You go and see a movie. You enjoy it. You find the characters interesting.
Your friend sees the movie too, but because they read the book before they got so much more out of it. They understand the history that the characters had together. They know why there is tension between the families. They know that the customs of the land have a lot to do with why the characters reacted the way they did....
When you read the Bible, you may enjoy it. You can find it interesting. You may feel good.
When you study the Bible however, the words come alive! When you study, God shows you so much and not only do you get a deeper understanding to the text, but it becomes personal. It becomes relavant to your life. There's such a big 3D kick these days - studying makes the Bible 3D.
All of the gals at church have heard me say more times than they can remember - "There's a big difference between reading the Bible and studying it."
This past week at women's Bible study I had a woman share with me that she has been attending church for over 15 years but that this is the first time she has ever really studies the Bible. She can't believe what she's been missing. As she was talking she was sort of shaking her hands in excitement. She was so excited about God's word and how it was all opening up before her. She could hear and feel the Lord speak to her as never before.
I wish that excitement for all of you. Take the time to study God's word. Peel off each layer like an onion. Ask the Lord's blessing on your study that you would receive a personal application. Do it because, there's a big difference between reading and studying the Bible.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
A New 'Normal'
Unfortunately sistahs, my lap top continues to be out of commission :(
But I do have good news - I got a job!
Earlier this month I went in for an interview and was hired and had an hours training on the spot. Praise God! I am a part-time church secretary. Not only have I been blessed with this job, but my prayers concerning my biggest issue with going back out to work were answered.
I have two young boys that are being lovingly cared for by family during the summer, and once school starts I will be able to put them on the bus myself and get them off of the bus myself. Is God good or what?!!!
With all of the hustle and bustle of getting used to this new schedule and way of life really, I must honestly admit that my quiet time with the Lord has suffered. Kind of ironic that going to work for a church has cramped my spiritual life...
This simply wont do. I must put a little thought into how I will organize my days (as much as one can) so that my time with the Lord will remain a priority while still spending plenty of quality time with my little men, getting to my job and doing my best, taking care of the house and of course spending time with the hubs.
So, sorry for the lack of posting - but it will pick up now that I'm over the initial hurdle of getting back to work. I'm adjusting to a new 'normal'.
I hope you're all having a great summer and staying connected with our Heavenly Father!
But I do have good news - I got a job!
Earlier this month I went in for an interview and was hired and had an hours training on the spot. Praise God! I am a part-time church secretary. Not only have I been blessed with this job, but my prayers concerning my biggest issue with going back out to work were answered.
I have two young boys that are being lovingly cared for by family during the summer, and once school starts I will be able to put them on the bus myself and get them off of the bus myself. Is God good or what?!!!
With all of the hustle and bustle of getting used to this new schedule and way of life really, I must honestly admit that my quiet time with the Lord has suffered. Kind of ironic that going to work for a church has cramped my spiritual life...
This simply wont do. I must put a little thought into how I will organize my days (as much as one can) so that my time with the Lord will remain a priority while still spending plenty of quality time with my little men, getting to my job and doing my best, taking care of the house and of course spending time with the hubs.
So, sorry for the lack of posting - but it will pick up now that I'm over the initial hurdle of getting back to work. I'm adjusting to a new 'normal'.
I hope you're all having a great summer and staying connected with our Heavenly Father!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Technology... you think it's your friend : )
My poor laptop has a virus and my computer doctor (a.k.a. ~ my husband) doesn't have the remedy. This is why I haven't been able to post in so long. Praying we can get it fixed soon with little to no expense. (It could happen! Luke 1:37)
The thoughts I want to share today actually did not come from reading the Bible, but rather from reading a children's book to my boys. Even if you don't have little kids to read to (and if you don't, I'm sure parents at church would love it if you offered to read a story or two to their little ones while waiting for church to start!!) I can't encourage you enough to take a perusal of the children's book next time you're in your local Christian book store. There are some really powerful messages tucked into those colorfully and beautifully illustrated pages!
'You Are Mine' by Max Lucado (he not only writes compelling books for adults, but very tender messages for the kiddos too) was the book I read to my boys the other day while we were outside enjoying the beautiful sunny day. Mr. Lucado has a few books that deal with these funny little puppet-like wooden creatures (Wemmicks); I recommend all of them!
