I have been thinking a lot about change...not like Obama's campaign slogan "Change we can believe in...." Not political change, but spiritual change.
I am talking about change in our walks with the LORD.
When Chuck and I were dating we would often go on a date to Chili's for lunch or dinner. I love soup so one of my favorite things to order is Chicken Enchilada Soup and salad. Their soup is soooo good. Even if on the rare occasion I decided to get a different meal, I would often get a "cup" of that soup because it's just so delicious.
I had this battle everytime I went to Chilis. I look at the menu (which I pretty much have memorized) and I would still get the soup and salad. It's my favorite and I just enjoyed getting the same thing over and over.
We can do this in our walk with the LORD.
We read our Bibles. We pray. We attend church services. We listen to Christian music...but we feel dry.
I challenge you that the reason may be it's time for a change.
We all know that trials stir us up. Trials make us fall on our faces in prayer like never before. Trials make us weep when we read our Bibles, when we ponder the Psalms because it's as if God is speaking to our hearts in a fresh way. We feel like David's words are our words. If you know someone who is righteous and has had trial after trial after trial, you read Job and the Bible comes alive. You see how Job was tested and either you, or someone close to you is tested too. The Bible offers great encouragement to us when we are going through trials...
Worship is heightened when we are in trials. You hear a song on the Christian radio and you cry or shout out loud because it's so moving...it ministers to the deepest part of your soul.
But what about when you aren't going throuh difficulty? What about when you aren't personally going through a major trial? You feel blessed. Your family is healthy. The bills are paid. Things are going great....but you might feel dry spiritually.
It's time for a change. (They sang as it were a new song before the throne...Rev. 14:3)
God has spoken to my heart that we can be proactive in stead of reactive in our walks with God. Instead of waiting for a trial to deepen our faith and strengthen our walk, we can (as the Holy Spirit leads) make a change, a decision of the will to NOT BE COMPLACENT. God is waiting for us to climb out of our box (or jump out!) and run to Him in a fresh and NEW way.
"He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD." Psalm 40:3
"Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You." Psalm 143:8
This is what I mean...
Change it up!!!
-Maybe you have read the New King James Version all of your life. Get a new version, or use a new Bible commentary during your devotional time.
-Maybe you always sit in the middle row back center at church. Sit somewhere else! You will meet some new people and it will change the experience at church (break your routine, once in a while).
-Maybe you always pray in a certain posture. Change it. I am not saying you have to be dogmatic about it. Try to lay totally face down to the floor, or take a walk and pray with your eyes opened thanking God for all the things in nature that inspire you to give Him praise.
-Change the words you use in your prayers. God is all about relationship. He loves when His people pray. But for OUR SAKE we need to change our routines in prayer. Use the psalms as a model and pray back God's promises to the LORD. Use different words than you usually do. Just think of it as a conversation with God and express your heart.
-Take some time each day to pray, just for the purpose of worship. Pray the names of God and thank Him for who He is. Praise Him for what He has done, is doing, and will do in the future.
-Fast for someone you love who is going through a heavy trial or for someone's salvation.
I believe there is nothing that increases and enhances our prayer time quite like fasting! (you can fast one meal a day or fast from something you enjoy like coffee, chocolate, shopping, tv, etc. there are so many ways to fast...)
-Hang out with a new friend and talk about what the LORD is doing in his/her life. Ask this friend how you can pray for them.
-Pray for missionaries.
-Think about the Holiness of God and how far from His standard we are. Ask God to work in your heart to make you holy, not in a self-righteous way, but in a way that honors Him. (But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:13-16)
We must fight against comfort. What I am advocating is this, if you feel "comfortable" in your walk right now, do something to make you uncomfortable. Do something out of the box. Fight against becoming luke warm-
""I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." Rev. 3:15-16
Listen to this from A.W. Tozer, "Fighting Complacency" -Be hard on yourself and easy on others. Carry your own cross but never lay one on the back of another. Begin to practice the presence of God. Cultivate the fellowship of the Triune God by prayer, humility, obedience and self-abnegation. Let any Christian do these things and he will make rapid spiritual progress. There is every reason why we should all go forward in our Christian lives and no reason why we should not. Let us go on."
Let's "practice the presence of God."
That's it friends!!!!! We all need to work on this. We all need to change our routines and begin to intentionally practice His presence and allow Christ to invade every area (and I do mean, EVERY area of our lives). Let's ask God to through His Holy Spirit allow us to worship Jesus in a new way, singing Him a new song.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
A.C.T.S.
-Prayer changes things
-The Power of Prayer
-God Answers Prayer
-Pray Hard
These statements have been printed or engraved on decorative pieces of art, t-shirts, bumper stickers or even tattooed on people (see the Whosoevers website :)
One of my favorites is the model of prayer given by Jesus and made into the acronym "A.C.T.S."
When we go before the LORD God in prayer we offer, A-Adoration, C-Confession, T-Thanksgiving, and S-Supplication.
I want to focus on T- Thanksgiving.
Unfortunately, we all can fall into this habit in prayer-- We offer a quick hello to God, forgive me quickly, now here is where I want to spend my time God, here are all the prayer requests I have... and we unleash a 20 foot scroll and go on for 10-20 minutes or longer with our petitions.
Please, please, please don't misunderstand me--- God loves us and He is all about relationships. Even a prayer, "Lord Help me" or "Lord Thank you" is like sweet smelling incense to Him. He wants us to come to Him with all our requests...
But what I want to share, what I was reminded of recently was the importance of praying...simple prayers just for the purpose of giving thanks.
Last night God reminded me of the importance of prayers of adoration and thanksgiving to honor our Father. God did an amazing victory and answered prayers in a wonderful way and I fell to my knees and all I could say was, "LORD thank you, thank you, thank you." It felt so good! No laundry list, no burdens, no distractions, just me....just Him and just two words I could offer, "Thank you."
One time I heard Pastor Chuck Smith mention that God loves the spontaneous praise and prayer of thanks we give the LORD. This is what I think he meant---
We are driving in our car and just "out of no where" from the depths of our soul we bless God for who He is and what He's done. I like that!!! We can simply praise Him and thank Him for being good. The loving thing about our God is that we will be refreshed too as a result.
