After 12 years of being married, my husband can still land a “backside disaster”-a.k.a. A cool skate trick
When I first started dating my husband I already knew that he enjoyed skateboarding. I would hang around West Covina High School and he would be there….skateboarding.
Since July 17 is our 12 year wedding anniversary I wanted to share one of my favorite stories….
On the evening of our first date Chuck tells me that he put on some nice pants and a nice shirt and boots. He looked in the mirror and decided to change his outfit. “If this girl is real she’ll like me for me” He changed his clothes, put on a skate shirt, jeans and Vans. We went out on our first date. I love this story! One of the things I love about my husband is his honesty, transparency and integrity.
He is the real deal.
He does not sugar coat things and tells things as they are. I love the fact that from day one he wanted me to like him for who he really was…A young man, a man dedicated to Jesus Christ, a man who enjoyed reading and studying his Bible, skateboarding, worked at CostPlus World Market and was enrolled at Citrus College. He told me on our first date, “If Christ is not in the relationship it can’t work.” I was in love!!!!!! What guy brings up the importance of having Christ as the center of a relationship on the very first date? He brought this conversation up even before he knew me. That’s my Chuck.
My husband and I have truly matured together over the years. They say some couples either grow together or grow apart. Well, I know from experience that a marriage with Jesus in the center, a marriage that emphasizes self-denial, prayer, daily encouragement in God’s Word, DATING each other, Eph 5:33 (love and respect), friendship, patience (and every fruit listed in Gal 5), is truly amazing and will produce growth.
I told Chuck the other day that there is nothing that attracts me more to him than seeing him interact as a dad. I realize that Olivia is going to one day be a wife and mother. I told her, “See how Daddy opens the door for me, your husband will do that for you too.” He spends time with her even when he’s tired. It’s those things that matter. I tell her that her future husband must answer the 5 questions- Do you read your Bible? Do you pray? Do you have Jesus in your heart? Do you go to church? Do you go to work? If he says yes to all these things then you can marry him. I know it sounds funny but I want to teach her while she’s young to look for these characteristics in her future spouse.
A girlfriend of mine said, “Even if he answers the 5 questions correctly, Olivia…you can’t get married yet…you have to wait a few minutes and see if he really does those things”
I thought that was a great addition! Watch and see! As a woman, I have observed my husband continually show me sacrificial love. I have watched him grow into a man of prayer, a man committed to serving young men and encouraging them in their walks with the LORD. I can honestly say my husband is a role model. As an 8th grade teacher, many of his students look up to him and they can say like I do, “Mr. G is the real deal.” Sometimes he still skateboards with his students after school and can win them at a battle of “sk8.” That is what I love about my husband. He is so down to earth and approachable, yet he is also full of wisdom and knowledge about life and about God’s Word. I love it that we still stop at skateparks on our vacations! I love it, my kids love it and it reminds me of when we were dating and I would watch him skate…I am privileged and honored to have Chuck as my husband, my love, my soul mate and best friend.
My encouragement to women who read this is to remember that your husband knows you love him….what he needs is your respect. Tell him you respect him as a man and pray for him daily. See photo above of Chuck landing a backside disaster, photo credit- his wife of 12 years...
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
I am not worthy...
Luke 7:2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.
Luke 7:6-9
Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.
"Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
"For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does [it]."
When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"
I love this! I was reading this recently and noticed something I never had before. Two times the Centurion confesses that he is "not worthy."
Self-worth is a big area of discussion these days. In the Christian's life, we die to our self so that Christ can be magnified.
I love how the Centurion ACKNOWLEDGES who Jesus is and confesses that he is not worthy of Jesus actual presence in his home...The Centurion realizes Jesus' Word alone has the power to heal. We need to trust Jesus at His Word too.
Just today I was reading about the prodigal son and the "older brother."
The older brother was angry that his father had a party for the younger brother (recall he returned from his spending the inheritance foolishly), "these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat; that I might make merry with my friends" Luke 15:29
Today, the Holy Spirit revealed to me the focus of the older brother. The focus was self.
"I" and "my" and "me."
Five times the older brother says "I" or "me" or "my." (read it again and look for I, my, or me.)
