I borrowed the title from a book I am finishing up written by Wes Stafford, President and CEO of Compassion International. This book has served as a catalyst in a paradigm shift in not only my thinking but in my heart as well. See, my head has known certain logics and truths for sometime. My first priorities are my God (given), my husband and my children. All else falls behind those that come first. These have been the truths of my head for some years now. Only 'doing' good can certainly distract and take me away from my precious priorities. And it has. A wise woman has shared some pearls of wisdom in the past couple of weeks with me that the Lord has used to do some major overhauls in my disproportionate heart. He showed me how 'doing' good has taken my heart from my priorities. My precious little ones and my husband weren't get the best of me that they deserve and I owe to my Lord. For a year now I have been involved in the Women's ministry at our church and I try to keep my hand in the girls school. Truth is, my daughters, my husband, my home, my clients (two) to pay for tuition are enough. And the Lord has shown me that these are my only God-appointed, God-annointed jobs for this season. Yes, He led me into the Women's Ministry a year ago, but that was for a season. He has closed that season. If I had not followed Him, these truths might had never settled into my heart. Because of Wes Stafford's writings and the Lord's guidance I see my girls through a different set of eyes. I didn't realize I could love them more and more with each passing day. I have found a new depth of patience and love for my daughters. I have felt a new found peace that I didn't know I was missing. I have even found it 'more natural' to be flexible and a little more spontaneous. The ultimate goal of my job is to grow them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Oh, my Lord is so faithful to me, I only long to follow His every lead. I am so thankful for His guidance. Left to me, I would be a mess and everything I touched, too. Praise God for His infinite wisdom.
Oh, and my confirmation after seeds were planted on Friday and my brain raced to realign itself with the new truths in my heart came Saturday morning through my quiet time:
Streams in the Desert 9/4
I longed to walk along an easy road,
And leave behind the dull routine of home,
Thinking in other fields to serve my God;
But Jesus said, "My time has not yet come".
I longed to sow the seed in other soil,
To be unshackled in the work and be free,
To join with other laborers in their toil;
But Jesus said, "It's not My choice for thee".
I longed to leave the desert, and be led
To go work where souls were sunk in sin and shame,
That I might win them; but the Master said,
"I have not called you, publish here My name."
I long to fight the battles of my King,
Lift high His standards in the thickest of strife;
But my Captain had me wait and sing
Songs of His conquests in my quiet life.
I longed to leave the hard and difficult sphere,
Where all alone I seemed to stand and wait,
To feel I had some human helper near,
But Jesus had me guard on lonely gate.
I longed to leave the common daily toil,
Where no one seemed to understand or care;
But Jesus said, "I choose for you this soil,
That you might raise for Me some blossoms rare."
And now I have no longing to do
At home, or far away, His blessed will,
To work amid the many or the few;
Thus "choosing not to choose," my heart is still.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Flexibility versus Control
I was gently reminded that I needed to update my blog. Ok, let me share what my precious Lord has been teaching me about me. My girls go to a small private Christian school 'in town', this is about an eighteen to twenty minute drive one way. Last year my oldest went full days to 3:30pm and my youngest went three days half days getting out at 12:30pm. Needless to say with that schedule I had to be diligent about my time management. Household chores, clients books (small enough to pay tuition), being a mom and wife...etc. Well, the school year began. My oldest full day and my youngest now five days half days. Similar feelings of anxiety weighed on the fringes. I said "Lord, I don't want a repeat of last year." I guess that was my way of asking Him to show me how not to go there again, or He took full advantage of the crack in the door and walked right on in. Anyway, He lovingly showed me that I had been so rigid with my time management that I left no room for flexibility; therefore, burning myself out before the school year was done and loosing my joy along the way and completely took the fun out of being a mom and wife. UGH! To make matters even clearer for me, just in case I didn't get that gentle message, a dear friend told me that was control issues. UH! I like 'lack of flexibility' better. It's gentler. The verse that came to my mind through out this enlightenment was 'the heart of a man devises his plans but the Lord directs his steps'. I felt the Lord tell me 'its ok that you plan your days, but you need to leave room for me and my work and not get irritable when you can't mark everything off your list.' Another dear friend shared a devotion with me that said if we are filled with the Spirit (fruit of the Spirit) there is no room for irritability, impatience, etc. OUCH! No one ever said that growing was painless.
