I loved Doug's sermon yesterday. It made me stop and think what will I tell my grand kids (when I have some) or another person....What's so special about Jesus? I can think of lots of biblical answers but that's not what really moves people closer to God. They want to hear why is He so special to you and to me. How has Jesus personally affected your life and why is it that we want to know Him all the more? I was also intrigued by the thought that we would all have different answers and probably those answers would change as we grow and experience life.
So I'm going to start and then I challenge you to do the same:
As I prayed for my mom before, during and after her heart surgery - Jesus gave me a peace I can't explain but I'm going to try. I think it is like when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego wouldn't bow down to the statue and their punishment was death by fire. In Daniel 3 starting at the 16th verse they say:
“King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
I knew in my heart God is totally capable of saving my mom but He gave me a peace before hand that if He chose not to save her it would be ok - He would deliver her. He chose to deliver her through the fire - she has survived open heart surgery and her recovery is amazing. But I was at peace had He decided to deliver her by the fire to His heavenly home.
That's why today Jesus is so special to me...he can grant peace that this world cannot - just like John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Now it is your turn.........What's so special about Jesus?
click the comment link below and a box should open up, if you don't have a blogger account that's ok just select anonymous.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
When Crisis Hits
So I haven't had a chance to finish up the Holy Habits piece but I will another day.
Isn't it just like God to allow us to grow in our faith. I must admit sometimes the growing part isn't too comfortable or enjoyable. I like the classroom variety of growth - bible study - especially with some of my closest friends. But my ways are definitely not God's ways - His ways are so much higher - (thank-you Lord - Isaiah 55:8-9).
Last week WBS - studied the hard question "God are you fair?" I had one of those light bulb moments with a scripture...James 1:2-3...."Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." What does this have to do with being treated fair you might ask. I'll try and condense 5 days of study - God does not treat us fairly concerning sin - my sin - I deserve punishment - punishment to death eternally. But because He loves me - He saves me from my sin. Straight from Jennifer Rothchild:
"My friend, if what we really deserve is hell, then anything else God gives us or spares us from on this side of eternity is a privilege - even suffering." pg. 44, Missing Pieces.
AH HA - I get it - I get Jame 1:2 - moments like this -when God's word jumps off the page and into my heart are what I imagine heaven will be like...being at Jesus's feet listening to Him teach - AWESOME.
Then Monday happens - God decides it is time for a field trip - suffering, crisis, trials. My mom's cardiologist decides it is time to have bypass surgery; stints are no longer working. I'm safe and secure knowing my God can handle all things and I'm willing to let Him do it. Tuesday comes and goes and I'm still doing fine - getting everything ready for my family as I will be absent from them to be with my mom. Wednesday - today - Satan is starting to work on me. I'm having a harder time listening to music, I don't want to talk about it any more, I find myself weeping...
Consider it pure joy?! I know it in my head, and I even had it in the classroom - but this field trip stuff is hard. I surely don't have you figured out God - which is the point. Paul struggles with this when he asks God to remove the thorn in his flesh and comes to the realization that God's grace is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Consider it pure joy that my mom is having triple bypass surgery? Yes even more so as the tears cover my face - my God's grace is sufficient, may Christ's power rest on me in my weakness.
Isn't it just like God to allow us to grow in our faith. I must admit sometimes the growing part isn't too comfortable or enjoyable. I like the classroom variety of growth - bible study - especially with some of my closest friends. But my ways are definitely not God's ways - His ways are so much higher - (thank-you Lord - Isaiah 55:8-9).
Last week WBS - studied the hard question "God are you fair?" I had one of those light bulb moments with a scripture...James 1:2-3...."Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." What does this have to do with being treated fair you might ask. I'll try and condense 5 days of study - God does not treat us fairly concerning sin - my sin - I deserve punishment - punishment to death eternally. But because He loves me - He saves me from my sin. Straight from Jennifer Rothchild:
"My friend, if what we really deserve is hell, then anything else God gives us or spares us from on this side of eternity is a privilege - even suffering." pg. 44, Missing Pieces.
AH HA - I get it - I get Jame 1:2 - moments like this -when God's word jumps off the page and into my heart are what I imagine heaven will be like...being at Jesus's feet listening to Him teach - AWESOME.
