an attitude of faith that says “I am a child of God and look forward to the good and beneficial home God has prepared for me. The things of this earth are just temporary. I choose to fix my eyes and heart on Him and not on me. I choose to reflect the light of God and not the shadow of bitterness.”
- An attitude of fear can be triggered when we listen to the enemy reminding us of how we were hurt in the past, how we failed in the past, how others were not there for us in the past and so on. Counter that with an attitude of faith that says “I am a child of God and look forward to the good and beneficial home God has prepared for me. The things of this earth are just temporary. I choose to fix my eyes and heart on Him and not on me. I choose to reflect the light of God and not the shadow of fear.”
Ask God to remind and reassure you of the promise of a good and beneficial home He has prepared for you. Ask God to fill you with an attitude of faith that surpasses understanding.
Romans 5:1-5 tells us that we are justified by faith and in this we have the peace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand and REJOICE in hope of the glory of God.
No bad attitude can rejoice…but we can rejoice in any situation purely by the faith we have in the hope of the glory of God! Our ability to rejoice in the hope of the glory of God is why we can reflect an attitude of faith no matter what is going on in our lives. And sisters in Christ, if we are not stirred up by this calling on our lives, to bring Glory to God, we need to dig deep and find out…why not?
If our spirit is not moved by the hope of bringing glory to God, then our spirit is still bound in ‘self’. Bound in the hope of bringing of glory to ourselves. Bound in the hope of a self fulfilled life without Christ. Bound in the hope of an easy life. Bound in the hope of riches and fame.
Christ was crucified, made dead as a sacrifice to cover our inequities. Without that sacrificial covering, God cannot even look upon us. We may not feel we are ‘that bad’ of a person, but the smallest sin at the youngest age is enough to make us unholy. God can only look upon that which is holy. This is why He sent His son to be a pure and holy sacrifice. When we accept this sacrifice made on our behalf, when we confess to God that we are sinners but accept the blood of Christ as a covering for our sin, then we can enter into fellowship with Him. And in this fellowship we receive the faith that can reflect the attitude that brings glory to Him.
God, let me be a woman that reflects an attitude of faith so that others may be drawn to seek You, the author and source of that faith.
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
Reflecting An Attitude of Faith
Yesterday I shared on how our attitude is the evidence of the faith we have in God, based on a word from Hebrews 11:1. If you keep going on to Hebrews 11:16 it says “Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God…”.
The ‘therefore’ is referring to a long list of men and women of the bible who walked and acted in faith. Not in things they could see, but in things promised. Abraham, Isaac, Noah, Moses, Sarah, etc… They ‘acted’ in their faith. Ultimately they acted in obedience driven by a faith that their ultimate hope was in the good and beneficial home God had prepared for them upon death.
Hebrews 11:13 says “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the hearth.” God was not ashamed to be called their God because they walked in the faith of knowing they were strangers to this world and would some day be home with God. They had an attitude of confidently looking forward to things good and beneficial. And the ultimate good and beneficial thing is a home prepared for them by their Father. A home that exists for them after death.
I so want to hear God say He was not ashamed to be called my god. And I could get so caught up in focusing on my sin that I could be deceived into thinking this could never be so. But Hebrews tells me this is not the case. Paraphrased, it said ‘therefore…God is not ashamed to be called their God because they all died in faith.’ This same Faith referred to in Hebrews 11:1 that is an attitude of being sure and confident of things good and beneficial and looking forward to them.
Did these men and women of the Old Testament make mistakes or waver in their walk? Yes…we could spend a day talking just about that. The point is not that God was not ashamed of them because they were perfect people. The point is that God was not ashamed of them because they lived, walked and acted in faith. Their attitude of faith was evident in their lives.
Evidence is by definition ‘an outward sign of proof’. (Hebrews 11:1 ...and the evidence of things not seen.) I want God to see that attitude of faith in me. I want to be an ‘outward sign of proof’ of things not seen but that do exist through God. When things are hard, challenging, upsetting, scary, not going my way, hurtful…what is my attitude? What is showing to the world around me? What ‘outward sign of proof’ that I have faith do I exhibit? I can tell the world that I have faith that God is in control, that I have faith in God to use evil for good, that I have faith in God to desire good and beneficial things for me; but if my attitude does not reflect this…what kind of light am I being for God?
After all, isn’t that the ultimate reason God is not ashamed to be called our god? The men and women of the Old Testament reflected an attitude of faith that ultimately led others to seek and believe in their God. They may not have seen this come to fruition in their lifetime, but that was not theirs to see or be concerned about. They were called to act in faith so that God’s plan for generations to come would be fulfilled. I could not help but see this all come together. My attitude is an outward sign of my heart. If my heart has faith, then my attitude should reflect it. And aren’t we called by the great commission to reflect the light of God so that others may come to know Him?
Our forefathers couldn’t see what was promised but their attitude of faith led generation after generation after generation to a faith in their God. This is our calling; to reflect the attitude of being sure and confident of things good and beneficial; looking forward to them even when we cannot see them.
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
The ‘therefore’ is referring to a long list of men and women of the bible who walked and acted in faith. Not in things they could see, but in things promised. Abraham, Isaac, Noah, Moses, Sarah, etc… They ‘acted’ in their faith. Ultimately they acted in obedience driven by a faith that their ultimate hope was in the good and beneficial home God had prepared for them upon death.
Hebrews 11:13 says “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the hearth.” God was not ashamed to be called their God because they walked in the faith of knowing they were strangers to this world and would some day be home with God. They had an attitude of confidently looking forward to things good and beneficial. And the ultimate good and beneficial thing is a home prepared for them by their Father. A home that exists for them after death.
I so want to hear God say He was not ashamed to be called my god. And I could get so caught up in focusing on my sin that I could be deceived into thinking this could never be so. But Hebrews tells me this is not the case. Paraphrased, it said ‘therefore…God is not ashamed to be called their God because they all died in faith.’ This same Faith referred to in Hebrews 11:1 that is an attitude of being sure and confident of things good and beneficial and looking forward to them.
Did these men and women of the Old Testament make mistakes or waver in their walk? Yes…we could spend a day talking just about that. The point is not that God was not ashamed of them because they were perfect people. The point is that God was not ashamed of them because they lived, walked and acted in faith. Their attitude of faith was evident in their lives.
Evidence is by definition ‘an outward sign of proof’. (Hebrews 11:1 ...and the evidence of things not seen.) I want God to see that attitude of faith in me. I want to be an ‘outward sign of proof’ of things not seen but that do exist through God. When things are hard, challenging, upsetting, scary, not going my way, hurtful…what is my attitude? What is showing to the world around me? What ‘outward sign of proof’ that I have faith do I exhibit? I can tell the world that I have faith that God is in control, that I have faith in God to use evil for good, that I have faith in God to desire good and beneficial things for me; but if my attitude does not reflect this…what kind of light am I being for God?
After all, isn’t that the ultimate reason God is not ashamed to be called our god? The men and women of the Old Testament reflected an attitude of faith that ultimately led others to seek and believe in their God. They may not have seen this come to fruition in their lifetime, but that was not theirs to see or be concerned about. They were called to act in faith so that God’s plan for generations to come would be fulfilled. I could not help but see this all come together. My attitude is an outward sign of my heart. If my heart has faith, then my attitude should reflect it. And aren’t we called by the great commission to reflect the light of God so that others may come to know Him?
Our forefathers couldn’t see what was promised but their attitude of faith led generation after generation after generation to a faith in their God. This is our calling; to reflect the attitude of being sure and confident of things good and beneficial; looking forward to them even when we cannot see them.
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
The Substance of Faith
Hebrews 11:1 ~ Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.
As I meditated on this word, I was compelled to dive deeper into specific words as translated from the original Greek. I am so glad I did, because this scripture grew deeper in meaning and definitely became more applicable to my day to day life. I’ll confess, this scripture was a great one to memorize before I dissected it, but it was more lofty than ‘life like’ for me.
However…here is what I learned.
The word substance is hypostasis, meaning: confidence, trust, being sure, essence.
So I could say
Key word for me was ‘attitude’. Being a mother of 4 teenagers…this is a word I am very familiar with. Boy…an attitude can control any situation can’t it!
Attitude is the evidence that the world sees, proclaiming how we really feel. If mom has a grumpy attitude, the entire family keeps their distance. They don't feel they can come to me to talk about things, they are sure not to ask any favors and they turn to other people to get the comfort or nurturing they might need. On the other hand, when mom has a joyful attitude, they are quick to share things with me and seek me out for advice or to share a burden they are carrying.
Does the world see in me 'an attitude of confidently looking forward to what is good and beneficial ' ? Or, does my attitude betray my faith when things are hard because I am focused on the here and now and not looking forward to the good?
