My 4 year old daughter Olivia is very talkative (I wonder where she gets it from). She often interrupts conversations between her parents- Chuck and I. I realized this was a problem because she was not respecting her dad. She needs to understand that her father is the head of our home...One day I explained to her, "Olivia, look out the window. See the roof on the house next door. Well Daddy is the roof. When the roof talks you listen and wait your turn"
One day she asked me, if Daddy is the roof, what are you? I wasn't sure what to say. My husband Chuck wisely answered, "Momma is like the 'walls' of the house."
She understood this illustration.
Last night I caught a brief segment of PBS Ground War and they showed a massive wall called "Hadrian's Wall."
This wall is a great fortification which was used to provide peaceful conditions in the frontier (or battle) zone. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadrian's_Wall
As I listened to the narrator I was dumb-founded. The narrator said, "The wall sent a message to potential enemies that this empire was not backing down. This empire would fight to defend its people"
Oh my goodness LORD. That is exactly what I am as a mother. I am a WALL. I am standing in the gap between my children and the three enemies- The world, Satan and the flesh. I am the wall and will lay my life down for my children.
What do most parents do when there is a dog, or some sort of danger, they put their body in front of their child to protect them.
We need to be aware of the spiritual battles that are going on out there. We need to stand up for righteousness and be that spiritual wall for our kids.
There are some amazing walls built to protect empires. The great wall of china and the hadrian wall in England are just a few examples.
I found another cool example. This is a military tactic called a "shield wall"
The formation of a shield wall is a military tactic that was common in many cultures in the Pre-Early Modern warfare age. This strategy is of a "wall of shields" formed by soldiers standing in formation shoulder to shoulder, holding their shields so that they abut or overlap. Each man benefits from the protection of his neighbor's shield, usually the man to his right, as well as his own. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shield_wall
As parents, we can pray for each other. The Bible says, "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds" 2 Corinthians 10:4 and Paul tells us to "take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
Jesus also said, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." John 10:9
Of course we know that Jesus is the door as in the entrance to heaven, the one to whom we accept, we receive salvation. (Acts 4:12)
But by describing Himself as "the door" Jesus also meant that He literally was the door for the sheep pen. See in Jesus times, the shepherd literally laid his body across the entrance to keep the sheep in and to keep out the wolves.
Similiarly, I am the wall for my children. I am to teach my children the Truths of God's Word. I am to pray for and protect my little sheep, my children at all times. Indeed, there are many, many wolves out to snatch and rob my children of their joy and of the Truth of God's Word.
I heard Sonny from POD of the Whosoevers say the other day that the youth and young adults these days are just "consumers" they are just believing the hype. They are buying the albums, buying the clothes, buying the beer, buying whatever it takes to be cool. It is my job as a wall to defend God's Word.
But who is taking the kids to the mall to buy the revealing clothes? Who is purchasing the IPhone where a kid can access porn? Who is allowing a child to send naked photos on the internet? Who drops the child off at a concert? Who takes the child to get on birth control? Who pays the cell phone bill? THE PARENTS
We have taken a passive approach as a society in this matter...For example, I am so appauld at the Carl's Jr commercials. Why do I have to watch some girl eat a burger in a bathing suit? I am probably going to write a letter complaining because it is really getting out of control.
Remember, a wall sends a mighty message that the battle is on! We are not going down without a fight. We stand as victors in Christ and we will defend our kids' and protect them from this evil age.
So stand up! Be the wall for your spouse. Be the wall for your children. Be the wall for your loved ones and friends. Through prayer and living out your faith, this sends a message to the spiritual enemy, "Back off! I am a wall for my family! You can't penetrate the wall because it is founded on the Rock of Jesus Christ."
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Lazy Parenting Leads to Rebellious Kids
As a parent, of course I am concerned with the next generation. I want my kids to serve the LORD. This is a natural desire of every Christian parent. Godly parenting is work. God has been reminding me lately that lazy parenting leads to rebellious kids.
This truth is ALL OVER Scripture.
First, let me express why this is on my heart. Chuck and I chaperoned the 8th grade promotion Disneyland trip. We had a great time. However, the bus ride home was horrible. The kids were loud and talkative, which didn't bother me. My issue was with this-THE MUSIC. The bus driver was playing KIIS FM or some station and the kids were singing along to two songs...One was some about "Wanting to be a millionaire." The kids were singing along at the top of their lungs. It was not the song that bothered me as much as the excited way the kids sang the song...I felt this song expressed the next generation's mantra- "Give us money and forget morals and integrity. Forget God. Just make me a millionaire."
The second song was, "I kissed a girl and I liked it" sung by a female artist. The kids, boys and girls alike were singing this song with the same amount of enthusiasm. I literally was disgusted. My husband asked the bus driver to turn off the radio and the kids all said, "Hey...we like that song"
Oh man was my heart grieved...
The very next morning I read in my devotions about Eli the priest. I love the story of Samuel and how he was used of the LORD from his youth (or rather infancy) all the way through the end of his life. Hannah, Samuel's mom, prayed for him and gave his life over to be used by God and for His glory. Eli did not have such wisdom with his own children. Eli's sons, Hophni and Phineas were bad apples.
1 Samuel 2:12 says, "Now the sons of Eli [were] corrupt; they did not know the LORD."
The Bible further records how these corrupt priests (the adult children of Eli, a very righteous man) would seduce the women at the very steps of the tabernacle.
What did Eli do about it?
The Word states, "Now Eli was very old; and he heard everything his sons did to all Israel, [and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting." 1 Samuel 2:22
So he said to them, "Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people.
No, my sons! For [it is] not a good report that I hear. You make the LORD's people transgress.
If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?" Nevertheless they did not heed the voice of their father, because the LORD desired to kill them.
1 Samuel 2:23-25
Yes Eli rebuked them, but it was too late. He had allowed their behavior to go on without punishment or correction and now they were set in their ways. You see, I believe Eli got lazy in his parenting.
As I heard those kids singing those songs my heart broke. At first I was annoyed. Yuck! This music is awful. The lyrics are so morally repugnant (a fancy way of saying evil in God's eyes) and make me sick! However, later, when I read this story of Eli and his sons, I started to weep. You see, it's not the kids' fault. They are 8th graders. Yes, they are responsible for their own sins...but who told them what was right and what was wrong? I fault the parents. I believe parents these days are not instructing children anymore. Parents are too concerned with work, a mortgage payment, careers, fashion, celebrity gossip, vacations, and other distractions and they are letting cable TV, MTV, radio, internet, video games, and even national television raise their kids. The culture is influencing children for evil and many parents choose to turn a blind eye.
I can't imagine my parents allowing me listen to a song that says, "I kissed a girl and I liked it." I know that my parents were involved parents. My parents would literally call me at my friend's house when I spent the night to make sure everything was OK. My parents would get to know my friends and get to know their parents before I was allowed to have a sleep over. My parents purchased the CD's I listened to and knew what type I music I was into...Of course I wasn't perfect and I did listen to some inappropriate music from time to time...but the point is, my parents cared enough to be involved.