My dear friends that is what the Lord and I are working on together. Where are you at? Do you plan your days? Do you allow the Spirit to work in the mist of you and use you? If you have children, they are only little once. They are number one God-appointed God-annointed job. Ask the Lord to show you where you might have 'control issues' where you might could exercise some flexibility. The growing is worth every stretch. Go for it!
My dear friends that is what the Lord and I are working on together. Where are you at? Do you plan your days? Do you allow the Spirit to work in the mist of you and use you? If you have children, they are only little once. They are number one God-appointed God-annointed job. Ask the Lord to show you where you might have 'control issues' where you might could exercise some flexibility. The growing is worth every stretch. Go for it!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Are you limiting God?
God has been longsuffering with me. He has been showing me how I limit Him. Limit God? The Israelites limited God, but not me (Psalm 78:41)! Or so I thought. In my previous post I told you about the car and how God told me that I had attempted to limit Him. Well, I have had a God experience and lesson learned since that post. I call it training ground for me.
A week or more ago, I realized that with tuition for the girls school and a couple of not so stable clients that I will be relying on God to make tuition each month, relying on Him in a way that I haven't had to experience since becoming a 'walking' Christian. A few days later, I fell into a conversation with a man from our church in need of my services. We agreed to talk in a month and see if I can meet his business needs. I walked away saying to God, "God thank you for reminding me of your provision". I felt Him come back to me and say "There you go again, limiting me." What? The next thought was Him telling me "Why don't think He is your next client, do you not think I would bless you with such?". Ouch! Ok, it is one thing to know that God can do anything. It is another to believe Him to do something. Hence, my next experience.
Where I live I have to cross a bridge to get to the barrier island I live on, or off for that matter. For three or four nights they were doing construction on the bridge, after the peak of the bridge on each side. So that when you come upon the bridge and peak, the construction is on you and a surprise. Granted the construction signs are up, but you were unaware of the extent of construction till you were on it. Tuesday morning my husband called me before he flew out for New Jersey to warn me be careful on the bridge. I was, but not enough. Coming back that morning after dropping off the girls at a half day camp, I peaked the bridge and had slowed significantly with anticipation of the work. I got to the cut concrete and hit the transition back up and hit hard at 40mph. This new used car is slung low, really low. My husband said 'you'll know when you hit metal'. I drove down to the mail place just down the road, parked, got out and cautiously bent to look under the car. My heart sunk to the pits of my stomach and suddenly I felt sick, as I watched my oil pour out onto the parking lot, producing a rather large puddle of black oil. I had busted the oil pan. The very thing my husband warned me about, I did. I was so frazzled that when I went into the mail place to borrow their phone I couldn't remember anyone's number let alone think of anyone I could call to come get me and help me. I managed to get my letters and package mailed. I went back out to the car, got my purse, locked the car and started to walk down the little embankment to walk home. When I was in the mail place I felt a gentleman, who was also mailing some things, looking at me. Granted, you must realize, I was distraught and my face probably looked ghostly pale in comparison to my natural olive skin enhanced my the summer sun. As I began down the embankment, I felt nudged to go ask that man for ride home. I had noticed that there was a marine sticker on the back window of his large F150 and felt secure enough to ask. I walked up to his window with tears streaming down my face and asked for a favor. 'Sure'. 'Can you take me home please?'. 'Sure'. I got in and proceeded to tell him my predicament. I just busted my oil pan, my girls were at camp in town, my husband was in the air to New Jersey and our second vehicle was sitting at the airport thirty miles from here. He volunteered to take me to the airport and I accepted graciously. He took me by my house to drop off the sausage I picked up at the store on my way home and by the auto shop on the island to drop off the key to the car. And then to the airport. On our ride we talked about my husband and how I dreaded his response to what had happened and we talked about him, a former marine and now a fishing guide. I witnessed to him (a little seed) as we got to the airport as well as I could considering he was angry at God for his buddies being killed in Iraq and him being there to watch. I shared that my husband and I have a small group in our home. A few people seeking to maintain peace in a world with no peace. A small testimony, but testimony nonetheless.