In this tale of the Wemmicks we find them at the start of a new craze - collecting boxes and balls. If one has 3 boxes and two balls then the next thinks they must have 4 boxes and 5 balls, and the balls must be bigger and the boxes must have prettier designs. Then we see them collecting boxes that have labels on them. More, bigger, better, more expensive and on and on it goes. Why? They feel that those who have the biggest, the best, the most are the 'really good Wemmicks'. They think that what they have determines who they are.
Hmmm.. We may not be made of wood and we may not have a pile of boxes and balls, but goodness knows we humans can get as weighed down as these Wemmicks do trying to keep up and our children get the message loud and clear in this world.
Thankfully, Punchinello, the lead character in these tales, stumbles into his makers workshop as a result of not being able to see the path before him because he is so burdened with all of his 'stuff'. Once there his maker assures him that what you have isn't important; you can't rely on things to make you happy. Instead; it's about whose you are and that we can trust Him to supply our happiness - to give us our joy.
After finishing the last page I then asked my boys some questions about the story to make sure they understood it and could apply it to their lives. It's not about having the most DS games. It's not important what brand name your clothes are. You don't have to compete with your friends as to who gets more money from the tooth fairy..
We all need to go to our Maker on a regular basis and put our trust in Him alone and not 'things' (cars, homes, name brand clothing or purses.....) for our happiness; or more importantly, joy. We need to be in His word and then ask ourselves questions to make sure we understand and can apply it to our lives.
It's so easy to get weighed down by stuff and worldly pursuits. But smart Wemmicks, I mean people, know that it's more important to keep our vision clear so we can remain on the path with our Maker. It's a wonderful reminder, We Are His.
My poor laptop has a virus and my computer doctor (a.k.a. ~ my husband) doesn't have the remedy. This is why I haven't been able to post in so long. Praying we can get it fixed soon with little to no expense. (It could happen! Luke 1:37)
The thoughts I want to share today actually did not come from reading the Bible, but rather from reading a children's book to my boys. Even if you don't have little kids to read to (and if you don't, I'm sure parents at church would love it if you offered to read a story or two to their little ones while waiting for church to start!!) I can't encourage you enough to take a perusal of the children's book next time you're in your local Christian book store. There are some really powerful messages tucked into those colorfully and beautifully illustrated pages!
'You Are Mine' by Max Lucado (he not only writes compelling books for adults, but very tender messages for the kiddos too) was the book I read to my boys the other day while we were outside enjoying the beautiful sunny day. Mr. Lucado has a few books that deal with these funny little puppet-like wooden creatures (Wemmicks); I recommend all of them!
In this tale of the Wemmicks we find them at the start of a new craze - collecting boxes and balls. If one has 3 boxes and two balls then the next thinks they must have 4 boxes and 5 balls, and the balls must be bigger and the boxes must have prettier designs. Then we see them collecting boxes that have labels on them. More, bigger, better, more expensive and on and on it goes. Why? They feel that those who have the biggest, the best, the most are the 'really good Wemmicks'. They think that what they have determines who they are.
Hmmm.. We may not be made of wood and we may not have a pile of boxes and balls, but goodness knows we humans can get as weighed down as these Wemmicks do trying to keep up and our children get the message loud and clear in this world.
Thankfully, Punchinello, the lead character in these tales, stumbles into his makers workshop as a result of not being able to see the path before him because he is so burdened with all of his 'stuff'. Once there his maker assures him that what you have isn't important; you can't rely on things to make you happy. Instead; it's about whose you are and that we can trust Him to supply our happiness - to give us our joy.
After finishing the last page I then asked my boys some questions about the story to make sure they understood it and could apply it to their lives. It's not about having the most DS games. It's not important what brand name your clothes are. You don't have to compete with your friends as to who gets more money from the tooth fairy..
We all need to go to our Maker on a regular basis and put our trust in Him alone and not 'things' (cars, homes, name brand clothing or purses.....) for our happiness; or more importantly, joy. We need to be in His word and then ask ourselves questions to make sure we understand and can apply it to our lives.