This is what grieves my heart. Eli was a man that feared God. He worshipped God and served him as a priest! Yet he failed to correct his sons. King David did this too.
Why is it that when we get so "busy" whether it be with worldly activities like partying (drinking, doing drugs, etc.) or Christ-centered and church related activities like being involved in Bible studies or evangelistic outreaches, we FORGET ABOUT RAISING OUR KIDS TO LOVE AND FEAR GOD?
Why do we neglect to discipline our children? OK, remember, I am not a pastor, preacher or scholar or anything...(just a concerned parent) but this is what I feel the LORD is telling me...We as a society in Old Testament times and even today, we simply get lazy with raising our kids.
1 Samuel 4:17-18 says, "So the messenger answered [to Eli] and said, "Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead; and the ark of God has been captured."
Then it happened, when he made mention of the ark of God, that Eli fell off the seat backward by the side of the gate; and his neck was broken and he died, for the man was old and heavy.
The New Living Translation says Eli was "fat." I read this and I could not believe how this story mirrors our society today.
Warren Wiersbe's commentary says Eli lead a sedentary life and was probably overweight because of all the goodies he got to eat as a priest (remember they got a portion of the altar sacrifices).
Eli got lazy! He loved the LORD but he failed to instruct his sons how to love God like he did. He failed to correct them. He knew their lives would end in destruction...Notice that Eli doesn't even fall of of his seat because his sons were dead. He falls off his seat because he heard that the ark of God had been captured. I think Eli just gave up on his sons. Eli realized he failed as a parent and just threw his arms up and gave up in correcting them.
That's what many American parents do too. We just give up. "Yeah I know MTV is influencing my kids...Yeah I know my children listen to inappropriate music and inappropriate movies and inappropriate internet sites...but I give up. I am heavy and overweight and frankly, tired and lazy. But I'll make it to church next Sunday even if my kids don't want to come with me"
Oh how backwards this is! We must learn to teach our kids. To train our children in the way they should go. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. (John 14:6) Pastor David Rosales was sharing the other day how you don't need to train a child to hit his/her little brother or sister. You don't need to train a child to lie or to misbehave. These behaviors come out naturally, because of our sin tendencies. We as parents have the great responsiblity of shielding our children from evil whether that be in the form of music, TV, internet, friendships or activities.
The psalmist David wisely said, "I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness. "
Psalm 101:3-4
May we wake up and be sober and vigilant and PRAY over our kids and instruct them to be different! May we be caring, prayerful parents instead of lazy parents. May our children walk with the LORD and one day rise up and call us blessed. Proverbs 31:28
Even if a child does walk away from the LORD, don't give up on them...Let's not be lazy. Let's be prayerful and watch God work His miracles as He always does.
This truth is ALL OVER Scripture.
First, let me express why this is on my heart. Chuck and I chaperoned the 8th grade promotion Disneyland trip. We had a great time. However, the bus ride home was horrible. The kids were loud and talkative, which didn't bother me. My issue was with this-THE MUSIC. The bus driver was playing KIIS FM or some station and the kids were singing along to two songs...One was some about "Wanting to be a millionaire." The kids were singing along at the top of their lungs. It was not the song that bothered me as much as the excited way the kids sang the song...I felt this song expressed the next generation's mantra- "Give us money and forget morals and integrity. Forget God. Just make me a millionaire."
The second song was, "I kissed a girl and I liked it" sung by a female artist. The kids, boys and girls alike were singing this song with the same amount of enthusiasm. I literally was disgusted. My husband asked the bus driver to turn off the radio and the kids all said, "Hey...we like that song"
Oh man was my heart grieved...
The very next morning I read in my devotions about Eli the priest. I love the story of Samuel and how he was used of the LORD from his youth (or rather infancy) all the way through the end of his life. Hannah, Samuel's mom, prayed for him and gave his life over to be used by God and for His glory. Eli did not have such wisdom with his own children. Eli's sons, Hophni and Phineas were bad apples.
1 Samuel 2:12 says, "Now the sons of Eli [were] corrupt; they did not know the LORD."
The Bible further records how these corrupt priests (the adult children of Eli, a very righteous man) would seduce the women at the very steps of the tabernacle.
What did Eli do about it?
The Word states, "Now Eli was very old; and he heard everything his sons did to all Israel, [and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting." 1 Samuel 2:22
So he said to them, "Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people.
No, my sons! For [it is] not a good report that I hear. You make the LORD's people transgress.
If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?" Nevertheless they did not heed the voice of their father, because the LORD desired to kill them.
1 Samuel 2:23-25
Yes Eli rebuked them, but it was too late. He had allowed their behavior to go on without punishment or correction and now they were set in their ways. You see, I believe Eli got lazy in his parenting.
As I heard those kids singing those songs my heart broke. At first I was annoyed. Yuck! This music is awful. The lyrics are so morally repugnant (a fancy way of saying evil in God's eyes) and make me sick! However, later, when I read this story of Eli and his sons, I started to weep. You see, it's not the kids' fault. They are 8th graders. Yes, they are responsible for their own sins...but who told them what was right and what was wrong? I fault the parents. I believe parents these days are not instructing children anymore. Parents are too concerned with work, a mortgage payment, careers, fashion, celebrity gossip, vacations, and other distractions and they are letting cable TV, MTV, radio, internet, video games, and even national television raise their kids. The culture is influencing children for evil and many parents choose to turn a blind eye.
I can't imagine my parents allowing me listen to a song that says, "I kissed a girl and I liked it." I know that my parents were involved parents. My parents would literally call me at my friend's house when I spent the night to make sure everything was OK. My parents would get to know my friends and get to know their parents before I was allowed to have a sleep over. My parents purchased the CD's I listened to and knew what type I music I was into...Of course I wasn't perfect and I did listen to some inappropriate music from time to time...but the point is, my parents cared enough to be involved.
This is what grieves my heart. Eli was a man that feared God. He worshipped God and served him as a priest! Yet he failed to correct his sons. King David did this too.
Why is it that when we get so "busy" whether it be with worldly activities like partying (drinking, doing drugs, etc.) or Christ-centered and church related activities like being involved in Bible studies or evangelistic outreaches, we FORGET ABOUT RAISING OUR KIDS TO LOVE AND FEAR GOD?
Why do we neglect to discipline our children? OK, remember, I am not a pastor, preacher or scholar or anything...(just a concerned parent) but this is what I feel the LORD is telling me...We as a society in Old Testament times and even today, we simply get lazy with raising our kids.
1 Samuel 4:17-18 says, "So the messenger answered [to Eli] and said, "Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead; and the ark of God has been captured."
Then it happened, when he made mention of the ark of God, that Eli fell off the seat backward by the side of the gate; and his neck was broken and he died, for the man was old and heavy.
The New Living Translation says Eli was "fat." I read this and I could not believe how this story mirrors our society today.
Warren Wiersbe's commentary says Eli lead a sedentary life and was probably overweight because of all the goodies he got to eat as a priest (remember they got a portion of the altar sacrifices).