Who's agenda was the older brother focuesed on? Why was he upset? He was upset because he felt cheated. He felt he was worthy of a party like this but nooooo....the father has to have a big party for the foolish younger son. This is selfish thinking and opposite from the centurion in the earlier picture.
The older son was focused on his own self worth. "I've worked hard! I deserve that kind of praise." He didn't get the Father's heart! The centurion got it...I trust your Word Jesus. I am not worthy of you and only AT YOUR WORD my servant could be made whole. The centurion didn't care about his own self worth or agenda. All he cared about was that his servant be healed and restored...
The older son felt cheated. The father in the story said, "'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found'" Luke 15:32
We must remember our self worth. We are NOT worthy of the LORD and if our heart is to be alligned with the Father's we are to say like the centurion, "I am not worthy" and trust God's Word. We are to rejoice like the prodigal son's father when others are saved...and we are to be careful not to become self-righteous in our good works and feel something is owed to us.
We are not worthy...we were lost and now we have been found. We were dead and now we are alive. I think we can all agree that at some point in our lives we related (or can relate) with each person in these illustrations...
As Easter approaches, may we pray for MANY to return to the Father or come to know Him for the first time. May we ask God to give us a heart of humility to say, "I am not worthy" and may we refrain from any self righteousness in our self because apart from Him we can do nothing.
LORD Jesus, you are worthy. I am not worthy. You lived and died and rose again. I am not even worthy to be in your presence, but thank you that by calling on your name I am forever saved and I fall in love with you more and more each day. I love your presence. Please Jesus reveal yourself to many people this Good Friday and Easter. Thank you for your pouring out your life so that we may enjoy eternity with you. In Your Holy Name, the only name WORTHY to be praised Jesus, AMEN.
Luke 7:6-9
Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.
"Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
"For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does [it]."
When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"
I love this! I was reading this recently and noticed something I never had before. Two times the Centurion confesses that he is "not worthy."
Self-worth is a big area of discussion these days. In the Christian's life, we die to our self so that Christ can be magnified.
I love how the Centurion ACKNOWLEDGES who Jesus is and confesses that he is not worthy of Jesus actual presence in his home...The Centurion realizes Jesus' Word alone has the power to heal. We need to trust Jesus at His Word too.
Just today I was reading about the prodigal son and the "older brother."
The older brother was angry that his father had a party for the younger brother (recall he returned from his spending the inheritance foolishly), "these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat; that I might make merry with my friends" Luke 15:29
Today, the Holy Spirit revealed to me the focus of the older brother. The focus was self.
"I" and "my" and "me."
Five times the older brother says "I" or "me" or "my." (read it again and look for I, my, or me.)
Who's agenda was the older brother focuesed on? Why was he upset? He was upset because he felt cheated. He felt he was worthy of a party like this but nooooo....the father has to have a big party for the foolish younger son. This is selfish thinking and opposite from the centurion in the earlier picture.
The older son was focused on his own self worth. "I've worked hard! I deserve that kind of praise." He didn't get the Father's heart! The centurion got it...I trust your Word Jesus. I am not worthy of you and only AT YOUR WORD my servant could be made whole. The centurion didn't care about his own self worth or agenda. All he cared about was that his servant be healed and restored...
The older son felt cheated. The father in the story said, "'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found'" Luke 15:32
We must remember our self worth. We are NOT worthy of the LORD and if our heart is to be alligned with the Father's we are to say like the centurion, "I am not worthy" and trust God's Word. We are to rejoice like the prodigal son's father when others are saved...and we are to be careful not to become self-righteous in our good works and feel something is owed to us.
We are not worthy...we were lost and now we have been found. We were dead and now we are alive. I think we can all agree that at some point in our lives we related (or can relate) with each person in these illustrations...
As Easter approaches, may we pray for MANY to return to the Father or come to know Him for the first time. May we ask God to give us a heart of humility to say, "I am not worthy" and may we refrain from any self righteousness in our self because apart from Him we can do nothing.
LORD Jesus, you are worthy. I am not worthy. You lived and died and rose again. I am not even worthy to be in your presence, but thank you that by calling on your name I am forever saved and I fall in love with you more and more each day. I love your presence. Please Jesus reveal yourself to many people this Good Friday and Easter. Thank you for your pouring out your life so that we may enjoy eternity with you. In Your Holy Name, the only name WORTHY to be praised Jesus, AMEN.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Worship and Bacon
I know. The two words sound weird together right? Well let me explain.
