This year has been a year where God has led me to work on discipline and self control. As the year started, I was diligent in seeking God and exercising discipline and self-control. As I ended my fast and went back to "regular living" I slacked off, and eventually found myself down a path I had never intended to go.
For the next few weeks I struggled, knowing that change needed to come but admittedly ashamed at how I had ended up at that place. Instead of moving forward, I just stood still not pressing forward and not going back. I was frozen, as I often do when I realize I can't, haven't, or didn't give 100%.
I set my heart to start over today. It is a new year in my life, and I still desire to achieve those goals. As I was reading the word today I was reminded of Peter. This is a man who walked by Jesus in a rather close proximity. He pledged to follow Jesus wherever he went. Then in Jesus's weakest hour, Peter denied he even knew Him. Yet, Peter became a great preacher with a boldness that he didn't have before, after the resurrection of Christ.
I realized in reading that, we all fall. Granted each of us falls in different areas, and to different degrees, but the fact is we all fail. We backslide, we compromise, we fail to move forward. It is easy to get caught in the shame of that, but it is just part of life.
That challenge the strength comes from getting back up and pressing to go farther than we were before the fall. Maybe it is just me, but I often feel like I am the only one who did that. Satan has no problem feeding that thought to keep me from moving forward. Satan wants us to stay condemned, because he saw what happened when Peter and Paul rose from the ashes.
Ordinary men, empowered by the Holy Spirit changed this world. Imagine what you could do if you stopped allowing Satan to condemn you with your past, and started over walking in the fullness of Forgiveness and the Power of the Holy Spirit. Here is too a new day!
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
Sliding
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart
that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily,
as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by
sin's deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:12-13
Sometimes is life we go along, and find life is at a cross road that we never planned to be. Sometimes, we see it coming, other times it is through little compromises that lead us slowly off the narrow path until we are in the middle of nowhere wondering how we go there.
I think that is where I have been lately. It is not that I stopped believing, or even stopped doing the things that I need to do. But somewhere along the way I stopped wanting to do them. Somewhere along the way, I stopped pressing in and just settled. Then Wednesday, I found myself hit in the face with it.
I was walking in to church, and I physically slipped, landing on my knees. I got up, knowing there would be a nice bruise, but oddly not with that embarrassed feeling one gets when falling in public. I made my way to my chair, and clear as day, God spoke to me that I was slipping spiritually.
Although I was shocked by this revelation, I knew He was right. My contentment was gone. I thought that it was because I had been busy. My schedule had been off, but really I had realigned my priorities. I had been hit with some pretty difficult circumstances, but really I had taken my eyes off Him as my Helper. I had slipped back into old patterns after a close encounter with God, because it was easier than pressing in to go deeper. My connection with other believers had grown distant in my business, so my accountability was gone. It is easy to do when you are a servant because people get so used to sharing their pain, they look over your struggle.
Climbing back from a slide is humbling. It is also harder than the slide. It is very easy to slide, usually you don't realize you have done it until you are far enough away that you hit a bump or the end of the slide. Climbing back up takes effort because you have to go against the grain.
Here is to climbing back up, may it not be as hard as I think it will be, and may I exceed where I was in my relationship with Him.
Sometimes is life we go along, and find life is at a cross road that we never planned to be. Sometimes, we see it coming, other times it is through little compromises that lead us slowly off the narrow path until we are in the middle of nowhere wondering how we go there.
I think that is where I have been lately. It is not that I stopped believing, or even stopped doing the things that I need to do. But somewhere along the way I stopped wanting to do them. Somewhere along the way, I stopped pressing in and just settled. Then Wednesday, I found myself hit in the face with it.
I was walking in to church, and I physically slipped, landing on my knees. I got up, knowing there would be a nice bruise, but oddly not with that embarrassed feeling one gets when falling in public. I made my way to my chair, and clear as day, God spoke to me that I was slipping spiritually.
Although I was shocked by this revelation, I knew He was right. My contentment was gone. I thought that it was because I had been busy. My schedule had been off, but really I had realigned my priorities. I had been hit with some pretty difficult circumstances, but really I had taken my eyes off Him as my Helper. I had slipped back into old patterns after a close encounter with God, because it was easier than pressing in to go deeper. My connection with other believers had grown distant in my business, so my accountability was gone. It is easy to do when you are a servant because people get so used to sharing their pain, they look over your struggle.