Eli got lazy! He loved the LORD but he failed to instruct his sons how to love God like he did. He failed to correct them. He knew their lives would end in destruction...Notice that Eli doesn't even fall of of his seat because his sons were dead. He falls off his seat because he heard that the ark of God had been captured. I think Eli just gave up on his sons. Eli realized he failed as a parent and just threw his arms up and gave up in correcting them.
That's what many American parents do too. We just give up. "Yeah I know MTV is influencing my kids...Yeah I know my children listen to inappropriate music and inappropriate movies and inappropriate internet sites...but I give up. I am heavy and overweight and frankly, tired and lazy. But I'll make it to church next Sunday even if my kids don't want to come with me"
Oh how backwards this is! We must learn to teach our kids. To train our children in the way they should go. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. (John 14:6) Pastor David Rosales was sharing the other day how you don't need to train a child to hit his/her little brother or sister. You don't need to train a child to lie or to misbehave. These behaviors come out naturally, because of our sin tendencies. We as parents have the great responsiblity of shielding our children from evil whether that be in the form of music, TV, internet, friendships or activities.
The psalmist David wisely said, "I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness. "
Psalm 101:3-4
May we wake up and be sober and vigilant and PRAY over our kids and instruct them to be different! May we be caring, prayerful parents instead of lazy parents. May our children walk with the LORD and one day rise up and call us blessed. Proverbs 31:28
Even if a child does walk away from the LORD, don't give up on them...Let's not be lazy. Let's be prayerful and watch God work His miracles as He always does.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Why Stay Bitter? (Thoughts on Bitterness from the book of Ruth)
I like Ruth. She is a woman of integrity and strength. One of two women in the Bible with her own book named after her.
She was determined. She was loyal. She was resolute to stay by her mother in law Naomi’s side and said those famous words (often quoted at weddings), “I will go wherever you go and live wherever you life. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. I will die where you die and will be buried there.” Ruth 1:16b-17 NLT
Naomi, Ruth’s mother in law knew she wasn’t going to win a fight with Ruth. If Ruth said this, she meant it and she wasn’t going to back down.
As the two widowed women traveled back to Bethlehem they are greeted by the welcoming committee, “Is it really Naomi?” They are excited to see her. But Naomi isn’t excited about anything. She says, “Don’t call me ‘Naomi.’ …Instead call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me home empty. Why should you call me Naomi when the LORD has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy?”…
“So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman.”
Ruth1:19b-22 NLT
Something is said to be bitter when it is a : peculiarly astringent, or disagreeable or b : distasteful or distressing. A “bitter situation” can be defined as a circumstance that is marked by intensity or severity accompanied by severe pain or suffering; bitterness in in emotion is expressive of severe pain or grief.
OK, so Naomi had some rough times.
As I read this, I think of people today in 2010. Job lay offs, the crash of the real estate market, bad economic times, cancer, murder, prodigal children, divorce, sudden death, miscarriage, addictions, earthquakes, etc. There are so many tragedies any one of us can become bitter. Naomi’s husband died and then later her sons die too. Tragic indeed.
But I want you to notice something that I never saw before in studying Ruth. Notice she asks the ladies to call her “Mara” because she is bitter. A name change in the Bible is common. We know this happened often.
Abram becomes Abraham. Jacob becomes Israel. Saul becomes Paul. Simon becomes Peter, etc.
Here, Naomi says, “I’ve hit hard times. God has allowed it. I am bitter.” “Don’t call me Naomi.” Naomi means “Pleasant.” She says call me “Mara” which means “Bitter.”
“I am no longer pleasant. I’ve lost my joy. I am sad and bitter and that’s that!”
Well, I’ve heard this story of Ruth and Naomi before. But as you know, the Bible is God breathed and can speak to you even though you have read a passage 10, 15, 20 or even 100 times. God speaks to us through His Word! (2Tim 3:16-17) Today, I learned something NEW about Naomi. As she is complaining that she is bitter, she asks her friends to change her name to Mara.
But notice, God doesn’t change her name.
The passage says, “So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by her daughter-in-law.” Naomi is complaining and crying out to her friends how her life has been hard. We all go through hardships. Some more than others. But Naomi makes a false statement she says, I’ve changed my name “Call me Mara” but God wasn’t done with her.
Notice something with me, in the individuals I named earlier, Abraham, Israel, Paul and Peter GOD CHANGED THEIR NAMES. God was the one doing the name changing. It doesn’t work the other way around.
Here, Naomi wants to change her name from Pleasant to Bitterness but the Word of God still calls her Naomi. Cool huh? We all know the story. Ruth meets Boaz. Boaz is a distant relative of Naomi’s. They have a son named Obed (by custom, this son is also considered a son or heir to Naomi’s son, and thus Obed is her Naomi’s grandson). Obed is the descendant of Perez who is the son of Judah, and the grandfather of David. Naomi is blessed once again. Naomi is the great-great-great grandmother of King David.
So here’s what I learned, don’t jump the gun. Don’t change your name from “Pleasant” to “Bitter” when trials come. You don’t know what God is doing! Your story is not over yet!
The other day I was talking with a sweet girlfriend of mine who experienced many trials in the last 2 years. Poor investments resulted in a loss of her home. Her and her husband nearly divorced. A TV fell on her young daughter cracking her cranium and resulting in immediate brain surgery for her daughter. She was in tears telling me she prayed, "God please take me instead. Please spare my daughter." Moving from a house to a cramped apartment. A recent job layoff. I couldn’t believe it as she was telling me all of this. This is real life.
She then said, “I am the happiest I’ve ever been. God has broken down my pride. Pride I didn’t even know was there. I am so close to the LORD, to my husband and I treasure my children. I have it all.”
See, my friend chose the narrow road. Although she could have easily become bitter, angry and shook her first at God. She didn’t. She said yes my circumstances have been bitter and tough. But God remained faithful..so through it all, “Call me Pleasant.”
Wow. This is a true story. May we all choose that road too…
She was determined. She was loyal. She was resolute to stay by her mother in law Naomi’s side and said those famous words (often quoted at weddings), “I will go wherever you go and live wherever you life. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. I will die where you die and will be buried there.” Ruth 1:16b-17 NLT
Naomi, Ruth’s mother in law knew she wasn’t going to win a fight with Ruth. If Ruth said this, she meant it and she wasn’t going to back down.
As the two widowed women traveled back to Bethlehem they are greeted by the welcoming committee, “Is it really Naomi?” They are excited to see her. But Naomi isn’t excited about anything. She says, “Don’t call me ‘Naomi.’ …Instead call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me home empty. Why should you call me Naomi when the LORD has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy?”…
“So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman.”
Ruth1:19b-22 NLT
Something is said to be bitter when it is a : peculiarly astringent, or disagreeable or b : distasteful or distressing. A “bitter situation” can be defined as a circumstance that is marked by intensity or severity accompanied by severe pain or suffering; bitterness in in emotion is expressive of severe pain or grief.
OK, so Naomi had some rough times.
As I read this, I think of people today in 2010. Job lay offs, the crash of the real estate market, bad economic times, cancer, murder, prodigal children, divorce, sudden death, miscarriage, addictions, earthquakes, etc. There are so many tragedies any one of us can become bitter. Naomi’s husband died and then later her sons die too. Tragic indeed.