My kids love bacon. They are 3 and 5. We cook “turkey bacon” in our house but it is just as tasty…
Anyhow one day I was making breakfast. My daughter wakes up and comes straight to the kitchen. “Mom, are you cooking baking? Is it ready? Can I have some?” Isaac who doesn’t talk yet comes by and stands on tip toes with an expression that is the same, “I want some!” The smell is intoxicating. The smell is inviting…Best of all…the smell invites you in.
I know it might seem strange…but I think of this often. The sense of “smell” I mean. I love fragrance. Perfumes, scented candles, night jasmine in bloom, a clean baby’s hair…etc. One of the best scents I love is the smell of bacon cooking over a campfire in Yosemite. There is nothing like it! You have the combined scent of fresh air, pine trees and the wonderful smell of “outdoors” with the smell of fire wood burning and bacon cooking.
A couple of weeks ago I was cooking breakfast for my family. Olivia and Isaac congregate around me waiting for the bacon to be cooked and consumed. I realized--- this is exactly what worship is. It is a sweet smelling aroma. It draws you in. Worship is a fragrance of a sacrifice. Recall in the old testament God directed Moses to burn the “fat” to the LORD. This is the best part. When the fat of an animal is burned it smells so good! That’s what God wants from us. He wants us to be drawn into Him so that our worship is a sweet smelling aroma and it is so fragrant, so inviting that OTHERS want to be near the LORD too.
'and the priest shall burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire for a sweet aroma; all the fat is the LORD's. Leviticus 3:16
I bet people passing/travelng by could smell it and notice and think to themselves, "someone is probably making an offering to the LORD."
Our life is to be lived out sacrificially to the LORD. Jesus gave Himself as an offering and the Word says His sacrificial, surrendered life was a “sweet smelling aroma” to the Father.
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:2 Our praise and/or singing is often called “worship.” The same idea applies. Worship is (or should be) like bacon. It is a sweet smelling aroma to the LORD and it draws others into the presence of the Almighty. Some of my favorite worship artists are Keith Green, Phil Wickham, Mary Barrett, Sherri Youngward, and Jeremy Camp. I often weep when I listen and worship to their songs. The songs are so powerful that I am brought to a place of worship with Jesus. The artist lived a life (or is living a life) poured out to Jesus and you can hear their love for the LORD through the song. The song causes you to want to love God like that! You hear the song and it turns into a prayer…
Here's my personal application…
Sometimes in church services I get distracted during worship. People walking in, a cell phone rings, I can’t find my pen…(it’s somewhere in this purse), the worship group leader got a new hair cut, I see a friend of mine sitting close by, etc. I notice my heart is unsettled. I close my eyes and say this simple prayer, “Just me and you Jesus.” I then try to focus in on worshipping him. I pray and I focus on the words of the song. I ask the Spirit to fill me so I can worship in spirit and in truth. I desire, just like you do, for my worship to be a sweet smelling aroma to the LORD. God desires our sacrifice to be sweet and pleasant. The result--When we have a worshipful heart we are drawn into His presence and others will see Christ through you and they will be drawn in too.
LORD Jesus, help us to have a worship that smells so good to you…May our worship rise to you like the yummy intoxicating smell of bacon cooking on the grill….everyone can smell food cooking and knows it is something good. May our worship please you and also affect our lives so powerfully that others are drawn to you by the aroma our life produces. We know this can only be done through the Spirit, prayer and meditation on your Word. Fill us with your Spirit and make us true worshippers so our life brings you glory and honor and praise. In Jesus Holy Name, AMEN
My kids love bacon. They are 3 and 5. We cook “turkey bacon” in our house but it is just as tasty…
Anyhow one day I was making breakfast. My daughter wakes up and comes straight to the kitchen. “Mom, are you cooking baking? Is it ready? Can I have some?” Isaac who doesn’t talk yet comes by and stands on tip toes with an expression that is the same, “I want some!” The smell is intoxicating. The smell is inviting…Best of all…the smell invites you in.