Climbing back from a slide is humbling. It is also harder than the slide. It is very easy to slide, usually you don't realize you have done it until you are far enough away that you hit a bump or the end of the slide. Climbing back up takes effort because you have to go against the grain.
Here is to climbing back up, may it not be as hard as I think it will be, and may I exceed where I was in my relationship with Him.
precious gifts
I am sitting at the hospital, waiting for the precious gift God lent me, to give birth to her own precious gift. It has been a long journey, but God is giving her the desire of her heart. Laurin had longed to bee a mommy for such a long time. She sufficed with babysitting. Then in 2011 she was blessed with an angel baby, Holden whom she will not meet this side of heaven. Then in July, God blessed her with a child from another mother, Jordon, age 5. Today, in just a few short hours she will be able to hold her daughter Kambree, given her precious gift and desire of her heart.
It is amazing the range of emotions I have seen her go through. Today is Saturday, and she has been in the hospital since Thursday at 5 pm. She has laughed, cried, experienced frustration, joy, love, appreciation, gratitude, fear, and pain. Those along side her, walking through some of those same emotions.
I admit, I am scared for my baby girl. To know the pain of childbirth, even if it is buffered by an epidural. To experience love and joy that comes from setting a dream fulfilled. I am sad to see her growing up, this is that final thing, my baby girl will have her own baby girl. And then to know this precious gift that once again God has given me to share. My heart is welling with feelings.
It is now after 11 pm. My emotions are just starting to settle. Watching my granddaughter come into this world was one of the greatest gifts that I have ever received. It feels so surreal to think I am a grandma. To hold little Kambree, to touch her big cheeks, kiss her little forehead and stare into her eyes. She is just so precious.
Kambree Adalynn Wellesley was born at 2:20 am on February 16, 2013. She weighed 8 pound .09 ounces. She is 20.5 inches long. She is amazing!
It is amazing the range of emotions I have seen her go through. Today is Saturday, and she has been in the hospital since Thursday at 5 pm. She has laughed, cried, experienced frustration, joy, love, appreciation, gratitude, fear, and pain. Those along side her, walking through some of those same emotions.
I admit, I am scared for my baby girl. To know the pain of childbirth, even if it is buffered by an epidural. To experience love and joy that comes from setting a dream fulfilled. I am sad to see her growing up, this is that final thing, my baby girl will have her own baby girl. And then to know this precious gift that once again God has given me to share. My heart is welling with feelings.
It is now after 11 pm. My emotions are just starting to settle. Watching my granddaughter come into this world was one of the greatest gifts that I have ever received. It feels so surreal to think I am a grandma. To hold little Kambree, to touch her big cheeks, kiss her little forehead and stare into her eyes. She is just so precious.
Kambree Adalynn Wellesley was born at 2:20 am on February 16, 2013. She weighed 8 pound .09 ounces. She is 20.5 inches long. She is amazing!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Visions in Worship
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself. - John 12:32 NKJV
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. - Matthew 5:14 NKJV
Last night we were singing "Be Lifted Higher" during praise and worship, these two verses came to my mind.
As the Church it is our responsibility, our honor, our joy, to lift God higher. As we lift Him higher, He will draw people unto Him. Jesus, while here on the earth didn't seek people out, they sought Him. He came on the scene and people drew to Him. He didn't walk in his power, but allowed the Holy Spirit to work in and through Him, lifting God higher. We are the Light here on earth that should draw all men to Him.
I saw a vision, standing there in praise and worship of the Church (not a church), rising up as beacons of light to Northwest Arkansas. The scattered light of individuals joined together in unity. As the Light went up from the Church, people were attracted to the Light and lives we transformed. As lives were transformed, this region was transformed. And as this region was transformed, people who came here, never stepping foot in a church brought God back to their region, their state, their nation, and the world was transformed.
This land became Holy ground, where sin could not stay. Sin had no hold. Addictions were broken at the mention of His name. Mental illness became sound mind. Hands that once caused hurt and abuse brought healing and wholeness.
I was brought back to the cross, and Christ said "It is finished." He finished the hold that sin has on us at the cross. It is already done. We must walk in the power that He died for us to have. We must be the lights that lift Him up. Then He will draw all people to Him. He wants to transform this region and world.
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. - Matthew 5:14 NKJV
Last night we were singing "Be Lifted Higher" during praise and worship, these two verses came to my mind.