But I want you to notice something that I never saw before in studying Ruth. Notice she asks the ladies to call her “Mara” because she is bitter. A name change in the Bible is common. We know this happened often.
Abram becomes Abraham. Jacob becomes Israel. Saul becomes Paul. Simon becomes Peter, etc.
Here, Naomi says, “I’ve hit hard times. God has allowed it. I am bitter.” “Don’t call me Naomi.” Naomi means “Pleasant.” She says call me “Mara” which means “Bitter.”
“I am no longer pleasant. I’ve lost my joy. I am sad and bitter and that’s that!”
Well, I’ve heard this story of Ruth and Naomi before. But as you know, the Bible is God breathed and can speak to you even though you have read a passage 10, 15, 20 or even 100 times. God speaks to us through His Word! (2Tim 3:16-17) Today, I learned something NEW about Naomi. As she is complaining that she is bitter, she asks her friends to change her name to Mara.
But notice, God doesn’t change her name.
The passage says, “So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by her daughter-in-law.” Naomi is complaining and crying out to her friends how her life has been hard. We all go through hardships. Some more than others. But Naomi makes a false statement she says, I’ve changed my name “Call me Mara” but God wasn’t done with her.
Notice something with me, in the individuals I named earlier, Abraham, Israel, Paul and Peter GOD CHANGED THEIR NAMES. God was the one doing the name changing. It doesn’t work the other way around.
Here, Naomi wants to change her name from Pleasant to Bitterness but the Word of God still calls her Naomi. Cool huh? We all know the story. Ruth meets Boaz. Boaz is a distant relative of Naomi’s. They have a son named Obed (by custom, this son is also considered a son or heir to Naomi’s son, and thus Obed is her Naomi’s grandson). Obed is the descendant of Perez who is the son of Judah, and the grandfather of David. Naomi is blessed once again. Naomi is the great-great-great grandmother of King David.
So here’s what I learned, don’t jump the gun. Don’t change your name from “Pleasant” to “Bitter” when trials come. You don’t know what God is doing! Your story is not over yet!
The other day I was talking with a sweet girlfriend of mine who experienced many trials in the last 2 years. Poor investments resulted in a loss of her home. Her and her husband nearly divorced. A TV fell on her young daughter cracking her cranium and resulting in immediate brain surgery for her daughter. She was in tears telling me she prayed, "God please take me instead. Please spare my daughter." Moving from a house to a cramped apartment. A recent job layoff. I couldn’t believe it as she was telling me all of this. This is real life.
She then said, “I am the happiest I’ve ever been. God has broken down my pride. Pride I didn’t even know was there. I am so close to the LORD, to my husband and I treasure my children. I have it all.”
See, my friend chose the narrow road. Although she could have easily become bitter, angry and shook her first at God. She didn’t. She said yes my circumstances have been bitter and tough. But God remained faithful..so through it all, “Call me Pleasant.”
Wow. This is a true story. May we all choose that road too…
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Planting Jalapeño Seeds of Faith
I have never been one to like spicy salsa or chile. I prefer “medium” salsa. It has flavor but doesn’t require a tissue to wipe your tears or nose every five seconds from the fire!
I enjoy making fresh salsa for parties and gatherings. Yesterday I was making salsa. As usual, I took out the seeds from the yellow chiles. You see, most of us know the seeds contain the heat. The seeds of the chile contain the fire, the spice, the “kick” of the spicy flavor.
I threw away the seeds..I do this carefully because even touching the seeds is powerful and can burn your fingers.
The LORD reminded me of all the pictures in the Word of “seeds.”
He describes heaven as a seed that is planted and then grows into a tree where birds take refuge. This is what heaven is like. It starts small but grows into a mighty tree. (Mat 13:31-32)
Then there is the example of a mustard seed. Jesus wants us to have the faith of a mustard seed and then we can tell a mountain to be moved and it will be so. (Matt 17:20)
God reminded me as I threw away those tiny jalapeño seeds, that seeds have power.
For me personally, I do not believe I have the gift of evangelism. I will share my faith if the Holy Spirit prompts me…but I am by no means a large scale evangelist like Billy Graham, Greg Laurie, Raul Ries...etc.
I do not feel I am gifted in sharing my testimony or in sharing the Gospel. I will share whenever I can…but it’s not my gift.
What I do love to do is plant seeds.
I like to tell people that are hurting that I will pray for them. I like lifting these people up in prayer. I like to write notes to people who are sick or down. I like to share scripture with other Christians and even disciple a younger sister in Jesus if the LORD directs.
That’s me. I like to plant seeds…but that’s all I do...plant seeds. It’s not as cool as leading another co-worker, friend or family member to the cross. It’s not even a ministry. You don’t hear the church announcements say, “We need more people to plant seeds of the Gospel through prayer and encouragement to families in Mexico.” No, usually, they need people to physically go to Mexico to build houses, take food, etc.
Planting seeds is no big deal right? WRONG.
God reminded me how powerful jalapeño and chile seeds are. They are strong! They have fragrance. They cause eyes to water and mouths to catch on fire! Other seeds like mustard seeds, apple seeds and other plant seeds when planted under the right circumstances - soil (a picture in the Bible of person who has a willing heart to receive from God, Matt 13:8) light (Sun light is a picture of the Son’s light-Jesus, John 8:12,) and lots of water (a picture of the Word of God, Eph 5:26) will flourish and grow and bear much fruit.
So if you are one who likes to plant seeds, go on with yourself! Don’t lose heart and say, “I just plant seeds.” Keep it up. Keep planting seeds of faith with your unsaved family, friends, co-workers or even to strangers. Continue planting those “jalapeño” seeds of faith in others! They are more powerful than you think…
I enjoy making fresh salsa for parties and gatherings. Yesterday I was making salsa. As usual, I took out the seeds from the yellow chiles. You see, most of us know the seeds contain the heat. The seeds of the chile contain the fire, the spice, the “kick” of the spicy flavor.
I threw away the seeds..I do this carefully because even touching the seeds is powerful and can burn your fingers.
The LORD reminded me of all the pictures in the Word of “seeds.”
He describes heaven as a seed that is planted and then grows into a tree where birds take refuge. This is what heaven is like. It starts small but grows into a mighty tree. (Mat 13:31-32)
Then there is the example of a mustard seed. Jesus wants us to have the faith of a mustard seed and then we can tell a mountain to be moved and it will be so. (Matt 17:20)
God reminded me as I threw away those tiny jalapeño seeds, that seeds have power.
For me personally, I do not believe I have the gift of evangelism. I will share my faith if the Holy Spirit prompts me…but I am by no means a large scale evangelist like Billy Graham, Greg Laurie, Raul Ries...etc.
I do not feel I am gifted in sharing my testimony or in sharing the Gospel. I will share whenever I can…but it’s not my gift.
What I do love to do is plant seeds.
I like to tell people that are hurting that I will pray for them. I like lifting these people up in prayer. I like to write notes to people who are sick or down. I like to share scripture with other Christians and even disciple a younger sister in Jesus if the LORD directs.