It's so easy to get weighed down by stuff and worldly pursuits. But smart Wemmicks, I mean people, know that it's more important to keep our vision clear so we can remain on the path with our Maker. It's a wonderful reminder, We Are His.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Psalm - 3D
I'm reading in Psalms today, and boy oh boy, I just love the Psalms! Don't you?
Psalm 27:1 ~ The Lord is my light and my slavation; Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom sall I dread?
There's some power right there - amen?!
I love that I can read these words written by David (Of course inspired by the Lord as all of the Bible is God breathed.) thousands of years ago and it resonates with me even though I myself am not being hunted down by the king who is at times posessed by an evil spirit that is placed on him by God. Even though I do not have a situation that mirrors this in any way, so much of what David expresses could be an original prayer coming from my own lips.
Verses 7 & 8 fit so perfectly as I ask the Lord to give me wisdom and discernment in an area of my life where I need help and need to wait on His timing and leading.
Verse 11 is something we could each claim every day!
Verse 14 I claim as I pray for a difficult situation that someone I love is going through.
What a beautiful example of how to pray! Think of what David is experiencing at the time of this Psalm (see above). It's a wonderful reminder that when we go to the Lord we need to offer a 3 dimensional prayer; as opposed to a one dimensional - 'gimme gimme'. Offering words of Devotion and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father. Declaring our short-comings and sin. Denoting our needs and the desires of our heart.
Psalm 27:1 ~ The Lord is my light and my slavation; Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom sall I dread?
There's some power right there - amen?!
I love that I can read these words written by David (Of course inspired by the Lord as all of the Bible is God breathed.) thousands of years ago and it resonates with me even though I myself am not being hunted down by the king who is at times posessed by an evil spirit that is placed on him by God. Even though I do not have a situation that mirrors this in any way, so much of what David expresses could be an original prayer coming from my own lips.
Verses 7 & 8 fit so perfectly as I ask the Lord to give me wisdom and discernment in an area of my life where I need help and need to wait on His timing and leading.
Verse 11 is something we could each claim every day!
Verse 14 I claim as I pray for a difficult situation that someone I love is going through.
What a beautiful example of how to pray! Think of what David is experiencing at the time of this Psalm (see above). It's a wonderful reminder that when we go to the Lord we need to offer a 3 dimensional prayer; as opposed to a one dimensional - 'gimme gimme'. Offering words of Devotion and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father. Declaring our short-comings and sin. Denoting our needs and the desires of our heart.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Prayeritude Adjustment
Our vacation was over. I was back home safe and sound but it wasn’t until sometime during my first full day back that I realized my prayer faux pa. The trip back from our beautiful and peaceful sunny holiday included a particularly terrifying flight from Texas complete with over-head compartments popping open and carryon luggage flying about the cabin. Let me just say now that I am not a good flyer even in the best of circumstances, which these I must say, were not!
I recall holding (please read – clutching on for dear life) my husband’s hand while I prayed quietly as tears steamed unchecked down my ghost white cheeks. I begged God to get us through this electrical storm and back on safe ground. I do believe there may have even been some promises made, which to be honest I don’t recall. Does God hold us to promises we make when in hysterics when we don’t recall them two minutes after the mayhem stops? Hmm… I need to learn from Saul's mistakes (1 Sam. 14, Saul makes a couple of foolish oaths). Well any way, the plane did eventually land and I swear if there weren’t so many witnesses I would have gotten down on my knees, dug through the snow and kissed the cold wet ground. Praise God, the flight was over and we were safe.
And there it is… Praise God. But you know what, I didn’t. We got off of the plane and collected our bags. We were picked up at the gate and recounted our horrifying ordeal to the driver the whole way home. Then we crashed, the good ‘crashed’ as in deep sleep. I began the next morning by unpacking and going through the ever sad process of getting back to the normal day to day which is so anticlimactic after any vacation. Then out of nowhere, it hit me. I begged for God’s help in the air. He freely gave it and not only brought us through it, but was there clutching on to my other hand through the one hour nightmare in the sky. But.. I hadn’t thanked Him. How selfish. How neglectful. I know it was a desperate situation, but even still. I behaved like a spoiled child (picture a little girl holding a big colorful swirly lollipop with a big bandage over her knee having a tantrum), “God give me, help me, do what I want!!!” without so much as a ‘thank you’.
