Isaiah 41:9b For I have chosen you
and will not throw you away.
10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you.
Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
I help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Who needs to hear this today besides me?
Who needs to own the truth of this & why?
Who feels thrown away?
Who feels they're a non-priority?
Who's afraid?
Who's discouraged?
Who feels weak?
Who feels helpless?
Who feels alone?
Own this verse today. I've been holding on to it since April 13, 2010 for my life, my direction, my next, my whatever.
And I'm still here.
Own it today.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
God's promises are true
Deuteronony 31:6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
7 Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched, he said to him,
"Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors he would give them. You are the one who will divide it among them as their grants of land.
8 Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you."
This promise is reference in Hebrews 13:5, too
This is the portion of the verse God whispered to me during my freshman year at Asbury University. It had to have been either in the fall of 1968 or the winter or spring of 1969.
I was starting to deal with my "stuff". I was pretty desperate. Life looked pretty daunting.
And God whispered these words...
"I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, says the Lord God of Hosts"
(He spoke in King James Version back then ;-)
Imagine my surprise when I read those words in Deuteronomy & Hebrews.
I didn't ask Him for a verse. I was just talking to Him about my stuff up in the small prayer chapel on the hall with all the practice rooms in the music building at Asbury.
And He just whispered this inside my head.
All I can say is God's promises are true.
He hasn't left me or abandoned me.
And He won't.
Neither will He leave you, or abandon you.
7 Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched, he said to him,
"Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors he would give them. You are the one who will divide it among them as their grants of land.
8 Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you."
This promise is reference in Hebrews 13:5, too
This is the portion of the verse God whispered to me during my freshman year at Asbury University. It had to have been either in the fall of 1968 or the winter or spring of 1969.
I was starting to deal with my "stuff". I was pretty desperate. Life looked pretty daunting.
And God whispered these words...
"I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, says the Lord God of Hosts"
(He spoke in King James Version back then ;-)
Imagine my surprise when I read those words in Deuteronomy & Hebrews.
I didn't ask Him for a verse. I was just talking to Him about my stuff up in the small prayer chapel on the hall with all the practice rooms in the music building at Asbury.
And He just whispered this inside my head.
All I can say is God's promises are true.
He hasn't left me or abandoned me.
And He won't.
Neither will He leave you, or abandon you.
Friday, July 29, 2011
wait for it...
Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life & joy.
And what is the key to this whole "dreams come true" thing?
waiting...
And why is waiting so hard?
bc we're all 3 yr olds - "I want what I want, & I want it NOW!"
and we just don't really trust our Abba Father.
no, it's true - we just don't trust Him to come through.
now, before you think I'm being "holier than thou", Lynn & I have been in a significant, standing stock-still waiting period now for 10 months, with no end in site, yet.
waiting is hard - & it's our last names!
(please don't quote the "they that wait upon the Lord" verse for me - I think I'll hurt the next person who does.)
We live in an instant world, where waiting is looked down on.
"delayed gratification" is an unpracticed discipline.
Trust is another one.
Waiting & trust go hand in hand.
If God has given you a dream, He'll come through (remind me of this, will ya?).
we may not understand why things went in the chronology of the thing, but one day we will.
so, we wait.
we understand it if you are having a hard time with it.
we are, too - well, I am - Lynn seems to be handling it better than me
as we hear people say these days...
"wait for it..."
And what is the key to this whole "dreams come true" thing?
waiting...
And why is waiting so hard?
bc we're all 3 yr olds - "I want what I want, & I want it NOW!"
and we just don't really trust our Abba Father.
no, it's true - we just don't trust Him to come through.
now, before you think I'm being "holier than thou", Lynn & I have been in a significant, standing stock-still waiting period now for 10 months, with no end in site, yet.
waiting is hard - & it's our last names!
(please don't quote the "they that wait upon the Lord" verse for me - I think I'll hurt the next person who does.)
We live in an instant world, where waiting is looked down on.
"delayed gratification" is an unpracticed discipline.
Trust is another one.
Waiting & trust go hand in hand.
If God has given you a dream, He'll come through (remind me of this, will ya?).
we may not understand why things went in the chronology of the thing, but one day we will.
so, we wait.
we understand it if you are having a hard time with it.
we are, too - well, I am - Lynn seems to be handling it better than me
as we hear people say these days...
"wait for it..."
Thursday, July 28, 2011
don't settle
1 Timothy 1:19
Cling tightly to your faith in Christ,
and keep your conscience clear.
