Faith Building in Consistency, Loving the Lord and Finding Joy Where He has placed me.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Posted in Faithful Contemplations"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Matthew 7:22-23
Hello everyone!
This week has been full of fun-filled, merciful and loving moments touched by God.
As many of you know, we are living with my mother and father inlaw who have been kind enough to allow us to stay with them as we look for a home of our own. Wowee, I had no idea what an experience "home-shopping" can be. We don't want to live IN the city, but we need some place just outside the city with easy access to the main road in order for my husband to get back and forth to work at the hospital. It has proven to be an interesting experience. The homes in our area haven't really been affected so much from the housing bubble. I suppose that's good for some, but Holy Cats! Houses are pretty pricey around here. ESPECIALLY just outside the city limits. People are looking outside the city limits and they are looking for smaller homes.
My husband and I differ on what type of home, however, we're pretty much in agreement with the areas. Though we're open to 3 different counties just outside the city limit we have a few areas we'd like to find a home so we're close to family, friends, and FINALLY a church home we'd like to call our own after searching since we moved back here the summer of 07'.
Now we're seeking more information on first time homebuyers programs. That too, has become confusing. We are working on good stewardship for the most part, and each program looks good, but the realtors and mortgage brokers who think we should take the programs THEY suggest, we have a hard time figuring out which ones are the right ones for US. Taking their word for it is hard because they benefit from these first time homebuyer programs. Who can we trust? Well, in God we put our trust. So we are asking for HIS guidance, protection and wisdom to help us discern which is the right mortgage for us that will allow us to be good stewards with what HE gives us.
This past weekend we went to our new church where God just spoke to me through His Word. The topic was "We CANNOT grow in the word if we do not have devotional time each day with God".
Consequences of NO Devotion time daily with God are:
1. You Won't Grow
-without regular devotion in Gods word, we won't be able to say "NO" to sin because we won't be able to fight it WITHOUT Him, without the SOLID FOUNDATION of His word and His strength.
-We'll continue to whine, quit, argue and fight under pressure or frustration as "spiritual babies" and never grow into "spiritually mature" adults.
-If we don't grow, we continue to need constant "mothering" or discipline
2. You won't mature
-Gods word says we need "milk" which is HIS doctrine
-It's hard to make decisions if we have no discipline or have the means to lie on the foundation in times of trouble. (as my old pastor used to say, "No ROOT, No Fruit")
-If we sloth along thinking "Sundays are our only time with God and we are spiritually grown", we miss out on things in His word that are Exciting Truths. I know many people would say, Bek, come on, NOTHING is exciting in reading that HUGE book you call a Bible. But if you actually read it for what it IS and KNOW that it's the Living, Breathing Word of God, then you AND I will see there are some exciting Truths within Gods word. ONE is that through His blood that was shed.....(Jesus') We are saved from Hell and go to Heaven. It's NOT about how good we are, rather, that we admit we have sinned and make mistakes and NEED Jesus' and seek to walk with Him each day for the rest of our lives.
NONE of us are perfect, but by golly if our Lord and Savior didn't stand in for that awful violent abuse for us and shed His blood for us, It wouldnt matter how much we try, but we wouldn't get to be in heaven. JESUS bridged that gap lovingly for us.
3. You won't be Effective
-If we don't have daily devotion with the Lord, we won't be "equipped".
-How in the world can we expect to share the Gospel, the VERY REASON we're here on this earth, if we don't know His word?! If we can't answer when someone asks us WHY we believe what we believe, how can we be effective disciples to be used BY God if we don't KNOW God?! If we allow others to TELL us what we believe instead of seeking the answers for ourselves and allowing God to mold us, teach us and USE us.
-Finally, we cannot accomplish Gods design for our lives if we don't care enough to daily seek Him in His word. NONE of us are perfect, that's why Jesus bridged that Gap. But it is our DUTY to be disciples unto the world with the Good News
The pastor ended saying we need consistent time with God. With consistency, we will grow, mature, and make right decisions in our OWN lives and will be equipped to impact the lives of others.
I did not jot all that down to preach to anyone. I REALLY needed my own "reminder". Sometimes I get caught up in my own daily tasks and needs, that I don't spend ANY time with God. Yeah, we've been going to church lately, and YES, I make it a point to give not just of our pockets, but of our services.....but none of that really matters if I don't KNOW Him.
Just before I started blogging, I was reading some scripture and found scripture pertaining really about "fasting" but it REALLY spoke to me again and kinda correlates with Sunday's message.
Isaiah 58
True Fasting
1 "Shout it aloud, do not hold back.
Raise your voice like a trumpet.
Declare to my people their rebellion
and to the house of Jacob their sins.
2 For day after day they seek me out;
they seem eager to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that does what is right
and has not forsaken the commands of its God.
They ask me for just decisions
and seem eager for God to come near them.
3 'Why have we fasted,' they say,
'and you have not seen it?
Why have we humbled ourselves,
and you have not noticed?'
"Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please
and exploit all your workers.
4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,
and in striking each other with wicked fists.
You cannot fast as you do today
and expect your voice to be heard on high.
5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
only a day for a man to humble himself?
Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed
and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the LORD ?
6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness [a] will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
13 "If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath
and from doing as you please on my holy day,
if you call the Sabbath a delight
and the LORD's holy day honorable,
and if you honor it by not going your own way
and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
14 then you will find your joy in the LORD,
and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land
and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob."
The mouth of the LORD has spoken.
What I got out of that scripture reading, whether fasting, praying or devotional reading...God DESERVES more than just an hour or two on Sunday or Wed. He deserves daily devotion to Him....Loving Him, Seeking Him and HIS Authority on things such as our lives, relationships with friends and family and even with directions we seek to go such as a new job, a home of our own, children or anything else.
No, this post wasn't geared toward any one person. It's a reminder to ME to have discipline and consistency. God is more important than EVERYTHING else in our lives. HE blesses us with the children we have, the homes we have (even if they are rented) money and everything else.
Just last night, I was out with two wonderful ladies...and we were discussing conditions in Thailand and Africa as well as other third world countries. My question is why is it that each day we complain about money, places we live, work or even don't work at....yet there are families around the world that LITERALLY live in filth, lack clean water, have homes that have dirt floors and are made of raw materials barely keeping their children alive....yet we as a nation can't be satified and content with what the Lord gives me while often-times, those who have MUCH MUCH MUCH less than we do, find joy where they are and even have MORE faith in their faith in God than we do who live (for now at least) in a FREE Country where we CAN read the Bible and CAN Pray.
Wow! This post has really taken on a life of it's own, and if you've come this far, THANK YOU!
Moving on, after church, our good friends were nice enough to invite us to an impromtu party at their parents home "Thank You Heath/Baker Family" where we brought my inlaws and we had a BLAST grilling, talking, "singing" and the guys went fishing while the girls waited and my dear friend took a rest from caring for her twins while God worked in her mom as she sat and helped me work through some "spiritual" battles.
Just yesterday, I had a girls night out where we took a drive to Skaneateles, where we ate dinner at Blue Water Grill Restaurant and had Dessert in Auburn. While we talked and talked and talked the night away.
As long as this post is, I can certainely tell you it's NOT even close to the blessings God has bestowed upon me.
YES! There have been trials and hard times, but God ALWAYS seems to carry Doug and I through and give us EXACTLY what we need, when we need it. I am grateful He loves me enough to teach me and grab my hand to walk me through when I can't hear Him.
If you don't know His love today, I pray that He would speak to your heart and that YOU would come to know the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ who Loved you enough to take YOUR place so that YOU could get to heaven.
Heavenly Father, I take the time RIGHT NOW to pray for my brothers and sisters. Lord, I pray you would put your hand on them and give them strength for the road you take them on. Lord, take their hand and guide their ways. Renew their minds and spirits and grant them favor. I pray for Discernment and ask that you would take their burdens and give them joy wherever they are. Thank You Jesus for standing in OUR place as you suffered, died, and rose again...knowing that today You are ALIVE and have bridged that gap for us between heaven and hell. I pray for those who don't know You, that they would pray right now that they are sorry for the sins and mistakes they've made...KNOWING that YOu died for them and rose again so they could LIVE in heaven. That they would walk with You forever and continue to seek Your will. Father, give them HOPE and build their faith and spirit.....Give those of us who DO know you, the reminder that we should seek You DAILY in devotion through your Word so that we may Grow and spread the Good News to the world. Give us discipline, Consistency, Knowledge, Discernment, Strength, Mercy, Forgiveness and anything else you deem necessary as we grow in discipleship with You and in You in Jesus mighty name I pray....AMEN
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Sweeten The Bitter Heart
Friday, April 3, 2009
Posted in Faithful ContemplationsWhat happens if someone suddenly approaches you with an unkind greeting or with complaint. What if a crotchety neighbor demands you cut down your tree or ask that your kids stay off their property? Do you get mad or add insult to insult?
What if that neighbors behavior is a symptom of something in their lives that maybe YOU could help with. What if you could minister to their hearts EVEN with their bitter attitudes?