That’s me. I like to plant seeds…but that’s all I do...plant seeds. It’s not as cool as leading another co-worker, friend or family member to the cross. It’s not even a ministry. You don’t hear the church announcements say, “We need more people to plant seeds of the Gospel through prayer and encouragement to families in Mexico.” No, usually, they need people to physically go to Mexico to build houses, take food, etc.
Planting seeds is no big deal right? WRONG.
God reminded me how powerful jalapeño and chile seeds are. They are strong! They have fragrance. They cause eyes to water and mouths to catch on fire! Other seeds like mustard seeds, apple seeds and other plant seeds when planted under the right circumstances - soil (a picture in the Bible of person who has a willing heart to receive from God, Matt 13:8) light (Sun light is a picture of the Son’s light-Jesus, John 8:12,) and lots of water (a picture of the Word of God, Eph 5:26) will flourish and grow and bear much fruit.
So if you are one who likes to plant seeds, go on with yourself! Don’t lose heart and say, “I just plant seeds.” Keep it up. Keep planting seeds of faith with your unsaved family, friends, co-workers or even to strangers. Continue planting those “jalapeño” seeds of faith in others! They are more powerful than you think…
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Post It Note Faith
When I worked in an office at the University of La Verne, I always wrote myself post it note reminders. The other day I was cleaning out an old purse, and I found an old post it note that I wrote to myself.
Lately, God has been reminding me again and again that REMINDERS ARE GOOD. We all need-
Post It Note Faith
For example, as I shared the other day, my nephew Luke is a living miracle (my previous blog “Remember Luke” ). God often tells me in a still small voice, when my faith is wavering that I need to remember the past. I need to remember the good things He has done. I need to remember the promises of His Word. I need to give myself Post It Note reminders of His love, His faithfulness and the promises from His Word.
Now I know people don’t really use Post It notes anymore. People have blackberries, IPhones and “I-Lives” where their computer are gadgets constantly reminding them of this or that.
But I like Post It Notes.
Post Its are a colorful visual reminder of something important. Here’s another cool thing about Post Its. You must take the time to WRITE OUT the reminder. This is part of the memory process. I don’t recall the statistics, but I learned in college and Law School that when you write something down you are greatly increasing the likelihood you will remember the fact. Last month, I wrote on my calendar to pray for my friend’s husband who was battling cancer. The doctors did many tests and discovered he had been healed of cancer. God healed him miraculously so I wrote on my calendar “Healed in Jesus Name.” Every day I looked at the prayer request and the answer to prayer and it encouraged me.
In reading the Old Testament I read over and over again that the people of God forgot…they didn’t remember the LORD.
“After that generation died, another generation grew up that did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things He had done for Israel.” Judges 2:10
This is true of the New Testament too.
The angels standing at the tomb said “He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead! Don’t you remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again the third day?” Then they remembered that he [Jesus]had said this.” Luke 24:6-8
When did the women remember? They remembered when the angels REMINDED them.
The other day my brother made a commitment to surrender his heart to Jesus. I am so blown away by how the LORD orchestrated this. Chuck invited my brother to attend a Men’s Breakfast at our church a few months ago. My brother hurt his ankle and his foot was too sore to go…Then I invited my brother to hear the Whosoevers share at church and he ran into an old friend and lost track of time. After the Whosoevers event, I drove home in my car and cried. I cried, “LORD, I want so badly for my family to love you and serve you and give into your goodness. I thought this evening my brother would hear the Gospel and accept you. I felt in my heart tonight might be the night.” God reminded me that His timing is perfect. He reminded me that there will be other opportunities for my brother to accept an invitation to Jesus and I just needed to be obedient in praying for him. I gave in to God and let go of my emotions.
Here’ s the best part…
I later learned that my brother was lost track of time on the day he promised me he was going to attend church. He ran into his old best friend on the freeway. His friend flagged him down…They talked and his friend invited him fishing. During the fishing trip at Mammoth Lakes my brother saw deer, birds, and enjoyed God’s creation. He even saw a bald eagle! He was so blown away by God’s nature. We were at my mom’s (not a coincidence) on a Friday night and my brother shared about his trip and how he saw the beauty of creation. My brother asked where Chuck was going the following Saturday morning. Chuck said he was going to another Men’s Breakfast. Chuck didn’t invite him because he didn’t have an extra ticket. My brother said he’d like to go. Later, Chuck prayed for God to provide a ticket.
THAT day, that morning, my brother surrendered his heart to Jesus.
Guess what?
It was my mother’s birthday. God’s perfect timing.
This is going in my journal and on a Post It note to encourage my faith. On Saturday, May 8, 2010, Mom’s birthday, Anthony surrendered his heart to Jesus.
In the Old Testament they set up memorial stones and altars and feasts, today we write Post Its. It’s the same thing. It’s a tool to remind us of God’s unfailing love to His people. We need reminders! We are a forgetful people. We are so prone to wander (like the song says). Write it down, blog about it, write it on a post it note, mark it in your Bible, do whatever you need to do to remind yourself that OUR GOD SAVES.
(***a few “reminders” from God’s Word. God’s Word commands us to remind, remember, set up a memorial, set up a remembrance.)
For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 2 Peter 1:12
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Tim 1:6
Moreover God said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: 'The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.
This [is] My name forever, and this [is] My memorial to all generations.' Exodus 3:15
Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard [them]; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name. Mal 3:16
And He took bread, gave thanks and broke [it], and gave [it] to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." Luke 22:19
Lately, God has been reminding me again and again that REMINDERS ARE GOOD. We all need-
Post It Note Faith
For example, as I shared the other day, my nephew Luke is a living miracle (my previous blog “Remember Luke” ). God often tells me in a still small voice, when my faith is wavering that I need to remember the past. I need to remember the good things He has done. I need to remember the promises of His Word. I need to give myself Post It Note reminders of His love, His faithfulness and the promises from His Word.
Now I know people don’t really use Post It notes anymore. People have blackberries, IPhones and “I-Lives” where their computer are gadgets constantly reminding them of this or that.
But I like Post It Notes.
Post Its are a colorful visual reminder of something important. Here’s another cool thing about Post Its. You must take the time to WRITE OUT the reminder. This is part of the memory process. I don’t recall the statistics, but I learned in college and Law School that when you write something down you are greatly increasing the likelihood you will remember the fact. Last month, I wrote on my calendar to pray for my friend’s husband who was battling cancer. The doctors did many tests and discovered he had been healed of cancer. God healed him miraculously so I wrote on my calendar “Healed in Jesus Name.” Every day I looked at the prayer request and the answer to prayer and it encouraged me.
In reading the Old Testament I read over and over again that the people of God forgot…they didn’t remember the LORD.
“After that generation died, another generation grew up that did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things He had done for Israel.” Judges 2:10
This is true of the New Testament too.
The angels standing at the tomb said “He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead! Don’t you remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again the third day?” Then they remembered that he [Jesus]had said this.” Luke 24:6-8
When did the women remember? They remembered when the angels REMINDED them.