Another time, more recently, my situation was such that I needed to trust God to provide and see me through some serious situations. God, every loving, ever faithful, allowed me to feel His presence. I knew He would provide. I knew He heard my prayers. But while folding some towels one Thursday afternoon, I thought about what I was asking of God and the manner in which I was looking for it to be answered.
We are told that Jesus can do things ‘exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think’. Yet in the prayers I was praying, I again was acting like a child. ‘God, I’d like this.’ Then when I didn’t get the answer when I wanted it, I continued to pray, “God, I’d like this but I’ll settle for that.” After more time, “I’ll take whatever God if you wouldn’t mind helping us please.” At the time of the towel folding, I’d have to say my prayer took on this kind of attitude, “God could you please provide in a way that wont totally stink?” Seriously? Seriously? Is that how you approach the Great I AM – the God who is so able to provide, ‘exceedingly abundantly’??
It was clearly time for a serious Prayeritude Adjustment.
Prayeritude: is the manner, disposition, feeling, or position with regard to prayer
Jer. 29: 11-13 ~ For I know the plans that I have for you declares the Lord, plans for a hope and a future and not for calamity. You will pray to me and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. God wants what is best for me. My prayers never fall on deaf ears. He wants me to be in fellowship with Him.
Philippians 4: 11 ~ Be anxious for nothing, but everything through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests known to God. Ok, I am praying, but I’m still hanging on to my familiar companion, anxiety. It’s time to give it the heave-ho and remember to be thankful in all things. But how much should I pray?
1 Thes. 5:16 ~ Rejoice always (there it is again); pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks (and again), for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Ok, so keep praying, not because I don’t think God hears me the first time, or because I need to lower my expectations, but because He calls me to.
James 1:5-8 paraphrased says that if any of us lack wisdom we should ask it of God but we must come before Him with confidence, not wavering. Wavering I was – where was my confidence in Him? In He who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all I can ask or think.
Dear Lord, help me to absorb your word into my mind and heart and spirit not just for today but for all of my tomorrows. Help me to pray to you all the time with confidence, boldness and peace knowing you can and will handle all things according to your perfect will and timing because you love me and that You answer in a much better way than I could ever imagine.
What have you been praying about? Did any of these verses speak to you today? Are you in need of a prayeritude adjustment?
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
His World, His Rules
Today was a beautiful, albeit especially hot late spring day. As I sat outside with my boys while they played my youngest picked up a bug (I have NO idea what kind it was... something with lots of legs) and asked about bringing it inside while he got something from his room. When I told him not in a million years no he asked why and said I wasn't being fair to the bug. After all, he insisted, it was a very nice bug. I then uttered that very familiar phrase, "My house, my rules" with a slight grin on my face hoping that would bring an end to the discussion; which thankfully, it did. He decided instead to bring his new found friend into the playhouse.
I then looked about taking in the blue of the sky, the fluttering of the leaves, the sounds of the various birds calling to one another. As I enjoyed God's creation I started taking a mental note of the various rules we have in our house. Take your shoes off as soon as you come in, if you don't eat all of your dinner you can't have desert, turn your clothes right-side-out before putting them into the laundry basket (you're welcome my future daughter-in-laws), etc... We all establish a set of rules (some homes may have more than others) in our home to make it run in a somewhat orderly and harmonious fashion as well as some to keep those we love safe.
It was about then that I was suddenly taken with the idea that God trumps our little saying. His saying could be - My world, My rules.
God did create the world, the very ground we stand on, the air we breathe and every one of us doing the standing and breathing. We may get upset at someone leaving one square of toilet paper on the role or not putting their dirty plate into the sink (anyone.. anyone...?) but how must our Heavenly Father feel when He sees us blatantly disobeying His rules? The Lord has established rules for us to keep us safe, for our own wellbeing.
My daily study has me still in 1 Samuel. In chapter 15 we find Saul disobeying the Lord. He was told to kill all of the Amalekites and all of their ox, sheep, camels and donkeys. Why would God tell Saul to do this? Because the Amelekites had repeatedly instigated war with Israel and God was now going to deal with the wicked people to rid them as if they were a cancer to Israel.