My inlaws, whom we're living with, live next door and behind two women. ONE of while she can talk your ear off, gives of her heart and EVERY year without fail sends flowers for every momentous occassion in her life while the other neighbor comes off as crotchety and nosey.
One woman EVERYONE in the neighborhood seems to complain about because she leaves things kinda dumpy on her property and talks alot, but is KNOWN for her kindness and generosity. While the other just seems to complain her way into her neighbors lives.
At face value, the easiest way to deal with one neighbor is to hurry up and avoid her while with the other one, to ignore or bite back.
Would this behavior help the situation? Would it help your neighbor?
I've found that sometimes, people are in such a hurry to do their own thing, that they forget about Loving their neighbor and doing unto others as we would have done unto ourselves. Even me! We've had SO much going on in our lives that sometimes we can get caught up in US than in serving our Loving God.
Just yesterday I had decided to take advantage of the beautiful sunny day and help my inlaws gather the leaves outside. In doing so, I felt pretty good, but had decided my fair skin needed a break so after gathering two HUGE bags of leaves, I planned to go back in and continue today with my husband. All of a sudden, I hear a Psst. I looked around to find a little old woman in her backyard asking if I had planned to get the rest of the leaves by her fence. I've been working and working she said, I DO hope you will finish these. I'll even help you she offered.
I have to admit, upon first hearing her, I was pretty taken back, but kindly told the woman whom I wasn't properly greeted with, that I had to get inside quickly so I wouldn't overheat. Not without assuring her that I would be back out before daybreak to get the rest.
As I sat with my mother and father inlaw, I found out more about the lady behind me. She lost her husband and was a widow. She and her husband used to garden together and OH, at one point, they caught my husband and his younger brother as children, playing with fire under a tree and called their parents (I would have too. Ha ha)
Needless to say, I found out a little about her and then contemplated on Gods word. I'll get back to that in a little bit, but I THEN thought of the nice woman next door whom people often get frustrated with because she talks too much or stays too long at restaurants eating alone while she talks with staff and people around her. She's a friendly woman and I assume would give the shirt off her back if someone needed it. She loves life, loves God and yet, is most often spoken down to or treated with disrespect by those who don't understand her talkativeness or why she leaves her home and yard in disrepair.
She too is a widow and lost the love of her life. But she has chosen to live life, get to know others and give where she can. She remembers others in need and REALLY asks for nothing in return.
After finishing the leaves yesterday, I thought and thought about these two VERY DIFFERENT women and was reminded of the verses in Gods word where He asks that we take care of the widows and the fatherless/orphans.
"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.' Zech. 7:8-10
Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds
out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!
Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.
Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow.Isaiah 1:16-17
"Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. Exodus 22:22-23
Upon hearing in slight detail of their lives and the losses of their loved ones, I began wondering if I could help these women in some way. I don't have money and honestly, not much to offer in talent but I thought I could start by being neighborly and baking cookies like I would do in my own home for the neighbors we lived next to.
In the end, I have no "build me up" kinda story. I will not give names and honestly, it's too soon to know what these women will think or do as I offer them a bag of my baked cookies tomorrow.....but the spirit led me to pray for these women and put myself in THEIR place. For if I lost MY husband, my heart would be lonely and I would somehow find a way to talk with someone and sometimes need to "vent".
So the next time you come in contact with someone bitter, angry, talkative, nosey, etc. try praying for Gods wisdom and discernment. Look further into their hearts through Him and remember that there's a battle within the spirit and not necessarily in the flesh. Find a way to make their days brighter and maybe share some mercy that God has given you.
I'm grateful for the mercy God gives me each day. I neither deserve His love or mercy, yet He gives it freely and loves without condition EVEN when we don't deserve it.
Blessings dear friends!
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A WHOLE lotta Contemplation
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Posted in Faithful ContemplationsBrothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Galatians 6:1-5
Lately, I've had some time amidst the hustle and bustle to contemplate on things I've encountered. I've found myself focusing TOO much on brothers and sisters in Christ who have put too much emphasis on "turn or burn" methods who hide amongst legalistic thoughts and interpretation finding it pleasant to point fingures in the directions of the lost or even other Christians who base their lives on examples of Christ whom before they restore a sin in another, take the log out of their own eyes.
I've spent more time trying to please those types of "Christians", that I've found myself putting every other brother and sister in Christ in that little bubble and avoiding them or worse yet...complaining about how things need to change, but never actually looking WITHIN to change MY heart.
Over the past few weeks I've been doing some "housecleaning" of my own heart. One in which I get rid of the crud and focus more on God, changing MY heart, and purging the things that are lethal to my spirit instead of complaining about them.
Thus far, while it's too early to tell, I'm finding peace and coming out of a shell I never thought I'd come out from.
I grew up NEVER believing God loved me. Oh, I'd say it to everyone else....but I just wasn't sure Christ could really love ME. I was bad...didn't feel like I could be a part of this "Christian" group.
Over time things became more and more complicated. I had accepted Christ into my life. I thought dedicating my heart and life to Him and asking for forgiveness would be easy. Little did I know how hard it would be to be a part of the family of Christ. You see, the fighting over Christmas trees, Easter Eggs, Santa's. The arguing over speaking in tongues or wearing head-coverings, being a Titus 2 woman or Proverbs 31 woman......Being told I was of the Devil because I attended one church or that I couldn't clap in another because I was giving praise to anything other than the Lord.
I'm a baby Christian still, I don't know it all, but sometimes what I've seen has pushed my heart more INWARD than to share it outward because my fear is I'll be judged for NOT fitting that mold.
I think what I've seen is that there are so many people fighting over NON-ESSENTIALS and cliques WITHIN the body of Christ, that there sometimes in some churches, isn't any room for others. I guess that's where I can empathize with those who are seeking but are within the world. You see, I did not grow up in a Christian family, I drank my sorrows away in my twenties and did some pretty bad things. Even now, I watch t.v., though the Hallmark Channel and the News, I do not wear headcoverings and let me tell you, I am FAR from perfect. I DO NOT deserve Christs love....yet He has given it to me.
I have determined I cannot change everyone, but I CAN change my own hardened heart and judgements. I understand that NOT ALL Christians love to stir discention or hurt people to turn them to God. In fact, there are a GREAT MANY Brothers & Sisters in Christ who would give of themselves to help another.
Therefore, it is time for me to move forward and STOP creating a wall between Gods people ( my brothers and sisters) and those who seek to follow Christs example through Loving They Lord, They neighbor and Thy Self enough to bare witness to Christs everlasting love, the very reason we celebrate Easter....Because He suffered, Died, Arose in order to bridge the gap between my sin and the sin of others...so that we may go home to be with our Heavenly Father.
Tomorrow, if I have time, I will post an excerpt from a devotional my husband and I have been reading before bed. It's based on the Beatitudes and has really been speaking to my heart and changing the way I see things. I think it could be good for everyones heart these days.
In the meantime, I leave you with the following Scripture:
Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends, John 15:13.
Please remember that when you describe the world you don't want to be a part of, remember that some of your Christian Brothers and Sisters came out of that world and may have done some of those awful things you describe and were saved by Christ.
***Also remember that when you say Pray to your HEAVENLY FATHER, He loves you, that sometimes, people who are at the other end, may confuse HEAVENLY FATHER with an earthly father who may not have been so "heavenly". Christians have diverse backgrounds. Nobody ever says, Yay! Let me come to Christ because I'll burn in hell if I don't. Rather, When they hear of the suffering, the love of Christ who bridged that gap for the sins and mistakes we've made...that it's not in how much we DO but that we need only pray to Him for forgiveness and that NONE of us deserve His love yet He gives is freely?! Well, that's the Love of Christ and the Gospel we were put here to share.
P.S., I would like to extend my invitation to calmly and respectfully share your opinons. I WILL NOT except Anonymous HURTFUL Opinions and reserve the right to delete them. Keep in mind I have information of anyone who posts hurtful remarks through IP Addresses and WILL use them if remarks are hurtful and threatening.
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Off Of A VERY HIGH Ledge
Monday, February 16, 2009
Posted in Faithful Contemplations
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Good Gravy! ((sigh of relief))
Like other families, things have been pretty tough lately.
Add packing, moving certain things to three different areas for purposes I won't get into (Thank You to our friends the Bakers, my parents and Dougs parents for being kind, patient and SO loving & helpful), moving in with my husbands parents (who are SO GRACIOUS and kind spirits), looking for a home of our own, dealing with our mortgage broker who is being a bit more knit picky now that our pre-approval expiration needs to be re-approved because of reasons we all know...and for that, we're grateful and know that it will be alright. Shewee though!
Doug decided to visit two ER's this past week. THIS TIME, on the other side as a patient. Actually, he didn't decide, he HAD no choice because he was dealing with dizziness, high blood pressure and dropping to the floor in almost pass out fits.