This scripture reminds me that if I truly have faith in God, the evidence of that faith is what the world sees in me. It's my attitude that communicates my faith more than my words. I can tell the world that I trust God with every aspect of my life, but if my attitude is one of despair or anxiety, what is the evidence the world sees?
My attitude comes not from the circumstances of the day or the moment, but from the substance of my faith.
To those that are lost, my attitude is the evidence of a hope they cannot yet see. In this, I am a witness for the power of Christ.
I can have the best evangelical script in the world, but the evidence of my faith in the hope of those words I speak is the substance that will ultimately lead the lost to salvation. In addition, the evidence of my faith seen in my attitude is the substance that will encourage other believers who are struggling in their faith.
Bottom line, my joy comes from the hope of bringing glory to God. My attitude is a reflection of the joy I have knowing God will be glorified!
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
As I meditated on this word, I was compelled to dive deeper into specific words as translated from the original Greek. I am so glad I did, because this scripture grew deeper in meaning and definitely became more applicable to my day to day life. I’ll confess, this scripture was a great one to memorize before I dissected it, but it was more lofty than ‘life like’ for me.
However…here is what I learned.
The word substance is hypostasis, meaning: confidence, trust, being sure, essence.
So I could say
- Faith is the confidence of things hoped for.
- Faith is the trust of things hoped
- Faith is being sure of things hoped for (I loved this one…being sure! I know that I know that I know!!)
- Faith is the essence of things hoped for. {Not sure I understood the definition of ‘essence’, I decided to look it up. Not what I expected. There in black in white, it said “something that exists”. The things I hope for exist!!!}
Key word for me was ‘attitude’. Being a mother of 4 teenagers…this is a word I am very familiar with. Boy…an attitude can control any situation can’t it!
Attitude is the evidence that the world sees, proclaiming how we really feel. If mom has a grumpy attitude, the entire family keeps their distance. They don't feel they can come to me to talk about things, they are sure not to ask any favors and they turn to other people to get the comfort or nurturing they might need. On the other hand, when mom has a joyful attitude, they are quick to share things with me and seek me out for advice or to share a burden they are carrying.
Does the world see in me 'an attitude of confidently looking forward to what is good and beneficial ' ? Or, does my attitude betray my faith when things are hard because I am focused on the here and now and not looking forward to the good?
This scripture reminds me that if I truly have faith in God, the evidence of that faith is what the world sees in me. It's my attitude that communicates my faith more than my words. I can tell the world that I trust God with every aspect of my life, but if my attitude is one of despair or anxiety, what is the evidence the world sees?
My attitude comes not from the circumstances of the day or the moment, but from the substance of my faith.
- I am confident that even in the hardest of times, God is present and working.
- I trust that God is in control when things just don't make sense and the world says I should be stressed out.
- I am sure that God is in control when things seem to be unraveling before me.
- When I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, I know that it exists.
To those that are lost, my attitude is the evidence of a hope they cannot yet see. In this, I am a witness for the power of Christ.
I can have the best evangelical script in the world, but the evidence of my faith in the hope of those words I speak is the substance that will ultimately lead the lost to salvation. In addition, the evidence of my faith seen in my attitude is the substance that will encourage other believers who are struggling in their faith.
Bottom line, my joy comes from the hope of bringing glory to God. My attitude is a reflection of the joy I have knowing God will be glorified!
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
Words of Encouragement
I was at a conference this last week where I had the opportunity to re-connect with old friends and meet up with new friends. Now, for those that don't know me, you need to understand that I am an extreme introvert by nature. My comfort zone is to stay in my room and only come out to attend the meetings. It's not that I don't like people, I just have a high level of anxiety in social situations. For years I gave into that anxiety and kept to myself as much as possible. But the following verse was an 'ah-ha' moment for me that gave me reason to consider my introverted ways as a bit of rebellious behavior:
Hebrews 10:24-25
~ Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…”
God has shown us in scripture and by Christ’s example that we are called to reach out in the power of the Spirit. This means that we are to do it not because we feel like it; not because someone deserves it or even because someone tells us to. We are to do it simply because God desires us to.
This scripture from Hebrews encourages us to lift others up in the Lord. This in turn spurs them on to good deeds. We know that only good can come from God…so as we encourage one another, we are actually spurring on the work of God.
It never fails to amaze me how when I reach out to others when I am feeling weak in the flesh or spirit, the result is a renewed strength and spirit of joy…no matter what is going on in my life. This last weekend was confirmation of this for me.
Another example of how I have seen this played out in my life was on a mission trip. It was a large group and we were busy from early in the morning till late at night for an entire week. Midway through the week weary bodies were starting to influence attitudes and moods. On this particular day a portion of the group was headed back to the living quarters and conversations were growing tense and just a little 'snippy'. I myself was weary and wanted more than anything to get off by myself. I remember walking past a fruit stand and was impressed to buy a bunch of grapes and bananas to share with the group. Ugh...really Lord? This would mean I'd have to hang with the group and be social. I submitted and did as I was led and that evening ended up being one of the highlights of my week. As we ate the fruit, bodies relaxed, attitudes lifted and conversations became light hearted and pleasant. I bonded with a few people that were new to me and it was lovely evening afterall.
Everytime I apply this scripture when my flesh wants to pull back, God shows me just how deep His wisdom goes. Hebrews 10 looks like it is all about spurring others on, but when we act on this verse we find it is just as much about letting God do a work in us that spurs ourselves on.
So today I challenge you to put this verse into action. It can be the simplest thing…so don’t make this harder that it should be. A simple statement like “your smile in the morning brightened my day”. If you have a long time connection already, your statement may be a bit more involved, like “you were there for me to help me see God in a difficult situation”. It can be verbal, an email, or a hand written note slipped in a hand or put in the mail. Or use the comment section to spur on those that read this blog to continue doing His work day to day.
Each time you do this…lift up a prayer for that person and then thank God for the blessings He has given to you by having that person in your life.
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
Hebrews 10:24-25
~ Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…”
God has shown us in scripture and by Christ’s example that we are called to reach out in the power of the Spirit. This means that we are to do it not because we feel like it; not because someone deserves it or even because someone tells us to. We are to do it simply because God desires us to.
This scripture from Hebrews encourages us to lift others up in the Lord. This in turn spurs them on to good deeds. We know that only good can come from God…so as we encourage one another, we are actually spurring on the work of God.
It never fails to amaze me how when I reach out to others when I am feeling weak in the flesh or spirit, the result is a renewed strength and spirit of joy…no matter what is going on in my life. This last weekend was confirmation of this for me.
Another example of how I have seen this played out in my life was on a mission trip. It was a large group and we were busy from early in the morning till late at night for an entire week. Midway through the week weary bodies were starting to influence attitudes and moods. On this particular day a portion of the group was headed back to the living quarters and conversations were growing tense and just a little 'snippy'. I myself was weary and wanted more than anything to get off by myself. I remember walking past a fruit stand and was impressed to buy a bunch of grapes and bananas to share with the group. Ugh...really Lord? This would mean I'd have to hang with the group and be social. I submitted and did as I was led and that evening ended up being one of the highlights of my week. As we ate the fruit, bodies relaxed, attitudes lifted and conversations became light hearted and pleasant. I bonded with a few people that were new to me and it was lovely evening afterall.
Everytime I apply this scripture when my flesh wants to pull back, God shows me just how deep His wisdom goes. Hebrews 10 looks like it is all about spurring others on, but when we act on this verse we find it is just as much about letting God do a work in us that spurs ourselves on.
So today I challenge you to put this verse into action. It can be the simplest thing…so don’t make this harder that it should be. A simple statement like “your smile in the morning brightened my day”. If you have a long time connection already, your statement may be a bit more involved, like “you were there for me to help me see God in a difficult situation”. It can be verbal, an email, or a hand written note slipped in a hand or put in the mail. Or use the comment section to spur on those that read this blog to continue doing His work day to day.
Each time you do this…lift up a prayer for that person and then thank God for the blessings He has given to you by having that person in your life.
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
Choose Wisely
I have just returned from a long weekend at in Orlando leading a conference for Homemade Gourmet. Subsequently, my postings have been lacking the last couple of days, as my friend Cindy has so sweetly pointed out to me today. So I asked her if she had some thoughts to share to fill in again as a guest author, and she graciously shared this post below. Thanks Cindy!
CHOOSE WISELY
Cindy Meador Pirtle
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10
Choice is the human ability to decide between two options. If this faculty is well trained, a person is able to discriminate or choose well between options of good and evil, right and wrong, advantage and disadvantage. What constitutes “good choosing?” We make two types of choices everyday - about what sort of person we are and about what to do in a situation or crisis - and we strive to choose what is right over what is easy. In each decision, we have the option of loyalty to a high and difficult standard versus personal advantage. The wise person chooses loyalty to the good. As Christians, we understand that we in no way merit the grace God has freely given us. So, if our works have no bearing on the unmerited grace of God, must our daily choices be difficult?