I think sometimes we can feel burdened by our supplications and petitions. Again, I am 100% convinced we do not come to the LORD with our supplication and petitions enough, so I am not saying that we should stop...If anything, we need to come to Him MORE with our petitions and requests. We need to truly offer prayers without ceasing...all day, all the time. Prayer is like oxygen. It's vital and we can't grow as a believer without it. How can one have a relationship with another he doesn't talk to?
What I am encouraging you (and me) is to take in EVEN MORE good stuff, more vitamins- Taking time to offer Thanksgiving Prayers once a day, or more.
It could be a prayer of thanks like this:
"God you are too good to me. Although I fail you, you never fail me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for dying for me. Thank you for writing my name in your book of life. Thank you for doing exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever ask or think with my life and my testimony. Thank you for being the good sheperd and taking care of me your sheep, your precious lamb. Thank you for my spouse. Thank you for my family. Thank you for my friends. Thank you that I can see, hear, think, walk, dance, laugh, meditate on your Word and sing songs to you. Thank you that I have a roof over my head, clothes and shoes to wear, food in my fridge and cupboards and even extra resources to eat out! LORD you are too good. Thank you for my children. Thank you for the church I go to and the way you move there. Thank you for the ministry opportunites you give me daily. Thank you for my health. Thank you for my husband's job and my daily tasks you assign for me. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that indwells me. Thank you for being the Great I AM, the all sufficent one. LORD you are too good. LORD thank you. LORD thank you. LORD thank you for being you and for loving me. God, all I can say is thank you and ask you would use my life to be a blessing an offering poured out for you and your glory. In Jesus Name I offer thanks, AMEN."
(Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15; Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.Phil 4:6)
I am sure as you read this prayer you thought of 101 other things to offer thanks to God for. I bet you forgot what your petitions even were. What were you in need of again? At the time of utter surrender in thanksgiving to God we forget. We forget our worries and we just swim in the ocean of His amazing grace and love and provision.
Oh that we would give thanks more often to our Father!!!!!!
(Scripture References:
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinth. 9:15
We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. Rev. 11:17
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinth 15:57
Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 136:2
We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.Psalm 75:1
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers. 1 Thess 1:2
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.Col 3:17
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, 1 Thess 2:13
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 1 Corinth 1:4
-The Power of Prayer
-God Answers Prayer
-Pray Hard
These statements have been printed or engraved on decorative pieces of art, t-shirts, bumper stickers or even tattooed on people (see the Whosoevers website :)
One of my favorites is the model of prayer given by Jesus and made into the acronym "A.C.T.S."
When we go before the LORD God in prayer we offer, A-Adoration, C-Confession, T-Thanksgiving, and S-Supplication.
I want to focus on T- Thanksgiving.
Unfortunately, we all can fall into this habit in prayer-- We offer a quick hello to God, forgive me quickly, now here is where I want to spend my time God, here are all the prayer requests I have... and we unleash a 20 foot scroll and go on for 10-20 minutes or longer with our petitions.
Please, please, please don't misunderstand me--- God loves us and He is all about relationships. Even a prayer, "Lord Help me" or "Lord Thank you" is like sweet smelling incense to Him. He wants us to come to Him with all our requests...
But what I want to share, what I was reminded of recently was the importance of praying...simple prayers just for the purpose of giving thanks.
Last night God reminded me of the importance of prayers of adoration and thanksgiving to honor our Father. God did an amazing victory and answered prayers in a wonderful way and I fell to my knees and all I could say was, "LORD thank you, thank you, thank you." It felt so good! No laundry list, no burdens, no distractions, just me....just Him and just two words I could offer, "Thank you."
One time I heard Pastor Chuck Smith mention that God loves the spontaneous praise and prayer of thanks we give the LORD. This is what I think he meant---
We are driving in our car and just "out of no where" from the depths of our soul we bless God for who He is and what He's done. I like that!!! We can simply praise Him and thank Him for being good. The loving thing about our God is that we will be refreshed too as a result.
I think sometimes we can feel burdened by our supplications and petitions. Again, I am 100% convinced we do not come to the LORD with our supplication and petitions enough, so I am not saying that we should stop...If anything, we need to come to Him MORE with our petitions and requests. We need to truly offer prayers without ceasing...all day, all the time. Prayer is like oxygen. It's vital and we can't grow as a believer without it. How can one have a relationship with another he doesn't talk to?
What I am encouraging you (and me) is to take in EVEN MORE good stuff, more vitamins- Taking time to offer Thanksgiving Prayers once a day, or more.
It could be a prayer of thanks like this:
"God you are too good to me. Although I fail you, you never fail me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for dying for me. Thank you for writing my name in your book of life. Thank you for doing exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever ask or think with my life and my testimony. Thank you for being the good sheperd and taking care of me your sheep, your precious lamb. Thank you for my spouse. Thank you for my family. Thank you for my friends. Thank you that I can see, hear, think, walk, dance, laugh, meditate on your Word and sing songs to you. Thank you that I have a roof over my head, clothes and shoes to wear, food in my fridge and cupboards and even extra resources to eat out! LORD you are too good. Thank you for my children. Thank you for the church I go to and the way you move there. Thank you for the ministry opportunites you give me daily. Thank you for my health. Thank you for my husband's job and my daily tasks you assign for me. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that indwells me. Thank you for being the Great I AM, the all sufficent one. LORD you are too good. LORD thank you. LORD thank you. LORD thank you for being you and for loving me. God, all I can say is thank you and ask you would use my life to be a blessing an offering poured out for you and your glory. In Jesus Name I offer thanks, AMEN."
(Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15; Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.Phil 4:6)
I am sure as you read this prayer you thought of 101 other things to offer thanks to God for. I bet you forgot what your petitions even were. What were you in need of again? At the time of utter surrender in thanksgiving to God we forget. We forget our worries and we just swim in the ocean of His amazing grace and love and provision.
Oh that we would give thanks more often to our Father!!!!!!