I believe it was Wed. that he got out STILL confused. The good part of all this? It's not cardiac issues, nor inner ear or balance issues. We decided to take it a step further and I called the Chiropractor who adjusted both of us on Valentines day. Ha ah After that, he's had two great days of no dizzy spells or tossing his cookies. His blood pressure was still high and after taking a work Evaluation before they let him back, it's in the 149 over 90's I think? Still high for him but MUCH MUCH lower than his 177 over 101 or the 169 he ended up with at the Chiropractors office.
He goes back for two more appointments to the Chiropractor and to ease his mind, he wants to check in with the Neurologist and have his head scanned and his lower back checked. He was in an accident in the 90's and also forgot that he fell two weeks before his spells started as he was walking out from work at the hospital (several people fell that night too) He just wants to ease his mind that nothing caused neurological issues causing the dizziness and high blood pressure.
Of course with all of this, things have been stressful on BOTH of us. So it took a slight toll on our marriage these past few weeks. Oh, we LOVE each other, we NEVER plan to leave each other no matter HOW hard....we both have figured we need to be more respectful of each others needs.
Me? I need to hush up and LISTEN to people most importantly God and my husband "Be still" Psalm 46:10...I've also noticed myself gossiping which is something I'm not a fan of doing. The subject isn't the worst, however, it's not a habit I'd like to get into and KNOW it's not worthy of praise to God. I'm sure we all know that once the tongue is idle, we found ourselves in the devils playground. That's NOT where I want to be. Besides, nothing is worthy of saying if you can't say it to a person yourself. If it's not nice, odds are, "we should be praying instead of saying"
Doug knows that he needs to work on helping out "when he can" and maybe reach out a bit more to get to know me as he did when we were dating. Remind ourselves why we love each other and married one another....get to know one another again. Find that spark and keep it going.
My sister in law Diane, mentioned the movie Fireproof...she said we HAD to see it. We kept putting it off and putting it off. Would you believe my mom gave us the movie and is giving one to each of us younger generation of cousins to remind us of the important things of a marriage?
My parents do not know Jesus as I do. I have prayed REALLY hard, even sent them a letter in 2002. From there, I left it to Jesus. Christmas Dad said something that made Doug and I laugh....he threw out his hands and said HALLELUJAH! obviousely poking fun at us unintentionally.....but the funny part, is that my father has been watching! My mom just about floored me when she gave us Fireproof for Valentines day. Then said she was handing more of the movie out to family members who could use encouragement and maybe a bit more help.
I saw it as confirmation that God wanted us to see this movie.
As we sat and watched the movie, we learned so much. New things that we could do to re-charge those sparks again and just how we'd do it. Reminding ourselves that GOD is our center....our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Not some house we'd like to buy or a forever-child we'd like to adopt. Not food, internet, or even good friends, but Jesus first and foremost. THEN comes everything else. Re-prioritizing things as we start getting busy and even weary of things we cannot control.
I have always dealt with anxiety from my teen years for some reason. I recall my gram telling me to stop and smell the roses. That I plan WAY TOO much in advance and set myself up for a fall. I would say I'm actually over-organized. At times I've thought of Martha and Mary as Martha wastes her time away trying to make things perfect while Mary actually leaves it for a moment to find joy in her Lord. Prioritizing whats REALLY important.
There is NOTHING worse than an anxious, controlling, over-planning person who doesn't stop to smell the roses. From my personal experience...I find I've been missing out on the finer things in life that one can't put a value on. Instead, I'm found worrying about money, what if this happens, or that happens, denying get togethers because I'm afraid the house isn't clean enough or we can't afford to take this trip or the next. In the end, NEVER having sought HIS kingdom in the first place to see what His will and direction would be.
Let me tell you where my fear has gotten me.......We have been SO caught up on money we haven't taken an actual vacation since our honeymoon in 2001. Worse yet, the worry and panic, have caused anxiety that at times has left me almost paralyzed with fear so much that I would lock myself in the dark bedroom and just cry when crises or hardship came my way. I even feared meeting with friends to the point of anxiety attacks. (though those are rare now and I actually ENJOY nights out or in with friends without worry or anxiety. It's become a blessing and freedom given by God) It's amazing that at 34 years old, I haven't had a heart attack. Worse yet, that I haven't given my husband one!
Things have gotten better over the years. I do use our bedroom as an outelt to read, but I don't hide there anymore. I still struggle with anxiety and panic....moreso since Dougs episode where the fear of losing him caused me such panic that I found myself asking over and over again if he was feeling alright even though if his life were taken, I KNOW where he would be and would be happy in the arms of His Lord.
In the recent weeks, I've been talking with God. Praying for my own heart, a better attitude towards the life God has given me, and to really KNOW what it is to trust Him. To lay those burdens and fears down and truely trust in Him.
I think as life is a journey, so is our walk with Christ. Sometimes we just need to continue asking him to deliver us from fears, anxieties, selfishness, control, anger, gossip, hatred, and everything "SELF" that causes us to turn our backs on God and fall prey or commit sin. Fear IS a sin...we turn our backs on God and tell Him we don't believe HE can take care of everything when He shows undoubtedly that He can move mountains with only a tiny mustard seed.
So readers, please don't think I'm perfect. I'm far from it and struggle with many things. Our journey, while different from each other, is a gift from God, to be cherished and walked hand and hand with Him as He directs each of us in the direction, no matter how different, HE wants us to go. Then everything else will come together as I am finally starting to understand myself.
I've focused today on God....no anxiety and I even took a walk to enjoy this beautiful day He blessed us with. I'm learning we don't just pick Jesus up when we want Him and throw Him back to gather dust until next time...rather, if we seek Him each morning and continue to seek Him throughout the day when things are good and trying...our day becomes peaceful and triumphant.
Just a reminder to take a deep breath, focus on Jesus and KNOW that life, while not perfect, will be OK. God Knows dear friends! He guides, protects, gives mercy and grace to us all...not just me. Praise God!
May you all be blessed today and find Jesus' perfect example as He reaches out in love to you no matter where you are in your journey. God Bless You All!
Oh, and make sure you rent Fireproof. My sister in law and all the other women who recommended it to us were SO RIGHT! I think every marriage could use it.
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Small Retreat
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Posted in Faithful ContemplationsWashed by the Water - Needtobreathe (sung by two unknown children of God)
“Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10
Hi Everyone!
I'm SO sorry I've been away for awhile. Things have been kinda hectic over here. We've been packing to move in with my husbands parents for a few months. It will take some getting used to for all of us, however, we are staying there while we look for a home of our own with hopes to find one by fall.
So I've been taking things down, spackling different areas, packing, purging, you name it!
We were praying for a way to keep in touch with everyone while also giving us the freedom to look for a home on the internet too. There's just NO ROOM for our desktop so we've been looking at laptops. Thing is, they just weren't good enough for the budget we had. I just couldn't fathom paying full price for a laptop. Then, several weeks back, I received a private message from a friend who asked if we were still in the market for a laptop. She mentioned her tenant could whip me up one of his to help us for a few months. We weren't expecting too much, but a few weeks later, she said he was done and dropped it off the other day as she took the used treadmill I gave her that we really didn't have room to store with all our other belongings.
The laptop is up to date, has everything we've actually been looking for, and if we wanted to upgrade the memory, it wouldn't cost us as much as it would to buy new. Isn't that just God? Providing what we need when we need it? Now that's not to say that he'll provide ALL our material possessions. It really has nothing to do with that. I could live without a laptop. It's not as precious as a life.
I'm just saying that God knows our every need, whether material or spiritual or physical. It's awesome that when we focus on Him and seek Him first, that He will help us through whatever "season" we're in.
Life isn't always easy. There are many who can attest to that. I'm amazed at the circumstances God uses to minister to others. Those who've been through THE WORST situations imagineable and still come out with a positive attitude even when they can't bare to keep going. It's inspirational and really gives me strength to push on past my own petty issues.
A dear friend went home to be with the Lord a couple weeks ago. She was only 37 years old. She left her husband and two very young children. She suffered terribly with the effects of Chemo, however, she NEVER let cancer beat her. In fact, even today I am reminded of her bravery and her unending love and trust for her Lord. Our Heavenly Father. She just kept smiling. I don't know how she did it, but she did. In the end, her body couldn't take it anymore as it spread to her bone marrow and though it was tough to leave her dear family, she went to be with her Lord where she was no longer in pain and KNEW that He would take care of her husband and children as He did with her. I wept, I still weep for her as I miss her prayers by pm and her stories of her family and those she met as she was fighting her battle. Her life and Hope that God can overcome gives me what I need each day to see it as a new one.
Today I am struggling. Struggling with day to day issues and some new anxieties that don't seem so important. I can't change the things that already exhist, but I CAN choose to focus on how I'll recieve them and act towards others.
I can't say as though I've always made the best of decisions or that I'm soft-spoken as I'd hope I'd be. But isn't that why Jesus died and still lives in us today? Because we aren't perfect, because we Hope for better and NEED His unconditional love and healing.
God never promised life would be rosey, But He DID say He'd be there through the storm if we just call on Him.