Did Saul do as God instructed? No. He kept the king (Agag) alive and took choice stock of each of the aforementioned animals. If this isn't bad enough, he then lies about what he has done to Samuel. When confronted, he tells Samuel that the people wanted to keep the stuff (however, who was in charge?). And then to make it even worse, he claims that he took the livestock in order to sacrifice it to the Lord.
1 Samuel 15:22 says (paraphrased) that God wants our obedience far more than He wants our sacrifice.
John 14:15 says, 'If you love me, keep my commandments'.
How are we doing with respecting the rules of the Maker of... everything? Are we keeping the choicest bits for ourselves instead of doing with them as the Lord commands? (time, resources, talents..) Are we hanging onto things, or even people (remember how Saul kept the king, Agag?) that He clearly tells us to have nothing to do with? Are we choosing behavior that He says is sinful thinking we can put more money in the offering plate to offset the offense? (He wants our obedience more than our sacrifices.)
Why follow His commands? Because He loves us and wants what's best for us. Because we love Him and want to be in fellowship with Him.
Because it's His world, His rules.
I then looked about taking in the blue of the sky, the fluttering of the leaves, the sounds of the various birds calling to one another. As I enjoyed God's creation I started taking a mental note of the various rules we have in our house. Take your shoes off as soon as you come in, if you don't eat all of your dinner you can't have desert, turn your clothes right-side-out before putting them into the laundry basket (you're welcome my future daughter-in-laws), etc... We all establish a set of rules (some homes may have more than others) in our home to make it run in a somewhat orderly and harmonious fashion as well as some to keep those we love safe.
It was about then that I was suddenly taken with the idea that God trumps our little saying. His saying could be - My world, My rules.
God did create the world, the very ground we stand on, the air we breathe and every one of us doing the standing and breathing. We may get upset at someone leaving one square of toilet paper on the role or not putting their dirty plate into the sink (anyone.. anyone...?) but how must our Heavenly Father feel when He sees us blatantly disobeying His rules? The Lord has established rules for us to keep us safe, for our own wellbeing.
My daily study has me still in 1 Samuel. In chapter 15 we find Saul disobeying the Lord. He was told to kill all of the Amalekites and all of their ox, sheep, camels and donkeys. Why would God tell Saul to do this? Because the Amelekites had repeatedly instigated war with Israel and God was now going to deal with the wicked people to rid them as if they were a cancer to Israel.
Did Saul do as God instructed? No. He kept the king (Agag) alive and took choice stock of each of the aforementioned animals. If this isn't bad enough, he then lies about what he has done to Samuel. When confronted, he tells Samuel that the people wanted to keep the stuff (however, who was in charge?). And then to make it even worse, he claims that he took the livestock in order to sacrifice it to the Lord.
1 Samuel 15:22 says (paraphrased) that God wants our obedience far more than He wants our sacrifice.
John 14:15 says, 'If you love me, keep my commandments'.
How are we doing with respecting the rules of the Maker of... everything? Are we keeping the choicest bits for ourselves instead of doing with them as the Lord commands? (time, resources, talents..) Are we hanging onto things, or even people (remember how Saul kept the king, Agag?) that He clearly tells us to have nothing to do with? Are we choosing behavior that He says is sinful thinking we can put more money in the offering plate to offset the offense? (He wants our obedience more than our sacrifices.)
Why follow His commands? Because He loves us and wants what's best for us. Because we love Him and want to be in fellowship with Him.
Because it's His world, His rules.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
"it" isn't It
Each time I prepare to open God's word, I first ask Him to open my heart and mind to what He has for me in the verses I'm to read that day. I then get kinda pushy and ask God to give me a personal application to the text (I do say 'please' of course).
Today I began my devotions in 1 Samuel 4 and was very quickly struck by something. Ok, not literally, my kids weren't tossing their cinnamon waffles like frisbees or anything - but God quickly brought some words to light.
The Israelites had just gotten beaten badly by the Philistines and instead of realizing that they needed to repent and live according to His ways, they instead said '...Let us bring the ark of the Lord's covenant from Shiloh, so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.' (verse 3) Did you catch what they were saying with that little pronoun? "IT" will save us.