(Scripture References:
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinth. 9:15
We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. Rev. 11:17
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinth 15:57
Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 136:2
We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.Psalm 75:1
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers. 1 Thess 1:2
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.Col 3:17
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, 1 Thess 2:13
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 1 Corinth 1:4
Friday, October 8, 2010
Wisdom with Words
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. Proverbs 15:2
LORD Jesus, give me wisdom. I have been putting my foot in my mouth a lot lately. Please give me wisdom when to speak and when to be silent. When to share and when to listen. Help me know Jesus that you are my best friend and I don't need to share all the details of what you teach me with people....You want to hear from me. You love talking with me. I don't understand it God, why you love me so much, such a sinner, but I thank you and bless you for your unfailing unconditional love for me. Help me Jesus. Give me wisdom over my words and help me to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and bind my propensity to talk too much. In Jesus name AMEN.
This has been my frequent prayer.
My precious husband and I had a great discussion a few weeks ago. He lovingly told me, "Laura, you need to be a better listener. You sometimes interrupt and you need to be careful about that."
I took this to heart. I prayed and I asked God to help me be a better listener. I asked God to give me wisdom.
My heart was so heavy over this. I didn't want to seem rude or like I was trying to be a Holy Spirit.
I felt confused.
When do I speak?
When do I just listen?
How do I know if I am talking too much and it's wrong, and how do I know when I am obeying the Spirit and offering encouragement?
I continued to pray through this struggle.
I emailed my husband, and shared with him that I knew he was right and I needed to "Preach the Gospel every day, if necessary use words." St. Francis Assissi
The very next day a pastor in our church said the SAME THING.
Two days later I went to Disneyland and a man with a long beard had a cool Christian shirt on. I couldn't read the text so I looked closer...it said, "Preach the Gospel every day, if necessary use words"
Wow LORD.
You are really speaking to me. You are speaking to my heart. I need to not just "talk" about the things of the LORD, I need to behave in a way that is loving and brings glory to God, even if it's without words.
I love it when God reveals Himself through His Word like this!!
I continued to struggle with this issue of feeling extremely low on discernment or "wisdom." I prayed and I even thought about buying books on wisdom and discernment. I know Proverbs is the book on wisdom, but I thought I might gain insight from a commentary on Proverbs or some other book on wisdom.
In my morning devotional reading from my one-year-Bible I came across Ecclesiastes. I started reading it and it took me a couple of days (duh!) when I realized I was reading one of the greatest books on wisdom from the greatest men who was endowed with wisdom, King Solomon and from the best book of all- God's Word.
I was blown away and I even chuckled with the LORD. I love His sense of humor. Here I am trying to find some additional reading material to help in wisdom and the Holy Spirit orchestrated the exact day, month and time when He knew I would need to read Ecclesiastes and learn about the foolishness of man and the wisdom that, we all know, begins and ends with the LORD.
I learned:
1) God was pruning me. God did want me to change. God wanted me to listen to my husband's loving correction (thank you Jesus for my husband) that I need to be a better listener and I need to let the Holy Spirit lead me, not just talk/share all the time, it could be the wrong timing. Communication tone and surroundings are both important. Exp: If your spouse just had a long day at work, that is not the best time to share things....Let him/her have time to breathe and settle in and wait to share until the timing is right. (John 15:5)
2) God created me with a desire and hunger to share and encourage other believers. You (and I) can't stop God's work. God created you with a purpose and we all have very specific gifts. We must use them, but remember, we bless God when we honor Him with our gifts and talents as HE LEADS. (There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.1 Cor. 12:4-6)
3.) I got spiritually attacked! The enemy was attacking me because he doesn't want us to encourage each other. He rather shut us up...that's what I started to do...be more quiet. But that was wrong. Forgive me Jesus. "The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue." 2 Sam 23:2
4.) Practice this- If God is placing someone on your heart and you want to share something. PRAY FIRST. READ God's Word and ask Him to reveal the scripture to share, the way to share, the time and place and ask the Holy Spirit to direct a divine appointment. (See Colossians 1:9; also If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5)
5.) Remember the tongue is evil! We can use the same tongue to bless or encourage another believer or tear someone down. So be very cautious and PRAY WITHOUT CEASING. 1 Thess 5:17 (see James 3-But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8)
I hope and pray this encourages anyone who like me, has put her foot in her mouth when trying to share something of the LORD. This is important stuff and the enemy wants to muzzle us from sharing God's Truth. Pray and seek the LORD, then open your mouth, preach the Gospel, if necessary use Words.
The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. Isaiah 50:4
LORD Jesus, give me wisdom. I have been putting my foot in my mouth a lot lately. Please give me wisdom when to speak and when to be silent. When to share and when to listen. Help me know Jesus that you are my best friend and I don't need to share all the details of what you teach me with people....You want to hear from me. You love talking with me. I don't understand it God, why you love me so much, such a sinner, but I thank you and bless you for your unfailing unconditional love for me. Help me Jesus. Give me wisdom over my words and help me to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and bind my propensity to talk too much. In Jesus name AMEN.
This has been my frequent prayer.
My precious husband and I had a great discussion a few weeks ago. He lovingly told me, "Laura, you need to be a better listener. You sometimes interrupt and you need to be careful about that."
I took this to heart. I prayed and I asked God to help me be a better listener. I asked God to give me wisdom.
My heart was so heavy over this. I didn't want to seem rude or like I was trying to be a Holy Spirit.
I felt confused.
When do I speak?
When do I just listen?
How do I know if I am talking too much and it's wrong, and how do I know when I am obeying the Spirit and offering encouragement?
I continued to pray through this struggle.
I emailed my husband, and shared with him that I knew he was right and I needed to "Preach the Gospel every day, if necessary use words." St. Francis Assissi
The very next day a pastor in our church said the SAME THING.
Two days later I went to Disneyland and a man with a long beard had a cool Christian shirt on. I couldn't read the text so I looked closer...it said, "Preach the Gospel every day, if necessary use words"
Wow LORD.
You are really speaking to me. You are speaking to my heart. I need to not just "talk" about the things of the LORD, I need to behave in a way that is loving and brings glory to God, even if it's without words.
I love it when God reveals Himself through His Word like this!!