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Downhere - Here I AM
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Posted in Faithful Contemplations
HERE I AM
by Downhere
Sometimes your calling, comes in dream
Sometimes it comes in the Spirit's breeze,
You reach for the deepest hope in me,
And call out for the things of eternity.
But I'm a man, of dust and stains,
You move in me, so I can say,
CHORUS:
Here I am, Lord send me,
All of my life, I make an offering,
Here I am, Lord send me,
Somehow my story, Is part of your plan,
Here I am
When setbacks and failures, and upset plans,
Test my faith and leave me with empty hands,
Are you not the closest when it's hardest to stand?
I know that you will finish what you began.
These broken parts you redeem,
Become the song, that I can sing
(chorus)
Overwhelmed by the thought of my weakness,
And the fear that I'll fail you in the end,
In this mess, I'm just one of the pieces,
I can't put this together but you can.
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Hope In The Midst Of Sorrow - A Warriors Battle With Cancer
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Posted in Faithful ContemplationsGlorifying Him In The Midst Of Our Storm
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. ~Galatians 6:2
Most of us have been impacted by cancer in one way or another. I'm sure many of us have known someone personally or maybe a unique friend we've met online who seeks prayer or a listening ear.
My own story is like many, my paternal grandfather, a great aunt and even my mom's half-sister who lost her battle at the age of 24. Only one year older than I was and still leaves quite an impact on me today.
As I sit here writing, I contimplate on so many stories heard, that have been lost. Yet many have won and fought hard the battle before them. My inspiration in todays post is dedicated to those who've impacted my life, some I've never met before, and others whom I watched personally struggle through.
The battle these warriors face on a daily basis...the fight within, the illness, the chemo, other treatments, finding time with their families, friends, and other loved ones. Being sure NOT to get sick and separating themselves from those who are. For a time, limiting life as they once knew it and conforming to the new direction they somehow find themselves in. Some, fighting HARD for their lives and others who pray hard for those close to them as they battle this illness together.
I cannot even imagine I know what it's like to go through such a battle. Yet, watching these warriors, I still see a sense of the joy found in the "little steps". The trust they have in their Heavenly Father...and while maybe questioning "why" these situations happen, never once have they denied their Lord and Savior. Rather, keep an even closer walk with Him in admirable admiration. Seeking to find peace amidst the storm.
The Warriors I've been impacted by have life still being written perfectly by God as they find the energy smile through each day, to find the Hope and Joy even through their fears, their sorrows and the unknown.
Their family and friends find shelter with their Heavenly Father as each warrior battles this disease before their eyes. The battle is far from over, but there is still Victory in the midst. A newfound Hope is found and strength to push each other through is somehow driven out of Gods great promises who gives them strength even when they can't seem to find it within.
I am humbled by the great warriors all over the world who take on the challenge, find hope and joy where they are EVEN through the greatest challenges of their lives. These children, these adults, who fight the good fight and their families who seek to find Victory and Peace and even a break from the days blood counts. They are ALL warriors and in the Midst of bad news, remember that as God is our Greatest Physician, we may find great peace in Him through the storm. Even through the scarriest of times, they STILL know the love that God has for them and STILL find the joy in each day as He picks them up and carries them safely to land.
I do not fear defeat for my dear friends. For I KNOW our Lord and Savior is good. I am humbled and take joy in their triumphs and continue to pray for those who still struggle each day.
I urge each of you to grasp hold of life and take hold of your family members and take the time to appreciate each one of them in good times and in bad. For they are gifts. Gifts given by God to not only bless you, but to bless the world with Gods beautiful creation of man.
I found peace in this scripture today as I struggle with my own health and found it appropriate to post today. I have much to be thankful for and yet, I will never cease to pray for my dear friends who struggle with far worse conditions than I have.
For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:1-5
Lord, I come to you today for my dearest friends and family members suffering with great battles in their lives. I pray that you would take hold of them and that they would take shelter in your arms. Lord, you know the plans you have for them. Each and EVERY DAY is special. You are OUR MAJESTY. Lord we come to you with open hands just as we are with your grace and mercy as the song says. Heal their hearts, their minds and their spirits Lord. Give them strength for the road ahead and fill their spirits. RENEW them Lord. Reveal Your Holy Spirit and grant them comfort through Your Son Jesus Christ. I pray for miracles, I pray for courage and I pray that Your presence would be with those who are very sick. That if you should take them, You would hold them and give peace to those who are left behind. May the world be impacted by those who've been lost and may those who live today share their legacy through Your Salvation in Jesus Mighty name I pray.....AMEN
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Stillness and discernment and a God full of Mercy and Grace
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Posted in Faithful ContemplationsI find myself at prayer again for a young woman I will not identify. If you think of her, please pray as you are lead.
Sometimes we are so caught up in our own situations, that we forget that maybe those around us have their own issues. Struggling with much worse than those of my own every day trials from side effects of an auto-immune disease or things that may be of little importance blown WAY out of proportion.
After complaining most of the day over circumstances we find ourselves in, those that we have yet to find closure with, I have found God speaking to me yet again. Not that I deserve His presence in my life in ANY way. In fact, I've found myself more disappointed in my inability to change the attitude of my OWN thinking, that I feel even more unworthy that God is even loving me unconditionally through this selfishness.
In any case, I find it pretty powerful that as I sat here complaining most of the day, one young lady was going through SO much worse. In fact, as lives look SO PERFECT on the outside, it's sad to know so many struggle from within without anyone at all knowing. If it weren't for a certain plot taking it's course, I would have NEVER known this poor young girl was struggling not just with self-esteem issues, but a HUGE spiritual battle behind the scenes.
If I had taken the time to STOP and LISTEN as I had mentioned in af ew posts back, I may have heard God speaking, asking me to pray diligently for this young woman. I don't know this woman, in fact, I've met her only twice. But I've seen her as she passes by and maybe if for a moment, I would have stopped to pray for her......I would have found discernment along the way to give me wisdom and direction to know just how much prayer could help her as she struggles, though nobody has witnessed it.
As I sit here contimplating this early morning of Sunday. As I find myself complaining of ailments or circumstances I cannot change, rather should find a change of heart and attitude, I find mercy for this woman. I find love for her, and maybe a glimpse of hope that she may come to know Jesus not as a man, but as a Savior, GOD, who reaches out with the biggest hope of hopes, joy of joys, mercy of mercies and a light to the world who struggles with the darkness.
This morning I pray for this woman. Someone not yet fully known, but priceless to God.
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Expression with stillness and not always answers.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Posted in Faithful Contemplations"Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
Today, in my insomniac mode, I have found the Lord in SO MANY places. Not just looking back at my last post, but reminding myself to pray for MY OWN heart when it comes to those we find, Christian and Non-Christian, who are sometimes hard to love. Those who for a freak moment are honest in what THEY see, that while may not ALL be true, have some kind of substance we can learn from and apply to our lives.
Why is it that many of us "Expressive" people, find it SO HARD to just STOP! And Listen to what God is telling us? I know I certainely have such a hard time because I Love Christ and I am passionate about Him. But sometimes we just need to STOP! And Listen to those who are talking to us and instead of lashing out or getting the last word, just listen to what they have to say and pray on it.
PRAY on an answer, PRAY for patience, PRAY for guidance from the Lord and most importantly LISTEN to His guidance and if we are Christians, maybe sit back and not have the answers ALL the time.
God is SO good. I have found SO MANY scriptures to burry my head in. My husband and I even had a great time in the early morning hours just discussing the words spoken which we sometimes take differently from the origional Greek interpretation.
Again I will say, I am a cracked, imperfect vessel. Why God chooses to use me sometimes is confusing to me. In fact, I have told a handful of dear friends, I sometimes feel like Those like Moses and Elijah in the Bible, who told God they didn't feel worthy of the call. I keep thinking, If I'd only listened to the person more, or if I held my tongue, Or even if I prayed BEFORE I quickly lashed out with answers, maybe more people would be more likely to listen and actually HEAR what I have to say.
I know my husband compliments me well. He is a very contemplative, peaceful man. Even though he's quiet, He has alot to say. It's wonderful to see people who are so opposite. Many times they KNOW not to express themselves by their emotions because emotions lie to us. Quick, sudden, retalition that comes from emotions and not from God. I enjoy when my husband and I talk and he helps me to see another side to a story. Sometimes he is able to help me communicate better with others.
Yeah, God is good! I see Him in the cold morning sunshine, the beautiful colors all around me, the way my husband looks at me, the fun times we have, the closeness we have in HIM. The intimacy we have with each other and with God. Yes, Be still, I think I will be still.
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Non-Essential Beliefs And Being Open to The Ministry Of Christmas...
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Posted in Faithful Contemplations
I have come across a blog tonight that has encouraged me to share my thoughts today. The topic is on Christmas Tree's and Pagan beliefs. I know this is more "Christian" thought and for those of you who aren't, bare with me, for those of you who ARE, bare with me too please.