For the rest of the day I wrestled with guilt, not really knowing ...was this my fault or could I have prevented it. After crossing the bridge three more times that day in the SUV I realized the only way to have prevented it was to come to a complete stop to maneuver my way up the bump of a transition. Side note, that morning the signage was "uneven lanes". Somewhere between 2pm and 3pm the signage changed to the large digital signs with flashing caution lights stating "bump ahead, speed advisory 40mph". By that time I had made several phone calls to state that "uneven lanes" was inadequate warning to the damage that could be done to the car. They had received several complaints. As I made my way through these phone calls, it was made known to me that these contractors carry insurance for such as things as this. You mean that I could be compensated for the damages?? So as I went through these phone calls, in my head I thought 'if they just paid for the oil pan, I would be content and grateful'. God came back and said 'there you go again, limiting me'. What?
Ok, ok, ok, I am tired of limiting you. I finished my phone calls. At this point as well, I hadn't eaten all day and I claimed a fast for myself until this was resolved. Into my quiet times I went thinking of what God was saying to me about limiting Him, I meditated on scripture. Much of the scripture in the previous post and some others that God brought to my mind I dwelled on.
Galations 3:5 (AMP) Then does He who supplies you with His marvelous (Holy) Spirit and works powerfully and miraculously among you do so on (the grounds of your doing) what the law demands, or because of your believing in and adhering to and trusting in and relying on the message that you heard?
Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.
Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
Finally, and most significantly,
Proverbs 21:1
The kings heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
So, my prayer became, ok God, your word says that I have not because I ask not. Your word says that if we being evil think we can give good gifts to our children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Ok, Lord I am asking. I ask that the damage be limited to the oil pan only. I ask that I find favor in the insurance company eyes and they compensate me fully for the damage done to the car. Ok, Lord, I am asking what I feel is a big hairy audacious pray (Pray Big, Will Davis Jr.), I am asking in your name based on your Word.
Tuesday the claim had been filed.
Wednesday I had a claim number and found the damage limited to the oil pan.
Thursday I found out the damages would be covered by the insurance company and they would get me a rental, which I didn't need and did decline.
Now, I am reminiscing over the past few days and gaping in awe at my Lord at how He put through this test and I believe I came out approved. Oh, my Small Group pastor told me "I can't help but to think that in part, at least, that God is rewarding you for your boldness in sharing Him with two families during this crisis." There was the former marine who graciously took me to the airport and our new neighbors as of Tuesday, my girls invited their son to VBS and I shared a very similar story about my husband and I to them. (They were brought up in the same faiths as my husband and I were, two extremes, they hadn't been to church and I invited them, knowing that my husband and I could completely relate).
So, there you have it. Are you limiting God? Have you asked in faith. I had to muster all the faith I could to believe with mega faith. Doubt creeped in and I had to banish it right away. Doubt is the opposite of faith and the two can not co-exist. Ask God to help you with your unbelief, as I did, and muster all the faith you can to believe Him for His promises not just the fact that you know He can, but that He will.
A week or more ago, I realized that with tuition for the girls school and a couple of not so stable clients that I will be relying on God to make tuition each month, relying on Him in a way that I haven't had to experience since becoming a 'walking' Christian. A few days later, I fell into a conversation with a man from our church in need of my services. We agreed to talk in a month and see if I can meet his business needs. I walked away saying to God, "God thank you for reminding me of your provision". I felt Him come back to me and say "There you go again, limiting me." What? The next thought was Him telling me "Why don't think He is your next client, do you not think I would bless you with such?". Ouch! Ok, it is one thing to know that God can do anything. It is another to believe Him to do something. Hence, my next experience.
