Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." Luke 17:11-19
I have always kinda snubbed my nose in the direction of the "other nine". How could they be so ungrateful? How could they not even say "thank you" when they were just given an amazing gift of healing. Walking in their shoes, surely, I would have been the one to come back and say thanks.
They had leprosy after all. An incurable disease that condemned them to life alone. They were outcasts forced away from family and friends. Husbands torn away from wives. Fathers torn away from children. Declared unclean they could no longer even touch the ones they loved. Their family had mourned them as if they were dead. And they might as well had been.
But then...oh, but then they met Jesus! And He changed everything! He gave them their life back...only this time it was even better! Oh, I imagine they could hardly contain themselves as they ran to their loved ones with heart overflowing...with gratitude?
Do you suppose...could it be... just maybe...they weren't ungrateful? Maybe they could simply not wait to touch family and friends they had not had contact with in who knows how long. To hug wives, hold children, kiss away tears of joy! To share the news they are no longer dead! Share the amazing story of the One who gave them their life back!
Maybe, just maybe they were very much like me. So busy enjoying the gift...appreciating the gift...relishing in the gift...even sharing the gift, they didn't have time to say "thank you" to the One who gave them the gift in the first place.
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Mine was...well, an answer to prayer really. My prayer today is that I never again get too wrapped up in enjoying life that I forget to stop and say "thanks" to the Giver of all good things!
Showing posts with label Scripture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scripture. Show all posts
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
America at the Crossroads
Deeper Still - Session Two - Kay Arthur
Wow. I have been sitting on this blog post for awhile. It's a heavy one.
I don't know where else to start with Ms. Kay's message other than right where she did.
She walked on stage, somber and transparent. Tears in her eyes, voice quivering. She said she had a very difficult message to deliver. She was right.
She told us how she ran down to the staff early that morning while they were praying. She threw herself on the floor and asked they pray for her. God had given her a message she didn't want to deliver. She looked into the crowd, tears now running freely, I can still hear her declare,"If I was a servant of all of you, I would not be doing this, but I am a servant of God...and I must do what He says."
You could of heard a pin drop in the building...a building holding 19,000 women...who would have thought that possible.
God had a message and He used Ms. Kay, willing and obedient servant to deliver it. Not a day goes by, I don't think of her message...and pray.
Her message was about America being at the crossroads...the election being a pivotal time for America. Bold, I tell you.
Ms. Kay warned that God was already bringing judgment on America. He brings judgment in the form of natural disasters and He brings judgment in the form of famine. She expressed that we were set up perfectly for a famine...the gas prices, food prices, disasters that have hit crops, etc.
She urged us not to cling only to the New Testament but to study the whole Bible and learn the character of God.
It is not the desire of God to bring judgment or calamity - rather it is the necessity of His character when we do not obey.
People in America do not know the Truth...
Therefore My people go into exile because they lack knowledge; the dignitaries are starving, and the masses are parched with thirst. Isaiah 5:13
(Also see Hosea 4:1-6)
She spoke bluntly about the lies being told by the media. She proclaimed boldly, "We are living in the midst of lies and those lies are going to destroy our nation. What are you listening to? What are you watching? Are you in God's Word to form your opinions?"
I still hear Ms. Kay speaking this verse with such passion:
Has a nation [ever] exchanged its gods? (but they were not gods!) Yet My people have exchanged their Glory for useless idols. Be horrified at this, heavens; be shocked and utterly appalled. [This is] the LORD's declaration. For My people have committed a double evil: They have abandoned Me, the fountain of living water, and dug cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that cannot hold water. Jeremiah 2:11-13
That was just the beginning of her message. She went on to give seven things we need to do in light of this:
1. Break up the fallow ground (Jeremiah 4:3). The fallow ground is the hardness of our soul. God is speaking, but are we listening? Lord, break my heart with the things that break yours!
2. It is a time to mourn (Jeremiah 9:17-18) Ezekiel 9 speaks of a time when God was getting ready to destroy Jerusalem...but He spares the mourners.
3. Pray (Jeremiah 36:7).
4. Love God's Word - above yourself (Jeremiah 20:7-13) His message must become a fire in our heart and we need to be willing to die for it.
5. Love others as Jesus loved them (Jeremiah 31:3).
6. Introduce people to Jesus - be on mission for Him (Jeremiah 31).
7. Rest. Rest in the Lord and trust in Him. Jeremiah 33:1-9 bears a wonderful hope in all of this: Yes, God judges, but He does it to restore...
I have no idea how this message sits with you. I know it is a touchy one. I also know the Truth is not always easy....but worth it? YES!
I left Atlanta with huge, enormous, gigantic respect for Ms. Kay Arthur. I feel so honored to have heard her speak...and such a timely message. Her love for America was evident. Her sincerity obvious. But above all else, her passion for God's Word shown brilliantly.
What a woman of the Word. That sweet lady knows her scripture. Back and forth, flipping pages and quoting from memory - she had us fully engrossed in the Word of God.
Before she concluded her time with us, she had us stand and hold our Bibles, while she prayed over us to fall deeply in love with the Word of God. To cling to it above all else and be willing to die for the Truth inside. A moment I will not soon forget.
I am clinging...praying...trusting in my All-Powerful God...
Wow. I have been sitting on this blog post for awhile. It's a heavy one.
I don't know where else to start with Ms. Kay's message other than right where she did.
She walked on stage, somber and transparent. Tears in her eyes, voice quivering. She said she had a very difficult message to deliver. She was right.
She told us how she ran down to the staff early that morning while they were praying. She threw herself on the floor and asked they pray for her. God had given her a message she didn't want to deliver. She looked into the crowd, tears now running freely, I can still hear her declare,"If I was a servant of all of you, I would not be doing this, but I am a servant of God...and I must do what He says."
You could of heard a pin drop in the building...a building holding 19,000 women...who would have thought that possible.
God had a message and He used Ms. Kay, willing and obedient servant to deliver it. Not a day goes by, I don't think of her message...and pray.
Her message was about America being at the crossroads...the election being a pivotal time for America. Bold, I tell you.