Some know my faith-walk story and others don't. Some know my life, some think they do, and others may or may not. My husband calls this "circular reasoning". While I"m not all that educated in Christian theology or read the same in-depths books about the creation of God as my husband, I am still open to many things of Christ that maybe he isn't in tune with.
My hearts desire is to minister to the lost. Those like me who've grown up knowing OF CHRIST, but not really knowing His presence. Some who've suffered tremendous losses, some struggling to make ends meet, others, who are just fighting day to day to stay alive because of one addiction or another.
Either way, they are struggling and KNOW there's more to life than whats here and maybe in other circumstances either haven't found someone to teach them who Christ is and HOW it is that God IS who He says He is in language that's not for Biblical Scholars who've been Christian all their lives, Or those who've pushed Him so far away in their pain, that they have yet to see Him.
For over 8 years I've dealt with both Non-Christians and Christians alike. I've lost most of my Non-Christian friends because I've become someone that's not as fun. No more mass drinking and driving, dancing uncontrollably on bar tops for attention, or laughing my tears away so nobody would notice. With my Christian aquaintances throughout the years, I spent most of my time trying to fit the mold of Proverbs 31 woman always seeming to come short or have been told because I attend one church I'm going to hell, or that another church is too legalistic.
It took a lot to finally set me off. Not necessarily in a bad way geared to affend everyone in my presence. But to speak with maybe hopes that someone, somewhere will listen and maybe be impacted in a "good" way.
I think we as Christians spend so much time “separating ourselves” that we forget that the very reason we are here is to share the Gospel and one of the Biggest commandments in the Bible, which is LOVE. Love God, Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
I’ve been pretty saddened at the body of Christ lately. We spend way too much time criticizing and judging that we forget that Christ opened his hands and heart to such broken people as a Prostitute, a woman who cheated on her husband, a leper, the sick and the sinners. Drew a line in the sand and said, ” He who sin not, cast the first stone”. Then told the woman who cheated, to “Go and sin no more”.
God said in Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Which brings me to the bit about the prodigal son…Luke 15:4-7
“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!”
“I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
If we as Christians continue to separate ourselves from reaching out in the name of Christ and become petty with “non-essentials” those who are suffering will never understand WHY we love Christ and WHY we celebrate a birth of a Savior who reached out to those, so that they may reach heaven through Christ and actually understand His wrongful and bloody death.
I recall his mercy of a thief on the cross who denied Him all his life, yet in finding for himself the compassion and suffering of his Savior, found eternity with Him because Christ said it was so.
My own story is that of great mercy and grace, and if not for someone who continued to obey God and love me through my sinfulness enough to introduce me to Christ and actually TEACH me instead of run away from me, I would not be here today.
Those of you who’ve known Christ all your lives, may not understand what it’s like to seek and never find because your being judged as sinful people and not those who are in the same “Christian fellowship” as we may have today.
My story is pretty interesting and while I won't get into EVERYTHING, I will say I ran away from a lot of things I dealt with, and decided to drink my life away dancing on bars in my twenties. To the average Christian standards, I’d never be forgiven and would have been overlooked as trash and a heathen. But I was merely sick, weary and begging for God to help me. I said the Lords name in vein over a test in biology during a college class, a friend in a Christian club heard me and asked me boldly, ” Oh, do YOU know the Lord too”? knowing full well I didn’t.
She kept trying to get me into this local college club called Brothers and Sisters In Christ to learn more about Him as I kept calling her a freak. One day, she saw I had coffee in my hand. She asked me out for coffee, brought the club to the coffee house and that was when someone shared a Bible with me I could actually comprehend.
That year, I went back to England…knew I was with my boyfriend for the wrong reasons. The clock struck midnight as I walked outside, asked God for help and if someday he could throw that Godly man that this girl Robyn kept talking about, I’d really appreciate it…….I ended back home the next day,Not many knew I had planned to merry this man and NEVER come back, but Robyn did. She said while she saw me leaving for a small time, she knew I'd be back! She was right! A lot of issues leading up to this moment, but I accepted Christ the end of January into my life….and that person I looked on with a Bible that day at the coffee shop? He gave me the best gift I’d ever received….A BIBLE I could actually read in wording I could actually comprehend.
A year later, the person I met at the Brothers and Sisters In Christ Club at college who was introduced by my friend Robyn, who DARED to love me to spite my faults, whom obeyed Gods calling for her,introduced me to the man I married a year later. He’s been my husband for almost 8 years in February.
If you already know Christ, move out of the box! If you don’t want to celebrate Christmas because of your own convictions with a Christmas tree and all the trimmings, then that's fine. But PLEASE, please, get to know the person in line at the grocery store in front of you who could be suffering, introduce yourself to the person who said the Lords name in vein in class, and reach out to someone you think wouldn’t deserve it because they don’t live like you or me. NONE of us deserve the mercy and grace Christ offers. NOBODY in the world needs to be separated from the outreach of Christ.
Celebrate the birth of Christ by remembering who He died for (NOT the righteous, but the sinners who are broken and anxious to learn more if only people would share) and those lives he reached and the way He died so selflessly and in such a violent way. He reached out to A Criminal, A prostitute, An Infidel, Lepar, The Sick, and those who were in need of spiritual Dr.’ing given mercy by Christ.
Don’t let Non-essentials get in the way of a great opportunity to share the birth of Christ with people who many only celebrate one day a year. Your letting an AWESOME opportunity go by condemning the lost to hell if you haven’t even listened to Gods calling whom created you so that you would share His Love as it is in the Gospel. Who do you know would seek Christ as loving by being overlooked and unteachable heathens because they haven't turned to Christ?
How many do you know would reach out to a Loving Savior knowing that they didn’t have to be perfect, rich, or righteous, but who could come as they are and receive forgiveness and deliverance.
As I end this LONG comment, I am doing so NOT in anger dear friends. We all LOVE Christ and we ALL want to honor Him. Many of you already KNOW who I am. I don’t often speak out on this type of post because I DO understand the anger some have. But I come in love and peace and with a good, kind heart.
Not to act out AT you…but to beg for your patience and outreach within your own communities, outside your homes and your comfort zones, to those who are like I was.
Please, PLEASE remember that sometimes as a body, we preach to the choir. There are so many lives who need to be touched. We DON’T save, God does…..but we certainely leave seeds….My friend Robyn didn’t give up on me with the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or even the 5th try. She took my hand….loved me for who she knew God wanted me to be and He used her during a time I may have ended up in tragic circumstances.
I am here. I LOVE Christ. and I will NEVER stop sharing Christ with the world. As often as I am made fun of as a Bible Thumper, Or the times when I have lost ALL my Non-Christian friends because I’m not the same FUN girl who hid under alcohol and laughter. As many times as I don’t fit in with the Proverbs 31 women….I am STILL a child of God, I STILL seek to honor Him, I STILL with this broken and un-deserving vessel wish to be used any way He see’s fit.
I’ll never be perfect, I’ll never fit that full mold that many say they are, in Proverbs 31. I can seek it as a guide, but the Bible teaches older women to TEACH the younger women how they must go……I want God to continue to use others in my life, I want God to continue to mold ME and use ME in the lives of others. Whether or not I have a tree is certainly NOT going to do all that. HE is. Christ serves as the perfection that I am not. He allows me to be used. He loves unconditionally and I needed that as many today.
******If your here and you DON'T know Christ, We ALL sin and fall short. It doesn't matter how good our deeds are. I can bake cookies and give them until I'm red in the face, but if I don't have Christ in my heart. If I don't believe He was born of a virgin, suffered tremendously on the cross, died and fulfilled Gods promise to bridge the gap for ALL sinners...not just Becky the sinner, but all who fall short, all who make mistakes EVEN when their BIG, then I cannot reach heaven. For Christ says in Gods word. "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 16:6. Meaning we have to confess with our mouths that we love him, we believe in Him and we're sorry for our sins. Ask for Jesus into our hearts and hopefully continue to walk with him daily.
You don't have to be perfect, you don't have to be dressed a certain way or act like you have it all together. Jesus DOES love you. It took me awhile to believe that, I would say it to everyone else, but believed He loved everyone but me. Until I understood His suffering. It was then I KNEW.
If you have any questions about the Gift Jesus offers to ALL of us, please feel free to ask me through PM in privacy without judgement.
I understand that both Christians and Non-Christians alike may be slightly irritated and my post may be considered like Preachy Penny. Please know that I share with great love in my heart to those who DON'T know Christ, but wish to those who DO know Him, to be used and deeply united with my sisters and brothers in Christ rooted forever in HIS love given to us by the selflessness of our Savior.
May your ears hear this and may you accept it with the love that was intended. May you be abundantely blessed. May you continued to be used by God for ALL outreach.
I am a vessel. Broken, but forgiven, unworthy but given mercy. May Christ use me in the lives that accept me., but may HE be the only one that Saves.
Merry Christmas!