Where I live I have to cross a bridge to get to the barrier island I live on, or off for that matter. For three or four nights they were doing construction on the bridge, after the peak of the bridge on each side. So that when you come upon the bridge and peak, the construction is on you and a surprise. Granted the construction signs are up, but you were unaware of the extent of construction till you were on it. Tuesday morning my husband called me before he flew out for New Jersey to warn me be careful on the bridge. I was, but not enough. Coming back that morning after dropping off the girls at a half day camp, I peaked the bridge and had slowed significantly with anticipation of the work. I got to the cut concrete and hit the transition back up and hit hard at 40mph. This new used car is slung low, really low. My husband said 'you'll know when you hit metal'. I drove down to the mail place just down the road, parked, got out and cautiously bent to look under the car. My heart sunk to the pits of my stomach and suddenly I felt sick, as I watched my oil pour out onto the parking lot, producing a rather large puddle of black oil. I had busted the oil pan. The very thing my husband warned me about, I did. I was so frazzled that when I went into the mail place to borrow their phone I couldn't remember anyone's number let alone think of anyone I could call to come get me and help me. I managed to get my letters and package mailed. I went back out to the car, got my purse, locked the car and started to walk down the little embankment to walk home. When I was in the mail place I felt a gentleman, who was also mailing some things, looking at me. Granted, you must realize, I was distraught and my face probably looked ghostly pale in comparison to my natural olive skin enhanced my the summer sun. As I began down the embankment, I felt nudged to go ask that man for ride home. I had noticed that there was a marine sticker on the back window of his large F150 and felt secure enough to ask. I walked up to his window with tears streaming down my face and asked for a favor. 'Sure'. 'Can you take me home please?'. 'Sure'. I got in and proceeded to tell him my predicament. I just busted my oil pan, my girls were at camp in town, my husband was in the air to New Jersey and our second vehicle was sitting at the airport thirty miles from here. He volunteered to take me to the airport and I accepted graciously. He took me by my house to drop off the sausage I picked up at the store on my way home and by the auto shop on the island to drop off the key to the car. And then to the airport. On our ride we talked about my husband and how I dreaded his response to what had happened and we talked about him, a former marine and now a fishing guide. I witnessed to him (a little seed) as we got to the airport as well as I could considering he was angry at God for his buddies being killed in Iraq and him being there to watch. I shared that my husband and I have a small group in our home. A few people seeking to maintain peace in a world with no peace. A small testimony, but testimony nonetheless.
For the rest of the day I wrestled with guilt, not really knowing ...was this my fault or could I have prevented it. After crossing the bridge three more times that day in the SUV I realized the only way to have prevented it was to come to a complete stop to maneuver my way up the bump of a transition. Side note, that morning the signage was "uneven lanes". Somewhere between 2pm and 3pm the signage changed to the large digital signs with flashing caution lights stating "bump ahead, speed advisory 40mph". By that time I had made several phone calls to state that "uneven lanes" was inadequate warning to the damage that could be done to the car. They had received several complaints. As I made my way through these phone calls, it was made known to me that these contractors carry insurance for such as things as this. You mean that I could be compensated for the damages?? So as I went through these phone calls, in my head I thought 'if they just paid for the oil pan, I would be content and grateful'. God came back and said 'there you go again, limiting me'. What?
Ok, ok, ok, I am tired of limiting you. I finished my phone calls. At this point as well, I hadn't eaten all day and I claimed a fast for myself until this was resolved. Into my quiet times I went thinking of what God was saying to me about limiting Him, I meditated on scripture. Much of the scripture in the previous post and some others that God brought to my mind I dwelled on.
Galations 3:5 (AMP) Then does He who supplies you with His marvelous (Holy) Spirit and works powerfully and miraculously among you do so on (the grounds of your doing) what the law demands, or because of your believing in and adhering to and trusting in and relying on the message that you heard?
Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.
Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
Finally, and most significantly,
Proverbs 21:1
The kings heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
So, my prayer became, ok God, your word says that I have not because I ask not. Your word says that if we being evil think we can give good gifts to our children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Ok, Lord I am asking. I ask that the damage be limited to the oil pan only. I ask that I find favor in the insurance company eyes and they compensate me fully for the damage done to the car. Ok, Lord, I am asking what I feel is a big hairy audacious pray (Pray Big, Will Davis Jr.), I am asking in your name based on your Word.
Tuesday the claim had been filed.
Wednesday I had a claim number and found the damage limited to the oil pan.
Thursday I found out the damages would be covered by the insurance company and they would get me a rental, which I didn't need and did decline.
Now, I am reminiscing over the past few days and gaping in awe at my Lord at how He put through this test and I believe I came out approved. Oh, my Small Group pastor told me "I can't help but to think that in part, at least, that God is rewarding you for your boldness in sharing Him with two families during this crisis." There was the former marine who graciously took me to the airport and our new neighbors as of Tuesday, my girls invited their son to VBS and I shared a very similar story about my husband and I to them. (They were brought up in the same faiths as my husband and I were, two extremes, they hadn't been to church and I invited them, knowing that my husband and I could completely relate).