I continued to struggle with this issue of feeling extremely low on discernment or "wisdom." I prayed and I even thought about buying books on wisdom and discernment. I know Proverbs is the book on wisdom, but I thought I might gain insight from a commentary on Proverbs or some other book on wisdom.
In my morning devotional reading from my one-year-Bible I came across Ecclesiastes. I started reading it and it took me a couple of days (duh!) when I realized I was reading one of the greatest books on wisdom from the greatest men who was endowed with wisdom, King Solomon and from the best book of all- God's Word.
I was blown away and I even chuckled with the LORD. I love His sense of humor. Here I am trying to find some additional reading material to help in wisdom and the Holy Spirit orchestrated the exact day, month and time when He knew I would need to read Ecclesiastes and learn about the foolishness of man and the wisdom that, we all know, begins and ends with the LORD.
[there is] a time to keep silence, And a time to speak; Ecclesiastes 3:7b
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Prov. 9:10
I will always be a talker.....but now I will try more to be sensitive to the Spirit and to others and to discern when to speak and when to be silent.
I learned:
1) God was pruning me. God did want me to change. God wanted me to listen to my husband's loving correction (thank you Jesus for my husband) that I need to be a better listener and I need to let the Holy Spirit lead me, not just talk/share all the time, it could be the wrong timing. Communication tone and surroundings are both important. Exp: If your spouse just had a long day at work, that is not the best time to share things....Let him/her have time to breathe and settle in and wait to share until the timing is right. (John 15:5)
2) God created me with a desire and hunger to share and encourage other believers. You (and I) can't stop God's work. God created you with a purpose and we all have very specific gifts. We must use them, but remember, we bless God when we honor Him with our gifts and talents as HE LEADS. (There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.1 Cor. 12:4-6)
3.) I got spiritually attacked! The enemy was attacking me because he doesn't want us to encourage each other. He rather shut us up...that's what I started to do...be more quiet. But that was wrong. Forgive me Jesus. "The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue." 2 Sam 23:2
4.) Practice this- If God is placing someone on your heart and you want to share something. PRAY FIRST. READ God's Word and ask Him to reveal the scripture to share, the way to share, the time and place and ask the Holy Spirit to direct a divine appointment. (See Colossians 1:9; also If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5)
5.) Remember the tongue is evil! We can use the same tongue to bless or encourage another believer or tear someone down. So be very cautious and PRAY WITHOUT CEASING. 1 Thess 5:17 (see James 3-But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8)
I hope and pray this encourages anyone who like me, has put her foot in her mouth when trying to share something of the LORD. This is important stuff and the enemy wants to muzzle us from sharing God's Truth. Pray and seek the LORD, then open your mouth, preach the Gospel, if necessary use Words.
The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. Isaiah 50:4
Thursday, September 16, 2010
What are you eating?
Another food picture…
Think about what you eat…
I am serious. If you go out to dinner, take the extra step to ask the waiter or waitress for the calorie content of the foods. Have you ever noticed there are NO calories listed on the menu at Cheesecake factory? That’s because the cheesecakes are loaded with calories and it is likely each cheesecake slice is over 1,000 calories or more per slice. On the one hand, some people “don’t want to know” how many calories they are consuming…they are happy being in the dark. They are out on a date, or with girlfriends and want to eat the dessert and they don’t care about the TRUTH of the calories. Others might know about the cheesecake being high in calories and decide NOT to eat cheesecake for dessert…try strawberries with whipped cream…much lower calorie content.
The LORD has been speaking to my heart with a foghorn- THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE EATING.
I was watching the previews for one of Olivia’s Disney movies the other day…This is a dialogue from the movie.“Ratatouille”
This is a dialogue between two rats:
Remy: What is that?
Remy's Brother Emile: [Looks at the odd thing he is eating]
Remy's Brother: I don't really know.
Remy: You don't know, and your eating it.
Emile: You know, if you can sort of muscle your way past the gag reflex, all kinds of food possibilities open up.
Remy: [to the screen] This is what I'm talking about.
Oh man! Is this our Christian culture or what? We are so desensitized to sin, that we have gotten over the “gag reflex” the disdain, the abhorrence of sin…the mindset and heart- that says, “I am going to refrain from this because it is so detestable and it hurts our LORD’s heart. Sin separates me from God and that is what makes my stomach hurt. God is holy and I must live a holy life. I need to shine for Jesus not tarnish His name and hinder His fame.”
The fact that deliberate, continued, unrepentant sin separates us from God is what should make us gag. We consume things, do things, continue in rotten behaviors, continue to have bad attitudes, hold on to grudges, compromise in “secret” areas and all the while we don’t even realize we are eating rotten, decaying, mold infested food…all because we have gotten over “the gag reflex.” (Matthew 7:21-23)
Now the “food” might not be drugs, alcohol, or watching R Rated movies, listening to filthy music, or watching junky late night TV. The “food” might be failing to submit to your husband, failing to surrender to God certain areas of your heart, not giving God your gifts and talents, not letting go of your past, not heeding the Spirit in this area or that area, or trusting in man versus trusting in the living God.
While we all may be eating some kind of so called "food” it’s really moldy, decaying and it could kill us. Pastor David said that when he was growing up if a young adult did something wrong, his/her parents would say, “you should be ashamed of yourself.” There is no more “shame” in our culture. This is due in large part because there are no morals in our culture…Jehovah- God, the Son our Savior Jesus and the Holy Spirit are all rejected. Nonetheless, God is still God and He is still waiting patiently for you to dine on His Word. Let’s dig in! God’s Word is not moldy or crusty or “expired.” It’s living and breathing and it makes us whole (Hebrews 4:12, John 10:10b).
I realize many who read my blogs are committed Christians, so I know this idea of letting go of rotten food and clinging to the nourishment of God's Word is probably "preaching to the choir" nonetheless, I wanted to share my heart...We all have sin that needs to be cast down...We all need to check the food content of what we are eating...so this is FOR ME first... May God bless us as we determine and RESOLVE to live uncompromised set apart lives for HIS GLORY and fame
Think about what you eat…
I am serious. If you go out to dinner, take the extra step to ask the waiter or waitress for the calorie content of the foods. Have you ever noticed there are NO calories listed on the menu at Cheesecake factory? That’s because the cheesecakes are loaded with calories and it is likely each cheesecake slice is over 1,000 calories or more per slice. On the one hand, some people “don’t want to know” how many calories they are consuming…they are happy being in the dark. They are out on a date, or with girlfriends and want to eat the dessert and they don’t care about the TRUTH of the calories. Others might know about the cheesecake being high in calories and decide NOT to eat cheesecake for dessert…try strawberries with whipped cream…much lower calorie content.