Then Monday happens - God decides it is time for a field trip - suffering, crisis, trials. My mom's cardiologist decides it is time to have bypass surgery; stints are no longer working. I'm safe and secure knowing my God can handle all things and I'm willing to let Him do it. Tuesday comes and goes and I'm still doing fine - getting everything ready for my family as I will be absent from them to be with my mom. Wednesday - today - Satan is starting to work on me. I'm having a harder time listening to music, I don't want to talk about it any more, I find myself weeping...
Consider it pure joy?! I know it in my head, and I even had it in the classroom - but this field trip stuff is hard. I surely don't have you figured out God - which is the point. Paul struggles with this when he asks God to remove the thorn in his flesh and comes to the realization that God's grace is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Consider it pure joy that my mom is having triple bypass surgery? Yes even more so as the tears cover my face - my God's grace is sufficient, may Christ's power rest on me in my weakness.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Holy Habits - Bible Reading
God's Word spoken to us through the pens of men. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Clearly reading the bible is for our good. I must admit there are and probably will be more times when I read a passage and I can't tell you anything I've just read - I can reread it several times and I'm still as clueless as before. I do really believe there are better times in the day to study God's word - when we are more inclined to hear and receive. For me it is in the morning - I'm a morning person - I wake up and I'm ready to go. When I get ready to study God's word I have gotten into the habit of praying James 1:5-6...Lord grant me wisdom to hear, understand and be changed my your word, you freely give to those who ask and I believe that you will give and that I can learn. In Jesus Name Amen. I also believe the location is important - I definitely get more benefit from my study time when the house is quiet and I'm in the sunshine. Find out what works best for you.
What to study, where to start: There are so many aides out there to help you if you are unsure what to do. Devotion books, bible study books, reading your bible in a year programs, the upper room, etc. I love the books of Psalm & Proverbs so I read 1 of each everyday. I also have some type of devotional that I do and it also has suggested scripture that goes along with the devotion. During the school year I also lead the WBS which has 5 days of homework. I have learned more about God and his character from WBS than any other source. The last thing I do is when I'm struggling with something I usually find 5 to 10 scriptures that apply to that struggle or define God's character that comfort me. I write these out on index cards and have them with me and I will read and read those few scriptures more frequently for as long as it takes. How I find those scriptures: I use Bible Gateway to help me search, and I have several small books that are full of scriptures on different life struggles. Lifeway has a large assortment of these types of books and I have found them very useful.
How are we to know what to do when life hits us hard or when we need to make big decisions? I can search on Bible Gateway for jobs but it isn't going to give me an answer which one I suppose to take. I believe this is why studying the bible is so important. If we know God and His character than making these types of decisions become easier. What does God say about how to raise kids? What does say about how to treat people? What does God say about marriage? What does God say about this world and our place in it? What does God say about who we are? Does God care about school grades? Who is God? Sounds like we need to start reading our bibles to find these types of answers. Our God is love, faithful, true, trustworthy, jealous, holy, omnipresent, sovereign, and so much more.....let's find out.
What to study, where to start: There are so many aides out there to help you if you are unsure what to do. Devotion books, bible study books, reading your bible in a year programs, the upper room, etc. I love the books of Psalm & Proverbs so I read 1 of each everyday. I also have some type of devotional that I do and it also has suggested scripture that goes along with the devotion. During the school year I also lead the WBS which has 5 days of homework. I have learned more about God and his character from WBS than any other source. The last thing I do is when I'm struggling with something I usually find 5 to 10 scriptures that apply to that struggle or define God's character that comfort me. I write these out on index cards and have them with me and I will read and read those few scriptures more frequently for as long as it takes. How I find those scriptures: I use Bible Gateway to help me search, and I have several small books that are full of scriptures on different life struggles. Lifeway has a large assortment of these types of books and I have found them very useful.