I know it might seem strange…but I think of this often. The sense of “smell” I mean. I love fragrance. Perfumes, scented candles, night jasmine in bloom, a clean baby’s hair…etc. One of the best scents I love is the smell of bacon cooking over a campfire in Yosemite. There is nothing like it! You have the combined scent of fresh air, pine trees and the wonderful smell of “outdoors” with the smell of fire wood burning and bacon cooking.
A couple of weeks ago I was cooking breakfast for my family. Olivia and Isaac congregate around me waiting for the bacon to be cooked and consumed. I realized--- this is exactly what worship is. It is a sweet smelling aroma. It draws you in. Worship is a fragrance of a sacrifice. Recall in the old testament God directed Moses to burn the “fat” to the LORD. This is the best part. When the fat of an animal is burned it smells so good! That’s what God wants from us. He wants us to be drawn into Him so that our worship is a sweet smelling aroma and it is so fragrant, so inviting that OTHERS want to be near the LORD too.
'and the priest shall burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire for a sweet aroma; all the fat is the LORD's. Leviticus 3:16
I bet people passing/travelng by could smell it and notice and think to themselves, "someone is probably making an offering to the LORD."
Our life is to be lived out sacrificially to the LORD. Jesus gave Himself as an offering and the Word says His sacrificial, surrendered life was a “sweet smelling aroma” to the Father.
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:2 Our praise and/or singing is often called “worship.” The same idea applies. Worship is (or should be) like bacon. It is a sweet smelling aroma to the LORD and it draws others into the presence of the Almighty. Some of my favorite worship artists are Keith Green, Phil Wickham, Mary Barrett, Sherri Youngward, and Jeremy Camp. I often weep when I listen and worship to their songs. The songs are so powerful that I am brought to a place of worship with Jesus. The artist lived a life (or is living a life) poured out to Jesus and you can hear their love for the LORD through the song. The song causes you to want to love God like that! You hear the song and it turns into a prayer…
Here's my personal application…
Sometimes in church services I get distracted during worship. People walking in, a cell phone rings, I can’t find my pen…(it’s somewhere in this purse), the worship group leader got a new hair cut, I see a friend of mine sitting close by, etc. I notice my heart is unsettled. I close my eyes and say this simple prayer, “Just me and you Jesus.” I then try to focus in on worshipping him. I pray and I focus on the words of the song. I ask the Spirit to fill me so I can worship in spirit and in truth. I desire, just like you do, for my worship to be a sweet smelling aroma to the LORD. God desires our sacrifice to be sweet and pleasant. The result--When we have a worshipful heart we are drawn into His presence and others will see Christ through you and they will be drawn in too.
LORD Jesus, help us to have a worship that smells so good to you…May our worship rise to you like the yummy intoxicating smell of bacon cooking on the grill….everyone can smell food cooking and knows it is something good. May our worship please you and also affect our lives so powerfully that others are drawn to you by the aroma our life produces. We know this can only be done through the Spirit, prayer and meditation on your Word. Fill us with your Spirit and make us true worshippers so our life brings you glory and honor and praise. In Jesus Holy Name, AMEN
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Not a Better Life a NEW LIFE
Jesus went to the country of the Gadarenes and when he arrived he was met by "a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs..."Luke 8:27 The man was often seized by he demons and was "driven by the demon into the wilderness" Luke 8:29b We all know this story. Jesus casts the demon "Legion" into the herd of pigs and the herd runs off a cliff and drowns. Later the people from the town "found the man from whom the demons had departed sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind." Luke 8:35 I think there is a temptation (in fact I KNOW there is a temptation) to say, "God clean my life up and then use me for your glory" I do not think this is the correct way to approach God. We must ask God to GIVE US A NEW LIFE not just a clean sterile one. When you have walked with the LORD for a while you know many truths from God's Word. You know that you need Jesus and apart from Him you can do nothing (John 15). However, there is a temptation to ask God to change your life. We ask God to refine us to change us to clean us up...but we forget the simple prayer made at altar calls the prayer of repentance is not "Jesus give me a changed life" the prayer is "give me a new life." Of course we pray like David, "Create in me a clean heart Oh God" asking God for the daily cleansing of our sins when we repent and confess and approach the Holy throne to obtain mercy. But look at the next part, "renew a right spirit within me" Psalm 51:10 The