The LORD has been speaking to my heart with a foghorn- THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE EATING.
I was watching the previews for one of Olivia’s Disney movies the other day…This is a dialogue from the movie.“Ratatouille”
This is a dialogue between two rats:
Remy: What is that?
Remy's Brother Emile: [Looks at the odd thing he is eating]
Remy's Brother: I don't really know.
Remy: You don't know, and your eating it.
Emile: You know, if you can sort of muscle your way past the gag reflex, all kinds of food possibilities open up.
Remy: [to the screen] This is what I'm talking about.
Oh man! Is this our Christian culture or what? We are so desensitized to sin, that we have gotten over the “gag reflex” the disdain, the abhorrence of sin…the mindset and heart- that says, “I am going to refrain from this because it is so detestable and it hurts our LORD’s heart. Sin separates me from God and that is what makes my stomach hurt. God is holy and I must live a holy life. I need to shine for Jesus not tarnish His name and hinder His fame.”
The fact that deliberate, continued, unrepentant sin separates us from God is what should make us gag. We consume things, do things, continue in rotten behaviors, continue to have bad attitudes, hold on to grudges, compromise in “secret” areas and all the while we don’t even realize we are eating rotten, decaying, mold infested food…all because we have gotten over “the gag reflex.” (Matthew 7:21-23)
Now the “food” might not be drugs, alcohol, or watching R Rated movies, listening to filthy music, or watching junky late night TV. The “food” might be failing to submit to your husband, failing to surrender to God certain areas of your heart, not giving God your gifts and talents, not letting go of your past, not heeding the Spirit in this area or that area, or trusting in man versus trusting in the living God.
While we all may be eating some kind of so called "food” it’s really moldy, decaying and it could kill us. Pastor David said that when he was growing up if a young adult did something wrong, his/her parents would say, “you should be ashamed of yourself.” There is no more “shame” in our culture. This is due in large part because there are no morals in our culture…Jehovah- God, the Son our Savior Jesus and the Holy Spirit are all rejected. Nonetheless, God is still God and He is still waiting patiently for you to dine on His Word. Let’s dig in! God’s Word is not moldy or crusty or “expired.” It’s living and breathing and it makes us whole (Hebrews 4:12, John 10:10b).
I realize many who read my blogs are committed Christians, so I know this idea of letting go of rotten food and clinging to the nourishment of God's Word is probably "preaching to the choir" nonetheless, I wanted to share my heart...We all have sin that needs to be cast down...We all need to check the food content of what we are eating...so this is FOR ME first... May God bless us as we determine and RESOLVE to live uncompromised set apart lives for HIS GLORY and fame
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Terrible 2’s Continue Through Adulthood
God is speaking and I am listening…However, the more important thing for me to do is OBEY.
God gave me a picture of our stubbornness through my son Isaac. He is 2 ½.
Isaac loves to eat junk food. He points at McDonalds when we drive by one. He has tantrums at the store if we pass by the ice cream receptacles (you know like the ones at check out at Walmart).
Isaac climbs the counter tops in a relentless effort to check the freezer for otter pops or other ice cream. Even when there are none (which is often) he still clamors and opens the freezer believing there just might be one otter pop left in the freezer, behind the frozen chicken.
He does this even though there is danger to him…he could really get hurt for climbing the chair and reaching to get ice cream….but he has a one-track mind- ice cream!!!
We are the SAME way with the LORD. When we don’t get our way, we pout and scream and cry and act foolish. When God says, “No” to us even when it is for our own good, we get angry, upset and sometimes even cry. I have learned (and been taught from God’s Word and many awesome Bible teachers like Chuck Smith) that when God says, “No” it’s because He has something BETTER for us. (Romans 8:28).
God’s Word says, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:19. Pastor Raul Ries used to say, “God will supply all your need not all of your greed.” This is so true and profound. We want “things” instead of the King of Kings. What is the need? I thought the verse said God will supply all your needs…but it doesn’t. The verse says my God shall supply all your NEED singular. The one need we have is Jesus, the bread of life (John 6:35).
So…as I illustrated earlier, I often lose my patience with my 2 year old as he desires and relentlessly seeks junk food. He continues this daily saga of persistently, repeatedly trying to get ice cream from the freezer…all to his peril.
Yet, aren’t we the same way?
We get upset when are schedule is disrupted, when there is traffic, when our plans go awry, when we get sick on a vacation, when our husbands don’t come home on time…We want our way and we want it NOW! (like a toddler)
While the world offers us junk food (via entertainment, ungodly friendships, and any idol that takes our time away from the LORD), God offers us the living Word, the living Water of His Word, the bread of life…We are so selfish sometimes and we scream, shout and stomp our feet JUST like a 2 year old, but what does God, our loving Father do? He patiently and loving says, “No, no, no…I have something better for you…I have something better than an “Otter Pop” treat. I have chicken pot pie, potatoes, corn, salad, fresh baked biscuits, and best of all, you will get dessert, Hagen daas Ice Cream!! If you are hungry, I'll give you more than a empty calorie snack, I'll give you ME”
Let’s stop stomping our feet and throwing our head back at the LORD when we don’t get what we want. Let’s stop snacking on junk food and entertainment that takes our thoughts away from the LORD and His Word. Let’s get in His Word and feast on Him!!!
God gave me a picture of our stubbornness through my son Isaac. He is 2 ½.
Isaac loves to eat junk food. He points at McDonalds when we drive by one. He has tantrums at the store if we pass by the ice cream receptacles (you know like the ones at check out at Walmart).
Isaac climbs the counter tops in a relentless effort to check the freezer for otter pops or other ice cream. Even when there are none (which is often) he still clamors and opens the freezer believing there just might be one otter pop left in the freezer, behind the frozen chicken.