For some people have deliberately violated their consciences;
as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
I've lived long enough to have seen too many people do this - both parts of this verse.
Most of the time, they settle.
They start out so on fire for God they're going around burning people with their halos.
They are wild, abandoned, undomesticated, unfettered for Him.
They discover they have a call of ministry on their lives.
Sometimes they have a call to go out into the world outside the USA to tell people about Him.
Most of the time they are simply people upon whom God has worked the scandal of grace.
They have influence, energy, intention, opportunity, & support.
And many times they simply allow their lives, energy, & calling to recede.
It's called settling for the good life - good job, good spouse, good friends - safe, secure.
And they never know the God-dreamed life they could have had.
They traded it for safety, security, & the approval of the authenticators in their lives.
It's SO easy to fall into it.
It's the "American Dream" we're all supposed to want.
Be different from 90% of the rest of the people around you.
Embrace the dream He has for you.
Yes, it will cost you everything.
But you'll get a life beyond your wildest imaginings.
And God will be with you, cheek to jowl, all the way through.
Go...
Cling tightly to your faith in Christ,
and keep your conscience clear.
For some people have deliberately violated their consciences;
as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
I've lived long enough to have seen too many people do this - both parts of this verse.
Most of the time, they settle.
They start out so on fire for God they're going around burning people with their halos.
They are wild, abandoned, undomesticated, unfettered for Him.
They discover they have a call of ministry on their lives.
Sometimes they have a call to go out into the world outside the USA to tell people about Him.
Most of the time they are simply people upon whom God has worked the scandal of grace.
They have influence, energy, intention, opportunity, & support.
And many times they simply allow their lives, energy, & calling to recede.
It's called settling for the good life - good job, good spouse, good friends - safe, secure.
And they never know the God-dreamed life they could have had.
They traded it for safety, security, & the approval of the authenticators in their lives.
It's SO easy to fall into it.
It's the "American Dream" we're all supposed to want.
Be different from 90% of the rest of the people around you.
Embrace the dream He has for you.
Yes, it will cost you everything.
But you'll get a life beyond your wildest imaginings.
And God will be with you, cheek to jowl, all the way through.
Go...
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
some things to remember
2 Thessalonians 3:3 the Lord is faithful; He will make you strong & guard you from the evil one.
the Lord is faithful...
is there anyone these days who can be trusted, completely? sometimes I wonder...
He will make you strong...
anybody got any strength on their own that lasts & comes through in an extreme pinch? (didn't think so ;-)
& guard you from the evil one.
many people don't believe in "the evil one". Could it be that's because they are so wishy-washy that they pose no threat to him?
Our Abba Father is faithful, strengthens us, & guards us.
And our greatest faith in that truth is when things are tough.
the Lord is faithful...
is there anyone these days who can be trusted, completely? sometimes I wonder...
He will make you strong...
anybody got any strength on their own that lasts & comes through in an extreme pinch? (didn't think so ;-)
& guard you from the evil one.
many people don't believe in "the evil one". Could it be that's because they are so wishy-washy that they pose no threat to him?
Our Abba Father is faithful, strengthens us, & guards us.
And our greatest faith in that truth is when things are tough.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
whisperings
2 Thessalonians 1:11 ...our God will make you worthy of the life to which He called you.
It's SO important to put scripture in your heart & mind - which comes from reading it EVERY day! I know, I know - that was a shameless plug. Sorry - I just believe that completely.
For example...
I'd just memorized the above verse in 2nd Thessalonians back in the summer of 2009. One Tuesday night soon after, we had a spectacular night downtown at the warehouse at House of Grace, our 20something ministry at Christ Chapel in Macon.
I'd asked LeAnn, our worship leader at that time @ the church, to lead worship that night. She brought a whole raft of outstanding people to do worship. It was totally off the chain.
I'd also asked Ken Land, at that time pastor of Christ Chapel Cochran, to speak. Another off the chain experience that night.
We had a ridiculous amount of people for the room - maybe 70? or more?
Ken asked me to close the service.
Those of you who know me, know that transitions from worship & closeouts are not my strongest giftings. As I'm walking up to close, I'm thinking, "how in the world am I gonna close all this out!!!"
A still, small voice said inside my head, "God will make you worthy of the life to which He has called you."
Ok...
So, I got to the front, opened my mouth, & probably gave one of the best transitions/closeouts of my life.
I don't remember what I said now. I had the distinct feel that I wasn't the one doing the talking. Some people said the same thing afterward - things like, "Wow, dan, that was REALLY good! That had to be God speaking through you!"