James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? Remember that the Jews were taught that salvation came as a result of obedience to the law, THEN they were told faith was crucial. James is trying to explain in terms they can understand. Funny how we still need that explanation today! James considered the problem of faith and works simply because some people were utilizing a profession of faith as a refuge from ethical responsibility. His concern was to maintain that Christian faith involves enduring moral responsibility. What a concept for modern civilization – moral responsibility!
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. Dead faith erroneously assumes that the acceptance of monotheism can make a person right with God. Such orthodoxy, apart from works of obedient submission to the heavenly Father’s will, is utterly worthless.
This is no small matter. You read every day or hear from friends about how circumstances outside someone’s control determine a person’s actions or character. They never take responsibility. Whereas our popular culture often excuses people based on their circumstances, Scripture raises the question of responsibility for our actions and point out that our choices have more significance – eternal life.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial (endures temptation), because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. Let’s not get too excited with visions of jewel encrusted tiaras! The Crown of Life is God’s reward of eternal life, not a literal crown. Ladies, put aside your visions of the Miss America tiara!
James 1:13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;
That’s right! Give up the blame game here! God doesn’t make the bad things happen in our lives, but he does give us free will to choose paths that may lead to bad things, yet even then can use that to strengthen our faith. James encourages us to confess our sin and our own guilt and not to implicate God as if He compelled us to sin.
We have a prophesied end in which our choices every day, choices for or against our becoming more loving people and more like God, are the deal makers or breakers. We are born as the images of God, created for an eternal life in his presence. We have a choice, however, because of the free will we enjoy from him; we can become images in the likeness of God by choosing love over death and sharing in the resurrection of Love himself - or we can choose the easy road of advantage and personal comfort. How do we always know the wise choice?
James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
DO WHAT IT SAYS. How many times have you told your children, “Just do what I tell you to do!” Your mind and desire are not enough, your will must change the way you act and live. Doing something with your whole heart means your mind, desire and will. You may believe that planes are safe and desire to fly, but true faith is in the act of getting on the plane. I love our pastor’s prayer after the reading of scripture. “Bless the reading of this word not only to our minds that we might have changed ideas, but also to our hearts that we might lead changed lives.” That is what God is calling us to do, LEAD CHANGED LIVES, BE DOERS OF THE WORD. The doer here is someone who from the heart embraces God’s word and testifies by his life that he really believes. Luke 6:28, “Blessed are they who hear God’s word and keep it.”
Our circumstances may make our choices relatively hard or obvious, but God’s word points us to the ones we must make in order to realize our prophesied destinies as a royal priesthood and heirs of Christ.
CHOOSE WISELY
Cindy Meador Pirtle
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10
Choice is the human ability to decide between two options. If this faculty is well trained, a person is able to discriminate or choose well between options of good and evil, right and wrong, advantage and disadvantage. What constitutes “good choosing?” We make two types of choices everyday - about what sort of person we are and about what to do in a situation or crisis - and we strive to choose what is right over what is easy. In each decision, we have the option of loyalty to a high and difficult standard versus personal advantage. The wise person chooses loyalty to the good. As Christians, we understand that we in no way merit the grace God has freely given us. So, if our works have no bearing on the unmerited grace of God, must our daily choices be difficult?
James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? Remember that the Jews were taught that salvation came as a result of obedience to the law, THEN they were told faith was crucial. James is trying to explain in terms they can understand. Funny how we still need that explanation today! James considered the problem of faith and works simply because some people were utilizing a profession of faith as a refuge from ethical responsibility. His concern was to maintain that Christian faith involves enduring moral responsibility. What a concept for modern civilization – moral responsibility!
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. Dead faith erroneously assumes that the acceptance of monotheism can make a person right with God. Such orthodoxy, apart from works of obedient submission to the heavenly Father’s will, is utterly worthless.
This is no small matter. You read every day or hear from friends about how circumstances outside someone’s control determine a person’s actions or character. They never take responsibility. Whereas our popular culture often excuses people based on their circumstances, Scripture raises the question of responsibility for our actions and point out that our choices have more significance – eternal life.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial (endures temptation), because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. Let’s not get too excited with visions of jewel encrusted tiaras! The Crown of Life is God’s reward of eternal life, not a literal crown. Ladies, put aside your visions of the Miss America tiara!
James 1:13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;
That’s right! Give up the blame game here! God doesn’t make the bad things happen in our lives, but he does give us free will to choose paths that may lead to bad things, yet even then can use that to strengthen our faith. James encourages us to confess our sin and our own guilt and not to implicate God as if He compelled us to sin.
We have a prophesied end in which our choices every day, choices for or against our becoming more loving people and more like God, are the deal makers or breakers. We are born as the images of God, created for an eternal life in his presence. We have a choice, however, because of the free will we enjoy from him; we can become images in the likeness of God by choosing love over death and sharing in the resurrection of Love himself - or we can choose the easy road of advantage and personal comfort. How do we always know the wise choice?
James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
DO WHAT IT SAYS. How many times have you told your children, “Just do what I tell you to do!” Your mind and desire are not enough, your will must change the way you act and live. Doing something with your whole heart means your mind, desire and will. You may believe that planes are safe and desire to fly, but true faith is in the act of getting on the plane. I love our pastor’s prayer after the reading of scripture. “Bless the reading of this word not only to our minds that we might have changed ideas, but also to our hearts that we might lead changed lives.” That is what God is calling us to do, LEAD CHANGED LIVES, BE DOERS OF THE WORD. The doer here is someone who from the heart embraces God’s word and testifies by his life that he really believes. Luke 6:28, “Blessed are they who hear God’s word and keep it.”
Our circumstances may make our choices relatively hard or obvious, but God’s word points us to the ones we must make in order to realize our prophesied destinies as a royal priesthood and heirs of Christ.
A Morning Prayer
I thought I would share with you what I have for breakfast every morning. I'm talking about my morning meal with God. When I miss this breakfast and grab a cereal bar instead (a quick prayer sent up to get the meal out of the way, but not really sitting at the table for bacon and eggs) I find my soul is hungry before noon! This is when I am most likely to fill that hunger with junk food (bad choices).
This 'meal' is a collection of verses that God has laid on my heart over time that I speak in my morning prayer.
MORNING PRAYER SCRIPTURES
Psalm 107:8-9 ~ Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. James 4:8 ~Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Psalm 46:10 ~ Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted in the earth. I will be exalted among the nations. Psalm 63:1, 3-4~ O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water…Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. Psalm 143:8 ~ Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. Psalm 5:3 ~ In the morning, Oh Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning, Lord, I lay my request before You and wait in expectation. Psalm 62:5-8 ~ My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Proverbs 3:5-6 ~Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Psalm 143:1 ~ Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness.
Try taking these scriptures and personalizing them into a prayer lifted up to start your day with God. This is an example of what my personalized version looks like but you will want to meditate on these verses and make them your own.
Oh God, You are my God. Early this day I seek You.
I bring you thanks this day for your unfailing love and wonderful deeds. Thank You Lord that You are in everything and every moment of my day and that all I need to do is seek You in it. Thank You that I can worship You and praise You no matter the circumstances of my day. I come before You today, just as the day before and the days to come, thanking You for Your unfailing love whether times are good or bad, hard or easy. No matter the circumstances, Your love for me remains constant.
As I come before You today Lord, I come hungry and thirsty and Your Word promises that You satisfy that thirst and fill my hunger with good things….this is Your unfailing love for me. Bring me that word of Your unfailing love. Show me the way that I should go…for to You I lift up my soul. A soul that hungers and thirsts for You and only You. Fill me with Your presence and Your power.
Today I draw near to You to be fed as You draw near to me. I will be still in Your presence and know that YOU ARE GOD!. You are to be exalted among the nations and the earth. So I come to You this day bringing a sacrifice of praise to my God almighty; maker of heaven and earth, Father of my Savior, lover of my soul. Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips praise You. Let me bless You while I live. I lift up my hands in Your name.
This morning Lord, hear my voice. This morning oh Lord, I lay my request before You and wait in expectation. I wait silently for You God and You alone. My expectation is from You. Forgive my unbelief. Make me strong in my faith and give me a heart that truly expects to see You working in my life.
I trust in You Lord at all times and pour out my heart before You because You are my rock and my refuge. Yes Lord, I come to You with a trust that exceeds my own understanding. With all my heart I desire to trust in You. I confess my wavering thoughts and questioning heart and cry out to You to make my faith strong, my heart true to You, my soul filled by Your Spirit. I acknowledge You Lord, I look to You, seeking Your face in my daily moments as well as my times of need. I acknowledge You as the one from whom all good things come, and give You all the praise and glory of the good in my life.