Ms. Kay warned that God was already bringing judgment on America. He brings judgment in the form of natural disasters and He brings judgment in the form of famine. She expressed that we were set up perfectly for a famine...the gas prices, food prices, disasters that have hit crops, etc.
She urged us not to cling only to the New Testament but to study the whole Bible and learn the character of God.
It is not the desire of God to bring judgment or calamity - rather it is the necessity of His character when we do not obey.
People in America do not know the Truth...
Therefore My people go into exile because they lack knowledge; the dignitaries are starving, and the masses are parched with thirst. Isaiah 5:13
(Also see Hosea 4:1-6)
She spoke bluntly about the lies being told by the media. She proclaimed boldly, "We are living in the midst of lies and those lies are going to destroy our nation. What are you listening to? What are you watching? Are you in God's Word to form your opinions?"
I still hear Ms. Kay speaking this verse with such passion:
Has a nation [ever] exchanged its gods? (but they were not gods!) Yet My people have exchanged their Glory for useless idols. Be horrified at this, heavens; be shocked and utterly appalled. [This is] the LORD's declaration. For My people have committed a double evil: They have abandoned Me, the fountain of living water, and dug cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that cannot hold water. Jeremiah 2:11-13
That was just the beginning of her message. She went on to give seven things we need to do in light of this:
1. Break up the fallow ground (Jeremiah 4:3). The fallow ground is the hardness of our soul. God is speaking, but are we listening? Lord, break my heart with the things that break yours!
2. It is a time to mourn (Jeremiah 9:17-18) Ezekiel 9 speaks of a time when God was getting ready to destroy Jerusalem...but He spares the mourners.
3. Pray (Jeremiah 36:7).
4. Love God's Word - above yourself (Jeremiah 20:7-13) His message must become a fire in our heart and we need to be willing to die for it.
5. Love others as Jesus loved them (Jeremiah 31:3).
6. Introduce people to Jesus - be on mission for Him (Jeremiah 31).
7. Rest. Rest in the Lord and trust in Him. Jeremiah 33:1-9 bears a wonderful hope in all of this: Yes, God judges, but He does it to restore...
I have no idea how this message sits with you. I know it is a touchy one. I also know the Truth is not always easy....but worth it? YES!
I left Atlanta with huge, enormous, gigantic respect for Ms. Kay Arthur. I feel so honored to have heard her speak...and such a timely message. Her love for America was evident. Her sincerity obvious. But above all else, her passion for God's Word shown brilliantly.
What a woman of the Word. That sweet lady knows her scripture. Back and forth, flipping pages and quoting from memory - she had us fully engrossed in the Word of God.
Before she concluded her time with us, she had us stand and hold our Bibles, while she prayed over us to fall deeply in love with the Word of God. To cling to it above all else and be willing to die for the Truth inside. A moment I will not soon forget.
I am clinging...praying...trusting in my All-Powerful God...
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Invitation
Deeper Still - Session One - Priscilla Shirer
Priscilla opened the conference with an invitation from God to expect the unexpected.
The LORD said to Moses, "I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you." Then Moses told the LORD what the people had said. And the LORD said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.
Exodus 19:9-11
The Israelites were placed in the wilderness for a reason - a purpose. In fact, God led them there Himself...
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.
Exodus 13:17-18
God led them right to Mt. Sinai...there they were the furthest possible place away from external blessings - God's promise of Jordan. (Priscilla showed a map and it is true!) They couldn't have got much further away with out camping in the water. But it was there where God had the greatest possible internal blessing - Him.
Priscilla urged us, "Take your eyes off the wilderness and place them on the mountain of God. Everything is not always what it seems. It is in the desert you find the mountain...the mountain of God. Are you going to let the wilderness push you away or draw you closer?"
In the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on the very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
Exodus 19:1-2
They camped at the mountain of God. One of the most powerful truths Priscilla spoke. It pierced my heart...she said, "They rested before the mountain in the midst of the wilderness." We are more protected in the wilderness with than out of the wilderness without Him.
You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.
Exodus 19:4
God wanted them to look back and remember they did not find God, He found them.
Remembering enables you to say in the midst of the wilderness, "God handled all that, I know He can handle all this." The same God who lifted you then is the same God who can deliver you now.
Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.
Exodus 19:5-6
God calls them to recognize their spiritual identity. Loved this part as well...only God has the credentials to give you your identity.
At some point in this part Priscilla pulled out a copy of Oprah's book club book "The New Earth" and pointed out the lie that it is. She said, "The enemy wants his lies to sound so close to the Truth that you mistake them for the Truth. You will find your spiritual identity no where else but the Word of God. Only there do you find Who He is and in that you find who you are." Preach it, girl!!
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Priscilla in person for the first time. She is a dynamic speaker and uses amazing analogies from her everyday life to draw you in to God's Truth. Truly a gift.
One of the most memorable moments for me came close to the end of the night. Priscilla was finishing up talking about how God wanted to speak to all the Israelites but they are afraid and so Moses ended up going up the mountain alone. (You can read the story in the rest of Exodus 19).
During this portion she asked Beth Moore to come and sit in a chair on stage. She asked the audience to raise their hand if they had done a Beth Moore Bible study and had been blessed. Hands went up everywhere.
Then Priscilla asked out of those people, who doesn't like to be the center attention, kinda shy, etc. Hands went up again. And Priscilla picked a person out of those hands. Her name was Cathy.
Priscilla says to Cathy, "You have an invitation to go up on stage, out of your comfort zone, and hug Beth and hear a word from Beth just for you. Now I can go get that hug and word for you and come back and give it to you, or you can go get it yourself."
Cathy starts to go up to the stage.
Beth still sitting in her throne like chair, suddenly bolts out of it and down the stage to the aisle and meets Cathy there. "Oh, aren't you precious..." she calls out as she runs.
It wasn't planned that way...and I totally get Priscilla's wonderful point, but what brought tears to my eyes was Beth's sweet reaction. So Beth...I mean would you expect her to do otherwise? But yet, isn't that just what God does for us? We hesitantly take steps toward Him and He takes off running towards us...hugs us as if we are the only one in the world.