So, there you have it. Are you limiting God? Have you asked in faith. I had to muster all the faith I could to believe with mega faith. Doubt creeped in and I had to banish it right away. Doubt is the opposite of faith and the two can not co-exist. Ask God to help you with your unbelief, as I did, and muster all the faith you can to believe Him for His promises not just the fact that you know He can, but that He will.
Monday, June 29, 2009
...you have not because you ask not...
The Lord will not let me rest tonight. Let me see if I can put these thoughts understandably in black and white.
When gas prices originally started rising, my husband and I, trying to be good stewards, sold his V8 truck. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to me at the time, I was being prideful and insisted on another SUV 4X4 (another V6, but not exactly what God was trying get me to). Two SUV V6 4X4s later, God opened my eyes to my pride. I confessed, repented and asked forgiveness from my husband. I confessed, repented and asked forgiveness from God. I knew I had to pay a 'price' so to speak. Now we realized we needed to find something more economical than what we had, not to mention part of the price I was to pay was that that second vehicle now had mechanic integrity issues. In addition to the mechanical issues, I would pay the price of time. When David sinned with Bathesheba, he confessed, repented and was forgiven, but he still lost his son. He still suffered consequences to his disobedience. Ok, my pride didn't make me pay that steep of a price, but pride is sin and there was a consequence to that sin.
Over a year later, we were still looking. We were aiming for a vehicle that would get us at least 10 more mpg than my SUV. Upon looking at a car locally, we stumbled upon (by God's grace) a diesel car. Our eyes were being opened to a possibility of double the mpg than my SUV. WHOA! This one in particular had too many miles, but now my husband went back to the computer and did his research and within a couple of days a new posting appeared within geographical reach for us. We had a mechanic check it out, he 'blessed' it so to speak. We drove up, gave our final inspection and drove away with 45+mpg.
On our return trip home, with a daughter asleep in the back and lost in my thoughts as my husband and I caravaned home, many scripture rolled through my head. I sat down today to write them out to see what God might be trying to say to me.
Let's start with Ephesians 3:20 in the AMP version:
Now to Him who, by (in consequence) the (action of His) power that is at work within us, is able to (carry out His purpose and) do superabundantly, far over and above all that we (dare) ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams)---
the next thought/verse that came to me was Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
then Matthew 7:11
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
then James 1:17
Every good gift and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Now, James 4:2
...you do not have because you do not ask...
Finally,
Matthew 26:39; 26:42; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42
...O Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; never the less, no as I will, but as you will.
My reflective thoughts on what had happened to us with a huge blessing beyond our wildest expectations brings me to wonder....
do I limit God, because I am not bolden enough to ask? Who am I to expect more than 30mpg? Who am I to ask for more? Don't misunderstand, lets make it clear that what we ask has to be in line with God's will and His desires for us. In looking for a more economical vehicle we were exercising His command to be good stewards of what He had given us (Luke 16). My husband and I are Dave Ramsey fans, we live on a budget, we did not buy a new vehicle, we bought a 10 year old vehicle and we did not go into debt over it. Well, to answer the question and share my revelation, I am a daughter to the King of kings and He is my Father who gives good and perfect gifts to His children. I was faithful with little and He gave me much more. (Luke 16:10)
When gas prices originally started rising, my husband and I, trying to be good stewards, sold his V8 truck. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to me at the time, I was being prideful and insisted on another SUV 4X4 (another V6, but not exactly what God was trying get me to). Two SUV V6 4X4s later, God opened my eyes to my pride. I confessed, repented and asked forgiveness from my husband. I confessed, repented and asked forgiveness from God. I knew I had to pay a 'price' so to speak. Now we realized we needed to find something more economical than what we had, not to mention part of the price I was to pay was that that second vehicle now had mechanic integrity issues. In addition to the mechanical issues, I would pay the price of time. When David sinned with Bathesheba, he confessed, repented and was forgiven, but he still lost his son. He still suffered consequences to his disobedience. Ok, my pride didn't make me pay that steep of a price, but pride is sin and there was a consequence to that sin.
Over a year later, we were still looking. We were aiming for a vehicle that would get us at least 10 more mpg than my SUV. Upon looking at a car locally, we stumbled upon (by God's grace) a diesel car. Our eyes were being opened to a possibility of double the mpg than my SUV. WHOA! This one in particular had too many miles, but now my husband went back to the computer and did his research and within a couple of days a new posting appeared within geographical reach for us. We had a mechanic check it out, he 'blessed' it so to speak. We drove up, gave our final inspection and drove away with 45+mpg.