As I look to You today oh Lord, direct my path. Give me eyes to see Your direction and a heart willing to obey. Show me the way that I should go.
(spend time seeking, asking and listening)
Humbly I seek You Lord. Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness. Amen.
This 'meal' is a collection of verses that God has laid on my heart over time that I speak in my morning prayer.
MORNING PRAYER SCRIPTURES
Psalm 107:8-9 ~ Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. James 4:8 ~Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Psalm 46:10 ~ Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted in the earth. I will be exalted among the nations. Psalm 63:1, 3-4~ O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water…Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. Psalm 143:8 ~ Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. Psalm 5:3 ~ In the morning, Oh Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning, Lord, I lay my request before You and wait in expectation. Psalm 62:5-8 ~ My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Proverbs 3:5-6 ~Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Psalm 143:1 ~ Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness.
Try taking these scriptures and personalizing them into a prayer lifted up to start your day with God. This is an example of what my personalized version looks like but you will want to meditate on these verses and make them your own.
Oh God, You are my God. Early this day I seek You.
I bring you thanks this day for your unfailing love and wonderful deeds. Thank You Lord that You are in everything and every moment of my day and that all I need to do is seek You in it. Thank You that I can worship You and praise You no matter the circumstances of my day. I come before You today, just as the day before and the days to come, thanking You for Your unfailing love whether times are good or bad, hard or easy. No matter the circumstances, Your love for me remains constant.
As I come before You today Lord, I come hungry and thirsty and Your Word promises that You satisfy that thirst and fill my hunger with good things….this is Your unfailing love for me. Bring me that word of Your unfailing love. Show me the way that I should go…for to You I lift up my soul. A soul that hungers and thirsts for You and only You. Fill me with Your presence and Your power.
Today I draw near to You to be fed as You draw near to me. I will be still in Your presence and know that YOU ARE GOD!. You are to be exalted among the nations and the earth. So I come to You this day bringing a sacrifice of praise to my God almighty; maker of heaven and earth, Father of my Savior, lover of my soul. Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips praise You. Let me bless You while I live. I lift up my hands in Your name.
This morning Lord, hear my voice. This morning oh Lord, I lay my request before You and wait in expectation. I wait silently for You God and You alone. My expectation is from You. Forgive my unbelief. Make me strong in my faith and give me a heart that truly expects to see You working in my life.
I trust in You Lord at all times and pour out my heart before You because You are my rock and my refuge. Yes Lord, I come to You with a trust that exceeds my own understanding. With all my heart I desire to trust in You. I confess my wavering thoughts and questioning heart and cry out to You to make my faith strong, my heart true to You, my soul filled by Your Spirit. I acknowledge You Lord, I look to You, seeking Your face in my daily moments as well as my times of need. I acknowledge You as the one from whom all good things come, and give You all the praise and glory of the good in my life.
As I look to You today oh Lord, direct my path. Give me eyes to see Your direction and a heart willing to obey. Show me the way that I should go.
(spend time seeking, asking and listening)
Humbly I seek You Lord. Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness. Amen.
Martha, Martha, Martha!
To grow stronger in my spiritual life in 2009, I will need to more purposeful about choosing what to feed my soul.
There is a great verse about making choices that came to mind as I meditated on this idea.
Luke 10 : 41-42 ~
And Jesus answered ‘Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’
Now…I will tell you that for the longest time, this story really rubbed me the wrong way. I could completely understand Martha’s position. After all…someone has to make sure there is food on the table or we’d all be hungry. When guests arrive, someone has to see to their needs. If we all just sat around talking, nothing would get done. It’s just not fair to call out Martha when Mary is not pulling her fair share of the work load. Poor Martha.
Then one day God opened my eyes. Jesus didn’t say ‘Martha, you are fussing with serving dinner and setting a pretty table’. He said ‘Martha you are worried and troubled about many things…” Jesus was speaking into her life, not just the moment.
Martha was busy proving her worth, controlling the situation, desiring to impress so she could feel valued. Jesus is saying ‘Come to Me first. Choose Me first. Look to Me to find your worth. Choose the good part that cannot be taken away….choose ME. Then the other things will be taken care of as needed.’
Imagine if Martha had chosen time with Jesus first, along with Mary. They would have welcomed Him into their home and immediately sat with Him, talking about things of God. Gleaning wisdom and gaining eternal value. Eventually Jesus would have said…. I’m getting hungry, are you? The meal would be served eventually, with everyone pitching in. The table would not be magazine worthy, but to make it so would have been time spent on something with fleeting value. The meal may not be Food Network worthy…but making it so would have been time spent on something with fleeting value. Did they need a clean table to eat on and food that tasted good and healthy? Yes. Would this have been accomplished if they had all worked together after spending time with Jesus first? Yes.
Jesus has been invited into your home. Where do you start your day…at His feet or with the chores? Maybe you start at his feet and in His Word…but do you ask Him to direct your day? Or do you finish your allotted time with the Lord and then get consumed with the details of the day? If you were to miss your time with Him, or cut your time short to get to the chores that are waiting and calling…would you feel it?
I realize that I need to choose to establish regular meal times with God. Not snacks picked up here and there. Not sporadic feasts followed by times of famine or starvation. I need to choose to follow a regularly scheduled meal time and then listen to the cravings of my spirit when I get so busy I forget to sit down and be still; missing a meal.
So 2009 is a year to make better meal time choices ~ Body and Soul!
What is God asking you to choose?
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
There is a great verse about making choices that came to mind as I meditated on this idea.
Luke 10 : 41-42 ~
And Jesus answered ‘Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’
Now…I will tell you that for the longest time, this story really rubbed me the wrong way. I could completely understand Martha’s position. After all…someone has to make sure there is food on the table or we’d all be hungry. When guests arrive, someone has to see to their needs. If we all just sat around talking, nothing would get done. It’s just not fair to call out Martha when Mary is not pulling her fair share of the work load. Poor Martha.
Then one day God opened my eyes. Jesus didn’t say ‘Martha, you are fussing with serving dinner and setting a pretty table’. He said ‘Martha you are worried and troubled about many things…” Jesus was speaking into her life, not just the moment.
Martha was busy proving her worth, controlling the situation, desiring to impress so she could feel valued. Jesus is saying ‘Come to Me first. Choose Me first. Look to Me to find your worth. Choose the good part that cannot be taken away….choose ME. Then the other things will be taken care of as needed.’
Imagine if Martha had chosen time with Jesus first, along with Mary. They would have welcomed Him into their home and immediately sat with Him, talking about things of God. Gleaning wisdom and gaining eternal value. Eventually Jesus would have said…. I’m getting hungry, are you? The meal would be served eventually, with everyone pitching in. The table would not be magazine worthy, but to make it so would have been time spent on something with fleeting value. The meal may not be Food Network worthy…but making it so would have been time spent on something with fleeting value. Did they need a clean table to eat on and food that tasted good and healthy? Yes. Would this have been accomplished if they had all worked together after spending time with Jesus first? Yes.
Jesus has been invited into your home. Where do you start your day…at His feet or with the chores? Maybe you start at his feet and in His Word…but do you ask Him to direct your day? Or do you finish your allotted time with the Lord and then get consumed with the details of the day? If you were to miss your time with Him, or cut your time short to get to the chores that are waiting and calling…would you feel it?
I realize that I need to choose to establish regular meal times with God. Not snacks picked up here and there. Not sporadic feasts followed by times of famine or starvation. I need to choose to follow a regularly scheduled meal time and then listen to the cravings of my spirit when I get so busy I forget to sit down and be still; missing a meal.
So 2009 is a year to make better meal time choices ~ Body and Soul!
What is God asking you to choose?
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
A Year Older and a Year Stronger
I can be very self critical and the enemy likes to use that to discourage me from seeking to do more to bring glory to God. There have been times in my life when I was ready to quit trying to make a difference as the poor choices I had made weighed down on me. However, God revealed to me a particular scripture that has been a source of strength; a truth I can use to combat the lie of the enemy when I am tempted to be to hard and critical of myself and give up.
Colossians 2:6
As you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him.
I find strenght and guidance in 3 points contained in this scripture:
1. Receive Christ as Lord
2. Live rooted in Him
3. Be built up in Him
1. Receive Christ as Lord
The Greek word used for 'received' is paralambano meaning 'to take with you, to take charge of, to receive'.
Paralambano is so much more powerful than to just receive! Personally, I can receive something and then put it away, like a gift, even a precious gift like expensive jewelry or such. I receive it and then put it in its place or tuck it away in a safe place, not to be used except on special occasions or when the gift is needed in my daily life. But this word says to receive it and take it with you…to take charge of it!