The other day my brother made a commitment to surrender his heart to Jesus. I am so blown away by how the LORD orchestrated this. Chuck invited my brother to attend a Men’s Breakfast at our church a few months ago. My brother hurt his ankle and his foot was too sore to go…Then I invited my brother to hear the Whosoevers share at church and he ran into an old friend and lost track of time. After the Whosoevers event, I drove home in my car and cried. I cried, “LORD, I want so badly for my family to love you and serve you and give into your goodness. I thought this evening my brother would hear the Gospel and accept you. I felt in my heart tonight might be the night.” God reminded me that His timing is perfect. He reminded me that there will be other opportunities for my brother to accept an invitation to Jesus and I just needed to be obedient in praying for him. I gave in to God and let go of my emotions.
Here’ s the best part…
I later learned that my brother was lost track of time on the day he promised me he was going to attend church. He ran into his old best friend on the freeway. His friend flagged him down…They talked and his friend invited him fishing. During the fishing trip at Mammoth Lakes my brother saw deer, birds, and enjoyed God’s creation. He even saw a bald eagle! He was so blown away by God’s nature. We were at my mom’s (not a coincidence) on a Friday night and my brother shared about his trip and how he saw the beauty of creation. My brother asked where Chuck was going the following Saturday morning. Chuck said he was going to another Men’s Breakfast. Chuck didn’t invite him because he didn’t have an extra ticket. My brother said he’d like to go. Later, Chuck prayed for God to provide a ticket.
THAT day, that morning, my brother surrendered his heart to Jesus.
Guess what?
It was my mother’s birthday. God’s perfect timing.
This is going in my journal and on a Post It note to encourage my faith. On Saturday, May 8, 2010, Mom’s birthday, Anthony surrendered his heart to Jesus.
In the Old Testament they set up memorial stones and altars and feasts, today we write Post Its. It’s the same thing. It’s a tool to remind us of God’s unfailing love to His people. We need reminders! We are a forgetful people. We are so prone to wander (like the song says). Write it down, blog about it, write it on a post it note, mark it in your Bible, do whatever you need to do to remind yourself that OUR GOD SAVES.
(***a few “reminders” from God’s Word. God’s Word commands us to remind, remember, set up a memorial, set up a remembrance.)
For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 2 Peter 1:12
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Tim 1:6
Moreover God said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: 'The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.
This [is] My name forever, and this [is] My memorial to all generations.' Exodus 3:15
Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard [them]; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name. Mal 3:16
And He took bread, gave thanks and broke [it], and gave [it] to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." Luke 22:19
Friday, May 7, 2010
Remember Luke
My nephew Luke was according to the trained professional doctors and according to all medical wisdom…not supposed to make it. Luke (or Lukie) was born without a pulse. He was deprived of oxygen coming out of the birth canal and shouldn’t have survived. His little body was so swollen and he was completely hooked up to machines for breathing and had tubes all over his body.
He was born breach and the doctors said he suffered traumatic brain damage and might not live. The staff at the hospital, it seems, made a mistake which could turn out for my family to be a deadly one. Prior to labor, one week before his due date, Luke’s body turned in the womb (from head first to feet first) instead of ordering an emergency C-section, the doctor sent my sister in law Irene home and naturally, labor commenced. Luke began to come into this world in a most dangerous way- feet first.
It’s still hard to talk about the details of what happened. The whole trial was so terrible. There was anger at the doctors, the hospital and all the staff. There was confusion as to how or why something like this could happen. We all believed this could have been prevented.
The situation was grim and most certainly all of our faith was tested….especially my sister in law Irene (Luke’s mommy). When I went to the hospital and saw Luke laying there in the NICU, he looked so hopeless and helpless. I asked Irene how she was doing. I had my Bible in hand and wanted to encourage her with prayer and God’s Word but I knew nothing I could say or do would change the situation.
Only God could do that.
When I looked at Irene, she had a glow to her. She looked tired but peaceful. She said that although the doctors said Luke might now make it, although the doctors said he may be permanently brain damaged, although the doctors said he may have severe learning disabilities and he might have seizures all of his life, although the doctors continued to give her all of the “worst case” scenarios, she said she knew and had faith that God would heal Luke. She said she had faith he would be fine. She said that she didn’t understand why, but that very morning, she thanked God for the trial. She explained that she didn’t even know where that prayer came from, but that she prayed, “God thank you for this trial because I just know you have a plan for Luke’s life…and this is only the beginning of many miracles you are going to perform and work out in his life.”
I was blown away by her faith. Her prayer thanking God for the trial still gives me chills.
The other day during a Sunday morning service Victor Marx said in this life, we must have faith. We must believe the Truth in spite of the facts. Two words entered my heart and mind:
REMEMBER LUKE.
I turned to Chuck and I said, “Remember Luke.” He agreed and smiled. We had faith that our God was bigger than anything and He could miraculously heal Luke of any brain damage of any trauma his tiny body experienced by being born breach. We by faith, made a choice to believe the Truth (God’s Word) despite the facts. Hundreds and probably even thousands of people were praying for Luke. My brother and sister in law attended Calvary Chapel Victorville at the time and several pastors came to comfort Steve and Irene and to pray over Luke. My father in law said these prayer warriors looked like “old western” cowboys as they walked the hospital halls with determined faces and with Bibles in hand (instead of guns) to pray over Luke.
One of the greatest days of my life was when we, (Chuck’s family), all huddled together waiting to hear the news whether Luke’s brain tests came out OK. We huddled together outside Loma Linda Medical Center, prayed and waited for the results. Steve and Irene walked up to us and said, “He’s fine… The tests came out fine. Luke is fine. God did a miracle.”
It is a day I’ll never forget.
God chose to raise Lazarus and he chose to give life back to my little nephew Luke. The doctors literally pronounced Luke medically dead. Luke did not have a pulse when he was born. But God revived him. Not just that…now it’s May 2010 and little Lukie’s turning one.
Friends, our God is a big God and He is so faithful. I wanted to blog about this not only because it’s Luke’s birthday this month, but because we all need to set up our memorial stones.
When the Israelites crossed over the Jordan into the promise land, God commanded them to set up a memorial of the crossing.
"Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:5-7
Pastor David Guzik states, “The purpose of this memorial was so that the people of Israel could teach their children about the great things God had done, so that the work of God would not be forgotten among the generations.
We often fail in our trust of God because we forget the great things He has done, and often the faith of our children is weak because they have never been told how great God is and how real His working is in our lives.”
Now, I often tell myself when I am facing a trial, “Remember Luke.” This is a reminder to me that God is faithful, God still works miracles, and God is always at work in my life. Luke is a living memorial of God’s grace, God’s working of miracles and God’s answer to prayer. What memorial stones are you thinking of right now? Will you join me in praising God and offering Him thanks for all the good He has done for you?
He was born breach and the doctors said he suffered traumatic brain damage and might not live. The staff at the hospital, it seems, made a mistake which could turn out for my family to be a deadly one. Prior to labor, one week before his due date, Luke’s body turned in the womb (from head first to feet first) instead of ordering an emergency C-section, the doctor sent my sister in law Irene home and naturally, labor commenced. Luke began to come into this world in a most dangerous way- feet first.