On our return trip home, with a daughter asleep in the back and lost in my thoughts as my husband and I caravaned home, many scripture rolled through my head. I sat down today to write them out to see what God might be trying to say to me.
Let's start with Ephesians 3:20 in the AMP version:
Now to Him who, by (in consequence) the (action of His) power that is at work within us, is able to (carry out His purpose and) do superabundantly, far over and above all that we (dare) ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams)---
the next thought/verse that came to me was Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
then Matthew 7:11
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
then James 1:17
Every good gift and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Now, James 4:2
...you do not have because you do not ask...
Finally,
Matthew 26:39; 26:42; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42
...O Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; never the less, no as I will, but as you will.
My reflective thoughts on what had happened to us with a huge blessing beyond our wildest expectations brings me to wonder....
do I limit God, because I am not bolden enough to ask? Who am I to expect more than 30mpg? Who am I to ask for more? Don't misunderstand, lets make it clear that what we ask has to be in line with God's will and His desires for us. In looking for a more economical vehicle we were exercising His command to be good stewards of what He had given us (Luke 16). My husband and I are Dave Ramsey fans, we live on a budget, we did not buy a new vehicle, we bought a 10 year old vehicle and we did not go into debt over it. Well, to answer the question and share my revelation, I am a daughter to the King of kings and He is my Father who gives good and perfect gifts to His children. I was faithful with little and He gave me much more. (Luke 16:10)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Instruction
Psalm 19:7-8
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandments of the LORD are pure, enlightening the eyes.
So,
His instructions are:
perfect
sure
right
pure
bright
trustworthy
clear
And,
His instructions will:
restore the soul
make wise the simple
revive the soul
bring joy to the heart
give insight to living
convert the soul
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Praise you Lord for your word. For Your word is alive and full of power (making it active, operative, energizing and effective); it is sharper than any two edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and (the immortal) spirit, and of joints and marrow (of the deepest parts of our nature), exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of our heart. Hebrews 4:12 AMP
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandments of the LORD are pure, enlightening the eyes.
So,
His instructions are:
perfect
sure
right
pure
bright
trustworthy
clear
And,
His instructions will:
restore the soul
make wise the simple
revive the soul
bring joy to the heart
give insight to living
convert the soul
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Praise you Lord for your word. For Your word is alive and full of power (making it active, operative, energizing and effective); it is sharper than any two edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and (the immortal) spirit, and of joints and marrow (of the deepest parts of our nature), exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of our heart. Hebrews 4:12 AMP
Monday, June 15, 2009
"Being versus Doing"
An outline of Ephesians from "Sit, Walk, Stand" by Watchman Nee is as follows:
A. Doctrinal (chapters 1-3)
1. Our position in Christ (1:1-3:21)
B. Practical (chapters 4-6)
1. Our life in the world (4:1-6:9)
2. Our attitude to the enemy (6:10-24)
I have listened to sermons by Duane Sheriffwhere he talks of the being versus doing, where we get so caught up in the doing that we forget to be. Watchman Nee breaks down Ephesians and addresses our first position in Christ as "sit". Ephesians 2:6 "and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." In John 15 we are told to abide in Christ and He will abide in us. The Greek word for abide is meno meaning to be in a state that begins and continues, yet may or may not end or stop...in Christ.
I have been known to get caught up in the 'doing' that I forget to 'be' in Christ. I find that when I relax and 'sit' at His feet daily that the 'doing' comes naturally. There is no struggle to find balance, He is my balance. There is no struggle in 'doing', He strengthens me. The key though is to 'sit' and 'abide' in Him. I have found one slip into my natural tendencies to 'do' in my own self sufficiency, my balance is thrown off, I struggle in my own strength, ....I will ultimately fall on my face. A humbling place to be, but on my face nonetheless.
Are you 'being' or 'doing' today? What could you do to change to 'being'? Is it a life-time decision, a lifestyle alteration, a daily modification to get back to the basics? Seek Him for your answer.