Salvation is not receiving Christ and then setting that gift aside in ‘it’s place’. It is receiving and taking it with us. I find it easy to pull that gift out when things are hard, confusing or I’m at church…but God is telling me to carry that gift with me all the time. And not just holding it in a pocket, but actually taking charge of that gift in my daily life.
2. Live rooted in HimRooted is the greek word rhizoo, meaning ‘to be rooted, with the associative meaning that a rooted object is strong and healthy’. I love that image. Not only am I to be rooted in the Word of God, I am told that doing so will make me strong and healthy.
In past posts, we have explored the concept of being strong and healthy by feeding our souls with balanced meals instead of junk. This verse is another visual image given to us by God to drive home this same concept. It is the roots of a plant that keep it firmly planted in the ground as well as providing nourishment to the body of the plant. That nourishment is found within the soil that it is planted. We are to feed our roots on the living Word of God; Jesus Christ.
3. Be built up in Him
Think about a healthy physical body that is built up (or as we say… ‘bulked up’). When we fill our body with healthy food and exercise that body…we get built up in physical strength. When we fill our soul with healthy food, the word of God, and then work out our life using that knowledge, we are built up (or bulked up) in Him.
I used to think I couldn’t serve God until I was a mighty woman of faith…bulked up in Him if you will. At some point I realized that God wasn’t asking me to become a Christian wonder woman before I could be used by Him. I realized that that the wonder woman in me was the power of the Holy Spirit and He was asking me to feed myself on His word to draw more on that power in my day to day life. It was in the exercise of going to God when I was caught up in the circumstances of bad choices that I developed stronger muscles for the future work He has planned for me. I was 'bulked up'!
So the truth that combats the lie of an enemy that wants to stop me from succeeding in pleasing God is to put together 1,2 and 3!
We receive Christ, not as a gift we take with joy and then put away to ‘keep safe’ or even forget about. No, we are to receive it and then allow it to take charge of our lives; to live our lives in Him. And then work out our salvation; a spiritual 'work out' that will build up our spiritual muscles.
In 2008 I made good choices and not so good choices, but my spiritual workout has made me stronger as I go into 2009. My roots are firmly in Christ and I am letting Him take charge of my life. How strong and 'bulked up' I will be at the end of 2009 is something God knows and I will find out!
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
Colossians 2:6
As you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him.
I find strenght and guidance in 3 points contained in this scripture:
1. Receive Christ as Lord
2. Live rooted in Him
3. Be built up in Him
1. Receive Christ as Lord
The Greek word used for 'received' is paralambano meaning 'to take with you, to take charge of, to receive'.
Paralambano is so much more powerful than to just receive! Personally, I can receive something and then put it away, like a gift, even a precious gift like expensive jewelry or such. I receive it and then put it in its place or tuck it away in a safe place, not to be used except on special occasions or when the gift is needed in my daily life. But this word says to receive it and take it with you…to take charge of it!
Salvation is not receiving Christ and then setting that gift aside in ‘it’s place’. It is receiving and taking it with us. I find it easy to pull that gift out when things are hard, confusing or I’m at church…but God is telling me to carry that gift with me all the time. And not just holding it in a pocket, but actually taking charge of that gift in my daily life.
2. Live rooted in HimRooted is the greek word rhizoo, meaning ‘to be rooted, with the associative meaning that a rooted object is strong and healthy’. I love that image. Not only am I to be rooted in the Word of God, I am told that doing so will make me strong and healthy.
In past posts, we have explored the concept of being strong and healthy by feeding our souls with balanced meals instead of junk. This verse is another visual image given to us by God to drive home this same concept. It is the roots of a plant that keep it firmly planted in the ground as well as providing nourishment to the body of the plant. That nourishment is found within the soil that it is planted. We are to feed our roots on the living Word of God; Jesus Christ.
3. Be built up in Him
Think about a healthy physical body that is built up (or as we say… ‘bulked up’). When we fill our body with healthy food and exercise that body…we get built up in physical strength. When we fill our soul with healthy food, the word of God, and then work out our life using that knowledge, we are built up (or bulked up) in Him.
I used to think I couldn’t serve God until I was a mighty woman of faith…bulked up in Him if you will. At some point I realized that God wasn’t asking me to become a Christian wonder woman before I could be used by Him. I realized that that the wonder woman in me was the power of the Holy Spirit and He was asking me to feed myself on His word to draw more on that power in my day to day life. It was in the exercise of going to God when I was caught up in the circumstances of bad choices that I developed stronger muscles for the future work He has planned for me. I was 'bulked up'!
So the truth that combats the lie of an enemy that wants to stop me from succeeding in pleasing God is to put together 1,2 and 3!
We receive Christ, not as a gift we take with joy and then put away to ‘keep safe’ or even forget about. No, we are to receive it and then allow it to take charge of our lives; to live our lives in Him. And then work out our salvation; a spiritual 'work out' that will build up our spiritual muscles.
In 2008 I made good choices and not so good choices, but my spiritual workout has made me stronger as I go into 2009. My roots are firmly in Christ and I am letting Him take charge of my life. How strong and 'bulked up' I will be at the end of 2009 is something God knows and I will find out!
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
It's Good to be in a Rut!
What does success really looks like according to God. I know He has a plan for me and it is revealed to me one step at a time.
One step at a time. In a world that desires immediate answers, one step at a time guidance can be frustrating. In a world that can click on a website and get detailed directions to any destination they desire, God asks us to trust Him one step at a time.
I love that I can google a map that not only tells me what roads to take, where to turn, pictures of what each road and turn looks like, mileage and feet from one turn to the next and expected travel time! I used to be very hesitant to drive to parts of town I was unfamiliar with. And if I was traveling to an area that required me to rent a car and drive myself, I would insist on a traveling companion. But now that I can print that map with pictures AND get verbal directions from my GPS, I don't hesitate to go anywhere on my own. (I am especially fond of that kind voice on the GPS that says "recalculating" when I make those wrong turns!) With my map and GPS, I have great confidence driving down any road...any path.
There are days when I wish God would give me that kind of map. Show me what is around that corner before I come to it. Tell me when to turn and how far it is between each turn. Let me know the travel time to the next destination. Give me a GGPS (God's Guidance for Personal Success) with verbal turn by turn instructions. (Can't you just hear that tender and encouraging voice saying "recalculating" when we made those wrong turns!)
God is God, and if it was good for us, He would provide us with all the details we desired as we walk the path He has laid out for us. I take great comfort in knowing that because God is God, learning to lean on Him is better than any map we could ever ask for. And as for that GGPS, I'll take the leading of the Holy Spirit and it's steady voice speaking to my soul whenever I choose to listen.
God gives us a map. We find it in His Word. And as I explored what this map said about God's path, I found some great insight and direction.
Below are just a few of the verses that tell us God has a path planned out for our life. In these verses, there are 3 different Hebrew words used that are translated as 'path' in the english language.
Some use the Hebrew word that means a rutted path of a cart or a wagon.
Some use the Hebrew word for a road; or by extension ~ behavior, lifestyle.
Some use the Hebrew word for thoroughfare; or by extension ~ way of life, manner of conduct.
Each Hebrew variation of the word 'path' has significant and specific meaning that is useful in gleening a deeper word from these scriptures.
In this scripture, God is showing us that His path is like a rutted path of a cart or wagon:
Psalm 23:3
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Think about a rutted path. It is created because carts and wagons have taken that path over and over and over. The wheels of the carts and wagons have carved out a deep path that others can follow and not get lost. It has been used so much because it has proven to be the best path to take to reach the destination successfully. In fact, a rutted path that is followed over and over for long periods of time can be hard to get out of. The wheels are deep in the path and one would have to intentionally jerk their wagon wheels out of the rut to go in a different direction.
So this verse actually says, He leads me in the rutted paths of righteousness... God is telling us that if we will just walk in the path He has carved out for us, we can't get lost and we will live a life in order to please God. And by specifically choosing this Hebrew word, I can't help but think God is reminding me that as a believer filled with the Holy Spirit, getting off His path is an intentional act of rebellion.
IN this next scripture, God is showing us that His path tells us how to behave and the type of lifestyle we should have:
Psalm 54:10
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Here God is telling us that His word, biblical scripture, tells us how to behave and the type of lifestyle we should have. There is no excuse for not knowing how to live a life in order to please God.
IN these scriptures, God is showing us that His path should be our way of life and how we conduct ourselves on a daily basis:
Psalm 27:11
Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path.
Psalm 16:11
You will show me the path of life.
I love the second one. God will show me the way of my life and what to do every every day.