I walked out of the convention center that night, through the crowd of 19,000 other women, but I felt as if I had been hugged, loved on by God as if I were the only one there. I am sure I was not the only one that felt that way.
What a big God!!
Priscilla opened the conference with an invitation from God to expect the unexpected.
The LORD said to Moses, "I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you." Then Moses told the LORD what the people had said. And the LORD said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.
Exodus 19:9-11
The Israelites were placed in the wilderness for a reason - a purpose. In fact, God led them there Himself...
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.
Exodus 13:17-18
God led them right to Mt. Sinai...there they were the furthest possible place away from external blessings - God's promise of Jordan. (Priscilla showed a map and it is true!) They couldn't have got much further away with out camping in the water. But it was there where God had the greatest possible internal blessing - Him.
Priscilla urged us, "Take your eyes off the wilderness and place them on the mountain of God. Everything is not always what it seems. It is in the desert you find the mountain...the mountain of God. Are you going to let the wilderness push you away or draw you closer?"
In the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on the very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
Exodus 19:1-2
They camped at the mountain of God. One of the most powerful truths Priscilla spoke. It pierced my heart...she said, "They rested before the mountain in the midst of the wilderness." We are more protected in the wilderness with than out of the wilderness without Him.
You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.
Exodus 19:4
God wanted them to look back and remember they did not find God, He found them.
Remembering enables you to say in the midst of the wilderness, "God handled all that, I know He can handle all this." The same God who lifted you then is the same God who can deliver you now.
Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.
Exodus 19:5-6
God calls them to recognize their spiritual identity. Loved this part as well...only God has the credentials to give you your identity.
At some point in this part Priscilla pulled out a copy of Oprah's book club book "The New Earth" and pointed out the lie that it is. She said, "The enemy wants his lies to sound so close to the Truth that you mistake them for the Truth. You will find your spiritual identity no where else but the Word of God. Only there do you find Who He is and in that you find who you are." Preach it, girl!!
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Priscilla in person for the first time. She is a dynamic speaker and uses amazing analogies from her everyday life to draw you in to God's Truth. Truly a gift.
One of the most memorable moments for me came close to the end of the night. Priscilla was finishing up talking about how God wanted to speak to all the Israelites but they are afraid and so Moses ended up going up the mountain alone. (You can read the story in the rest of Exodus 19).
During this portion she asked Beth Moore to come and sit in a chair on stage. She asked the audience to raise their hand if they had done a Beth Moore Bible study and had been blessed. Hands went up everywhere.
Then Priscilla asked out of those people, who doesn't like to be the center attention, kinda shy, etc. Hands went up again. And Priscilla picked a person out of those hands. Her name was Cathy.
Priscilla says to Cathy, "You have an invitation to go up on stage, out of your comfort zone, and hug Beth and hear a word from Beth just for you. Now I can go get that hug and word for you and come back and give it to you, or you can go get it yourself."
Cathy starts to go up to the stage.
Beth still sitting in her throne like chair, suddenly bolts out of it and down the stage to the aisle and meets Cathy there. "Oh, aren't you precious..." she calls out as she runs.
It wasn't planned that way...and I totally get Priscilla's wonderful point, but what brought tears to my eyes was Beth's sweet reaction. So Beth...I mean would you expect her to do otherwise? But yet, isn't that just what God does for us? We hesitantly take steps toward Him and He takes off running towards us...hugs us as if we are the only one in the world.
I walked out of the convention center that night, through the crowd of 19,000 other women, but I felt as if I had been hugged, loved on by God as if I were the only one there. I am sure I was not the only one that felt that way.
What a big God!!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Glory
I sit here in tears. My niece shared her heart and a beautiful song in this post as she waits on the birth of her fourth baby. (Yes, I am not only an aunt, but a GREAT aunt...14 - almost 16 times! I can't believe I left that out of my 100 things!)
Oh, how this world hurts. Her heavy heart reflects my own. I have hugged my children tighter this week - thankful for the moments I have them to hold - and yet cry and pray for the hurting...and long so desperately for the return of my Lord.
This was the first time I heard the song she shared - "Glory" by Selah. I have played it many times since...and added it to my list of favorites. I found a video so I could share it with you.
"...Stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21:28
"He who testifies about these things says, 'Yes, I am coming quickly.' Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" Revelation 22:20
Oh, how this world hurts. Her heavy heart reflects my own. I have hugged my children tighter this week - thankful for the moments I have them to hold - and yet cry and pray for the hurting...and long so desperately for the return of my Lord.
This was the first time I heard the song she shared - "Glory" by Selah. I have played it many times since...and added it to my list of favorites. I found a video so I could share it with you.
"...Stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21:28
"He who testifies about these things says, 'Yes, I am coming quickly.' Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" Revelation 22:20
Monday, May 19, 2008
Cross Centered Life
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ… Galatians 6:14
For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified… 1 Corinthians 2:2
If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you probably know by now, I find myself “obsessed” or passionate (is the term I prefer) about certain topics quite often. One usually leads to another. I like to think God is teaching me these things. My tabernacle obsession lead to me to want to know more about Heaven and that left me with a passion for the gospel…that led me to pick up this book: Living the Cross Centered Life - Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing by C.J. Mahaney.
I have reread parts of this book numerous times…so many huge truths packed into this tiny treasure. I skimmed over and searched the pages, trying to decide what I wanted to share on here…what I wanted to look back upon with only a click of the mouse…what I wanted to remember. I could pull a bit from nearly every page, but that would either bore those who have read it or ruin it for those who have not. I decided rather to share a good amount from two portions of the book that impacted me the most. These parts are the ones that drew my sobbing heart to the foot of the cross more than ever before. He had to endure it all because of me. And I would rise praising Him because He did endure it...and He endured it instead of me.
C.J. explains with great clarity God’s holiness, man’s sinfulness, our need of a Savior and why only Jesus could be that for us. This book helped me understand big words and big concepts such as justification, sanctification, legalism and condemnation. But my heart changed the most…moved the closest to the cross somewhere in the middle where C.J. takes chapters to explain all Jesus endured from Gethsemane to his last breath.