Revised Standard Version says, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me." Let's face it. We need a NEW life. Not a changed and improved life...but a new life. This has been on my heart because I think we can easily fall prey to walking in our own strength in stead of in the Holy Spirit's strength. We can say a quick prayer, read our devotion and go about our day to day tasks, but are we really walking in NEWNESS of life? Jesus healed the demon and gave him a NEW life. Jesus gave him a new mind so that he could sit at Jesus feet and learn from him. He changed and transformed him. The man went from living without clothes, sleeping in tombs, walking as "dead" to a totally transformed man with a "right mind." The man now sat, clothed, in his right mind, in a right state of thinking, and NOW he was able to sit at Jesus feet and learn from Him. Only after the man became NEW could he be used by God. "Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." Rev. 21:5 Jesus didn't say, "Behold I made all things changed" He said behold I make all things "new." "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 Abba Father, please forgive us for walking in this life in our own strength seeking change and modifications in our lives instead of asking for your Holy Spirit to fill us afresh and anew. We have prayed and asked for you to change us...but please don't just change us to make us better in our own finite minds, make us new with a new Spirit so we may walk in newness of life in accordance with your will. May we have your Spirit living in us, guiding us into the things you want for us. Help us to be humble and to seek to live new lives and be the new creations you desire us to be. In Jesus Mighty name, AMEN.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Be Still
It has been a long time since I have had a free moment to write…
I love to write and share what God has been teaching me. It’s such a cool and refreshing thing to click the “publish” button and post a blog and watch what God will do with it…It always ministers to me first and if it blesses the LORD and He uses it to encourage another I am thrilled beyond explanation.
Lately God has been telling me the importance of this, “BE STILL”
The other day I was changing my son’s diaper. I told him “hold still.” Next I told him, “be still” with a louder tone. Finally I said exclaiming, “Be still or I will spank you!” He didn’t listen to the warning. Without getting into too much graphic details due to all the defiance and squirming, he got poop up his back, on his clothes, on me and on his bed. Then, he got a spanking. It was so upsetting after I cleaned the mess I got on my knees and wept. “Why won’t he listen? I am trying to clean him. I am trying to make him better. I am trying to refresh him. Why does he make me spank him? Why won’t he just be still?”
God told me… “Laura, you can be the same way…I tell you all the time to be still and when you don’t listen, I have to discipline you”
OUCH!!!!!!!!!
Talk about a teachable moment for me from my Abba.
We all know the verse, “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. You may even have it memorized. You may have it posted somewhere or highlighted in your Bible. But do you know what Psalm 46:11 says? I must confess I didn’t know…As I was reading Psalm 46:10 AGAIN I read the following:
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.” Psalm 46:10-11
God wants us to be still…but its not like a “time out.” God always asks us, invites us, and then if we are stubborn commands us to be still for a reason. Here, he wants us to know that He is the LORD of hosts…He is Yahweh Sabaoth, the LORD of heavenly hosts. The LORD who fights our battles. Get it? Be still and Know He is God. Stop squirming and stressing over things. Whatever your battle is, HE IS FIGHTING FOR YOU.
Look at this awesome passage:
“You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you." 2 Chronicles 20:17
Once again, God is telling us to “stand still” so we can allow Him to first, calm our fears, second, remind us who is fighting the battle (Him and not us) and always, and I mean always remember He is with us!
Just this morning I was reading in my daily devotions and I came to Leviticus 26. In Lev. 26:1-18 (to paraphrase and briefly summarize) God is telling the people of Israel not to make idols, keep the Sabbath, reverence or keep holy the sanctuary, keep the statutes and commandments and perform them and then His promise is to give rain, give fruitful lands and peace and when enemies come, the people of God would defeat them (ie., victories). He then gives the best promise of all, “I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.” Lev. 26: 12. All of these great promises are amazing.
But THIS was what the Holy Spirit really brought alive to me:
But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments, and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant, I also will do this to you: I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you. 'And after all this, if you do not obey Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.” Lev. 26:14-18
Basically, a spanking…and it will HURT!