It’s still hard to talk about the details of what happened. The whole trial was so terrible. There was anger at the doctors, the hospital and all the staff. There was confusion as to how or why something like this could happen. We all believed this could have been prevented.
The situation was grim and most certainly all of our faith was tested….especially my sister in law Irene (Luke’s mommy). When I went to the hospital and saw Luke laying there in the NICU, he looked so hopeless and helpless. I asked Irene how she was doing. I had my Bible in hand and wanted to encourage her with prayer and God’s Word but I knew nothing I could say or do would change the situation.
Only God could do that.
When I looked at Irene, she had a glow to her. She looked tired but peaceful. She said that although the doctors said Luke might now make it, although the doctors said he may be permanently brain damaged, although the doctors said he may have severe learning disabilities and he might have seizures all of his life, although the doctors continued to give her all of the “worst case” scenarios, she said she knew and had faith that God would heal Luke. She said she had faith he would be fine. She said that she didn’t understand why, but that very morning, she thanked God for the trial. She explained that she didn’t even know where that prayer came from, but that she prayed, “God thank you for this trial because I just know you have a plan for Luke’s life…and this is only the beginning of many miracles you are going to perform and work out in his life.”
I was blown away by her faith. Her prayer thanking God for the trial still gives me chills.
The other day during a Sunday morning service Victor Marx said in this life, we must have faith. We must believe the Truth in spite of the facts. Two words entered my heart and mind:
REMEMBER LUKE.
I turned to Chuck and I said, “Remember Luke.” He agreed and smiled. We had faith that our God was bigger than anything and He could miraculously heal Luke of any brain damage of any trauma his tiny body experienced by being born breach. We by faith, made a choice to believe the Truth (God’s Word) despite the facts. Hundreds and probably even thousands of people were praying for Luke. My brother and sister in law attended Calvary Chapel Victorville at the time and several pastors came to comfort Steve and Irene and to pray over Luke. My father in law said these prayer warriors looked like “old western” cowboys as they walked the hospital halls with determined faces and with Bibles in hand (instead of guns) to pray over Luke.
One of the greatest days of my life was when we, (Chuck’s family), all huddled together waiting to hear the news whether Luke’s brain tests came out OK. We huddled together outside Loma Linda Medical Center, prayed and waited for the results. Steve and Irene walked up to us and said, “He’s fine… The tests came out fine. Luke is fine. God did a miracle.”
It is a day I’ll never forget.
God chose to raise Lazarus and he chose to give life back to my little nephew Luke. The doctors literally pronounced Luke medically dead. Luke did not have a pulse when he was born. But God revived him. Not just that…now it’s May 2010 and little Lukie’s turning one.
Friends, our God is a big God and He is so faithful. I wanted to blog about this not only because it’s Luke’s birthday this month, but because we all need to set up our memorial stones.
When the Israelites crossed over the Jordan into the promise land, God commanded them to set up a memorial of the crossing.
"Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:5-7
Pastor David Guzik states, “The purpose of this memorial was so that the people of Israel could teach their children about the great things God had done, so that the work of God would not be forgotten among the generations.
We often fail in our trust of God because we forget the great things He has done, and often the faith of our children is weak because they have never been told how great God is and how real His working is in our lives.”
Now, I often tell myself when I am facing a trial, “Remember Luke.” This is a reminder to me that God is faithful, God still works miracles, and God is always at work in my life. Luke is a living memorial of God’s grace, God’s working of miracles and God’s answer to prayer. What memorial stones are you thinking of right now? Will you join me in praising God and offering Him thanks for all the good He has done for you?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Blessed are the Uncomfortable
Blessed are the uncomfortable for they are in the will of God...
No, this is not one of the Beattitudes...but I believe it is true for us today...
I heard a clip from the "Balanced Word" yesterday on KWVE regarding feeling "uncomfortable" about some things in God's Word. The pastor said that the Word of God is supposed to make us uncomfortable. I loved this statement. It's so true. When I read God's Word and I allow it to soak in, when I allow it to convict me, when I allow it to change me, when I allow it to penetrate...I've noticed I feel discomfort- I feel uncomfortable.
For example-Jesus tells me to turn the other cheek. Jesus tells me to love my enemies and to pray for those who persecute me. Jesus tells me to die to myself. Paul tells me to worry about nothing and pray about everything. Paul tells me his chains were used for good and God uses all things together for good. Even failures? Yup. Even trials? Yes. Even evil acts or sin in the world? Yes. Paul tells us to give thanks for our trials and to count them all as joy. This is so contrary to human nature.
But this is what I love about God's Word... I love that it goes against my natural tendencies. That is the point. God's spirit is trying to change me. Change is good, but it is not comfortable and it is certainly not easy.
See, we live in a society that is all about making you "comfortable." On an air plane the staff will give you an extra pillow to make you more "comfortable." You move seats in a movie theater to find one that is comfortable. We eat "comfort" foods. We lay down in our bed on a cold night and pull up our goose-down "comforter." When my 4 year old daughter is ready to relax, I tell her let's put on her "comfies." It is ingrained in our brains that good = comfort. But this is not true with God's Word.
It's OK to feel uncomfortable with serving in a ministry where you feel inadequate. It's OK to feel uncomfortable with sharing the Gospel with that co-worker, neighbor, or stranger. It's OK to feel uncomfortable to tell your relatives that you don't drink alcohol because you want to be filled with the Spirit in stead of drunk with wine. It's OK to be the first to say sorry to someone even though your flesh is telling you he/she should appologize first. It's OK to feel uncomfortable when you are fasting and praying on your knees for someone and your stomach starts to growl.
It's OK because I believe God blesses those who allow their flesh to feel uncomfortable, so that the spirit may have the victory. Blessed are the uncomfortable for they know they are in the will of God.
No, this is not one of the Beattitudes...but I believe it is true for us today...
I heard a clip from the "Balanced Word" yesterday on KWVE regarding feeling "uncomfortable" about some things in God's Word. The pastor said that the Word of God is supposed to make us uncomfortable. I loved this statement. It's so true. When I read God's Word and I allow it to soak in, when I allow it to convict me, when I allow it to change me, when I allow it to penetrate...I've noticed I feel discomfort- I feel uncomfortable.
For example-Jesus tells me to turn the other cheek. Jesus tells me to love my enemies and to pray for those who persecute me. Jesus tells me to die to myself. Paul tells me to worry about nothing and pray about everything. Paul tells me his chains were used for good and God uses all things together for good. Even failures? Yup. Even trials? Yes. Even evil acts or sin in the world? Yes. Paul tells us to give thanks for our trials and to count them all as joy. This is so contrary to human nature.
But this is what I love about God's Word... I love that it goes against my natural tendencies. That is the point. God's spirit is trying to change me. Change is good, but it is not comfortable and it is certainly not easy.
See, we live in a society that is all about making you "comfortable." On an air plane the staff will give you an extra pillow to make you more "comfortable." You move seats in a movie theater to find one that is comfortable. We eat "comfort" foods. We lay down in our bed on a cold night and pull up our goose-down "comforter." When my 4 year old daughter is ready to relax, I tell her let's put on her "comfies." It is ingrained in our brains that good = comfort. But this is not true with God's Word.