Here are only small portions of two of those chapters:
From Chapter Six: Staring into the Cup - The Shock of Gethsemane
“Remove this cup,” Jesus pleads in the garden. Isaiah 51:17 shows us this cup in God’s extended hand – it’s “the cup of wrath,” and for those who drink from it, it’s “the cup of staggering.” The cup contains the full vehemence and fierceness of God’s holy wrath poured out against all sin, and we discover in Scripture that it’s intended for all of sinful humanity to drink. It’s your cup…and mine. No wonder that when Jesus stares into this detestable vessel, He stumbles to the ground.
“Yet not what I will, but what You will.” As we watch Jesus pray in agony in Gethsemane, He has every right to turn His tearful eyes toward you and me and shout, “This is your cup. You’re responsible for this. It’s your sin! You drink it.” This cup should rightfully be thrust into my hand and yours. Instead, Jesus freely takes it Himself…so that from the cross He can look down at you and me, whisper our names, and say, “I drain this cup for you – for you who have lived in defiance of Me, who have hated Me, who have oppressed Me. I drink it all…for you.”
This is what our sin makes necessary. This is what’s required by your pride and my pride, by your selfishness and my selfishness, by your disobedience and my disobedience. Behold Him…behold His suffering…and recognize His love.
From Chapter 8: The Scream of the Damned - Our Savior's Worst Torment
"Why have You forsaken Me?"
Jesus is experiencing what you and I should be receiving - His Father's full and furious wrath. He's experiencing what every other human being in history deserves and what He alone does not deserve. And He's experiencing it alone.
He who for all eternity has never been alone is now wholly abandoned. Such utter desolation has never even existed before in all eternity, because of the infinite love and fellowship of the Trinity, which can never be broken. But now the incarnate Son must be forsaken by the Father...because the Father is holy, and there in the Father's sight is "the most grotesque display of ugliness imaginable," as R.C. Sproul termed it. It's the monstrous sight of the unbound totality of human sin resting upon one Man.
Jesus doesn't just feel forsaken; He is forsaken...It isn't a deceptive feeling; it's reality. In Gethsemane, when Jesus looked into the cup, this is what He had seen. This is what had staggered Him.
Why alone? He's alone so that we might never be alone. He cries out to God, "Why have you forsaken Me?" so that you and I will never have to make a similar cry. He was cut off from His Father so that we can boldly say, "Nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus." He's forsaken so that we might be forgiven.
God, in abandoning His Son, is treating Jesus as a sinner so that He can treat you and me - who are sinners - as if were were righteous...all because of Jesus.
For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified… 1 Corinthians 2:2
If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you probably know by now, I find myself “obsessed” or passionate (is the term I prefer) about certain topics quite often. One usually leads to another. I like to think God is teaching me these things. My tabernacle obsession lead to me to want to know more about Heaven and that left me with a passion for the gospel…that led me to pick up this book: Living the Cross Centered Life - Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing by C.J. Mahaney.
I have reread parts of this book numerous times…so many huge truths packed into this tiny treasure. I skimmed over and searched the pages, trying to decide what I wanted to share on here…what I wanted to look back upon with only a click of the mouse…what I wanted to remember. I could pull a bit from nearly every page, but that would either bore those who have read it or ruin it for those who have not. I decided rather to share a good amount from two portions of the book that impacted me the most. These parts are the ones that drew my sobbing heart to the foot of the cross more than ever before. He had to endure it all because of me. And I would rise praising Him because He did endure it...and He endured it instead of me.
C.J. explains with great clarity God’s holiness, man’s sinfulness, our need of a Savior and why only Jesus could be that for us. This book helped me understand big words and big concepts such as justification, sanctification, legalism and condemnation. But my heart changed the most…moved the closest to the cross somewhere in the middle where C.J. takes chapters to explain all Jesus endured from Gethsemane to his last breath.
Here are only small portions of two of those chapters:
From Chapter Six: Staring into the Cup - The Shock of Gethsemane
“Remove this cup,” Jesus pleads in the garden. Isaiah 51:17 shows us this cup in God’s extended hand – it’s “the cup of wrath,” and for those who drink from it, it’s “the cup of staggering.” The cup contains the full vehemence and fierceness of God’s holy wrath poured out against all sin, and we discover in Scripture that it’s intended for all of sinful humanity to drink. It’s your cup…and mine. No wonder that when Jesus stares into this detestable vessel, He stumbles to the ground.
“Yet not what I will, but what You will.” As we watch Jesus pray in agony in Gethsemane, He has every right to turn His tearful eyes toward you and me and shout, “This is your cup. You’re responsible for this. It’s your sin! You drink it.” This cup should rightfully be thrust into my hand and yours. Instead, Jesus freely takes it Himself…so that from the cross He can look down at you and me, whisper our names, and say, “I drain this cup for you – for you who have lived in defiance of Me, who have hated Me, who have oppressed Me. I drink it all…for you.”
This is what our sin makes necessary. This is what’s required by your pride and my pride, by your selfishness and my selfishness, by your disobedience and my disobedience. Behold Him…behold His suffering…and recognize His love.
From Chapter 8: The Scream of the Damned - Our Savior's Worst Torment
"Why have You forsaken Me?"
Jesus is experiencing what you and I should be receiving - His Father's full and furious wrath. He's experiencing what every other human being in history deserves and what He alone does not deserve. And He's experiencing it alone.
He who for all eternity has never been alone is now wholly abandoned. Such utter desolation has never even existed before in all eternity, because of the infinite love and fellowship of the Trinity, which can never be broken. But now the incarnate Son must be forsaken by the Father...because the Father is holy, and there in the Father's sight is "the most grotesque display of ugliness imaginable," as R.C. Sproul termed it. It's the monstrous sight of the unbound totality of human sin resting upon one Man.
Jesus doesn't just feel forsaken; He is forsaken...It isn't a deceptive feeling; it's reality. In Gethsemane, when Jesus looked into the cup, this is what He had seen. This is what had staggered Him.