As the Church it is our responsibility, our honor, our joy, to lift God higher. As we lift Him higher, He will draw people unto Him. Jesus, while here on the earth didn't seek people out, they sought Him. He came on the scene and people drew to Him. He didn't walk in his power, but allowed the Holy Spirit to work in and through Him, lifting God higher. We are the Light here on earth that should draw all men to Him.
I saw a vision, standing there in praise and worship of the Church (not a church), rising up as beacons of light to Northwest Arkansas. The scattered light of individuals joined together in unity. As the Light went up from the Church, people were attracted to the Light and lives we transformed. As lives were transformed, this region was transformed. And as this region was transformed, people who came here, never stepping foot in a church brought God back to their region, their state, their nation, and the world was transformed.
This land became Holy ground, where sin could not stay. Sin had no hold. Addictions were broken at the mention of His name. Mental illness became sound mind. Hands that once caused hurt and abuse brought healing and wholeness.
I was brought back to the cross, and Christ said "It is finished." He finished the hold that sin has on us at the cross. It is already done. We must walk in the power that He died for us to have. We must be the lights that lift Him up. Then He will draw all people to Him. He wants to transform this region and world.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Enjoying the small things
I admit I am a bit amazed at the simplicity of child entertainment. For the past 45 minutes I have been watching three kids, two of which have been entertaining us all with their antics. The laughter is contagious and they have only had a blanket.
They were standing at the window. Initially I suggested to work on counting. This worked for "1 car, 2, car, 3 cars." They then started jumping up and down screaming 'car, car, car" like it was the greatest thing since sliced cheese they had ever seen. This went on for 20 minutes.
I am not sure when in life we decide that those simple things can not bring us pleasure. But I think there is something to be said about taking pleasure in small things.
They were standing at the window. Initially I suggested to work on counting. This worked for "1 car, 2, car, 3 cars." They then started jumping up and down screaming 'car, car, car" like it was the greatest thing since sliced cheese they had ever seen. This went on for 20 minutes.
I am not sure when in life we decide that those simple things can not bring us pleasure. But I think there is something to be said about taking pleasure in small things.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV) In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Striking
I keep hearing on the news about the Walmart Associates that want to strike this week, on the busiest shopping day of the year. Today, I hear that it is because of unfair wages. I won't argue to Walmart's pay policies, what I will say is they need to figure out a better way to advocate for their needs or better yet, grow up.
In the economic environment that we live in, people need their jobs and while Walmart says they will not retaliate, I personally would fire them. I feel like hitting the bottom line of the company you work for flies in the face of common sense when you are wanting a raise. How about show them your worth and let them reward you for that. Negotiating for an increase based on increase in sales, etc. What if the people that have to fill your position do this because they want the job with the pay because it is better than the unemployment check that is fixing to stop?
And then I get a little bit more angry because many of the front line Walmart Associates still make more than those who are protecting our freedom - the police officers, fire fighters, EMT's and soldiers who get ZERO holidays off to spend with their family. I know families who would be happy to have til 7 pm with their loved one on Thanksgiving Day. How about if they strike and let you deal with opening the doors for the out of control customers, in over crowded stores, and treat the injuries that happen that happen in the madhouse of Black Friday.
Benefits, I know many who have served, came back with no benefits for the trauma caused to them on the job. I think about the police officer in Missouri who share with me that not only is his wage low, he has to pay for most of his needed supplies out of his own pocket. He doesn't have a sample store or 10% discount. He signed on for the job, and is willing to do what is necessary because he values his job and role. You signed on for your position, you accepted the job at the rate of pay you receive, no one forced you to do it.
The fact is, you have a right to stand up for yourself and ask for your needs to be met. Striking hurts the companies bottom line that pays your paycheck and the customers who count on you for service. Neither is a good testimony to your skills and abilities. There are people who would like to have your job. There are people with much tougher jobs who get less benefits than you, work longer hours, in terrible conditions. Last but certainly not least, Walmart may be your paycheck, but they are not your provider. God is your Provider and if you obey His Word you will always be covered.
In the economic environment that we live in, people need their jobs and while Walmart says they will not retaliate, I personally would fire them. I feel like hitting the bottom line of the company you work for flies in the face of common sense when you are wanting a raise. How about show them your worth and let them reward you for that. Negotiating for an increase based on increase in sales, etc. What if the people that have to fill your position do this because they want the job with the pay because it is better than the unemployment check that is fixing to stop?