The Ark of the Covenant was to represent the presence and majesty of the Lord - but it isn't itself God. They weren't turning to God to save them from the Philistines but rather, they were turning to the ark, the object itself in a superstiscious manner.
I remember when I was a kid, the good-luck charm of the day was a rabbit’s foot key chains. The thought of this totally creeps me out now - it did a little then too. But I remember this little pretty girl in class had a kelly green one and I sooo wanted one! People would just go around rubbing the soft, unnaturally colored fur with the intention of it bringing them 'good luck'. We all might have a little giggle at this silly superstiscion from days gone by, but as Christians we need to be mindful to not let ourselves take on less obvious charms, idols, or even just other things or activities that we turn to instead of our Heavenly Father.
When we're facing the foe (whatever ‘foe’ you may be facing at the moment) to whom, or possibly - to what, are you turning to for your rescue? Are you relying on God, or are you relying on your friends, on your social status, material goods, etc.. We all need to be mindful not to turn to 'it' to save us but only to our Lord.
Thank you God for your faithfulness and for your ability to handle all of our 'foes'!!
Today I began my devotions in 1 Samuel 4 and was very quickly struck by something. Ok, not literally, my kids weren't tossing their cinnamon waffles like frisbees or anything - but God quickly brought some words to light.
The Israelites had just gotten beaten badly by the Philistines and instead of realizing that they needed to repent and live according to His ways, they instead said '...Let us bring the ark of the Lord's covenant from Shiloh, so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.' (verse 3) Did you catch what they were saying with that little pronoun? "IT" will save us.
The Ark of the Covenant was to represent the presence and majesty of the Lord - but it isn't itself God. They weren't turning to God to save them from the Philistines but rather, they were turning to the ark, the object itself in a superstiscious manner.
I remember when I was a kid, the good-luck charm of the day was a rabbit’s foot key chains. The thought of this totally creeps me out now - it did a little then too. But I remember this little pretty girl in class had a kelly green one and I sooo wanted one! People would just go around rubbing the soft, unnaturally colored fur with the intention of it bringing them 'good luck'. We all might have a little giggle at this silly superstiscion from days gone by, but as Christians we need to be mindful to not let ourselves take on less obvious charms, idols, or even just other things or activities that we turn to instead of our Heavenly Father.
When we're facing the foe (whatever ‘foe’ you may be facing at the moment) to whom, or possibly - to what, are you turning to for your rescue? Are you relying on God, or are you relying on your friends, on your social status, material goods, etc.. We all need to be mindful not to turn to 'it' to save us but only to our Lord.
Thank you God for your faithfulness and for your ability to handle all of our 'foes'!!
Meeting at the Kitchen Table
I love to spread out.
First, I have mybroken down well loved Ryrie study Bible that I've had since I was first saved over 18 years ago. This poor old Bible has half of Genesis paper clipped in. We were having a Bible study one night when a bunch of pages fell to the floor and my friend exclaimed, "Your Genesis just took and Exodus" LOL!! But with all of its notes in the margins and highlighted/underlined passages, this is my 'go-to' Bible that I so cherish!
Next, my cheapo spiral bound notebook. I love stocking up on notebooks during the 'most wonderful time of the year' otherwise known as 'back to school'. (Kudos the ad executives that came up with that marketing plan for Staples years ago. Brilliant!! I still get a chuckle every August.) You can pick up notebooks for anywhere from .25 - $1. Stock up! (For the record; I love having my children home over the summer - but the commercial is just classic.)
Then I have my blue pen. Don't know why but I greatly prefer a pen with blue ink over black - and that being said, once I begin writing with one pen color, it's downright painful for me to switch to another color within a notebook. Yes I know, issues...
Then of course there is the essential cup of hot tea. Black tea (preferably English breakfast) with one sugar and milk, in case you were wondering. I must have my tea while studying. They go hand-in-hand for me. It's like peanut butter and jelly, thunder and lightning, a Christian movie and Kirk Cameron, you get my meaning.
Aside from these constants, some days a second Bible or even two may come to join us at the kitchen table. Other days the laptop is invited so I can look up commentaries or search the Hebrew and/or Greek lexicons. So although some days it's a limited guest list of supplies, and other days it's a full gathering, there is no place I love to spend my quiet time with God in His word more than at our oval kitchen table.