Why alone? He's alone so that we might never be alone. He cries out to God, "Why have you forsaken Me?" so that you and I will never have to make a similar cry. He was cut off from His Father so that we can boldly say, "Nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus." He's forsaken so that we might be forgiven.
God, in abandoning His Son, is treating Jesus as a sinner so that He can treat you and me - who are sinners - as if were were righteous...all because of Jesus.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
National Day of Prayer
So lets pray!
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:2-6
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:2-6
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Knowing God's Will
It's not a mystery, it's not revealed in only circumstances and it isn't to be feared. I love how Randy Alcorn put this...it is so simple, straightforward and most importantly so true. Worth the read...really!
I love this promise...
"Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him." James 1:5
Praise You, Lord! I can be smarter than I am... :)
I love this promise...
"Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him." James 1:5
Praise You, Lord! I can be smarter than I am... :)
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Living Proof Live! Day 2
Day 2...I have to admit it is a bit foggy. Despite the night before, I still dragged myself into my seat at 7:30 am and tried not to fall asleep while waiting for it to start. After a late night of talking with a dear friend (so fun!) I then laid awake (so NOT fun) until the wee hours of the morning.
But praise God for notes! My notes from this day have changed my life - I am not exaggerating (right now at least). I read them often and they really had altered my perception on my daily life. So, it is from them I will share...
What God has called you to do is beyond you. No kidding...boy, do I know this to be true.
What holds us back from taking hold of what God has for us?
1. Dread - daily rehearsing every advance defeat. It is unbelief. It counters the grace of God. It disbelieves that God's grace will not be given in our time of need. My toes are still hurting from this one, but I so needed to hear this. Remember my obsession with manna? This reminded me...I have to believe that God will be there to meet my needs in my time of need. I can not store the manna I need for tomorrow today. I have caught myself in dread more times than I can count since last Saturday. I never realized just how many hours I spend in worry. So sad. What a huge waste of time.
2. Comparison - we get distracted by what is beside us. We compare feelings. We compare callings. Ouch again. My future is in front of me...not behind me and not beside me either. I have my own calling. The body of Christ working together...each doing their own part, utilizing their own gifts...and the resurrection power available to us. We could change the world (again, NOT exaggerating). We really could. We compare hardships. If God were to give me a new passion in my sphere of influence, could I handle it? If I don't embrace my hardships, I suffer in vain. They are designed to bring God glory. I pray I will gather my manna as I need this and glorify God in all things...
3. Conflict - move on...literally.
4. Difficulty - its not about what you are dreading, it is about what IS...it is about your reality. Is your reality "killing" you? God will raise the dead. Resurrection power is available to you everyday...one day at a time. He will give you what you need. He will be strong for you.
This day held some difficult lessons...but good ones, indeed.
My most favorite part and something I long for everyday...
What happens at the finish line?
"...but our citizenship is in Heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20)
1. A new city! A real life city!
"For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God." (Hebrews 11:10)
2. A new body! Christ took on ours, so we can take on His.
"He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself." (Philippians 3:21)
3. A new home!
4. Jesus' face!!!!!
"They will see His face..." (Revelation 22:4)
What more can I say?
Thank you, Lord!!
But praise God for notes! My notes from this day have changed my life - I am not exaggerating (right now at least). I read them often and they really had altered my perception on my daily life. So, it is from them I will share...
What God has called you to do is beyond you. No kidding...boy, do I know this to be true.
What holds us back from taking hold of what God has for us?
1. Dread - daily rehearsing every advance defeat. It is unbelief. It counters the grace of God. It disbelieves that God's grace will not be given in our time of need. My toes are still hurting from this one, but I so needed to hear this. Remember my obsession with manna? This reminded me...I have to believe that God will be there to meet my needs in my time of need. I can not store the manna I need for tomorrow today. I have caught myself in dread more times than I can count since last Saturday. I never realized just how many hours I spend in worry. So sad. What a huge waste of time.
2. Comparison - we get distracted by what is beside us. We compare feelings. We compare callings. Ouch again. My future is in front of me...not behind me and not beside me either. I have my own calling. The body of Christ working together...each doing their own part, utilizing their own gifts...and the resurrection power available to us. We could change the world (again, NOT exaggerating). We really could. We compare hardships. If God were to give me a new passion in my sphere of influence, could I handle it? If I don't embrace my hardships, I suffer in vain. They are designed to bring God glory. I pray I will gather my manna as I need this and glorify God in all things...
3. Conflict - move on...literally.
4. Difficulty - its not about what you are dreading, it is about what IS...it is about your reality. Is your reality "killing" you? God will raise the dead. Resurrection power is available to you everyday...one day at a time. He will give you what you need. He will be strong for you.
This day held some difficult lessons...but good ones, indeed.
My most favorite part and something I long for everyday...
What happens at the finish line?
"...but our citizenship is in Heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20)
1. A new city! A real life city!
"For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God." (Hebrews 11:10)
2. A new body! Christ took on ours, so we can take on His.
"He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself." (Philippians 3:21)
3. A new home!
4. Jesus' face!!!!!
"They will see His face..." (Revelation 22:4)
What more can I say?
Thank you, Lord!!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Living Proof Live! Day 1
Two weeks ago I had the awesome privilege of attending a Living Proof Live event with Beth Moore. I have started numerous posts to try to sum it up, but words beyond "amazing" fail me. Amazing...amazing...amazing...
I spent the days before the conference pleading earnestly for God to meet me there. My prayers were not ones of a saint...my heart was ugly, far from loving, angry even. I pleaded with God because I knew I didn't deserve Him...but I also knew I desperately needed Him. Praise God for His grace...that gives you not what you deserve but what you need...and more.
He met me there. Actually, I think He was there waiting...waiting for all 14,500 of us.
Before Beth ever touched the stage, my heart leaped as I read this verse on the screen:
"Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead. I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 12-14)
At that moment, I knew God had kept our date - in spite of me. You see, I felt God give me that verse earlier this year (I even mentioned it here) when my heart was so longing for Heaven I wanted to go NOW. He put this verse in my heart and I have clung to it often. Not that my desire for Heaven is wrong, I still earnestly desire to be where He is, but I cling to this verse to remind me I have reasons to run...to finish this race and to finish strong.