Please, please don’t get me wrong. God is not a disciplinarian with a ruler in His hand waiting for the moment we mess up to slap our wrist. No way. God is a loving father. Just as I illustrated, I am a loving mother. I am not going to let my son continue with a soiled diaper that is going to cause a rash and hurt him. I am going to ask him to be still and if he won’t listen I am going to discipline him…because I love him and want what’s best for him period. It’s the same with the LORD. He first asks us to be still. If we don’t listen to His nudging, He may command us to be still and if we aren’t we will suffer the consequences. Discipline is necessary for growth. If this is true with earthly parents who love us, would it not be true with our Heavenly Father?
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:2
Let’s not be a defiant child. Let’s quiet our soul and listen to our Abba Father. Let’s be like a weaned child with his mother. Totally at peace, totally safe, without a fear and knowing if danger should come, our Abba Father is indeed the LORD of Hosts and He’s got it all under control. Would you have it any other way? Of course not. Yield your self-willed defiance to Him and allow him to change you…it’s only meant for your good. He fights your battles and all He asks for is your obedience.
I love to write and share what God has been teaching me. It’s such a cool and refreshing thing to click the “publish” button and post a blog and watch what God will do with it…It always ministers to me first and if it blesses the LORD and He uses it to encourage another I am thrilled beyond explanation.
Lately God has been telling me the importance of this, “BE STILL”
The other day I was changing my son’s diaper. I told him “hold still.” Next I told him, “be still” with a louder tone. Finally I said exclaiming, “Be still or I will spank you!” He didn’t listen to the warning. Without getting into too much graphic details due to all the defiance and squirming, he got poop up his back, on his clothes, on me and on his bed. Then, he got a spanking. It was so upsetting after I cleaned the mess I got on my knees and wept. “Why won’t he listen? I am trying to clean him. I am trying to make him better. I am trying to refresh him. Why does he make me spank him? Why won’t he just be still?”
God told me… “Laura, you can be the same way…I tell you all the time to be still and when you don’t listen, I have to discipline you”
OUCH!!!!!!!!!
Talk about a teachable moment for me from my Abba.
We all know the verse, “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. You may even have it memorized. You may have it posted somewhere or highlighted in your Bible. But do you know what Psalm 46:11 says? I must confess I didn’t know…As I was reading Psalm 46:10 AGAIN I read the following:
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.” Psalm 46:10-11
God wants us to be still…but its not like a “time out.” God always asks us, invites us, and then if we are stubborn commands us to be still for a reason. Here, he wants us to know that He is the LORD of hosts…He is Yahweh Sabaoth, the LORD of heavenly hosts. The LORD who fights our battles. Get it? Be still and Know He is God. Stop squirming and stressing over things. Whatever your battle is, HE IS FIGHTING FOR YOU.
Look at this awesome passage:
“You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you." 2 Chronicles 20:17
Once again, God is telling us to “stand still” so we can allow Him to first, calm our fears, second, remind us who is fighting the battle (Him and not us) and always, and I mean always remember He is with us!
Just this morning I was reading in my daily devotions and I came to Leviticus 26. In Lev. 26:1-18 (to paraphrase and briefly summarize) God is telling the people of Israel not to make idols, keep the Sabbath, reverence or keep holy the sanctuary, keep the statutes and commandments and perform them and then His promise is to give rain, give fruitful lands and peace and when enemies come, the people of God would defeat them (ie., victories). He then gives the best promise of all, “I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.” Lev. 26: 12. All of these great promises are amazing.
But THIS was what the Holy Spirit really brought alive to me:
But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments, and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant, I also will do this to you: I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you. 'And after all this, if you do not obey Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.” Lev. 26:14-18
Basically, a spanking…and it will HURT!
Please, please don’t get me wrong. God is not a disciplinarian with a ruler in His hand waiting for the moment we mess up to slap our wrist. No way. God is a loving father. Just as I illustrated, I am a loving mother. I am not going to let my son continue with a soiled diaper that is going to cause a rash and hurt him. I am going to ask him to be still and if he won’t listen I am going to discipline him…because I love him and want what’s best for him period. It’s the same with the LORD. He first asks us to be still. If we don’t listen to His nudging, He may command us to be still and if we aren’t we will suffer the consequences. Discipline is necessary for growth. If this is true with earthly parents who love us, would it not be true with our Heavenly Father?