As a believer, the Holy Spirit gives us a desire to live in order to please God. But there are times when we jerk our carts out of the rutted path and take off in our own directions. But the rutted path is there. At some point we realize the path we have decided to take on our own does not bring the joy and peace we thought it would. How good it is to return to that rutted path and fall back into it. It feels good. It feels like home.
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
One step at a time. In a world that desires immediate answers, one step at a time guidance can be frustrating. In a world that can click on a website and get detailed directions to any destination they desire, God asks us to trust Him one step at a time.
I love that I can google a map that not only tells me what roads to take, where to turn, pictures of what each road and turn looks like, mileage and feet from one turn to the next and expected travel time! I used to be very hesitant to drive to parts of town I was unfamiliar with. And if I was traveling to an area that required me to rent a car and drive myself, I would insist on a traveling companion. But now that I can print that map with pictures AND get verbal directions from my GPS, I don't hesitate to go anywhere on my own. (I am especially fond of that kind voice on the GPS that says "recalculating" when I make those wrong turns!) With my map and GPS, I have great confidence driving down any road...any path.
There are days when I wish God would give me that kind of map. Show me what is around that corner before I come to it. Tell me when to turn and how far it is between each turn. Let me know the travel time to the next destination. Give me a GGPS (God's Guidance for Personal Success) with verbal turn by turn instructions. (Can't you just hear that tender and encouraging voice saying "recalculating" when we made those wrong turns!)
God is God, and if it was good for us, He would provide us with all the details we desired as we walk the path He has laid out for us. I take great comfort in knowing that because God is God, learning to lean on Him is better than any map we could ever ask for. And as for that GGPS, I'll take the leading of the Holy Spirit and it's steady voice speaking to my soul whenever I choose to listen.
God gives us a map. We find it in His Word. And as I explored what this map said about God's path, I found some great insight and direction.
Below are just a few of the verses that tell us God has a path planned out for our life. In these verses, there are 3 different Hebrew words used that are translated as 'path' in the english language.
Some use the Hebrew word that means a rutted path of a cart or a wagon.
Some use the Hebrew word for a road; or by extension ~ behavior, lifestyle.
Some use the Hebrew word for thoroughfare; or by extension ~ way of life, manner of conduct.
Each Hebrew variation of the word 'path' has significant and specific meaning that is useful in gleening a deeper word from these scriptures.
In this scripture, God is showing us that His path is like a rutted path of a cart or wagon:
Psalm 23:3
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Think about a rutted path. It is created because carts and wagons have taken that path over and over and over. The wheels of the carts and wagons have carved out a deep path that others can follow and not get lost. It has been used so much because it has proven to be the best path to take to reach the destination successfully. In fact, a rutted path that is followed over and over for long periods of time can be hard to get out of. The wheels are deep in the path and one would have to intentionally jerk their wagon wheels out of the rut to go in a different direction.
So this verse actually says, He leads me in the rutted paths of righteousness... God is telling us that if we will just walk in the path He has carved out for us, we can't get lost and we will live a life in order to please God. And by specifically choosing this Hebrew word, I can't help but think God is reminding me that as a believer filled with the Holy Spirit, getting off His path is an intentional act of rebellion.
IN this next scripture, God is showing us that His path tells us how to behave and the type of lifestyle we should have:
Psalm 54:10
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Here God is telling us that His word, biblical scripture, tells us how to behave and the type of lifestyle we should have. There is no excuse for not knowing how to live a life in order to please God.
IN these scriptures, God is showing us that His path should be our way of life and how we conduct ourselves on a daily basis:
Psalm 27:11
Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path.
Psalm 16:11
You will show me the path of life.
I love the second one. God will show me the way of my life and what to do every every day.
As a believer, the Holy Spirit gives us a desire to live in order to please God. But there are times when we jerk our carts out of the rutted path and take off in our own directions. But the rutted path is there. At some point we realize the path we have decided to take on our own does not bring the joy and peace we thought it would. How good it is to return to that rutted path and fall back into it. It feels good. It feels like home.
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
An Undeniable Craving
Are you living in order to please God? Seriously stop and ask yourself that question. At this time of year, when we are making resolutions and lists of things to accomplish in 2009, are we thinking about what God desires or is our goal sheet filled with what we think needs to be changed or done so that we have a successful new year?
Paul tells us we are to life a live in order to please God.
1 Thess 4:1-2 (NIV)
1 Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
Paul is telling us here that it is an expectation that we live in order to please God. Not just for certain tasks or in specific areas of our lives, but in everything.... and then to do it more and more!
This is contrary to current expectations of the world we live in. We are bombarded with messages to live for ourselves, do what feels good, put yourself first. Success, we are told, is the job you have, the income you make or the list of accomplishment you can rattle off.
So what does it mean to live in order to please God?
First, it's impossible to live to please God without the power of the Holy Spirit. God sent His son as a sacrifice on the cross so that we could enter into a real and intimate relationship with Him, growing in our desire to please Him. In addition, He knew our flesh is incapable of living to please Him. And God's plan for us is so perfect He didn't just send the perfect sacrifice, He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in us at the point of salvation.
As believers, we receive the Holy Spirit when we accept Christ as our Savior. At the moment of salvation, we are changed from the inside out. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit gives us an internal desire like we have not had before. We desire to know more about Him. It's similar to a new relationship. If there is a connection, you soon find yourself thinking about that person all the time. You desire to spend more and more time with him or her because you want to know everything about them, like a craving. This is the internal change we experience as new believers, internally craving to know more about God and His ways.
Peter says it beautifully in 1 Peter 2:2-3
Like newborn babes, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
God is telling us that we are to crave time with Him. As a believer, the Holy Spirit gives us that craving to know more about Him so we can learn how to live in order to please Him as Paul instructed in the earlier verse. It's like feeding your soul. To crave something means you have to have it…you seek it with great purpose. To crave something means your body yearns for it. Typically we develop a craving for something after trying it for the first time. You can't develop a craving if you have never tried the food before. So Peter is definitely speaking to Christians here. Someone who has not yet accepted Christ will have a curiosity but not a craving. Their curiosity can be intense, but the craving doesn't come until you have tasted that the Lord is good.
So do you crave time with God? Do you miss Him when you have not spent time with Him?
Cravings are most familiar to us when discussing food. We know what it feels like to crave a specific food or meal. Are you aware when you have missed a meal… how about 2 meals? Would you be very purposeful in finding food if you had missed breakfast, lunch and dinner? When we miss too many meals, we actually suffer physically with headaches or other symptoms.
Do you have that kind of ravenous emptiness when you have missed daily time with the Lord? When you realize that you missed a meal for the soul…do you become very purposeful in finding time to get that meal as soon as possible or do you consider it something that you can get to later…after you finish all the stuff you need to do?
If we have missed time around the dinner table, (breakfast, lunch, dinner), getting a solid meal moves up in priority on our 'to do' list. How much more so should it be if we find ourselves going without time around the table with God?
Living in order to please God takes time in His word, getting to know Him more and more each day. It takes time in prayer, where we can talk and listen to the leading of His Spirit.
1 Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
I am asking God to give me a craving for His word that cannot be filled with anything but time in scripture and prayer. I am asking God to give me a craving to live in order to please Him. Before I make my list of resolutions and goals for 2009, I need to know what pleases my Lord.
How is God leading you into 2009?
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
Paul tells us we are to life a live in order to please God.
1 Thess 4:1-2 (NIV)
1 Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
Paul is telling us here that it is an expectation that we live in order to please God. Not just for certain tasks or in specific areas of our lives, but in everything.... and then to do it more and more!
This is contrary to current expectations of the world we live in. We are bombarded with messages to live for ourselves, do what feels good, put yourself first. Success, we are told, is the job you have, the income you make or the list of accomplishment you can rattle off.
So what does it mean to live in order to please God?
First, it's impossible to live to please God without the power of the Holy Spirit. God sent His son as a sacrifice on the cross so that we could enter into a real and intimate relationship with Him, growing in our desire to please Him. In addition, He knew our flesh is incapable of living to please Him. And God's plan for us is so perfect He didn't just send the perfect sacrifice, He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in us at the point of salvation.
As believers, we receive the Holy Spirit when we accept Christ as our Savior. At the moment of salvation, we are changed from the inside out. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit gives us an internal desire like we have not had before. We desire to know more about Him. It's similar to a new relationship. If there is a connection, you soon find yourself thinking about that person all the time. You desire to spend more and more time with him or her because you want to know everything about them, like a craving. This is the internal change we experience as new believers, internally craving to know more about God and His ways.