And then I get a little bit more angry because many of the front line Walmart Associates still make more than those who are protecting our freedom - the police officers, fire fighters, EMT's and soldiers who get ZERO holidays off to spend with their family. I know families who would be happy to have til 7 pm with their loved one on Thanksgiving Day. How about if they strike and let you deal with opening the doors for the out of control customers, in over crowded stores, and treat the injuries that happen that happen in the madhouse of Black Friday.
Benefits, I know many who have served, came back with no benefits for the trauma caused to them on the job. I think about the police officer in Missouri who share with me that not only is his wage low, he has to pay for most of his needed supplies out of his own pocket. He doesn't have a sample store or 10% discount. He signed on for the job, and is willing to do what is necessary because he values his job and role. You signed on for your position, you accepted the job at the rate of pay you receive, no one forced you to do it.
The fact is, you have a right to stand up for yourself and ask for your needs to be met. Striking hurts the companies bottom line that pays your paycheck and the customers who count on you for service. Neither is a good testimony to your skills and abilities. There are people who would like to have your job. There are people with much tougher jobs who get less benefits than you, work longer hours, in terrible conditions. Last but certainly not least, Walmart may be your paycheck, but they are not your provider. God is your Provider and if you obey His Word you will always be covered.
Col. 3:17, 22-25 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Bondservants,
obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with
eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
Friday, October 12, 2012
In the Potter's hands
Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.
I often here this verse in the context of "God's still working on me." We are clay in the Potter's Hand. He is shaping us and molding us, cleaning up the cracks, making us into what He designed us for.
Lately verb tenses have really caught my eye in reading scripture. We ARE the clay. We ARE the work of Your hand. These are present tense. Where I am now, cracks and all ARE the work of His Hand.
Several scriptures quickly came to mind as I really thought about this:
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
I often here this verse in the context of "God's still working on me." We are clay in the Potter's Hand. He is shaping us and molding us, cleaning up the cracks, making us into what He designed us for.
Lately verb tenses have really caught my eye in reading scripture. We ARE the clay. We ARE the work of Your hand. These are present tense. Where I am now, cracks and all ARE the work of His Hand.
Several scriptures quickly came to mind as I really thought about this:
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
II Corinthians 12:10
Therefore
I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in
persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then
I am strong.
And as I thought about these scriptures, I thought about how people share their testimony. I realize that as much as I want to be "the perfect Christian," the testimony that draws others to Him, that compels to grow deeper in relationship, and that challenges to act is that of the cracked pot.
A perfect pot, even with a light in it, only spreads light in the one direction of its opening. The cracked pot is the work of the Potter. In the Potter's hand, it spread light in the direction of the main opening, and light escapes in every crack.
It is in the cracks of life I see the work of God. It is in the weakness of man, that God's strength is shown. It is in the hard times, that people are able to overcome that His purpose is made clear and His goodness is made known.
So many times we are busy asking God to heal our cracks, to mend them and cover them so others do not see our weakness. I am learning, that my cracks ARE the work of His hands. I may have fashioned them, through my poor decisions and actions but He has put His touch on them. He smoothed them over, so I could share light with others through that experience, what I learned, how He helped, how the victory was won. I realize that the Bible has one perfect Man, and a bunch of cracked pots - they were our example. God didn't try to cover the faults in the Story, His glory shined through their faults, made them people we could relate to centuries later. He is writing our story now, will we be someone others can relate to, sharing our cracks, or just try to appear perfect.
And as I thought about these scriptures, I thought about how people share their testimony. I realize that as much as I want to be "the perfect Christian," the testimony that draws others to Him, that compels to grow deeper in relationship, and that challenges to act is that of the cracked pot.
A perfect pot, even with a light in it, only spreads light in the one direction of its opening. The cracked pot is the work of the Potter. In the Potter's hand, it spread light in the direction of the main opening, and light escapes in every crack.
It is in the cracks of life I see the work of God. It is in the weakness of man, that God's strength is shown. It is in the hard times, that people are able to overcome that His purpose is made clear and His goodness is made known.
So many times we are busy asking God to heal our cracks, to mend them and cover them so others do not see our weakness. I am learning, that my cracks ARE the work of His hands. I may have fashioned them, through my poor decisions and actions but He has put His touch on them. He smoothed them over, so I could share light with others through that experience, what I learned, how He helped, how the victory was won. I realize that the Bible has one perfect Man, and a bunch of cracked pots - they were our example. God didn't try to cover the faults in the Story, His glory shined through their faults, made them people we could relate to centuries later. He is writing our story now, will we be someone others can relate to, sharing our cracks, or just try to appear perfect.
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