But I did anything but run into that conference that Friday night I was stumbling the whole way.
"What do you want Me to do for you?" (Matthew 20:32) Jesus, please give me a reason to run!
Boy, did He ever...
Just a few highlights - bits and pieces - of that first amazing night I never want to forget...
"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms..." (Ephesians 1:18-20)
When will I get this...really get this? I have resurrection power available to me every day...every single, ordinary day. It's available, but do I tap into it? What would happen if I did?
"Forgetting what is behind..." Whatever God has for me is not behind me... I am going to go where I am looking... Face forward!
I spent the days before the conference pleading earnestly for God to meet me there. My prayers were not ones of a saint...my heart was ugly, far from loving, angry even. I pleaded with God because I knew I didn't deserve Him...but I also knew I desperately needed Him. Praise God for His grace...that gives you not what you deserve but what you need...and more.
He met me there. Actually, I think He was there waiting...waiting for all 14,500 of us.
Before Beth ever touched the stage, my heart leaped as I read this verse on the screen:
"Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead. I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 12-14)
At that moment, I knew God had kept our date - in spite of me. You see, I felt God give me that verse earlier this year (I even mentioned it here) when my heart was so longing for Heaven I wanted to go NOW. He put this verse in my heart and I have clung to it often. Not that my desire for Heaven is wrong, I still earnestly desire to be where He is, but I cling to this verse to remind me I have reasons to run...to finish this race and to finish strong.
But I did anything but run into that conference that Friday night I was stumbling the whole way.
"What do you want Me to do for you?" (Matthew 20:32) Jesus, please give me a reason to run!
Boy, did He ever...
Just a few highlights - bits and pieces - of that first amazing night I never want to forget...
"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms..." (Ephesians 1:18-20)
When will I get this...really get this? I have resurrection power available to me every day...every single, ordinary day. It's available, but do I tap into it? What would happen if I did?
"Forgetting what is behind..." Whatever God has for me is not behind me... I am going to go where I am looking... Face forward!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Happy Easter!
Yesterday was the first day of spring. It was also the beginning of my favorite weekend...sweet, blessed Easter. How sad a year would be without this precious time.
We celebrated the Lord’s Supper at church last night. We remembered His body broken…His blood poured for us. I love these services. The quiet, dark sanctuary filled with song, filled with tears. “Jesus paid it all…all to Him I owe.” “Oh, the wonderful cross…” I sat with friends…the body of Christ; we came to the Lord’s Table together. All at once my heart broke for the pain my Savior endured for me, it rejoiced that He did and it longed, longed for Him to share – physically share – in this with me.
My servant King, my humble Master, stooped to the lowest of the low – crucified with criminals to rescue me. Oh, how I love Him. I love Him even more because the story doesn’t end there. Come Sunday morning and the dark, bruised Friday sky is replaced with a fresh, brilliant new light. Light like the world has never seen.
He died to make ALL things new. Isn’t it just so timely that spring comes and then we celebrate the resurrection? Grass grows where snow once lay. Empty trees fill up with leaves once again. Flowers bloom, babies are born, the whole world bubbles with life. Winter is gone and spring is here! Death has been conquered and our Savior lives!
The seasons are such a beautifully accurate description of what God can do. They are the salvation message embedded in nature. Every year the story is told. What was dead is now alive. The mighty Creator of the seasons can make -will make - the whole earth new. Resurrection, restoration, renew, reborn…all some of God’s favorite things. How He loves to take death and replace it with life!
It is for this we celebrate. For what He has done already and for what He is yet to do. In great anticipation I await the Lord’s coming. I can’t wait to dine with Him at His table. My body longs to wash His nail scarred feet with my tears. My heart can not contain the thought of celebrating with Him that He is alive…the battle won and eternity ours.
I pray the hope that comes with spring brings life – eternal life – to your heart. There is no greater promise than spring is coming! No greater love than what our Lord did on this day.
Happy spring and happy Easter!
"I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live." John 11"25
We celebrated the Lord’s Supper at church last night. We remembered His body broken…His blood poured for us. I love these services. The quiet, dark sanctuary filled with song, filled with tears. “Jesus paid it all…all to Him I owe.” “Oh, the wonderful cross…” I sat with friends…the body of Christ; we came to the Lord’s Table together. All at once my heart broke for the pain my Savior endured for me, it rejoiced that He did and it longed, longed for Him to share – physically share – in this with me.
My servant King, my humble Master, stooped to the lowest of the low – crucified with criminals to rescue me. Oh, how I love Him. I love Him even more because the story doesn’t end there. Come Sunday morning and the dark, bruised Friday sky is replaced with a fresh, brilliant new light. Light like the world has never seen.
He died to make ALL things new. Isn’t it just so timely that spring comes and then we celebrate the resurrection? Grass grows where snow once lay. Empty trees fill up with leaves once again. Flowers bloom, babies are born, the whole world bubbles with life. Winter is gone and spring is here! Death has been conquered and our Savior lives!
The seasons are such a beautifully accurate description of what God can do. They are the salvation message embedded in nature. Every year the story is told. What was dead is now alive. The mighty Creator of the seasons can make -will make - the whole earth new. Resurrection, restoration, renew, reborn…all some of God’s favorite things. How He loves to take death and replace it with life!
It is for this we celebrate. For what He has done already and for what He is yet to do. In great anticipation I await the Lord’s coming. I can’t wait to dine with Him at His table. My body longs to wash His nail scarred feet with my tears. My heart can not contain the thought of celebrating with Him that He is alive…the battle won and eternity ours.
I pray the hope that comes with spring brings life – eternal life – to your heart. There is no greater promise than spring is coming! No greater love than what our Lord did on this day.
Happy spring and happy Easter!
"I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live." John 11"25
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Philippians 1:20-21
"My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or death. For me, living is Christ and dying is gain."
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day
I couldn't let the day go by without hopping on here...