It's OK to feel uncomfortable with serving in a ministry where you feel inadequate. It's OK to feel uncomfortable with sharing the Gospel with that co-worker, neighbor, or stranger. It's OK to feel uncomfortable to tell your relatives that you don't drink alcohol because you want to be filled with the Spirit in stead of drunk with wine. It's OK to be the first to say sorry to someone even though your flesh is telling you he/she should appologize first. It's OK to feel uncomfortable when you are fasting and praying on your knees for someone and your stomach starts to growl.
It's OK because I believe God blesses those who allow their flesh to feel uncomfortable, so that the spirit may have the victory. Blessed are the uncomfortable for they know they are in the will of God.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Reward Cycle (a Blessed Marriage)
The Reward Cycle is a result of Husbands showing Love and Wives showing Respect; With Christ in the Center,a Blessed Marriage is inevitable...
Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. (Proverbs 5:18 NLT)
Warren Wiersbe’s commentary on Proverbs 5:
“Solomon admonishes the husband to be captivated with his wife’s live. The word translated captivated also means intoxicated or infatuated. The adulterer watches the river turn into a sewer, but the faithful husband sees the water become wine! That Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding feast is significant, as though he were giving an object lesson concerning the growing delights of marriage.” (John 2:1-11)
Wiersbe continues, “When a husband and wife are faithful to the Lord and to each other, and when they obey Scriptures like 1 Corinth. 7:1-5 and Ephesians 5:22-33, neither of them will look for satisfaction anywhere else. If they love each other and seek to please each other and the Lord, their relationship will be one of deepening joy and satisfaction; they won’t look for the greener grass.”
Wiersbe sums up the Reward Cycle perfectly.
My husband Chuck always says, “If your aim is to please God, then pleasing your spouse will be the easy part.” I think this is so true. As male and female are so different, these differences of course will naturally create conflict. However, when Jesus is the ultimate goal for the husband’s life and Jesus is the ultimate goal for the wife’s, there is harmony and blessings.
I felt overjoyed when Dr. Eggerichs discussed the “Reward Cycle” at the Love and Respect conference. He said if a husband’s conduct is showing love and if a wife’s conduct displays respect, the couples feel energized (The Energizing Cycle). As a natural result of this obedience to God’s Word, the next cycle in a marriage is the Reward Cycle.
Here’ s my personal example- When Chuck and I were dating we would always leave notes to each other in our cars or on the windshield. We would also mail cards to each other to show love and respect. During the early years of our marriage, these little notes were a wonderful way of communicating when we were apart. Even though the technology changed, Chuck and I did not buy cell phones for a long time and we continually wrote notes to each other. I actually was “forced” to have a cell phone by my employer in 2005 for work.
If Chuck was going skate boarding with his friends, he would write me a note saying something like, “Going skating. I love you so much. Will you be mine forever?”
These notes meant so much to me…and they still do.
Here we are now, married almost 11 years and we still write notes to each other. Just this year, when I left to the Women’s Retreat, I made sure I mailed a letter to Chuck on Friday night so he could get it in the mail on Saturday morning while I was away...
There is something so special about our spouses telling us how much they mean to us in a note, letter, card, email or even text message.
I still like to put little notes in Chuck’s lunch telling him that I appreciate him going to work and that I love him…
Forgive me if this sounds corny or mushy…We are simply enjoying the Reward Cycle, the blessing of a fulfilling and satisfying marriage. Now don’t get me wrong, we have had our share of loud arguments, slamming doors, someone leaving to cool off, disagreements on child rearing style, disagreements on finances, etc. but we always end an arguments by saying, “I’m sorry” and “Let’s pray.” Also, remember Jesus said Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. John 15:13
We must lay our lives down DAILY for Jesus and for our spouse.
When you follow Eph 5:33 (wives respect and husbands love) as Wiersbe calls it you will inevitably enjoy “the growing delights of marriage” and as Dr. Eggerichs calls it “The Reward Cycle” or a blessed marriage; I call it awesome!
Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. (Proverbs 5:18 NLT)
Warren Wiersbe’s commentary on Proverbs 5:
“Solomon admonishes the husband to be captivated with his wife’s live. The word translated captivated also means intoxicated or infatuated. The adulterer watches the river turn into a sewer, but the faithful husband sees the water become wine! That Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding feast is significant, as though he were giving an object lesson concerning the growing delights of marriage.” (John 2:1-11)
Wiersbe continues, “When a husband and wife are faithful to the Lord and to each other, and when they obey Scriptures like 1 Corinth. 7:1-5 and Ephesians 5:22-33, neither of them will look for satisfaction anywhere else. If they love each other and seek to please each other and the Lord, their relationship will be one of deepening joy and satisfaction; they won’t look for the greener grass.”
Wiersbe sums up the Reward Cycle perfectly.
My husband Chuck always says, “If your aim is to please God, then pleasing your spouse will be the easy part.” I think this is so true. As male and female are so different, these differences of course will naturally create conflict. However, when Jesus is the ultimate goal for the husband’s life and Jesus is the ultimate goal for the wife’s, there is harmony and blessings.
I felt overjoyed when Dr. Eggerichs discussed the “Reward Cycle” at the Love and Respect conference. He said if a husband’s conduct is showing love and if a wife’s conduct displays respect, the couples feel energized (The Energizing Cycle). As a natural result of this obedience to God’s Word, the next cycle in a marriage is the Reward Cycle.
Here’ s my personal example- When Chuck and I were dating we would always leave notes to each other in our cars or on the windshield. We would also mail cards to each other to show love and respect. During the early years of our marriage, these little notes were a wonderful way of communicating when we were apart. Even though the technology changed, Chuck and I did not buy cell phones for a long time and we continually wrote notes to each other. I actually was “forced” to have a cell phone by my employer in 2005 for work.
If Chuck was going skate boarding with his friends, he would write me a note saying something like, “Going skating. I love you so much. Will you be mine forever?”
These notes meant so much to me…and they still do.
Here we are now, married almost 11 years and we still write notes to each other. Just this year, when I left to the Women’s Retreat, I made sure I mailed a letter to Chuck on Friday night so he could get it in the mail on Saturday morning while I was away...
There is something so special about our spouses telling us how much they mean to us in a note, letter, card, email or even text message.
I still like to put little notes in Chuck’s lunch telling him that I appreciate him going to work and that I love him…
Forgive me if this sounds corny or mushy…We are simply enjoying the Reward Cycle, the blessing of a fulfilling and satisfying marriage. Now don’t get me wrong, we have had our share of loud arguments, slamming doors, someone leaving to cool off, disagreements on child rearing style, disagreements on finances, etc. but we always end an arguments by saying, “I’m sorry” and “Let’s pray.” Also, remember Jesus said Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. John 15:13
We must lay our lives down DAILY for Jesus and for our spouse.
When you follow Eph 5:33 (wives respect and husbands love) as Wiersbe calls it you will inevitably enjoy “the growing delights of marriage” and as Dr. Eggerichs calls it “The Reward Cycle” or a blessed marriage; I call it awesome!
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