Peter says it beautifully in 1 Peter 2:2-3
Like newborn babes, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
God is telling us that we are to crave time with Him. As a believer, the Holy Spirit gives us that craving to know more about Him so we can learn how to live in order to please Him as Paul instructed in the earlier verse. It's like feeding your soul. To crave something means you have to have it…you seek it with great purpose. To crave something means your body yearns for it. Typically we develop a craving for something after trying it for the first time. You can't develop a craving if you have never tried the food before. So Peter is definitely speaking to Christians here. Someone who has not yet accepted Christ will have a curiosity but not a craving. Their curiosity can be intense, but the craving doesn't come until you have tasted that the Lord is good.
So do you crave time with God? Do you miss Him when you have not spent time with Him?
Cravings are most familiar to us when discussing food. We know what it feels like to crave a specific food or meal. Are you aware when you have missed a meal… how about 2 meals? Would you be very purposeful in finding food if you had missed breakfast, lunch and dinner? When we miss too many meals, we actually suffer physically with headaches or other symptoms.
Do you have that kind of ravenous emptiness when you have missed daily time with the Lord? When you realize that you missed a meal for the soul…do you become very purposeful in finding time to get that meal as soon as possible or do you consider it something that you can get to later…after you finish all the stuff you need to do?
If we have missed time around the dinner table, (breakfast, lunch, dinner), getting a solid meal moves up in priority on our 'to do' list. How much more so should it be if we find ourselves going without time around the table with God?
Living in order to please God takes time in His word, getting to know Him more and more each day. It takes time in prayer, where we can talk and listen to the leading of His Spirit.
1 Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
I am asking God to give me a craving for His word that cannot be filled with anything but time in scripture and prayer. I am asking God to give me a craving to live in order to please Him. Before I make my list of resolutions and goals for 2009, I need to know what pleases my Lord.
How is God leading you into 2009?
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
A Word of Acknowledgement
One of my favorite scriptures reminds me daily how I am to walk in my relationship with the Lord.
Proverbs 3:5-6.
~Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.
I have to feed myself this verse daily…reminding me to trust in the Lord and not in myself. A tough lesson for someone like me…head strong, determined to do things on my own without the help of others. If I don’t feed my soul with this lesson during regularly scheduled meal times…I struggle with my default nature to make it on my own, to be in control and control everything around me. But when I meditate on this word, the phrase “acknowledge Him” gives me a great visual to keep me looking in the right direction.
We all know what it means to acknowledge someone in a crowd. Sometimes it is with a simple nod of acknowledgement from across the room, catching the eye ever so briefly as you go along. Sometimes it’s a verbal acknowledgment of a special guest in the audience during a speech. Either way…it’s a simple gesture recognizing the importance of the relationship of that person and yourself.
That’s what He asks of us…to recognize the importance of the relationship between Him and us. In all our ways…acknowledge Him and He will direct our path. Just learn to give Him a quick nod, catching His eye for approval before a decision is made. Or learn to stop and cry out to Him in the midst of a heated moment before words are shared that are not of His leading.
Acknowledge Him by telling others what He has meant to you, sharing the way for others to see.
When things don’t make sense, when you don’t understand why…trust Him. Trust Him with ALL your heart. Remember the devotional earlier where I shared that I took things to the Lord, but really I was just asking Him to hold onto things until I was rested and ready to handle it myself? We’ve come full circle and back on the same topic. But that is because this topic is pivotal to our relationship with God. Without this kind of all consuming trust in HIM…we will continue to lean on ourself and not on Him.
God desires everyone to come to their moment in time when HE becomes more than just a story, more than words on a page…when He becomes your everything. Usually this moment is reached after seeking to direct our own paths and having them not work out as we had planned. We thought we had it all figured out. We chose our path and we could see all the way to the end. Problem was, we were seeing an end that we controlled in our own minds. God has a path that we cannot see beyond today, but when we learn to walk in His steps one day at a time…we reach the end reflecting the glory of our Creator…and not our flaws and scars.
Take time to acknowledge God today. If you were speaking in front of a crowd and you spotted Him amongst the crowd, what acknowledgement would you offer Him today?
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
Proverbs 3:5-6.
~Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.
I have to feed myself this verse daily…reminding me to trust in the Lord and not in myself. A tough lesson for someone like me…head strong, determined to do things on my own without the help of others. If I don’t feed my soul with this lesson during regularly scheduled meal times…I struggle with my default nature to make it on my own, to be in control and control everything around me. But when I meditate on this word, the phrase “acknowledge Him” gives me a great visual to keep me looking in the right direction.
We all know what it means to acknowledge someone in a crowd. Sometimes it is with a simple nod of acknowledgement from across the room, catching the eye ever so briefly as you go along. Sometimes it’s a verbal acknowledgment of a special guest in the audience during a speech. Either way…it’s a simple gesture recognizing the importance of the relationship of that person and yourself.
That’s what He asks of us…to recognize the importance of the relationship between Him and us. In all our ways…acknowledge Him and He will direct our path. Just learn to give Him a quick nod, catching His eye for approval before a decision is made. Or learn to stop and cry out to Him in the midst of a heated moment before words are shared that are not of His leading.
Acknowledge Him by telling others what He has meant to you, sharing the way for others to see.
When things don’t make sense, when you don’t understand why…trust Him. Trust Him with ALL your heart. Remember the devotional earlier where I shared that I took things to the Lord, but really I was just asking Him to hold onto things until I was rested and ready to handle it myself? We’ve come full circle and back on the same topic. But that is because this topic is pivotal to our relationship with God. Without this kind of all consuming trust in HIM…we will continue to lean on ourself and not on Him.
God desires everyone to come to their moment in time when HE becomes more than just a story, more than words on a page…when He becomes your everything. Usually this moment is reached after seeking to direct our own paths and having them not work out as we had planned. We thought we had it all figured out. We chose our path and we could see all the way to the end. Problem was, we were seeing an end that we controlled in our own minds. God has a path that we cannot see beyond today, but when we learn to walk in His steps one day at a time…we reach the end reflecting the glory of our Creator…and not our flaws and scars.
Take time to acknowledge God today. If you were speaking in front of a crowd and you spotted Him amongst the crowd, what acknowledgement would you offer Him today?
God Bless and Keep You,
Tami
Looking Forward to Some Day
I received a devotional from a fellow author recently and thought it was great food for thought carrying off of our recent themes. So enjoy a word from Cindy today!
Jeremiah 23: 5-6 - “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness.”
A hurricane made a big impact in our lives this year. But step back to a few years ago right after Rita. There were long car lines to leave town, tempers running high, and gas tanks running low. Those who stayed behind bought water and batteries. Most heeded the warnings and yet it seemed that all our preparations and actions were all for nothing. So the next one came and we watched the news, but did not move. The next one came, we changed the channel. The next one we yawned. Finally, for a mere Category 2, we went without power for 10 days, lost the contents of our freezers and then stared at the downed trees and power lines.
I imagine that in Biblical times, people heard or read this prophecy of the Lord and reacted similarly. For the first few years, keeping an eye and an ear peeled waiting with great hope and anticipation for this Savior. But then, the everyday hum drum of life took over. I mean, really, there were sheep to tend, families to look after, children to raise, and taxes to pay. Slowly, the great prophecy moved from the forefront of their mind, to something they remembered being told that one day would happen. Some day got further and further away.
We are not so different than those people in Biblical times. We know that the Christ will come again, we know that we can anticipate an eternity with the Father in Heaven. Some day. And so, we allow the routine of our everyday lives to take center stage, because really, if we don’t get the Christmas decorations out and up, we will miss the Neighborhood contest, disappoint the children and goodness, what will the neighbors think?
I believe that maintaining that hope and anticipation of the Lord’s promise is exactly what helps me survive the day. It is that anticipation that allows me to wake each day with a smile, knowing that while He is with me today, some day, I will be with Him. It is that hope that gives me the strength to look at the stress and trials in my life and realize with a sigh of relief that I need only pass them over to God. This Advent Season, let’s announce to the world that we are ready, willing and able to keep our hope and anticipation at the forefront of our lives for the great Some Day.
Advent Devotional 2008 – Cindy Pirtle
Jeremiah 23: 5-6 - “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness.”
A hurricane made a big impact in our lives this year. But step back to a few years ago right after Rita. There were long car lines to leave town, tempers running high, and gas tanks running low. Those who stayed behind bought water and batteries. Most heeded the warnings and yet it seemed that all our preparations and actions were all for nothing. So the next one came and we watched the news, but did not move. The next one came, we changed the channel. The next one we yawned. Finally, for a mere Category 2, we went without power for 10 days, lost the contents of our freezers and then stared at the downed trees and power lines.
I imagine that in Biblical times, people heard or read this prophecy of the Lord and reacted similarly. For the first few years, keeping an eye and an ear peeled waiting with great hope and anticipation for this Savior. But then, the everyday hum drum of life took over. I mean, really, there were sheep to tend, families to look after, children to raise, and taxes to pay. Slowly, the great prophecy moved from the forefront of their mind, to something they remembered being told that one day would happen. Some day got further and further away.