P.S., I would like to extend my invitation to calmly and respectfully share your opinons. I WILL NOT except Anonymous HURTFUL Opinions and reserve the right to delete them. Keep in mind I have information of anyone who posts hurtful remarks through IP Addresses and WILL use them if remarks are hurtful and threatening.
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The Beatitudes
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Posted in Faithful Contemplations
The Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ~ Matthew 5:3-10
I could definately learn from the Beatitudes today. Acting in a selfless manner, giving patience and mercy, and letting my example show Christ in me. Today I fell short, but Praise God for loving me unconditionally and teaching me right from wrong. May I continue to "keep trying" to be more Christ-like. I know there is only one who is perfect. Deliver me from evil Lord Jesus. Set my feet on solid ground, and give me a heart of compassion.
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Being Faithful To God, While Supporting Our President...
Friday, November 7, 2008
Posted in Faithful Contemplations
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16
A thought just crossed my mind from a dear friend who commented and I thought this topic would make a great post.
In everyday life, Christians a tested with trial and tribulations. We are sinners and at times, fall pray to sin. Wheather we commit that sin is up to each person. Some, stop. pray. And listen for God to speak. Others feel the temptations are too strong and just give in.
At any time, but especially when things are uncertain, we are to know and fully understand what we believe. What God calls us to do as His followers. We do this through prayer by asking God to give us wisdom and comprehension while we're reading His word. We also do this by reading continually and informing ourselves about the position we are called through Jesus Christ.
We do not save people. GOD, Himself does this. But with the outreach of a hand, we are called to share the Gospel without fear and be able to back up WHY we believe what we believe and WHERE this information comes from, as well as WHO we believe in. I would also go as far as to mention WHEN we believe in Him. Why? Because oftentimes, people believe in Christ, only when things have gone awry. They don't know that you can talk to God, and they sometimes don't even know they can praise Him in joyous times as well.
In my last post, you'll remember I told you to stand FIRMLY to Gods truths. That if you want to change things, you MUST inform yourselves and you must know what you stand for. Not being able to grasp what you stand for or be able to express it when it's asked of you withought the person who gives you those teachings, will only create doubt in those who seek.
In supporting Obama, we are to support him in prayer and with respect. But we NEVER should falter on the teachings of God. God is calling us to seek HIS authority while respecting those who are in office and praying for the decisions they make on behalf of themselves and their citizens.
So by no means does God call us to follow through on sin or anything that goes against HIS principals. But we must reach out in prayer, and also know what we stand for, so that when others want to know, we are able to affirm those very important beliefs.
Now that our President has been chosen and a line has been drawn even deeper between God and the world, we must remember what we are called to do and obey our Lord and Savior.
I repeat the words from my last post,
Now's the time to share what you believe. It's a time to stand for the Lord that you believe in and it's a time not to give up, but STAND UP.
***Start today, by committing to pray for President Barak Obama and show the world Christ through setting an example.
Blessings dear friends as you reach out to show compassion to a fallen world!
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It's Time To Move On...77 Days Of Prayer For President Barak Obama
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Posted in Faithful Contemplations
Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves". ~Luke 22:24-26
Today is the day we must start FRESH. For those who have grieved for the uncertainty of the future, we must hold true to our belief in Christ and the standards He has set.
If you have been disappointed by the outcome of the election like I have, or even have chosen your President to be President Barak Obama, you must continue to make certain that you are equipped in the future to be informed of the choices your leaders make in local, state and governmental positions and be able to take a stand to make your voices heard.
If you are disappointed with the course of which our Country is moving like many are today, it is YOUR obligation to pray for the leaders of your nation, to inform yourselves and to be equipped to share your concern in a way that is with HONOR & DIGNITY with those in your community and citizens of our beloved United States Of America.
Today, though some may have voted for other candidates, we have a new President who will take office on January 20th, 2009. His name is President Barak Obama. While many of us grieve, we must also remember that God has called us to trust in Him and to respect our leaders. President Barak Obama needs our prayers today and while I am uncertain of what the future holds, I am prepared to pray for Him and our government and equip myself to share concerns with these leaders when they arise.
If you do not like what has happened, then you must make a difference and get involved. Get involved in your communities, states and governmental legislations, get involved in making a difference with your neighbors no matter who they voted for. Sharing the love of Christ and ministering to a community, country and world that needs you will change things more than lashing out in anger and crying over something that has already come to pass.
Nows the time to share what you believe. It's a time to stand for the Lord that you believe in and it's a time not to give up, but STAND UP.
Start by committing to pray for President Barak Obama and show the world Christ through setting an example.
Blessings dear friends!
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Eric Redmond: "Living Soli Deo Gloria Under Obama" Please take the time to read this!!!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Posted in Faithful Contemplations
Introduction by Rebekah
First of all, I thought I would take a minute to say that since the outcome of the election last night, I have been extremely conflicted. The conflict I have is to do with my most important relationship with Jesus Christ and the values I uphold to be true and good. Values which I will continue NOT to falter on, Rather which will ALWAYS be the basis of our foundation in Christ, which myself and my husband stand on.
I also understand the history of an elected President of which is considered to be minority because of skin color. Having grown up in the same town that Harriet Tubman lived. I know full well the importance of Black History and freedom of slaves as well as freedom of American Citizens who are of minority. I think of women, children, people of color, ethnicity, and yes, beliefs other than my own.
I think of the children we may adopt in the future. Our children who may be of Black, Hispanic, Asian or even Caucasian birth. The fact that no matter what race or ethnicity our child/ren will be, they will actually see someone that looks like them in a position of higher authority that can help communities, countries and people around the world in what I'd like to think would be honorably.
With that said, the conflict is that while I see these values of importance, and I am joyful we've come this far in History to have a black president, I do not think President Barak Obama holds the values that I'd like my children to one day share. My heart weeps for the world today, because MAJORITY are blinded to what true honor and values hold in a day when we vote based on the color of ones skin-type and disengaging ourselves to what our candidates stand for.
So because my heart and mind are weary today, because I'm conflicted with the joy of a black, historical Presidency while still holding onto my values and honor in Christ and because my hope is NOT in man or to elect someone by the color of his skin, I have decided to post an article from another blog that expresses my thoughts completely.
Written by Eric Redmond, this article is worth reading and shares not only the values I stand for, but also is an article from someone of color that has LIVED in our community as a minority but who in my eyes is seen as a great American Citizen. I'm honored to have read his article and thus, I share it with all of you!
Let us then continue to honor the good appointment of God, which may be easily done, provided we impute to ourselves whatever evil may accompany it. Hence he teaches us here the end for which magistrates are instituted by the Lord; the happy effects of which would always appear, were not so noble and salutary an institution marred through our fault. At the same time, princes do never so far abuse their power, by harassing the good and innocent, that they do not retain in their tyranny some kind of just government: there can then be no tyranny which does not in some respects assist in consolidating the society of men.
John Calvin, commentary on Romans 13:3.
A Note of Thanks
First, allow me to express my thanks to Justin for inviting me to contribute to his blog on the day after what might go down in history as the most significant Presidential election in the United States in our lifetime. I have found Justin to be a kind and discerning brother, for whom I give many thanks. I also am grateful for his passion for demonstrating the mercy of Christ to the unborn and the orphan—a passion we share in experience.
My Post-Obama-Election Dilemma
I am not and never have been a fan of John McCain, his proposed policies, his inconsistent record on many issues, his poor choice for a running mate, his thoughtless economic plan, or of his very negative campaigning against Barak Obama. It was hard for me to bear the thought of voting for him. It was equally hard for me to bear the thought of siding with a campaign for "change" that would passively allow each state to choose whether it would change the definition and legal institution of marriage, and that would not actively seek to change (read "work for the overturning of") Roe. v. Wade. For me, neither candidate represented change or progress for the country, except on the issue of the country's readiness to be led by a candidate of color.
How I wish that the first time there was a probable opportunity for an African American candidate to reach the White House I could have cast my vote for such a candidate without any reservation. However, I am pro-life, and President-Elect Obama is the most anti-life senator to come to power in my lifetime. I also am pro-conservative justices (who limit legislating from the bench). I am pro-marriage— that is, pro-heterosexual marriage. In the end, I could not overlook these issues as I approached Election Day. But the temptation to justify voting for Obama was strong, for I did not want to be against the side of history—of an African American finally making it to the Oval Office.
However, if I have not learned anything else from the recent happenings at my (soon to be former) church, it is these two things: First, it is not virtuous to side with the majority because one does not wish to stand out among friends, or because one is unwilling to examine all information on an issue, or because one wants to dispense dislikes toward current leadership, in spite of righteous reasons to vote against the majority—in fact, under some circumstances, it can be a horrendous evil. Second, even if one is seeking to be consistent in humility and holiness individually, to abstain from voting on any matter is to allow the majority to speak for you. That same majority, with a victory, might make trouble for the greater populous by means of the evil(s) of which you sought to distance yourself by abstaining from voting.
