My friend Cathy is in love, unfortunately, I don't think the feeling is returned by John. In most relationships one person loves more than the other, but they are both in love. In this case I think John cares about Cathy, he may even love her, but he is not in love with her. He enjoys her company and they do activities together, but when it comes down to it ... John will eventually walk away for his true love.
As I was watching John this morning, sitting with another women, it made me think about my relationship with Jesus. Do I really love Him or do I just enjoy His company at times? At the end of my day will I walk off with the other things in my life? Which do I love more - Jesus or the things of this world like popularity, sensual pleasures, and wealth? Am I in love with the Lord or are we just friends?
How about you?
7/29/07
7/21/07
7/18/07
Just Visiting
I know I said I was taking a break but I just had to tell you about this morning.
Prayer at City Hall was amazing today. There were only 8 of us but it was the power prayers there - like it was planned or something. We lifted the concerns of the city to our Father and I know He will not only hear, He will provide.
I also had 2 people tell me, independent of each other, that "God is going to use you in a great way." Seems odd that they would both say it this morning. I know God uses everyone, and in whatever fashion that is, it greatly helps the kingdom. But, I think they are talking about something different.
I have been given the next 5 months for some reason. Rest and time to reflect are high on my agenda for them. Perhaps this is the time I more clearly see where all this is heading. Pray for clarity.
It was a beautiful day in the Lord. Praise Him in all things great and small.
Prayer at City Hall was amazing today. There were only 8 of us but it was the power prayers there - like it was planned or something. We lifted the concerns of the city to our Father and I know He will not only hear, He will provide.
I also had 2 people tell me, independent of each other, that "God is going to use you in a great way." Seems odd that they would both say it this morning. I know God uses everyone, and in whatever fashion that is, it greatly helps the kingdom. But, I think they are talking about something different.
I have been given the next 5 months for some reason. Rest and time to reflect are high on my agenda for them. Perhaps this is the time I more clearly see where all this is heading. Pray for clarity.
It was a beautiful day in the Lord. Praise Him in all things great and small.
7/14/07
Bye
I will not be posting here for a while.
A series of events has left me a little numb. Disillusioned? I don't think it is so much that as being disheartened. The church world isn't much better than the secular world. Don't know why that came as a surprise. Both worlds are made of imperfect humans.
I will work hard to complete the class I am taking in a manner worthy of my instructors time and efforts. But after that, I am taking a break. I have not lost my faith in God,I only lost faith in my religion.
It's the age old question women have always asked ... why would God give me these skills and spiritual gifts if He did not want me to use them? I am sure He does, so I just need to let Him show me how and where and when.
I'll be back.
A series of events has left me a little numb. Disillusioned? I don't think it is so much that as being disheartened. The church world isn't much better than the secular world. Don't know why that came as a surprise. Both worlds are made of imperfect humans.
I will work hard to complete the class I am taking in a manner worthy of my instructors time and efforts. But after that, I am taking a break. I have not lost my faith in God,I only lost faith in my religion.
It's the age old question women have always asked ... why would God give me these skills and spiritual gifts if He did not want me to use them? I am sure He does, so I just need to let Him show me how and where and when.
I'll be back.
7/13/07
Quote
"In life, both faith and fear will arise within you and
you choose which one will prevail." - John Maxwell
"Two natures beat within my breast,
The one is foul, the other blessed.
The one I love, the other I hate;
The one I feed will dominate."
you choose which one will prevail." - John Maxwell
"Two natures beat within my breast,
The one is foul, the other blessed.
The one I love, the other I hate;
The one I feed will dominate."
7/10/07
Crazy Week
It has been a crazy week and it's only Tuesday! Monday was a tough day to get through. Started out with some discouraging news from my church. As I was dwelling on that I had a few problems in the office. School is an ongoing issue. I love what I am learning right now, but it is so much work it's difficult some days to get it all done. Then there was the problem with the chamber. I don't often play the "because I can" card but I felt it was necessary yesterday. I was so depressed by the time I got home I just wandered around the house for a while and then went to bed around 10:30 - early for me.
I woke up around 3:00 this morning in distress. I stretched my arms out and prayed more sincerely than I have in a long while. Around 4:00 I got out of bed, dressed myself, and went to work. I was trusting the Lord for help to get through the day; knowing trials are just as much a part of the Christian walk as the easy days. I wasn't sure which I was going to receive.
I decided I would go ahead and register for the fall semester at DBU. I had decided to only take one class for several reasons...however it had been cancelled! I called my advisor to confirm the Internet information and she said I would need to select another course. She sent me information on two other classes. My hope for the day was beginning to fade.