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:2
Let’s not be a defiant child. Let’s quiet our soul and listen to our Abba Father. Let’s be like a weaned child with his mother. Totally at peace, totally safe, without a fear and knowing if danger should come, our Abba Father is indeed the LORD of Hosts and He’s got it all under control. Would you have it any other way? Of course not. Yield your self-willed defiance to Him and allow him to change you…it’s only meant for your good. He fights your battles and all He asks for is your obedience.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
What to do while you are waiting...
This verse has been on my mind, "But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
All day today I have been thinking about waiting...
I also thought of that song from the Fireproof movie, with the lyrics, "I will worship while I'm waiting...I will serve you while I'm waiting"
My son Isaac just turned 3 and is not talking yet. It's been difficult to see other babies, even as small as 9 months say "Mama" and "ball" and Isaac does not speak with words yet. We pray every day for God to unseal Isaac's lips so that he may praise the LORD (Psalm 51:15)
Tonight as I was praying for him I started to cry...I can't wait to hear him simply say, "Mommy..." "Daddy" or "Jesus"
I told the LORD I am waiting...I know you will open his mouth and give him words to speak...help me to be patient while I am waiting.
I told the LORD, "LORD, instead of tapping my foot and looking at my watch and feeling frustrated while I am waiting...I will raise my hands to heaven and praise you." We must trust God's timing is always perfect. ALWAYS. We must worship and get closer to God. He is trying to teach us something while we are waiting...Remember, He is or "good teacher."
Waiting is hard...What do you do when you are waiting for an answer to prayer?
Whether you are waiting for a loved one to get a job, waiting for a loved one to get saved, waiting for a womb to be opened, waiting for a revival to break through...or waiting for a toddler to say "Jesus loves me" my encouragement is raise your arms and worship while you are waiting...
It beats watching the clock any day!
All day today I have been thinking about waiting...
I also thought of that song from the Fireproof movie, with the lyrics, "I will worship while I'm waiting...I will serve you while I'm waiting"
My son Isaac just turned 3 and is not talking yet. It's been difficult to see other babies, even as small as 9 months say "Mama" and "ball" and Isaac does not speak with words yet. We pray every day for God to unseal Isaac's lips so that he may praise the LORD (Psalm 51:15)
Tonight as I was praying for him I started to cry...I can't wait to hear him simply say, "Mommy..." "Daddy" or "Jesus"
I told the LORD I am waiting...I know you will open his mouth and give him words to speak...help me to be patient while I am waiting.
I told the LORD, "LORD, instead of tapping my foot and looking at my watch and feeling frustrated while I am waiting...I will raise my hands to heaven and praise you." We must trust God's timing is always perfect. ALWAYS. We must worship and get closer to God. He is trying to teach us something while we are waiting...Remember, He is or "good teacher."
Waiting is hard...What do you do when you are waiting for an answer to prayer?
Whether you are waiting for a loved one to get a job, waiting for a loved one to get saved, waiting for a womb to be opened, waiting for a revival to break through...or waiting for a toddler to say "Jesus loves me" my encouragement is raise your arms and worship while you are waiting...
It beats watching the clock any day!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Leaving it all for Jesus
I read something amazing in the Word yesterday morning and God keeps pricking my heart about this...LEAVING ALL BEHIND to follow Him.
In Matt 4:18-22, to paraphrase, Jesus sees Peter and Andrew. He asks them to follow Him. They immediately leave their nets and follow Jesus. Then, Jesus sees James and John and immediately they too leave their nets and their father and follow Jesus. I noticed something I never really did before (by the way, I love how the Word of God is always enlightening, new and teaches us afresh every single day)
Notice how Peter and Andrew left their nets, but Matthew tells us James and John lef their nets AND their father and followed Jesus (Matt 4:22)
I have always loved this picture in scripture! Here you have these burly fishermen, real men's men, who love God but they work for a living. They fish. That's just what they do...but it doesn't define "who they are." They are men who must have been religious even before Jesus came into their lives. Something about Jesus was different, that's for sure...but still...I believe they felt a calling in their life as God was working on their hearts all of their lives.