Do you have a special place where you meet with the Lord? If you don't have one, I'd encourage you to find one. Personally, I believe it helps to keep me faithful in my daily devotions with God. It doesn't have to be an elaborate place, just a space where you can cultivate your relationship with the Lord.
First, I have my
Next, my cheapo spiral bound notebook. I love stocking up on notebooks during the 'most wonderful time of the year' otherwise known as 'back to school'. (Kudos the ad executives that came up with that marketing plan for Staples years ago. Brilliant!! I still get a chuckle every August.) You can pick up notebooks for anywhere from .25 - $1. Stock up! (For the record; I love having my children home over the summer - but the commercial is just classic.)
Then I have my blue pen. Don't know why but I greatly prefer a pen with blue ink over black - and that being said, once I begin writing with one pen color, it's downright painful for me to switch to another color within a notebook. Yes I know, issues...
Then of course there is the essential cup of hot tea. Black tea (preferably English breakfast) with one sugar and milk, in case you were wondering. I must have my tea while studying. They go hand-in-hand for me. It's like peanut butter and jelly, thunder and lightning, a Christian movie and Kirk Cameron, you get my meaning.
Aside from these constants, some days a second Bible or even two may come to join us at the kitchen table. Other days the laptop is invited so I can look up commentaries or search the Hebrew and/or Greek lexicons. So although some days it's a limited guest list of supplies, and other days it's a full gathering, there is no place I love to spend my quiet time with God in His word more than at our oval kitchen table.
Do you have a special place where you meet with the Lord? If you don't have one, I'd encourage you to find one. Personally, I believe it helps to keep me faithful in my daily devotions with God. It doesn't have to be an elaborate place, just a space where you can cultivate your relationship with the Lord.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
First Decision of Each Day
Every morning when we wake up, before we head off for our morning constitution, before we take that first sip of hot caffeine, before we turn on the morning news, we have a very important decision to make. Each morning, before I slip my feet into my comfy fuzzy blue slippers, I decide that once again I will live that day for Jesus.
Regardless of what's on the 'to-do' list for that day, regardless of any cares or worries, I will go forth with Christ in my heart. Let's admit it, life is hard! But whatever we may have facing us in the day ahead, as children of God we know that we can get through it by His grace.
Philippians 4:13 tells us that, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Do you need an extra shot of confidence in this verse? Go ahead and insert your name in there. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens (insert your name here)". Sometimes we just need that extra reminder that God's word was written for 'me'. For me, for Diane. Yes, of course it was written for everyone, but sometimes we forget that it was made for us personally.
How much better will our day be if we just take that moment before we rush off into the hustle and bustle that is our normal routine to say to our Heavenly Father, "This is the day that you Lord have made. I will rejoice and I will be glad in it. I will commit this day to you"?
Now I'm not saying that your day will then go on without a hitch. But if a hitch should sneak up on you, you'll know that the Lord saw it coming and is there at the ready to be with you during it and is able to get your through it (in His timing).
Thank you Lord for your faithfulness, mercy, grace, love... Help me to know that each day is a gift from you and my gift of love to you in return is to offer it right back to you. Amen
Regardless of what's on the 'to-do' list for that day, regardless of any cares or worries, I will go forth with Christ in my heart. Let's admit it, life is hard! But whatever we may have facing us in the day ahead, as children of God we know that we can get through it by His grace.
Philippians 4:13 tells us that, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Do you need an extra shot of confidence in this verse? Go ahead and insert your name in there. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens (insert your name here)". Sometimes we just need that extra reminder that God's word was written for 'me'. For me, for Diane. Yes, of course it was written for everyone, but sometimes we forget that it was made for us personally.
How much better will our day be if we just take that moment before we rush off into the hustle and bustle that is our normal routine to say to our Heavenly Father, "This is the day that you Lord have made. I will rejoice and I will be glad in it. I will commit this day to you"?
Now I'm not saying that your day will then go on without a hitch. But if a hitch should sneak up on you, you'll know that the Lord saw it coming and is there at the ready to be with you during it and is able to get your through it (in His timing).
Thank you Lord for your faithfulness, mercy, grace, love... Help me to know that each day is a gift from you and my gift of love to you in return is to offer it right back to you. Amen
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