So I made two very difficult choices: First, I chose to vote rather than stay home. Second, I voted for lives of the unborn rather than for approval from the vast majority of my own ethnic community. The latter choice took the risk of being reproached for the name of Christ, for I only voted for life because of the fear of my Lord (cf. Ex. 1:15-2:12). I know such a choice risks invoking the ire or dismissal of the overwhelming majority of the African American community. Yet, on a most historic Election Day, I could not allow my personal pro-life stance to crumble under the weight of being perceived as a traitor to the African American cause for victory, for that goes against all godly wisdom:
your strength is small.
Rescue those who are being taken away to death;
hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,”
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,
and will he not repay man according to his work?
Prov. 24:10-12, ESVESV
I cast my vote in the hopes of rescuing those being taken to the slaughter. I could not vote in such a way that I would have ignored the blood flowing from fertility clinics, for I know that the Almighty would repay my cowardice. My hope in his word is that he will remember me and graciously and provide for my life, repaying me with mercy.
In contrast, I do not think a recession can be said to be taking people to death unjustly, especially when many in Maryland voted to throw their lots in with bringing slots to my state; (the correlation of the recession to the slots-vote should be obvious to the righteous). I think our soldiers voluntarily sign up to defend our freedom at the risk of their own lives. Lack of health insurance coverage for all makes life very hard for many, but it does not lead to a denial of all medical care for any one class of people. (N.B. I have two members in my home with medical pre-conditions, and I am about to begin paying health insurance out of pocket because we cannot afford a break in coverage when my current job ends. I understand the value of health insurance and the stress of keeping up with the rising costs of such coverage.) So the economy, the war in Iraq, and universal health insurance became secondary issues for me—albeit very important ones —because righteousness was not at stake. Even so, the righteous should not now overlook these issues while loving their fellow man.
My Duty to Christ and the King
The question for me at this time is this: Can I continue to live Soli Deo Gloria under a President whose moral judgment already is questionable before he takes the oath of office? Yes I can, for I can be obedient to Scripture, praying for the one in authority (I Tim. 2:1-8), honoring the one in authority (1 Pet. 2:13-18), submitting to the one in authority (Rom. 13:1-7; Tit. 3:1), and seeking righteousness for the entire citizenry (Prov. 14:34). These I will seek to do by grace. I will "honor the good appointment of God."
Moreover, I can follow the admonition and example of Calvin, who, in the quote above, preached that believers should impute to themselves the ills of government and recognize the common grace given to mankind through human governing authorities. For example, in our day, it is not the governmental regulation that slaughters the innocent; it is the people who chose to end the lives of their children, and the willing executioners who kill for the sake of the monetary gain afforded by the abortion industry. The government only allows this sin to receive legal permission and protection. Nevertheless, that same government provides many laws that allow me to worship in freedom, preach the Gospel freely, vote in an election, and write blog posts like this one without fear of censorship or death. I readily can recognize the retention of "some kind of just government" under President Obama's rule.
My Dilemma Resolved
My humble proposal of an attempt to be Christocentric rather than Afrocentric will not be received with approval by many African Americans that I know. I hope to live long enough to witness another African American become a candidate for President of the United States of America—a candidate who is pro-life and pro-righteousness. Yet my hope may ring hollow to many other African Americans who are celebrating a Democratic victory that happens to seem pro-African American. To the celebrants, I might be labeled as sore loser seeking to justify his reasons for siding with conservative white America rather than with Black America.
In writing elsewhere about "how I have wrestled through the Christian version of the Uncle Tom epithet" (with respect to my embracing of Reformed Theology), I have penned this thought:
If a person would allow himself to be pigeonholed into becoming a person of a nationalistic or ethno-centric thought out of the fear of being viewed as an Oreo or Uncle Tom, then Reformed Theology is not for that person. But neither is the Gospel, for the Gospel calls each of us to stand against an ethnic-centered philosophy of one's own race, for such a philosophy is naturally conformed to this present world and is in need of redemption. If you cannot stand against your own culture where it does not square with the Scriptures, you are the one who is ashamed of Christ, and such shame has nothing to with philosophical or ontological Blackness; it only has to do with your view of the majesty of the God who calls you to deny yourself in order to follow Christ. ("Sovereign in a Sweet Home, Schooling, and Solace," in Glory Road: Our Journey Into Reformed Christianity, ed. Anthony Carter [Wheaton, IL: Crossway, Wheaton, forthcoming])
I am fairly certain that if J. C. Watts had been the Republican nominee for President, and if he had been running against Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee, the great majority of African Americans would have found reason to vote for the wife of the "first Black President" and her liberal ideals rather than for Watts and his conservative ideals. In doing so, such a vote would indicate that the great majority of African Americans have feelings about the type of African American who would be deemed worthy their votes for the seat at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—who would be worthy of African Americans' approval as their choice for their representative in the White House. Seemingly, for the Black Nationalist and the liberal, not every African American would qualify to wear an honor for which our ancestors were stolen, enslaved, whipped, lynched, dehumanized, and killed. Likewise, it is my opinion that my ancestors experienced such suffering and injustices so that it would be possible for any African American to reach the Oval Office, but not so that every African American, regardless of qualifications, could reach the Oval Office. Those who fought for civil rights for African Americans were doing so out of a moral impetus to see African Americans treated humanely—as human beings rather than like chattel or as 3/5ths-human. I think the best way to honor their work and lives when the office of Commander in Chief is within reach would be to continue that moral quest. That quest is continued by finding a candidate who seeks to see African Americans, even those in the womb, treated humanely—as people rather than as cattle for our labor and experimentation or as a 3/5th-human fetus.
A Guest Post by Eric C. Redmond
Eric C. Redmond is the author of Where Are All the Brothers? Straight Answers to Men's Questions About the Church (Crossway, 2008). He most recently served as the 2007-2008 Second Vice-President of the Southern Baptist Convention. He has previously posted other thoughts on the election at his blog, A Man from Issachar. He and his wife, Pamela, are adoptive parents who have five children in their home and two children in heaven.
Source of the article: Between Two Worlds
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Awake O'Sleeper
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Posted in Faithful Contemplations
Awake! O Sleeper
(Kirk/Wilkerson)
Oh Abraham would raise his hands
And mourn this very day
For his children left the promised land
In search of their own way
They kick and scream like wayward sons
Always wanting to sleep
And dream away these evil days
In hopes that God cant see
There are chains upon your children Lord
Chains upon your children
There are chains upon your children
We're in chains
Chorus
Do you hear the lion roar?
Awake O Sleeper
Stand with me well fight the war
Awake O Sleeper
Your suffering will come again
And never fall away
2nd verse
Your suffering will come again
And never fall away
For we trade our many comforts
Like the one who bled for grace
There will come a day my God will come
And put me in my place
My God I pray, Youll call my name
Instead of turn away
Bridge
Let no man bring me harm
I bear the marks of Jesus
Let no man bring me harm
I bear the marks of the Lord
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Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Posted in Faithful Contemplations
Lately, my darling husband and I are more and more aware of whats ahead than ever, and like a dear blogging friend of mine, Jackie, said one time a few months back, It's not a Country we serve, but God. Never before have I been more aware of our Lord and Saviors Power than I have in these moments.
The fact that I'm seeing America more divided than I ever have, the fact that the media and certain Governmental leaders are using "fear tactics" to push our votes, our opinions, and our beliefs, just proves to me that we are in for an eye-opening rollercoaster that if you haven't been awakened yet, you most certainly will come next fall when inflation finally catches up and all heck breaks loose.
God and Country our Founding Fathers said. Even THEY knew God was important in the future of themselves AND their country and in unfortunate circumstances, while those of us who are Americans still ARE Americans, we find ourselves putting our trust in God and fighting to keep Him in our schools, our Government and at times, our own homes. Those in control are forgetting who's REALLY in control...GOD, NOT man. God is all powerful, HE can see us through, can guide and protect us, our children, and loved ones. HE can see us through the storm and set our feet on solid foundation.
In the upcoming months, we'll find more and more that our faith will be tested and we will have to KNOW what we stand for. Not just say it, but KNOW it. 1 Peter 3:15-16 says, But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Finding a church family has never been more imporant than it is today, when believing in Christ is becoming more and more scrutinized and our faith in Christ as we share it, is banned and censored. Having many with like-minds and coming together for the cause of Christ is a powerful way to overcoming obsticles Christ said we'd endure. Remember: Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.–Matt. 18:20
Since moving back to our home state, we've had a tough time finding a church home. One is too big, the other, well, doesn't really fit with our schedule, then there is the fact that we will be moving to an unknown location between spring and fall to a home of our own and are not sure if we want to get attatched only to have to leave and find another place closer to our new home. In these uncertain times though, we really are searching for Gods guidance as we believe whole-heartedly that now is the time to have fellowship with other believers in a close setting.
Prayer is the center of our home and while we pray for ourselves, we always pray for those in need, family, friends, and those we don't know as well as for Governmental leaders, our Country and the World. Right now, we are praying for God to strengthen our commitment to Him and give us courage and wisdom as we endure tough times.