I love this day! It is so much fun. The pink and red together. The hearts, the sweet sayings, the CHOCOLATE. The love. I have always been too much of a girly-girl, romantic not to LOVE this day. So bear with me here, but this is my valentine to you...
I love this day! It is so much fun. The pink and red together. The hearts, the sweet sayings, the CHOCOLATE. The love. I have always been too much of a girly-girl, romantic not to LOVE this day. So bear with me here, but this is my valentine to you...
"For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
God loves you. Better than that, He is crazy in love with you. I pray you feel Him loving on you today.
That, my friend, is the heart (pun intended) of Valentine's Day.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Hello Out There!
Is anybody still listening? :)
Wow, it is only February 1st but I feel like Christmas was 6 months ago! It has been a wild ride of a month - full to the rim of good and bad. Between sick children and planning 10 Bible studies, I haven't had much time to blog. The Bible studies kicked off this past week (whooohoo!) and (I think) everyone is healthy...so hoping for smooth sailing for a little while.
Poor Summer had a icky bout with pneumonia and she was just starting to feel better when Connor came down with a tummy bug, followed by Chloe...and that was just the past week and a half! All timed, oh so nicely, right along with the start dates of the Bible studies. I am thankful I got to attend both days. It would have killed me (Ok, maybe not killed...more like saddened me) to have put so much planning, time and tears into it and not have been there. I am also thankful for the great team of women that surround me that recognizes my first ministry as my dear children and helped in so many ways!
It has really been an incredible month, though I am at a loss of words to describe it. I have learned/am still learning so much! Being in a leadership position is so completely new to me. I feel so ill-equipped and most times have no clue what I am even doing. But the Lord pulled all of it together in spite of me and is constantly reminding me that leadership isn't always a personality trait - Moses being a huge example of that. I am so grateful for this month - though I have shed a years worth of tears and let out over a hundred squeals of excitement - I wouldn't trade any of it. God is working all around...through the good and the bad. I LOVE seeing His handiwork and excitedly look forward to the finish.
My verse for this New Year has been: "But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead (Heaven!), I pursue as my goal the prize (Jesus!) promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:13-14
I hope you all are doing well. Thank you for sticking with me through my break. :)
Blessings to you and your family! Have a happy February!
Wow, it is only February 1st but I feel like Christmas was 6 months ago! It has been a wild ride of a month - full to the rim of good and bad. Between sick children and planning 10 Bible studies, I haven't had much time to blog. The Bible studies kicked off this past week (whooohoo!) and (I think) everyone is healthy...so hoping for smooth sailing for a little while.
Poor Summer had a icky bout with pneumonia and she was just starting to feel better when Connor came down with a tummy bug, followed by Chloe...and that was just the past week and a half! All timed, oh so nicely, right along with the start dates of the Bible studies. I am thankful I got to attend both days. It would have killed me (Ok, maybe not killed...more like saddened me) to have put so much planning, time and tears into it and not have been there. I am also thankful for the great team of women that surround me that recognizes my first ministry as my dear children and helped in so many ways!
It has really been an incredible month, though I am at a loss of words to describe it. I have learned/am still learning so much! Being in a leadership position is so completely new to me. I feel so ill-equipped and most times have no clue what I am even doing. But the Lord pulled all of it together in spite of me and is constantly reminding me that leadership isn't always a personality trait - Moses being a huge example of that. I am so grateful for this month - though I have shed a years worth of tears and let out over a hundred squeals of excitement - I wouldn't trade any of it. God is working all around...through the good and the bad. I LOVE seeing His handiwork and excitedly look forward to the finish.
My verse for this New Year has been: "But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead (Heaven!), I pursue as my goal the prize (Jesus!) promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:13-14
I hope you all are doing well. Thank you for sticking with me through my break. :)
Blessings to you and your family! Have a happy February!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Why Shepherds?
“In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people: today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.’…They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough.” (Luke 2:8-12,16)
Why did God choose shepherds? Out of all the people in and around Bethlehem, was there no one more worthy to hear the good news than some simple shepherds?
A little known fact is that Bethlehem shepherds tended to the flocks of sheep that would become temple sacrifices. If these were in fact the shepherds that visited Jesus, then the shepherds were common, but their sheep were not. They were innocent lambs chosen to pay the price for guilty man.
So simple shepherds, yes. Simple lambs, no, not really.
That is the heart of the Christmas story, isn’t it? Simple shepherds, simple surroundings, simple parents, but a Baby that was anything but common. He was born to save the world. He was born to buy back the Earth and all in it…to restore, resurrect, reconcile. It would cost Him His life, but He came here anyway. He entered our world through the womb of a teenage girl and she laid Him in a manger. For the night all was well. He was here with us.
Can you picture the scene with me? It was so…so very…ordinary. The stable probably smelled. The animals were probably restless. There is Mary…exhausted from the donkey ride, yet in pain from birthing a Son. Her eyes are heavy…she will be sleeping along with her Baby very soon. And then there is Joseph. His eyes are also begging to close. The stress of the past day was riveting, maneuvering a laboring Mary thought a crowded street on a donkey, finding a place to stay, delivering the Baby… now in the calm of the night, sleep beckons him. But he dare not take his eyes off the Child. He must protect his King.
So, why did God send shepherds? Remember they were not just any shepherds. These were shepherds who tended the lambs that would be brought before the Lord in the temple. Of all shepherds these were the most respected. They were strong, godly men with gentle, humble hearts. They walk in, look around the ordinary scene. As strange as it was, there was no mistaking what the angels had said. “A Baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” They fall to their knees, tears streaming down wrinkled, weathered faces. They have found their Savior and their Lord.
And so Joseph gazes once more at sleeping Mary, and the stirring Baby and then closes his eyes. He has traveled a long journey, and has an even longer one ahead of him. For now, he must rest. God has sent the shepherds, to watch over the little, innocent Lamb.
Could they have known that this Lamb too would be sacrificed for a guilty people? Only this time, He would choose to get on the altar. He would choose to become the sacrifice. And this time and only through this Lamb it would be once and for all.
Why did God choose shepherds? Out of all the people in and around Bethlehem, was there no one more worthy to hear the good news than some simple shepherds?