How are we to know what to do when life hits us hard or when we need to make big decisions? I can search on Bible Gateway for jobs but it isn't going to give me an answer which one I suppose to take. I believe this is why studying the bible is so important. If we know God and His character than making these types of decisions become easier. What does God say about how to raise kids? What does say about how to treat people? What does God say about marriage? What does God say about this world and our place in it? What does God say about who we are? Does God care about school grades? Who is God? Sounds like we need to start reading our bibles to find these types of answers. Our God is love, faithful, true, trustworthy, jealous, holy, omnipresent, sovereign, and so much more.....let's find out.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Holy Habits - Prayer
This seems simple enough - just pray to God. How do I pray, when do I pray, what do I pray???? Let's look to the bible - there are lots of prayers recorded in the bible. Probably the most familiar is the Lord's prayer in Matthew 6:9-15. Here is a quick list of a few of the prayers:
Abraham's Prayer for Sodom - Genesis 18:23-25
David's Prayer of Thanks - 2 Samuel 7:18-29
Solomon's Prayer of Dedication - 1 Kings 8:22-30
Elijah's Prayer at Mount Carmel - I Kings 18:36-39
King Hezekiah's Prayer - 2 Kings 19:15-19
The Prayer of Jabez - 1 Chronicles 4:10
The Prayer of Ezra - Ezra 9:5-15
Hezekiah's Prayer when Sick - Isaiah 38:2-8
Daniel's Prayer for the Captive Jews - Daniel 9:4-19
Habakkuk's Prayer - Habakkuk 3:2-19
The Lord's Prayer - Matthew 6:9-15
The Tax Collector's Prayer - Luke 18:13
Christ's Intercessory Prayer - John 17
Stephen's Prayer at His Stoning - Acts 7:59-60
Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom - Ephesians 1:15-23
Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Growth - Ephesians 3:14-21
Paul's Prayer for Partners in Ministry - Philippians 1:3-11
Paul's Prayer for Knowing God's Will - Colossians 1:9-12
A Prayer of Praise - Jude 1:24-25
According to Matthew 6:6 praying is a personal and private time with God. When we love someone we want to spend time with them, talk with them forms a relationship. If we really love God then we should want to some time with Him. Can you imagine being married and never talking with your spouse? But God is so much higher than us, he is holy and we aren't, how do we get started? If we study all the prayers in the bible we will find most follow a simple rule of thumb the ACTS or the Prayer Hand patterns. I like them both but I think the ACTS is easier to remember.
A - Adoration - this is worship telling God who he is (creator, sustainer, redeemer) we love him with all our mind, soul, and strength.
C - Confession - this is where we clear away our actions that are displeasing to Him. Don't get lazy here and say God I've sinned please forgive me. Take ownership, figure out what you've done wrong and why. For example last night Isabel said something to me and I let my pride get the better of me, I wasn't slow to anger and I surely wasn't patient. I blew it - so I've prayer all those things I just stated and asked God to forgive me and help me turn from this sin - I don't want a repeat!!
T - Thanksgiving - God is continually blessing us and thanksgiving should be continually on our lips. When we focus on the gifts that he lavishes on us (mercy, grace, peace, forgiveness, etc) it helps us be humble and grateful.
S - Supplication - this is where we tell God our hurts, or pains, our scares, worries, fears - this is a good place to find some scripture to pray back to Him. For instance maybe you are fearful about something. Pray 1 John 4:18 to Him - Lord make me perfect in your love, because perfect love drives out fear and there is no fear in love.
Then what - well you should spend so time listening for God to respond. My quiet time book is one Larry gave me: When You Pray Daily Practices for Prayerful Living, by Rueben P. Job. This book is full of quotes from numerous authors. This one comes from Creating a Life with God, Wolpert; p.18:
I wasn't sure I could copy the illustration for The Prayer Hand - this is another valuable source and can be found at:
PRAYER HAND
Be on the lookout for God - in Vacation Bible School - we call these God Sightings - do you have one to share? I would love to hear about it.
Abraham's Prayer for Sodom - Genesis 18:23-25
David's Prayer of Thanks - 2 Samuel 7:18-29
Solomon's Prayer of Dedication - 1 Kings 8:22-30
Elijah's Prayer at Mount Carmel - I Kings 18:36-39
King Hezekiah's Prayer - 2 Kings 19:15-19
The Prayer of Jabez - 1 Chronicles 4:10
The Prayer of Ezra - Ezra 9:5-15
Hezekiah's Prayer when Sick - Isaiah 38:2-8
Daniel's Prayer for the Captive Jews - Daniel 9:4-19
Habakkuk's Prayer - Habakkuk 3:2-19
The Lord's Prayer - Matthew 6:9-15
The Tax Collector's Prayer - Luke 18:13
Christ's Intercessory Prayer - John 17
Stephen's Prayer at His Stoning - Acts 7:59-60
Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom - Ephesians 1:15-23
Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Growth - Ephesians 3:14-21
Paul's Prayer for Partners in Ministry - Philippians 1:3-11
Paul's Prayer for Knowing God's Will - Colossians 1:9-12
A Prayer of Praise - Jude 1:24-25
According to Matthew 6:6 praying is a personal and private time with God. When we love someone we want to spend time with them, talk with them forms a relationship. If we really love God then we should want to some time with Him. Can you imagine being married and never talking with your spouse? But God is so much higher than us, he is holy and we aren't, how do we get started? If we study all the prayers in the bible we will find most follow a simple rule of thumb the ACTS or the Prayer Hand patterns. I like them both but I think the ACTS is easier to remember.