He does this even though there is danger to him…he could really get hurt for climbing the chair and reaching to get ice cream….but he has a one-track mind- ice cream!!!
We are the SAME way with the LORD. When we don’t get our way, we pout and scream and cry and act foolish. When God says, “No” to us even when it is for our own good, we get angry, upset and sometimes even cry. I have learned (and been taught from God’s Word and many awesome Bible teachers like Chuck Smith) that when God says, “No” it’s because He has something BETTER for us. (Romans 8:28).
God’s Word says, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:19. Pastor Raul Ries used to say, “God will supply all your need not all of your greed.” This is so true and profound. We want “things” instead of the King of Kings. What is the need? I thought the verse said God will supply all your needs…but it doesn’t. The verse says my God shall supply all your NEED singular. The one need we have is Jesus, the bread of life (John 6:35).
So…as I illustrated earlier, I often lose my patience with my 2 year old as he desires and relentlessly seeks junk food. He continues this daily saga of persistently, repeatedly trying to get ice cream from the freezer…all to his peril.
Yet, aren’t we the same way?
We get upset when are schedule is disrupted, when there is traffic, when our plans go awry, when we get sick on a vacation, when our husbands don’t come home on time…We want our way and we want it NOW! (like a toddler)
While the world offers us junk food (via entertainment, ungodly friendships, and any idol that takes our time away from the LORD), God offers us the living Word, the living Water of His Word, the bread of life…We are so selfish sometimes and we scream, shout and stomp our feet JUST like a 2 year old, but what does God, our loving Father do? He patiently and loving says, “No, no, no…I have something better for you…I have something better than an “Otter Pop” treat. I have chicken pot pie, potatoes, corn, salad, fresh baked biscuits, and best of all, you will get dessert, Hagen daas Ice Cream!! If you are hungry, I'll give you more than a empty calorie snack, I'll give you ME”
Let’s stop stomping our feet and throwing our head back at the LORD when we don’t get what we want. Let’s stop snacking on junk food and entertainment that takes our thoughts away from the LORD and His Word. Let’s get in His Word and feast on Him!!!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Tell the LORD every detail
God has been speaking to my heart so much lately about the importance of prayer. I seriously feel like I am on overdrive with scriptures that are on my heart about prayer. (Phil 4:6-7, 1 Thess 5:17, Matt 7:7-8, James 5:16, Luke 21:36, Matt 26:41, Luke 11:1)
I desire to pray more.
Is it because of the Ladies Bible Study on Daniel? Is it because the men’s ministry Bible studies are starting up again and our husbands need prayer? Is it because of all the divorce and ugly family law court drama I have been dealing with in my part time legal work? Is it because of my desire to pray without ceasing? Is it because of the people that I know are battling cancer? Is it because of Pastor David’s decision to stop the format of intercessory prayer amongst the saints before Sunday am service due to some people feeling uncomfortable and even leaving the church?
I don’t know.
It’s probably a combination…or it might just be the HOLY SPIRIT reminding me prayer is as vital as oxygen to the believer.
OK, so anyone that has known me for 1 minute or longer knows I LOVE TO TALK. I love conversations. I love sharing. I love sharing things God has revealed to me through His WORD. I love hearing your stories, praise reports and prayer requests.
Here is the problem…I have been so sad lately. I have been beating myself up. I have been praying and asking God to make me a better LISTENER. I can’t just talk and talk and talk. I need to be still and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10) I need to be quiet and allow others to speak. I need to enjoy listening just as much as I love talking.
When Chuck walks through the door after dealing with over 30 wild 8th graders I need to learn NOT to talk his ear off. Not that my husband doesn’t enjoy hearing about my day…he’s just tired and needs time to unwind. I have to give him the “short version.” I know you ladies who are like me, a “Talk-a-holic” are laughing because you know EXACTLY what I am writing about….
It seems lately I have been talking and talking and it appears I have annoyed my husband with my lengthy talks. I was so burdened by this!! I prayed. “Father, I don’t want to get my own way in this area. Give me discernment. Help me to know that my husband is male and I am female. We are different. I need to be a better listener and not share all the details to the point of Chuck’s frustration and annoyance. Help me Jesus be a better listener. Help me Father not bog people down with all the details of my life. I don’t always need to share all the details.”
I have really been struggling with this! (I know this sounds silly but it is my blog after all) I know it’s not a serious struggle like whether or not to go into ministry, whether or not to buy a new house, whether or not to pull a child out of public school and homeschool, whether or not to get married, have a child, change jobs, change churches, etc. but this issue has really been weighing me down.
I prayed again and again, “Why do I like to talk so much LORD? Help me to die to this desire to talk to the point where it is overbearing, selfish and annoying to others.”
This morning like our sweet Jesus often does He refreshed me with a verse JUST FOR ME!
“The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives”
Psalm 37:23
I am so happy I literally can go outside and do some cartwheels. I got my answer. Who can I express and tell all “the details” of my life? Who even has the time to listen? Trust me, my stories can be very long… Jesus cares about EVERY DETAIL. Jesus loves to hear my long stories in the form of PRAYER.
Woo-hoo!
I have been going about it all wrong. I have had so much to share lately but what I needed to do is take every detail to the LORD and then pray about who I should share with.
What a relief! I think this revelation that God cares about “all the details” ties into my heart’s burden for prayer. HE WANTS TO KNOW EVERY DETAIL OF MY LIFE. So I resolve to tell Him everything in prayer!
If I have ever annoyed you with long stories…I apologize…I will save those long stories with all the details for my Abba Father and if you want to go have some coffee some time….I can share my long detailed stories with you and I promise I will listen to your stories and pray with you
I desire to pray more.
Is it because of the Ladies Bible Study on Daniel? Is it because the men’s ministry Bible studies are starting up again and our husbands need prayer? Is it because of all the divorce and ugly family law court drama I have been dealing with in my part time legal work? Is it because of my desire to pray without ceasing? Is it because of the people that I know are battling cancer? Is it because of Pastor David’s decision to stop the format of intercessory prayer amongst the saints before Sunday am service due to some people feeling uncomfortable and even leaving the church?