I said another prayer. "I can't do this, help me."
Then a hearing aid rep shows up thinking we had an appointment - we didn't. But I needed some supplies from her company that I had ordered but not received. She made a couple of calls and the supplies will be in my office tomorrow - free of charge. Free is good right now. Then the phone rings. A woman I have never met wanted to thank me for starting the prayers at City Hall each week. She had read about it in the paper last May but was just now getting around to calling. She plans to join us in the morning - and she will bring her pastor with her. Now, the desire of my heart is to minister to the pastors in town. Do you think God knew that?
Remember me telling you there was an issue with the chamber? Well, the man I had been reprimanding yesterday sent me an email that just said, "I still love you, see you at the meeting." Made going into that meeting today a lot easier.
Now about school. No great spiritual inspiration here except I think I have come to a decision. I looked over all the information for the classes available and I do not think I should take any of them. That's right, I think I will sit this semester out. But I will not be wasting that time.
What I feel I need to do is refocus and to remember what started me on this path. I need to get some discipline back into my life - both physical and spiritual. I have a lot of rebuilding to do over the next few months. Keep me in your prayers.
Then this evening I had a meeting with my Bible Study teacher and another couple from class. I was "administrating" and planning kingdom growth. We are developing ways to help others grow in their walk with the Lord. I realized I was exactly where I was supposed to be - doing what I am supposed to be doing.
If you listen for the Lord He will guide your steps.
I woke up around 3:00 this morning in distress. I stretched my arms out and prayed more sincerely than I have in a long while. Around 4:00 I got out of bed, dressed myself, and went to work. I was trusting the Lord for help to get through the day; knowing trials are just as much a part of the Christian walk as the easy days. I wasn't sure which I was going to receive.
I decided I would go ahead and register for the fall semester at DBU. I had decided to only take one class for several reasons...however it had been cancelled! I called my advisor to confirm the Internet information and she said I would need to select another course. She sent me information on two other classes. My hope for the day was beginning to fade.
I said another prayer. "I can't do this, help me."
Then a hearing aid rep shows up thinking we had an appointment - we didn't. But I needed some supplies from her company that I had ordered but not received. She made a couple of calls and the supplies will be in my office tomorrow - free of charge. Free is good right now. Then the phone rings. A woman I have never met wanted to thank me for starting the prayers at City Hall each week. She had read about it in the paper last May but was just now getting around to calling. She plans to join us in the morning - and she will bring her pastor with her. Now, the desire of my heart is to minister to the pastors in town. Do you think God knew that?
Remember me telling you there was an issue with the chamber? Well, the man I had been reprimanding yesterday sent me an email that just said, "I still love you, see you at the meeting." Made going into that meeting today a lot easier.
Now about school. No great spiritual inspiration here except I think I have come to a decision. I looked over all the information for the classes available and I do not think I should take any of them. That's right, I think I will sit this semester out. But I will not be wasting that time.
What I feel I need to do is refocus and to remember what started me on this path. I need to get some discipline back into my life - both physical and spiritual. I have a lot of rebuilding to do over the next few months. Keep me in your prayers.
Then this evening I had a meeting with my Bible Study teacher and another couple from class. I was "administrating" and planning kingdom growth. We are developing ways to help others grow in their walk with the Lord. I realized I was exactly where I was supposed to be - doing what I am supposed to be doing.
If you listen for the Lord He will guide your steps.
7/8/07
7/7/07
I'm Humbled By Your Mercy
I don't want to keep studying, but it's not that I don't want to learn this material. I am about to study the last week of Jesus' life. I am up to Wednesday and Wednesday is the day of rest so I took a break. Just like Jesus, I know what is about to happen. There is the betrayal, the mockery of a trial, and then His death. I would like to skip all that and go straight to the resurrection, but then, the whole point of the resurrection was that He had died to pay my sin debt, wasn't it.
Last summer, when we studied this section, I embarrassed myself. I was sitting in my office crying like a big baby. My office manager came back to find out what was wrong. All I could get out was the overwhelming realization of what Christ had endured for mankind. She just looked at me like I was crazy. Had I not told her the gospel story a dozen times? Yes, I had told that story, but at that moment, I was at the foot of the cross. I could feel His pain and see the blood run down His face and arms. I could feel Him in that room with me. It was as real as if I had been there 2000 years ago. And it made me cry.
How real is Jesus to you? Is the Bible a series of stories or is it an expression of Christ's love for you. Do you understand the price paid for your sin? Do you think about the fact that He died for all sin, for all time? That means tomorrow when you act on inappropriate physical desires or cheat someone out of money, or take advantage of someone just because you can ... you nail Him to that cross one more time. How many times can you hurt the One you profess to love? Is it not amazing that He continues to love you? I am astounded by the depths of forgiveness found through Christ.