A - Adoration - this is worship telling God who he is (creator, sustainer, redeemer) we love him with all our mind, soul, and strength.
C - Confession - this is where we clear away our actions that are displeasing to Him. Don't get lazy here and say God I've sinned please forgive me. Take ownership, figure out what you've done wrong and why. For example last night Isabel said something to me and I let my pride get the better of me, I wasn't slow to anger and I surely wasn't patient. I blew it - so I've prayer all those things I just stated and asked God to forgive me and help me turn from this sin - I don't want a repeat!!
T - Thanksgiving - God is continually blessing us and thanksgiving should be continually on our lips. When we focus on the gifts that he lavishes on us (mercy, grace, peace, forgiveness, etc) it helps us be humble and grateful.
S - Supplication - this is where we tell God our hurts, or pains, our scares, worries, fears - this is a good place to find some scripture to pray back to Him. For instance maybe you are fearful about something. Pray 1 John 4:18 to Him - Lord make me perfect in your love, because perfect love drives out fear and there is no fear in love.
Then what - well you should spend so time listening for God to respond. My quiet time book is one Larry gave me: When You Pray Daily Practices for Prayerful Living, by Rueben P. Job. This book is full of quotes from numerous authors. This one comes from Creating a Life with God, Wolpert; p.18:
A prayer practice is just that: practice. It is taking time to learn how to listen for God. It is taking time to see the hand of God at work in our lives. We need to take this time because this listening, this seeing are difficult tasks. I once introduced a time of silent prayer at a prayer service by saying, "Let us take some time to listen to God." One woman who was struggling with various concerns said, "I listen and all I hear is the fan on the ceiling." God's voice is often very soft. Prayer practice is the art of setting aside our own individual desires to seek the desire that God has placed on our heart. It is becoming aware of the distractions of our minds and then letting them go, and as we repeat the disciplines over time, we become more skilled at seeing God in all that we do.I have found if I journal my prayers when my mind wonders I can stay focused. I also have recognized one of the ways God talks to me so I'm on the look out for them now. For instance the two studies I just finished prayer was an essential part of the learning, the quote above came from last weeks devotion, Larry's sermon - God talks to me by repetition of the same theme in different ways. Look I just found something to say in my "T" part of my prayer time.
I wasn't sure I could copy the illustration for The Prayer Hand - this is another valuable source and can be found at:
PRAYER HAND
Be on the lookout for God - in Vacation Bible School - we call these God Sightings - do you have one to share? I would love to hear about it.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Holy Habits
What are Holy Habits? No I'm not talking about the traditional Nun garments. I'm talking about our daily repetitive behavior that leads us to a closer walk with God. Larry got us off to a good start in yesterday's sermon the 7 verbs (shout, serve, come, know, enter, give and bless) of Psalm 100 about giving thanks. I have found a short skit on You Tube that puts our holy habits into perspective. I hope you enjoy it:
From the video the 5 holy habits are Prayer, Bible Readings, Service, Celebration & Giving - these sound very familiar to Larry's sermon. More to come be on the lookout tomorrow.
Psalm 100 (NASB)
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting
And His faithfulness to all generations.
From the video the 5 holy habits are Prayer, Bible Readings, Service, Celebration & Giving - these sound very familiar to Larry's sermon. More to come be on the lookout tomorrow.
Psalm 100 (NASB)
Shout
joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
3 Know that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
3 Know that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting
And His faithfulness to all generations.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
PFH part 2
Preparing for the Holidays (PFH) - I was a government worker too you know :)
Well I have had great success with doing these little extras for my family - (3 days worth). I can't express how it made me feel when Elijah came downstairs and said "I love you too mom." I started with the kids oldest to youngest - tomorrow is Miriam's day - of course she did ask me yesterday..."why didn't I get a note?"