I don’t know.
It’s probably a combination…or it might just be the HOLY SPIRIT reminding me prayer is as vital as oxygen to the believer.
OK, so anyone that has known me for 1 minute or longer knows I LOVE TO TALK. I love conversations. I love sharing. I love sharing things God has revealed to me through His WORD. I love hearing your stories, praise reports and prayer requests.
Here is the problem…I have been so sad lately. I have been beating myself up. I have been praying and asking God to make me a better LISTENER. I can’t just talk and talk and talk. I need to be still and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10) I need to be quiet and allow others to speak. I need to enjoy listening just as much as I love talking.
When Chuck walks through the door after dealing with over 30 wild 8th graders I need to learn NOT to talk his ear off. Not that my husband doesn’t enjoy hearing about my day…he’s just tired and needs time to unwind. I have to give him the “short version.” I know you ladies who are like me, a “Talk-a-holic” are laughing because you know EXACTLY what I am writing about….
It seems lately I have been talking and talking and it appears I have annoyed my husband with my lengthy talks. I was so burdened by this!! I prayed. “Father, I don’t want to get my own way in this area. Give me discernment. Help me to know that my husband is male and I am female. We are different. I need to be a better listener and not share all the details to the point of Chuck’s frustration and annoyance. Help me Jesus be a better listener. Help me Father not bog people down with all the details of my life. I don’t always need to share all the details.”
I have really been struggling with this! (I know this sounds silly but it is my blog after all) I know it’s not a serious struggle like whether or not to go into ministry, whether or not to buy a new house, whether or not to pull a child out of public school and homeschool, whether or not to get married, have a child, change jobs, change churches, etc. but this issue has really been weighing me down.
I prayed again and again, “Why do I like to talk so much LORD? Help me to die to this desire to talk to the point where it is overbearing, selfish and annoying to others.”
This morning like our sweet Jesus often does He refreshed me with a verse JUST FOR ME!
“The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives”
Psalm 37:23
I am so happy I literally can go outside and do some cartwheels. I got my answer. Who can I express and tell all “the details” of my life? Who even has the time to listen? Trust me, my stories can be very long… Jesus cares about EVERY DETAIL. Jesus loves to hear my long stories in the form of PRAYER.
Woo-hoo!
I have been going about it all wrong. I have had so much to share lately but what I needed to do is take every detail to the LORD and then pray about who I should share with.
What a relief! I think this revelation that God cares about “all the details” ties into my heart’s burden for prayer. HE WANTS TO KNOW EVERY DETAIL OF MY LIFE. So I resolve to tell Him everything in prayer!
If I have ever annoyed you with long stories…I apologize…I will save those long stories with all the details for my Abba Father and if you want to go have some coffee some time….I can share my long detailed stories with you and I promise I will listen to your stories and pray with you
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Hate and Divorce
Hate is a bad word in our society. I teach my children that it's "bad" and we try not to say it...
But there are some things it's actually OK or permitted by God to hate.
Divorce is one of them...
This topic has been on my heart for weeks and I did not want to blog about it...but after Pastor David's awesome message this morning (Col 3: 18-19, Husbands love your wives and do not be bitter towards them) I feel compelled to share my heart and recent experience counseling with divorced (or soon to be divorced) people.
First, what does it mean to "hate?"
Webster's Dictionary defines hate: a. intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury b : extreme dislike or antipathy.
Well is it true that God "hates" divorce? Yes, it sure is.
Malachi 2:6 says, "For the LORD God of Israel says that He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says the LORD of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously."
Matthew 19:3-9
The Pharisees also came to Him (Jesus), testing Him, and saying to Him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?"
And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,'
"and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?
"So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
They said to Him, "Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?"
He said to them, "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.
"And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery."
So the Old Testament and the New Testament speak about divorce. Jesus clarified that Moses did not "command" divorce but did permit/allow it only if the reason was for adultery.
Here's what God has been speaking to me about lately. I do practice family law part time. I have handled divorces, child support issues, child visitation issues, child and spousal support, etc.
I have had such a heavey heart and been grieved because divorce and/or marriage problems have happening so much around me!
God has used me to counsel with people and although I am no expert, here is what I have been learning: NO ONE BENEFITS FROM DIVORCE.
The ex-wife ends up spiritually and emotionally hurt and bitter and feeling empty.
The ex-husband ends up spiritually and emotionally hurt and bitter. He feels confused as to why "he has to pay" so much spousal and child support and feels empty and as if he is a failure.
The children end up scarred for life, confused, sad, and left lonely and unsecure. They too feel empty.
I have realized lately that the world, flesh and Satan truly do (in unison) want marriages to end in divorce. Many people walk away from God after divorce. They feel that God didn't heal the marriage, or that God put the wrong person in his/her path and it's His fault the marriage didn't succeed.
I go back to the definition of "hate." I believe in the case of divorce, the reason God hates divorce is #1 it was and is not His plan or intention for people to get divorced and #2 people end up hurt, beaten and bruised from the divorce....The children really are hurt by the divorce.
Jesus said, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10
An abundant life is a Jesus life. A life focused on Jesus, centered on Jesus, increasing in the love of Jesus, following the example of Jesus, relying on Jesus. Also, self-denial is necessary for abundant/fulfilling life.
God hates divorce because He sees how it destroys people. This is the antithesis of His goal and intention and purpose to give us abundant life. Does this make sense?
I was thinking about this the other day...I was counseling with someone who's marriage is hanging by a thread. I encouraged her to pray for her spouse and even ask him if she can pray out loud for him. "Have you ever done this?" I asked. "Not really. Maybe a few times." She responded. This is what God showed me. We can't "hate" or harbor bitterness toward someone we are praying for. Remember, the definition of hate relates to "an injury." A wife may begin to "hate" her spouse because he has in her eyes, injured her. So what should she do? Well the world would say, "Just get a divorce. End it. Then you will be happy." But God says lay your life down so that you may gain it back again...God's Word would advise, "Give your marriage to Jesus and surrender yourself to Him completely."
Now of course there are some marriages that end in divorce and the reason may be Biblical...but the point is...it's not God's command. It's only allowed in certain instances.