When is the last time you cried for Christ?
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
Matthew 22:37
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
Mark 12:30
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself."
Luke 10:27
Last summer, when we studied this section, I embarrassed myself. I was sitting in my office crying like a big baby. My office manager came back to find out what was wrong. All I could get out was the overwhelming realization of what Christ had endured for mankind. She just looked at me like I was crazy. Had I not told her the gospel story a dozen times? Yes, I had told that story, but at that moment, I was at the foot of the cross. I could feel His pain and see the blood run down His face and arms. I could feel Him in that room with me. It was as real as if I had been there 2000 years ago. And it made me cry.
How real is Jesus to you? Is the Bible a series of stories or is it an expression of Christ's love for you. Do you understand the price paid for your sin? Do you think about the fact that He died for all sin, for all time? That means tomorrow when you act on inappropriate physical desires or cheat someone out of money, or take advantage of someone just because you can ... you nail Him to that cross one more time. How many times can you hurt the One you profess to love? Is it not amazing that He continues to love you? I am astounded by the depths of forgiveness found through Christ.
When is the last time you cried for Christ?
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
Matthew 22:37
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
Mark 12:30
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself."
Luke 10:27
7/6/07
7/4/07
Freedom
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then,and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. -- Galatians 5:1
We have been set free! We are delivered from law, sin, and death. We have been set free to serve God and share in his grace eternally. So how will we use that freedom?
From Heartlight
We have been set free! We are delivered from law, sin, and death. We have been set free to serve God and share in his grace eternally. So how will we use that freedom?
From Heartlight
7/3/07
Daddy
Did you know that Sunday was my father's birthday? He has been with my other Father since 1995, but I still think about him, especially on special days.
One time, when I was in my early teens, we went to Lake Texoma for the 4th weekend. We had a house, well, a "rustic cabin" up there. We always spent the first day mowing grass and cleaning out cobwebs, but it was worth it once we got settled in for the weekend.
We would go out on the lake and spend the day laughing and playing together as a family. These are the good memories.
That particular year, we were having so much fun we forgot my father's birthday. It was July 4th or 5th when my Mom grabbed all the kids up and said, "We forgot." I saw her heart breaking as she took us to Daddy to apologize. We were all very sorry.
Can you guess his response? He hugged all of us and said the best gift he could receive was for us to be healthy and happy. He said for all of us to be together as a family having fun was enough for him, and I believe that was true. We were instantly forgiven.
The analogy to our heavenly Father's love should be obvious. If my earthly father could love me that much, how much greater is God's love for me? If my Dad could forgive my selfishness in the blink of an eye; how much sweeter is the forgiveness for a lifetime of sin?
It's overwhelming when you think about it.
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
- Proverbs 22:6
"Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you." - Deuteronomy 5:16
One time, when I was in my early teens, we went to Lake Texoma for the 4th weekend. We had a house, well, a "rustic cabin" up there. We always spent the first day mowing grass and cleaning out cobwebs, but it was worth it once we got settled in for the weekend.
We would go out on the lake and spend the day laughing and playing together as a family. These are the good memories.
That particular year, we were having so much fun we forgot my father's birthday. It was July 4th or 5th when my Mom grabbed all the kids up and said, "We forgot." I saw her heart breaking as she took us to Daddy to apologize. We were all very sorry.
Can you guess his response? He hugged all of us and said the best gift he could receive was for us to be healthy and happy. He said for all of us to be together as a family having fun was enough for him, and I believe that was true. We were instantly forgiven.
The analogy to our heavenly Father's love should be obvious. If my earthly father could love me that much, how much greater is God's love for me? If my Dad could forgive my selfishness in the blink of an eye; how much sweeter is the forgiveness for a lifetime of sin?
It's overwhelming when you think about it.
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
- Proverbs 22:6
"Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you." - Deuteronomy 5:16
Thump
| I had a friend call. A child at their church was running around having fun like children do and began to run towards the street. His parents yelled at him to stop but he didn't listen. He kept on running. Unfortunately, he ran between some cars into the road and was hit by a passing car. My friend said you could hear the "thump" sounds all the way into the church. I was sad for the family and that church, but it made me think of my own friends. How many times have I heard the "thump" in their lives? How often are we so preoccupied with what we want and where we are going that we don't take time to listen to our Father when He tells us to stop. He warns us of danger yet we don't listen. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." John 10:27 |
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