While these things are good and I am leaving a note card with a scripture on it; I do feel this is still self-serving - about "US". I believe I like how the kids responded just a little too much and that is missing the mark for sure.
Matthew 6:1-4 English Standard Version (ESV)
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
2 "Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Something is missing - So I have gone back to what God is currently teaching me with Youth Group and with the Women's Bible Study Group (WBS). Prayer - that's what is missing. We just finished Daniel with the girls in youth - Holy Habits - Daniel wasn't perfect - but we see him continually praying to God. WBS we just finished Nehemiah - did you know he prayed and fasted for 4 months before ever speaking to the king about the wall in Jerusalem. I'm doing good when I get 10 minutes in a day. Pray Pray Pray Pray....asking God to search my heart and to prepare my heart to receive this blessing of holidays in His way that is pleasing and glorifying to Him. Won't you join me?
Well I have had great success with doing these little extras for my family - (3 days worth). I can't express how it made me feel when Elijah came downstairs and said "I love you too mom." I started with the kids oldest to youngest - tomorrow is Miriam's day - of course she did ask me yesterday..."why didn't I get a note?"
While these things are good and I am leaving a note card with a scripture on it; I do feel this is still self-serving - about "US". I believe I like how the kids responded just a little too much and that is missing the mark for sure.
Matthew 6:1-4 English Standard Version (ESV)
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
2 "Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Something is missing - So I have gone back to what God is currently teaching me with Youth Group and with the Women's Bible Study Group (WBS). Prayer - that's what is missing. We just finished Daniel with the girls in youth - Holy Habits - Daniel wasn't perfect - but we see him continually praying to God. WBS we just finished Nehemiah - did you know he prayed and fasted for 4 months before ever speaking to the king about the wall in Jerusalem. I'm doing good when I get 10 minutes in a day. Pray Pray Pray Pray....asking God to search my heart and to prepare my heart to receive this blessing of holidays in His way that is pleasing and glorifying to Him. Won't you join me?
Monday, October 29, 2012
Preparing for the holidays
As I heard Pete Allen share from his heart Sunday I couldn't help but think I want this holiday season to be different this year. I want it be more meaningful. I must admit I can get caught up in the spend & send mentality oh so easy. Or I can think-up a million things to do - parties, craft, decorations..this year I keep thinking I'll have all of Miriam's soccer team (20 girls) over to make crafts, eat cookies, and have a grand ole time. I think I must be going crazy..my plate is full..my eyes are bigger than my stomach and my heart is breaking over it. Is this going to make our holidays more meaningful?
I need to set a goal and check my intentions, thoughts, events, purchases, etc...to the goal. I am an engineer remember - this will be my hypothesis.
GOAL: To make my families (& church) holiday season focused on thanks and praise for the many blessing God bestows on us.
November starts Thursday - I better get started. I'm asking for your help - let's brainstorm together. I'm looking for ideas to prepare my family and our churches hearts for Thanksgiving.
One idea I have had is do something special or out of the ordinary for one of my family members - a different person each day. For example - Elijah is learning to become more independent so he is washing his own clothes. Today I think I'll go into his room, find his biggest pile of dirty clothes (blue jeans I think) and wash them for him - I'm also going to add a bible verse about thankfulness on top of the clean clothes.
What are your ideas?
I need to set a goal and check my intentions, thoughts, events, purchases, etc...to the goal. I am an engineer remember - this will be my hypothesis.
GOAL: To make my families (& church) holiday season focused on thanks and praise for the many blessing God bestows on us.
November starts Thursday - I better get started. I'm asking for your help - let's brainstorm together. I'm looking for ideas to prepare my family and our churches hearts for Thanksgiving.
One idea I have had is do something special or out of the ordinary for one of my family members - a different person each day. For example - Elijah is learning to become more independent so he is washing his own clothes. Today I think I'll go into his room, find his biggest pile of dirty clothes (blue jeans I think) and wash them for him - I'm also going to add a bible verse about thankfulness on top of the clean clothes.
What are your ideas?
General Info
Well, I can't seem to ever make the newsletter deadline. I must admit I have good intentions whenever it comes out and then just seems to let it slide. So I thought I would start a blog instead. Hopefully you will find this helpful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)