When I read this in the Gospels...I think to myself, "Cool!" They left it all! They were radical. They literally dropped their nets, stopped their status quo, ordinary way of life and followed Jesus.
Many pastors, Bible teachers, missionaries and other Christian leaders have done the same...They leave their old way of life behind, they leave their "day jobs" and enter into full time ministry...
But wait! Remember, Peter and Andrew were fishermen. Maybe they hated their jobs. Maybe they were just waiting for an opportunity to try something new...for something big, for something better. Peter and Andrew left their nets and they should be applauded for their obedience.
Look at James and John...the Word says they left their nets AND their father. This is what struck me. Family is so important. I just picture this strong father, maybe a widower, who loves his boys more than life itself. They worked day by day, side by side fishing...and they loved every minute of it. They were close...They laughed and enjoyed going to work fishing together. The father was so pleased that his boys worked with him. Who else was going to take over the business? Now all of a sudden his boys leave. They drop their nets and they leave. Was the father heart broken? Were James and John heartbroken? The scripture doesn't say. It just says, they left him. It's hard to leave family...especially when you are close...Nonetheless, God reminded me this morning that no love in this life can compare with His love for me. No desire in my life can be fulfilled apart from Him. He is it! He is all we need.I believe after the "shock" left the father, joy filled his heart because they left all to follow Jesus.
So as the new year is upon us let's LEAVE ALL BEHIND to follow Jesus. Whether you are clinging to your past, or whether you are letting relationships get in the way, DON'T ANY MORE. Make a choice to drop whatever nets you are holdig, whatever is in your way and follow Jesus completely. That's my prayer and I am sure it's yours too.
In Matt 4:18-22, to paraphrase, Jesus sees Peter and Andrew. He asks them to follow Him. They immediately leave their nets and follow Jesus. Then, Jesus sees James and John and immediately they too leave their nets and their father and follow Jesus. I noticed something I never really did before (by the way, I love how the Word of God is always enlightening, new and teaches us afresh every single day)
Notice how Peter and Andrew left their nets, but Matthew tells us James and John lef their nets AND their father and followed Jesus (Matt 4:22)
I have always loved this picture in scripture! Here you have these burly fishermen, real men's men, who love God but they work for a living. They fish. That's just what they do...but it doesn't define "who they are." They are men who must have been religious even before Jesus came into their lives. Something about Jesus was different, that's for sure...but still...I believe they felt a calling in their life as God was working on their hearts all of their lives.
When I read this in the Gospels...I think to myself, "Cool!" They left it all! They were radical. They literally dropped their nets, stopped their status quo, ordinary way of life and followed Jesus.
Many pastors, Bible teachers, missionaries and other Christian leaders have done the same...They leave their old way of life behind, they leave their "day jobs" and enter into full time ministry...
But wait! Remember, Peter and Andrew were fishermen. Maybe they hated their jobs. Maybe they were just waiting for an opportunity to try something new...for something big, for something better. Peter and Andrew left their nets and they should be applauded for their obedience.
Look at James and John...the Word says they left their nets AND their father. This is what struck me. Family is so important. I just picture this strong father, maybe a widower, who loves his boys more than life itself. They worked day by day, side by side fishing...and they loved every minute of it. They were close...They laughed and enjoyed going to work fishing together. The father was so pleased that his boys worked with him. Who else was going to take over the business? Now all of a sudden his boys leave. They drop their nets and they leave. Was the father heart broken? Were James and John heartbroken? The scripture doesn't say. It just says, they left him. It's hard to leave family...especially when you are close...Nonetheless, God reminded me this morning that no love in this life can compare with His love for me. No desire in my life can be fulfilled apart from Him. He is it! He is all we need.I believe after the "shock" left the father, joy filled his heart because they left all to follow Jesus.
So as the new year is upon us let's LEAVE ALL BEHIND to follow Jesus. Whether you are clinging to your past, or whether you are letting relationships get in the way, DON'T ANY MORE. Make a choice to drop whatever nets you are holdig, whatever is in your way and follow Jesus completely. That's my prayer and I am sure it's yours too.
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