A. Doctrinal (chapters 1-3)
1. Our position in Christ (1:1-3:21)
B. Practical (chapters 4-6)
1. Our life in the world (4:1-6:9)
2. Our attitude to the enemy (6:10-24)
I have listened to sermons by Duane Sheriffwhere he talks of the being versus doing, where we get so caught up in the doing that we forget to be. Watchman Nee breaks down Ephesians and addresses our first position in Christ as "sit". Ephesians 2:6 "and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." In John 15 we are told to abide in Christ and He will abide in us. The Greek word for abide is meno meaning to be in a state that begins and continues, yet may or may not end or stop...in Christ.
I have been known to get caught up in the 'doing' that I forget to 'be' in Christ. I find that when I relax and 'sit' at His feet daily that the 'doing' comes naturally. There is no struggle to find balance, He is my balance. There is no struggle in 'doing', He strengthens me. The key though is to 'sit' and 'abide' in Him. I have found one slip into my natural tendencies to 'do' in my own self sufficiency, my balance is thrown off, I struggle in my own strength, ....I will ultimately fall on my face. A humbling place to be, but on my face nonetheless.
Are you 'being' or 'doing' today? What could you do to change to 'being'? Is it a life-time decision, a lifestyle alteration, a daily modification to get back to the basics? Seek Him for your answer.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Faithfulness
My childhood was not lavished in lessons of money-sense. I was not taught that you pay your bills first then play. I was not taught that if you didn't have it, you didn't spend it. I was not taught budgeting. So as a young adult I learned about debt the hard way. When God brought my husband into my life, little did I realize just how much I would appreciate him and love him for the way he was taught as a child when it came to money matters.
Luke 16:10-12 (AMP)
He who is faithful in a very little (thing) is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest and unjust in a very little (thing) is dishonest and unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the (case of) unrighteous mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions) who will entrust you the true riches? And if you have not proved faithful in that which belongs to another (whether God or man), who will give you that which is your own (that is, the true riches)?
I heard it said once, "if you can't be faithful with $10 going into savings how can you expect to be given $100 to go into savings". Poverty mentality, he called it. Good stewardship is another descriptive term.
When our first daughter was born, my husband and I were both working. When I came home with our daughter and looked at this piece of perfect art made by the Master's hands, I suddenly had no desire to go back to work. I expressed my desires to my husband through tear filled eyes. My dearly beloved, said "I don't want you to either, let's figure it out". And we did. We trimmed, cut, eliminated, and went down to bare minimum. Essentially, if it wasn't a necessity, we did away with it. We got rid of extended cable, rid of long distance and purchased a prepaid calling card, minimized our expenses, put ourselves on a budget, and sold the car that had a note and went to a one car family. I put in my notice and I have been home ever since.
Where does the faithful part come in and given much? When I quit my job, we cut our income nearly in half. At that time my husband had been at this company for ten years or so. Within three years of us having our first child, my husband got promoted two times, more than making up for my lost income. This was God's word put into practice and His promises fulfilled.
Resource:
Dave Ramsey
Luke 16:10-12 (AMP)
He who is faithful in a very little (thing) is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest and unjust in a very little (thing) is dishonest and unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the (case of) unrighteous mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions) who will entrust you the true riches? And if you have not proved faithful in that which belongs to another (whether God or man), who will give you that which is your own (that is, the true riches)?
I heard it said once, "if you can't be faithful with $10 going into savings how can you expect to be given $100 to go into savings". Poverty mentality, he called it. Good stewardship is another descriptive term.
When our first daughter was born, my husband and I were both working. When I came home with our daughter and looked at this piece of perfect art made by the Master's hands, I suddenly had no desire to go back to work. I expressed my desires to my husband through tear filled eyes. My dearly beloved, said "I don't want you to either, let's figure it out". And we did. We trimmed, cut, eliminated, and went down to bare minimum. Essentially, if it wasn't a necessity, we did away with it. We got rid of extended cable, rid of long distance and purchased a prepaid calling card, minimized our expenses, put ourselves on a budget, and sold the car that had a note and went to a one car family. I put in my notice and I have been home ever since.
Where does the faithful part come in and given much? When I quit my job, we cut our income nearly in half. At that time my husband had been at this company for ten years or so. Within three years of us having our first child, my husband got promoted two times, more than making up for my lost income. This was God's word put into practice and His promises fulfilled.
Resource:
Dave Ramsey
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