A little known fact is that Bethlehem shepherds tended to the flocks of sheep that would become temple sacrifices. If these were in fact the shepherds that visited Jesus, then the shepherds were common, but their sheep were not. They were innocent lambs chosen to pay the price for guilty man.
So simple shepherds, yes. Simple lambs, no, not really.
That is the heart of the Christmas story, isn’t it? Simple shepherds, simple surroundings, simple parents, but a Baby that was anything but common. He was born to save the world. He was born to buy back the Earth and all in it…to restore, resurrect, reconcile. It would cost Him His life, but He came here anyway. He entered our world through the womb of a teenage girl and she laid Him in a manger. For the night all was well. He was here with us.
Can you picture the scene with me? It was so…so very…ordinary. The stable probably smelled. The animals were probably restless. There is Mary…exhausted from the donkey ride, yet in pain from birthing a Son. Her eyes are heavy…she will be sleeping along with her Baby very soon. And then there is Joseph. His eyes are also begging to close. The stress of the past day was riveting, maneuvering a laboring Mary thought a crowded street on a donkey, finding a place to stay, delivering the Baby… now in the calm of the night, sleep beckons him. But he dare not take his eyes off the Child. He must protect his King.
So, why did God send shepherds? Remember they were not just any shepherds. These were shepherds who tended the lambs that would be brought before the Lord in the temple. Of all shepherds these were the most respected. They were strong, godly men with gentle, humble hearts. They walk in, look around the ordinary scene. As strange as it was, there was no mistaking what the angels had said. “A Baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” They fall to their knees, tears streaming down wrinkled, weathered faces. They have found their Savior and their Lord.
And so Joseph gazes once more at sleeping Mary, and the stirring Baby and then closes his eyes. He has traveled a long journey, and has an even longer one ahead of him. For now, he must rest. God has sent the shepherds, to watch over the little, innocent Lamb.
Could they have known that this Lamb too would be sacrificed for a guilty people? Only this time, He would choose to get on the altar. He would choose to become the sacrifice. And this time and only through this Lamb it would be once and for all.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Missing Home
“Whom have I in Heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You.” Psalm 73:25
This week has been a bit of sad one. I have seen my parents mourning the death of their dog. Just a dog, I know…but after 15 years with her, their home just isn’t the same yet without her.
One of my dearest friends lost her grandfather this week. He is home with Jesus, but she is here and her heart hurts.
We were close to witnessing a fatal accident Wednesday night. We passed the scene shortly after it happened on the way to a Christmas party… a body of a 17 year old girl, hit by two cars, lying in the road.
It was all more than enough to make me hit my knees later that night. I am so ready to go home. None of this affected me directly, but I see the affects it has on others. I know I can’t live in this world a lifetime without death’s pain stabbing my own heart. Living here just plain hurts.
It’s not the way things were suppose to be, you know? We were created to live forever. We were made for eternity. And now more than ever before, but probably not more than I ever will, my spirit groans within me…I miss my home…the One I was created for.
Jesus, I want to be where You are. May Your Kindgom come…now please?! I am ready for no more tears, no more death, no more crying, no more pain. Oh, Lord, I am ready!
Are you?
“The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9
This week has been a bit of sad one. I have seen my parents mourning the death of their dog. Just a dog, I know…but after 15 years with her, their home just isn’t the same yet without her.
One of my dearest friends lost her grandfather this week. He is home with Jesus, but she is here and her heart hurts.
We were close to witnessing a fatal accident Wednesday night. We passed the scene shortly after it happened on the way to a Christmas party… a body of a 17 year old girl, hit by two cars, lying in the road.
It was all more than enough to make me hit my knees later that night. I am so ready to go home. None of this affected me directly, but I see the affects it has on others. I know I can’t live in this world a lifetime without death’s pain stabbing my own heart. Living here just plain hurts.
It’s not the way things were suppose to be, you know? We were created to live forever. We were made for eternity. And now more than ever before, but probably not more than I ever will, my spirit groans within me…I miss my home…the One I was created for.
Jesus, I want to be where You are. May Your Kindgom come…now please?! I am ready for no more tears, no more death, no more crying, no more pain. Oh, Lord, I am ready!
Are you?
“The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9
Monday, November 26, 2007
And what I am most thankful for...
"Let us be thankful, then, because we receive a Kingdom that cannot be shaken..."
Hebrews 12:28
A REAL LIFE KINGDOM! Oh, I can not wait!!
"Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)
Hebrews 12:28
A REAL LIFE KINGDOM! Oh, I can not wait!!
"Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
He Speaks to Me
"He Speaks to Me" by Priscilla Shirer has been sitting in my current reading pile for awhile now. It is with a bit of sadness that I place it on my bookshelf. I did this study twice, back to back. I read through it with Tara and then felt God leading me to facilitate this same study at our church this fall. I was blessed immensely both times. Priscilla's sweet, yet stern in her conviction:
- Ministry is when people don't want more of you, they want more of Him. Oh, God, don't let me ever forget!
- Our desire shouldn't be to impress God, but to have a relationship with Him. He is the reward! He is Heaven!
- If we continue to allow God to fill us, sooner or later we'll find that nothing else will satisfy. So true...
- The King of kings and Lord of lords makes Himself available to all of us, even beggars, no, especially beggars - when we are hungry for Him. So amazing...I don't think I will ever cease to be amazed by this!
- And finally, I learned that my family is my first ministry. Their "interruptions" are not really interruptions at all but rather God's plan for my day. To ignore them, is to ignore God's voice...ouch...
The entire study is pulled from the life of the child Samuel the night he heard God speak. She has amazing insight. The book seems to build...getting better and better with each chapter and ends in such a way, you beg for more...more of Him.
By far, one of my favorite quotes is this:
God is too great to be impressed by all our activity. People might be impressed, but God won't be. We bring a smile to His face when we sit at His feet, hear His voice, and discover the secrets reserved for His friends. May we respond to the Lord as David did: "My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming'" (Psalm 27:8 NLT).
May I always respond, "Lord, I am coming!"
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