:-) LOL
Anyway, here's the deal...
Walking up there to close, I'm thinking, "I'm running with the big dogs here. How is someone like me gonna come through at a consistent level of excellence when it's clear these folks are light years beyond me!"
And then God whispered a simple fact that I'd forgotten - HE was the One who was making me able to lead that ministry & finish that service - not me or my cleverness - HIM.
And He reminded me of that by using a verse I'd read recently & committed to memory.
I can't tell you how many times in the past 8 years He's done that.
His reminding, His whispers are what keeps me going. It keeps me from going crazy. It just keeps me - period.
So?
Read the Bible every day. Commit verses to memory that He brings up of the page. (Trust me, if you read every day, He WILL bring verses up of the page - that address the very things in your life you DON'T want Him to address!)
And He'll whisper them to you when you need them the most.
It's SO important to put scripture in your heart & mind - which comes from reading it EVERY day! I know, I know - that was a shameless plug. Sorry - I just believe that completely.
For example...
I'd just memorized the above verse in 2nd Thessalonians back in the summer of 2009. One Tuesday night soon after, we had a spectacular night downtown at the warehouse at House of Grace, our 20something ministry at Christ Chapel in Macon.
I'd asked LeAnn, our worship leader at that time @ the church, to lead worship that night. She brought a whole raft of outstanding people to do worship. It was totally off the chain.
I'd also asked Ken Land, at that time pastor of Christ Chapel Cochran, to speak. Another off the chain experience that night.
We had a ridiculous amount of people for the room - maybe 70? or more?
Ken asked me to close the service.
Those of you who know me, know that transitions from worship & closeouts are not my strongest giftings. As I'm walking up to close, I'm thinking, "how in the world am I gonna close all this out!!!"
A still, small voice said inside my head, "God will make you worthy of the life to which He has called you."
Ok...
So, I got to the front, opened my mouth, & probably gave one of the best transitions/closeouts of my life.
I don't remember what I said now. I had the distinct feel that I wasn't the one doing the talking. Some people said the same thing afterward - things like, "Wow, dan, that was REALLY good! That had to be God speaking through you!"
:-) LOL
Anyway, here's the deal...
Walking up there to close, I'm thinking, "I'm running with the big dogs here. How is someone like me gonna come through at a consistent level of excellence when it's clear these folks are light years beyond me!"
And then God whispered a simple fact that I'd forgotten - HE was the One who was making me able to lead that ministry & finish that service - not me or my cleverness - HIM.
And He reminded me of that by using a verse I'd read recently & committed to memory.
I can't tell you how many times in the past 8 years He's done that.
His reminding, His whispers are what keeps me going. It keeps me from going crazy. It just keeps me - period.
So?
Read the Bible every day. Commit verses to memory that He brings up of the page. (Trust me, if you read every day, He WILL bring verses up of the page - that address the very things in your life you DON'T want Him to address!)
And He'll whisper them to you when you need them the most.
Monday, July 25, 2011
believing
1 Thessalonians 5:18 No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who follow Christ Jesus.
Here's what my Life Application Bible says about this verse...
"Paul was not teaching that we should thank God for everything that happens, but in everything. Evil does not come from God, se we hold not thank Him for it. But when evil strikes, we can still be thankful for God's presence & for the good that He will accomplish through the distress."
For 2 years (2008 & 2009) I'd been carrying 4 passages around inside my heart that God had given me as He walked me toward moving HOG downtown & starting Christ Chapel Downtown.
Then, on Dec. 23, 2009, He gave me this verse as the first part of the packet of 5 passages He has me carrying in my heart for this season - this season of letting go of all we had in Macon & moving to Blairsville.
When it became obvious that this was a new verse for me to carry, I knew something was up, something that meant change.
The "no matter what happens" part was kind scary for me. Little did I know where God was going to lead me.
These last 19 months haven't been easy, to put it mildly. Have I been thankful in everything? No. Am I trying to be now? Yes.
I am learning to wait - & yes, that's my last name!
I'm learning a new level of "whatever"
I'm learning that God defines, & redefines us. It's hard to not cling to the definition we're comfortable with.
The farm principle is true with our relationship with God - living things must either change & grow, or die.
Life is lived using the flashlight principle - we walk in enough light to take one step ahead.
I am learning a deeper level of the truth that we are not responsible for the consequences of our obedience - we are only responsible to obey.
God can and will hedge you in to the point where only what He wants to have happen will happen.