We are not so different than those people in Biblical times. We know that the Christ will come again, we know that we can anticipate an eternity with the Father in Heaven. Some day. And so, we allow the routine of our everyday lives to take center stage, because really, if we don’t get the Christmas decorations out and up, we will miss the Neighborhood contest, disappoint the children and goodness, what will the neighbors think?
I believe that maintaining that hope and anticipation of the Lord’s promise is exactly what helps me survive the day. It is that anticipation that allows me to wake each day with a smile, knowing that while He is with me today, some day, I will be with Him. It is that hope that gives me the strength to look at the stress and trials in my life and realize with a sigh of relief that I need only pass them over to God. This Advent Season, let’s announce to the world that we are ready, willing and able to keep our hope and anticipation at the forefront of our lives for the great Some Day.
Advent Devotional 2008 – Cindy Pirtle
Dancing With God
Yesterday's verse gave me more food for thought, so I thought I'd continue the conversation today.
Look at the following verses. What did God ask of His people in contrast to being stiff-necked.
Deuteronomy 10:16 2 Chronicles 30:8
In Deuteronomy we are called to circumcise our hearts and yield to the Lord. Circumcising your heart is an act signifying a consecration to the Lord. Consecration means to devote yourself irrevocably to the worship of God. That is a powerful thought. To be so devoted to the worship of God that it is not possible to take it back. This implies a full on commitment from us to our worship of God. Not a commitment of convenience but commitment of a lifetime.
This concept is repeated in 2 Chronicles when it tells us to yield to the Lord. Webster says that to yield is ‘to surrender oneself to another; giving up on claims to the physical control of another.’ If I give up my claim to something, I can never take it back. When I surrender my life to Christ, I am saying I am giving it over to Him, to never take back. A lifetime commitment.
God confirms this desire of His for us to be fully committed by calling us the Bride of Christ. Not a girlfriend but the Bride. Let’s compare the difference.
A girlfriend is a commitment of conveniences.
As long as this relationship fills my needs and fits in my schedule I have time for you
Bride is a commitment of a lifetime.
This relationship is here to stay and I will need to make time for you to keep it solid
Girlfriend is a life enhancing commitment
I have a person to share things with and do things with. It feels good to have this person here…but nothing has changed in my life. I am still my own person.
Bride is a life changing commitment
I have a person to share things with and do thing with and my life will never be the same. I have a new name, I have a new home…everything I used to do alone I now do together.
God is so devoted to us that He promises that our salvation can never be taken back. He is fully committed to our salvation. He asks the same of us. The day we accept Christ, we not only confess to believe, we must remember we also agree to a commitment. Even the demons believe…and we ourselves ‘believe’ in a lot of things. But on that day of salvation…God is making a commitment to us and we are also making a commitment ~ we become His Bride.
Consider the relationship of a husband and wife. We’ve all experienced those ‘stiff-necked’ moments between a bride and her bridegroom, either personally or in observing our parents. Typically both are stiff-necked or stubborn about an opinion or decision. Neither has any intentions of yielding to the other on the topic of the moment, but both is sure they will get the other to yield to them. We all know what happens…eventually someone does yield and the relationship grows to a new level of understanding OR neither yields and the relationship experiences one more deteriorating blow. For there to be growth in the relationship, one of the 2 has to decide it is better to yield than to be stubborn or even right.
The difference between our earthly bride and groom relationships and our heavenly relationship is that scripture is very clear on who is to do the yielding. US! We don’t have to wonder who is right. We don’t have to dig in our heals to be heard or understood. God is right, He hears us at all times and He always understands. And every time we yield, our relationship grows stronger and deeper.
Picture a bride and groom dancing. If the bride yields to the leading of the groom, the dance is smooth and beautiful. However, if the bride cannot let the groom lead and tries to do the leading herself, the movements are stiff and even painful as toes are stepped on over and over. Why does a bride struggle with letting the groom lead the movements of the dance?
Many times the bride does not trust the groom’s ability to lead. Sometimes the bride wants the dance to take a difference direction or feels the groom is not keeping up with the pace of the dance.
When we let God lead, the dance is beautiful. When we get in the way, when we become stiff-necked and unresponsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, the dance is stiff and even painful.
Someone once shared this word picture with me:
God U and I DANCE.
When we listen to the GUIDANCE of our Father, we ‘dance’!
It’s hard to dance when you have a stiff neck.
Stiff-neck, stubborn, set in my ways; I have been unresponsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit at times in my life. However, just like a couple that wants to dance together but is tired of stepping on each other’s toes, I have been taking dancing lessons! We learn from the consequences of those unresponsive moments. The Holy Spirit was and is always speaking, but I have to choose to listen and respond. And when I do, the result brings inner happiness and a fulfilling relationship.
It’s a beautiful dance when we respond to the Lord’s leading!
God Bless and Keep You
Tami
Look at the following verses. What did God ask of His people in contrast to being stiff-necked.
Deuteronomy 10:16 2 Chronicles 30:8
In Deuteronomy we are called to circumcise our hearts and yield to the Lord. Circumcising your heart is an act signifying a consecration to the Lord. Consecration means to devote yourself irrevocably to the worship of God. That is a powerful thought. To be so devoted to the worship of God that it is not possible to take it back. This implies a full on commitment from us to our worship of God. Not a commitment of convenience but commitment of a lifetime.
This concept is repeated in 2 Chronicles when it tells us to yield to the Lord. Webster says that to yield is ‘to surrender oneself to another; giving up on claims to the physical control of another.’ If I give up my claim to something, I can never take it back. When I surrender my life to Christ, I am saying I am giving it over to Him, to never take back. A lifetime commitment.
God confirms this desire of His for us to be fully committed by calling us the Bride of Christ. Not a girlfriend but the Bride. Let’s compare the difference.
A girlfriend is a commitment of conveniences.
As long as this relationship fills my needs and fits in my schedule I have time for you
Bride is a commitment of a lifetime.
This relationship is here to stay and I will need to make time for you to keep it solid
Girlfriend is a life enhancing commitment
I have a person to share things with and do things with. It feels good to have this person here…but nothing has changed in my life. I am still my own person.
Bride is a life changing commitment
I have a person to share things with and do thing with and my life will never be the same. I have a new name, I have a new home…everything I used to do alone I now do together.
God is so devoted to us that He promises that our salvation can never be taken back. He is fully committed to our salvation. He asks the same of us. The day we accept Christ, we not only confess to believe, we must remember we also agree to a commitment. Even the demons believe…and we ourselves ‘believe’ in a lot of things. But on that day of salvation…God is making a commitment to us and we are also making a commitment ~ we become His Bride.
Consider the relationship of a husband and wife. We’ve all experienced those ‘stiff-necked’ moments between a bride and her bridegroom, either personally or in observing our parents. Typically both are stiff-necked or stubborn about an opinion or decision. Neither has any intentions of yielding to the other on the topic of the moment, but both is sure they will get the other to yield to them. We all know what happens…eventually someone does yield and the relationship grows to a new level of understanding OR neither yields and the relationship experiences one more deteriorating blow. For there to be growth in the relationship, one of the 2 has to decide it is better to yield than to be stubborn or even right.
The difference between our earthly bride and groom relationships and our heavenly relationship is that scripture is very clear on who is to do the yielding. US! We don’t have to wonder who is right. We don’t have to dig in our heals to be heard or understood. God is right, He hears us at all times and He always understands. And every time we yield, our relationship grows stronger and deeper.
Picture a bride and groom dancing. If the bride yields to the leading of the groom, the dance is smooth and beautiful. However, if the bride cannot let the groom lead and tries to do the leading herself, the movements are stiff and even painful as toes are stepped on over and over. Why does a bride struggle with letting the groom lead the movements of the dance?
Many times the bride does not trust the groom’s ability to lead. Sometimes the bride wants the dance to take a difference direction or feels the groom is not keeping up with the pace of the dance.
When we let God lead, the dance is beautiful. When we get in the way, when we become stiff-necked and unresponsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, the dance is stiff and even painful.
Someone once shared this word picture with me:
God U and I DANCE.
When we listen to the GUIDANCE of our Father, we ‘dance’!
It’s hard to dance when you have a stiff neck.
Stiff-neck, stubborn, set in my ways; I have been unresponsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit at times in my life. However, just like a couple that wants to dance together but is tired of stepping on each other’s toes, I have been taking dancing lessons! We learn from the consequences of those unresponsive moments. The Holy Spirit was and is always speaking, but I have to choose to listen and respond. And when I do, the result brings inner happiness and a fulfilling relationship.
It’s a beautiful dance when we respond to the Lord’s leading!
God Bless and Keep You
Tami
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