My heart has been aching and breaking for these people that come to me needing help with a divorce or child support issues, etc.
I am humbled by the way some people choose to take their concerns to prayer, to the throne of Jesus. These people that turn to Jesus during their divorce, or after are indeed made whole (of course there may still be pain from the effects of the divorce). As the scripture says, "He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3.
But God does indeed hate divorce and I must say, I do too. The paperwork and court hearings are a hassle. It's emotionally, physically, spiritually draining. The divorce process hurts God, the husband, the wife, the children, the extended family, co-workers, and any one else that knows the person going through it are affected.
Also, God says the church is His "bride." So an man and woman united in marriage is a picture of Christ and His bride. Christ laid His life down for the church, His bride. Divorce distorts that picture. Isn't that so sad?
If you are married. Pray, pray, pray for your spouse!! (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Pray with your spouse and pray over your spouse. Husbands love (communicate, show emotions) and wives respect (show honor, use kind words, tell him you are thankful he works to provide for the family, give physical/sexual love). Forgive each other and don't bring it up again! Read God's Word together. Read Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 over and over again. Die to your flesh DAILY. Buy and read, "Love and Respect" by Dr. Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs.
Do whatever you can to invest into your marriage! It's God's design and marriage is intended to be a life-long picture of Christ and the church. Love your spouse as unto the LORD and don't ever allow the enemy to bring the word divorce into your vocabulary.
(PS: You can email me privately if you have a prayer request!)
But there are some things it's actually OK or permitted by God to hate.
Divorce is one of them...
This topic has been on my heart for weeks and I did not want to blog about it...but after Pastor David's awesome message this morning (Col 3: 18-19, Husbands love your wives and do not be bitter towards them) I feel compelled to share my heart and recent experience counseling with divorced (or soon to be divorced) people.
First, what does it mean to "hate?"
Webster's Dictionary defines hate: a. intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury b : extreme dislike or antipathy.
Well is it true that God "hates" divorce? Yes, it sure is.
Malachi 2:6 says, "For the LORD God of Israel says that He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says the LORD of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously."
Matthew 19:3-9
The Pharisees also came to Him (Jesus), testing Him, and saying to Him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?"
And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,'
"and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?
"So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
They said to Him, "Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?"
He said to them, "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.
"And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery."
So the Old Testament and the New Testament speak about divorce. Jesus clarified that Moses did not "command" divorce but did permit/allow it only if the reason was for adultery.
Here's what God has been speaking to me about lately. I do practice family law part time. I have handled divorces, child support issues, child visitation issues, child and spousal support, etc.
I have had such a heavey heart and been grieved because divorce and/or marriage problems have happening so much around me!
God has used me to counsel with people and although I am no expert, here is what I have been learning: NO ONE BENEFITS FROM DIVORCE.
The ex-wife ends up spiritually and emotionally hurt and bitter and feeling empty.
The ex-husband ends up spiritually and emotionally hurt and bitter. He feels confused as to why "he has to pay" so much spousal and child support and feels empty and as if he is a failure.
The children end up scarred for life, confused, sad, and left lonely and unsecure. They too feel empty.
I have realized lately that the world, flesh and Satan truly do (in unison) want marriages to end in divorce. Many people walk away from God after divorce. They feel that God didn't heal the marriage, or that God put the wrong person in his/her path and it's His fault the marriage didn't succeed.
I go back to the definition of "hate." I believe in the case of divorce, the reason God hates divorce is #1 it was and is not His plan or intention for people to get divorced and #2 people end up hurt, beaten and bruised from the divorce....The children really are hurt by the divorce.
Jesus said, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10
An abundant life is a Jesus life. A life focused on Jesus, centered on Jesus, increasing in the love of Jesus, following the example of Jesus, relying on Jesus. Also, self-denial is necessary for abundant/fulfilling life.
God hates divorce because He sees how it destroys people. This is the antithesis of His goal and intention and purpose to give us abundant life. Does this make sense?
I was thinking about this the other day...I was counseling with someone who's marriage is hanging by a thread. I encouraged her to pray for her spouse and even ask him if she can pray out loud for him. "Have you ever done this?" I asked. "Not really. Maybe a few times." She responded. This is what God showed me. We can't "hate" or harbor bitterness toward someone we are praying for. Remember, the definition of hate relates to "an injury." A wife may begin to "hate" her spouse because he has in her eyes, injured her. So what should she do? Well the world would say, "Just get a divorce. End it. Then you will be happy." But God says lay your life down so that you may gain it back again...God's Word would advise, "Give your marriage to Jesus and surrender yourself to Him completely."
Now of course there are some marriages that end in divorce and the reason may be Biblical...but the point is...it's not God's command. It's only allowed in certain instances.
My heart has been aching and breaking for these people that come to me needing help with a divorce or child support issues, etc.
I am humbled by the way some people choose to take their concerns to prayer, to the throne of Jesus. These people that turn to Jesus during their divorce, or after are indeed made whole (of course there may still be pain from the effects of the divorce). As the scripture says, "He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3.
But God does indeed hate divorce and I must say, I do too. The paperwork and court hearings are a hassle. It's emotionally, physically, spiritually draining. The divorce process hurts God, the husband, the wife, the children, the extended family, co-workers, and any one else that knows the person going through it are affected.
Also, God says the church is His "bride." So an man and woman united in marriage is a picture of Christ and His bride. Christ laid His life down for the church, His bride. Divorce distorts that picture. Isn't that so sad?
If you are married. Pray, pray, pray for your spouse!! (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Pray with your spouse and pray over your spouse. Husbands love (communicate, show emotions) and wives respect (show honor, use kind words, tell him you are thankful he works to provide for the family, give physical/sexual love). Forgive each other and don't bring it up again! Read God's Word together. Read Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 over and over again. Die to your flesh DAILY. Buy and read, "Love and Respect" by Dr. Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs.
Do whatever you can to invest into your marriage! It's God's design and marriage is intended to be a life-long picture of Christ and the church. Love your spouse as unto the LORD and don't ever allow the enemy to bring the word divorce into your vocabulary.
(PS: You can email me privately if you have a prayer request!)
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