When all is said and done, no matter how scarey things look right now, no matter how much the world tries to suppress my faith in Christ, HE is in control and HE has already won the battle!
I leave you with the following verses:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9
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*** If You don't Stand for something, You'll surely Fall for ANYTHING ***
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Posted in Faithful ContemplationsBe patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned. James 5:7-12
I've been enjoying re-reading James again. It's been of great insight and comfort to me. Though I have much still to learn, I'm confident I'm EXACTLY where He wants me to be.
Patience certainely isn't a virtue I've taken to much. I'm sure many can say that as well. For me, I need to get things done quickly, efficiently and have everything planned out down to the last agenda. It makes for a pretty stressful time. However, I'm learning it's OK to be flexible. Something that with time is allowing me to LIVE life the way God has intended. Flexibility reminds me of the moment Mary and Martha were in Jesus' company and Martha just HAD to get things done to perfection.
In the meantime, she was missing out on the important things. She fell prey to slavery through her anal list of "what NEEDS to get done", instead of prioritizing and taking advantage of what IS of main importance.
I am Martha.
Grumbling. Hmm, that's honestly been another sore spot. I've had such a hard time understanding what it is to be a Christian. I've been left SO confused these days that I've just decided to continue to seek God through it all and never mind all the different accusations each religion has argued about concerning non-essentials.
However, the main Focus of Gods word, tells us that the ONLY way to Heaven is through Jesus Christ. John 14:6 Confessing with our mouths that Jesus was born of a Virgin, suffered for our sins, literally died a horrible death on the cross, and fulfilled Gods word in the scriptures when He rose again and lives within us today.
That is something I will NEVER falter with. I KNOW He's Lord. I need not pray to another. My relationship is with Christ and I honestly feel so close to Him. Nobody knows me inside and out like Him, Nobody has loved me even close to the way He does, Nobody has ever loved me without condition but Him.
He even hand-picked my husband, who not only was created in His image...but who chooses to be an example of Christ. No, he's not always perfect, but he's the first man aside from God, who loves me for who I am, is patient, gentle, loving and kind. He was the first man to give me a Bible, to read with me and help me understand what the words meant (this was when we were only friends) and who continues to pray with me each night. Something that just drove me to be even more inlove with him, is walking down the stairs in the morning to find him deeply in thought with the scripture he's reading. His excitement about God, evangelizing with those around us and the books by such authors as Ravi Zachariaus just leaves me with great joy that God thought he was the right man for me. I don't deserve a loving God, nor do I deserve my wonderful husband, but the lovingkindness of the Lord and the openess to love completely with my husband, just make my cup runneth over.
Learn to say "Yes" Or "No". As His word tells us in James. We shouldn't swear on the Bible or that anything we say or do is good. We should say what we mean, and mean what we say. Yes, or No. There's no grey area.
There's too many people willing to be wishy washy and unable stand for what they, themselves believe in. Always worried what others think or afraid they'll affend everyone with what they know is Truth, but share truthiness instead.
God also tells us in Revelations 3:16
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Very eye opening thought in Gods Words. However, in a time like today, when everything seems so unpredictable and scarey, we know God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
We MUST know what we stand for and be able to share in our own words with scripture to back us up. Read Gods Word daily, understanding each context (again by continuing to study and read) and taking the contexts as they are. To teach those who are open to the Truth of Gods great plan, plant seeds for God Himself, to grow and to love everyone no matter how much they hurt us or deny Christ.
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20
This of course means doing so with tact, gentleness and lots of love. Reminding ourselves that without Christ, we wouldn't be saved by His grace and able to stand with God in Heaven one day.
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Knit Together In Love
Monday, October 6, 2008
Posted in Faithful Contemplations
MY GOAL IS THAT THEIR HEARTS, HAVING BEEN KNIT TOGETHER IN LOVE, MAY BE ENCOURAGED, AND THAT THEY MAY HAVE ALL THE RICHES THAT ASSURANCE BRINGS IN THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE MYSTERY OF GOD, NAMELY, CHRIST, IN WHOM ARE HIDDEN ALL THE TREASURES OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE. I SAY THIS SO THAT NO ONE WILL DECEIVE YOU THROUGH ARGUMENTS THAT SOUND REASONABLE. FOR THOUGH I AM ABSENT FROM YOU IN BODY, I AM PRESENT WITH YOU IN SPIRIT, REJOICING TO SEE YOUR MORALE AND THE FIRMNESS OF YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST. THEREFORE, JUST AS YOU RECEIVED CHRIST JESUS AS LORD, CONTINUE TO LIVE YOUR LIVES IN HIM ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN HIM AND FIRM IN YOUR FAITH JUST AS YOU WERE TAUGHT, AND OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS. ~COL 2:2-7
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What a Blessed Sunday
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Posted in Faithful Contemplations
Pic: Sunflower Valley in Camillus NY
Quiet and Calm, no work to be done. I find myself contemplating on Jesus. My blessed Savior who died for me so I could live in Heaven. It's been a beauitful, quiet day. Birds have been chirping, I hear ducks quacking and the sound of crickets outside.
Today really has helped me understand the importance of this blessed Sabbath day. It reminds me of love, forgiveness of my own sinful ways and renewal of mind and spirit through Jesus Christ. I'm not perfect in any way, in fact, it's the mere reason I need Him.
He is my all, the love of my life, who in troubled times, comes to my defenses, forgives me when I let Him Down, and loves me UNCONDITIONALLY at times when others, as humans, have conditions. He celebrates with me, pushes me to overcome obsticles to be the woman HE wants me to be, holds my hand and pulls me up when I'm weary and knows my innermost desires.
While I can't graps EVERYTHING about my heavenly father, and at times I get SO confused when I try to grasp the mere thought of the Trinity as my human mind can only understand it, I find myself grateful for each day ,for the people in my life, the beauty of this world, while also being able to touch the lives and environment that surrounds me in order to bring some kind of light to a world that's so lost. For it has nothing to do with me, but it is HE who saves the world. I can only be used as this broken, imperfect vessel with hopes that maybe one day, I may make my Father proud.
Following His biggest commandment to Love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind and soul and loving others as I would myself. That means loving everyone who may have hurt me just as I may have hurt others in the past. That means forgiving even those who have hurt me as I have also hurt . For I am saved only by grace and the love of a perfect Savior. Whom without HIS forgiveness and HIS love, I'd be living in hell. So it is my obligation to love and forgive others. And so I shall.
Yes, ((sigh of gratefulness)) I've had so much time to grasp just how much I REALLY have. What life really means when I have a loving Father who supports me and speaks to me. I am abundantly blessed with much.
Blessings to you all!
Rebekah
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*** Steven Curtis Chapman Media Appearances ***
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Posted in Faithful ContemplationsSource: Steven Curtis Chapman E-Newsletter
Sparrow Records/EMICMG and StevenCurtisChapman.com announce today that the next radio single from Steven's THIS MOMENT album, available to radio for airplay on August 1st, will be "Yours." Additional breaking news! A new version of the song will be released. "Yours" (new verse) includes a new 4th verse that Steven has written since the loss of his daughter Maria in a tragic accident on May 21, 2008.
Steven felt it was important to acknowledge what the family has been going through over these past 8 weeks, and "Yours" has taken on new meaning in recent weeks to many who work alongside Steven. Already a very special song, Steven's reflections since Maria's loss in the 4th verse only make the song even more challenging, compelling, and passionate. Concertgoers this past weekend had a chance to take in the new lyric, and on each of the 3 occasions rose to their feet in a standing ovation as Steven sang the closing line in the new verse.
The song will be hitting radio airwaves shortly (we hope) for official adds on August 8th. And I'm told it looks like it may be on iTunes and other DSPs as soon as August 5th.
All of the royalties generated by sales of "Yours" (new verse) will go to Shaohannah's Hope!!
Here's the new verse lyric...
I’ve walked the valley of death’s shadow
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe
I’ve had to let go of more than I could bear
And questioned everything that I believe
But still even here
in this great darkness
A comfort and hope come breaking through
As I can say in life or death
God we belong to you.
The Chapman family will be appearing on...
Good Morning America on August 5th
Larry King Live on August 7th
People Magazine issue of August 15th
Opportunities with outlets of this sort of reach would normally be reason for wild celebration... on this occasion though, I think you'd understand why we would rather not even have the coverage. The Chapmans didn't seek these appearances, and these were cautiously and prayerfully considered with input from the family, pastors, counselors, and Steven's team. When these many opportunities came, the discussion quickly centered around the opportunity to use them to remember and celebrate Maria, to thank the tens of thousands of you who have sent condolences as well as the the hundreds of thousands or more that have prayed for this family, to highlight adoption and orphans...
and most importantly that the Hope of the Gospel be proclaimed.
It's our hope that this is what will be accomplished, that as many as possible will be reached, especially those that would not hear of it any other way... and we seek your prayers as the family endeavors to do so in these interviews. Follow live blog updates from Steven's manager, Jim Houser on August 7th at StevenCurtisChapman.com.
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