Once again, it's all about trust. We either trust him or we don't.
And I still believe in His faithfulness.
Go to these vids - I still believe...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4qPceadBMU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEK071gUHHg&feature=related
Here's what my Life Application Bible says about this verse...
"Paul was not teaching that we should thank God for everything that happens, but in everything. Evil does not come from God, se we hold not thank Him for it. But when evil strikes, we can still be thankful for God's presence & for the good that He will accomplish through the distress."
For 2 years (2008 & 2009) I'd been carrying 4 passages around inside my heart that God had given me as He walked me toward moving HOG downtown & starting Christ Chapel Downtown.
Then, on Dec. 23, 2009, He gave me this verse as the first part of the packet of 5 passages He has me carrying in my heart for this season - this season of letting go of all we had in Macon & moving to Blairsville.
When it became obvious that this was a new verse for me to carry, I knew something was up, something that meant change.
The "no matter what happens" part was kind scary for me. Little did I know where God was going to lead me.
These last 19 months haven't been easy, to put it mildly. Have I been thankful in everything? No. Am I trying to be now? Yes.
I am learning to wait - & yes, that's my last name!
I'm learning a new level of "whatever"
I'm learning that God defines, & redefines us. It's hard to not cling to the definition we're comfortable with.
The farm principle is true with our relationship with God - living things must either change & grow, or die.
Life is lived using the flashlight principle - we walk in enough light to take one step ahead.
I am learning a deeper level of the truth that we are not responsible for the consequences of our obedience - we are only responsible to obey.
God can and will hedge you in to the point where only what He wants to have happen will happen.
Once again, it's all about trust. We either trust him or we don't.
And I still believe in His faithfulness.
Go to these vids - I still believe...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4qPceadBMU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEK071gUHHg&feature=related
Sunday, July 24, 2011
simple living
1 Thessalonians 4:11
This should be your ambition:
to live a quiet life,
minding your own business,
& working with your hands.
12 As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live,
& you will not need to depend on others to meet your needs.
So, what does that say to us? What does this mean for us in our individual lives, & in our corporate lives as Christ followers?
Can I have some feedback on this?
This should be your ambition:
to live a quiet life,
minding your own business,
& working with your hands.
12 As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live,
& you will not need to depend on others to meet your needs.
So, what does that say to us? What does this mean for us in our individual lives, & in our corporate lives as Christ followers?
Can I have some feedback on this?
Saturday, July 23, 2011
no slippery slope
2 Samuel 22:31 "God's way is perfect.
All the LORD's promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
32 For who is God except the LORD?
Who but our God is a solid rock?
33 God is my strong fortress,
and he makes my way perfect.
34 He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
35 He trains my hands for battle;
he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
36 You have given me your shield of victory;
your help has made me great.
37 You have made a wide path for my feet
to keep them from slipping.
No matter what's going on in our lives, it's good to read these words & hold on to their truth.
All the LORD's promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
32 For who is God except the LORD?
Who but our God is a solid rock?
33 God is my strong fortress,
and he makes my way perfect.
34 He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
35 He trains my hands for battle;
he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
36 You have given me your shield of victory;
your help has made me great.
37 You have made a wide path for my feet
to keep them from slipping.
No matter what's going on in our lives, it's good to read these words & hold on to their truth.
Friday, July 22, 2011
throwaway
Isaiah 41:9b For I have chosen you & will not thrown you away.
How many of us have bee thrown away?
by parents...
by other family members...
by friends...
by people we counted on...
by spouses...
by children...
by organizations...
by our employer...
by people...
I have sons & daughters, and others who are in my life, who would describe themselves as a throwaway by more than one of those aforementioned groups...
They feel as if they are someone who is of so little value & consequence that they have simply been toss aside.
They would say they especially feel like throwaways with their dads...
& sometimes their moms.
But God says to them - & to all of us - that He will not throw us away.
He goes on to say in verse 10 of Isaiah 41...
Don't be afraid, for I am with you.
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
I will help you.
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Anyone need to hear that this morning besides me?
How many of us have bee thrown away?
by parents...
by other family members...
by friends...
by people we counted on...
by spouses...
by children...
by organizations...
by our employer...
by people...
I have sons & daughters, and others who are in my life, who would describe themselves as a throwaway by more than one of those aforementioned groups...
They feel as if they are someone who is of so little value & consequence that they have simply been toss aside.
They would say they especially feel like throwaways with their dads...
& sometimes their moms.
But God says to them - & to all of us - that He will not throw us away.
He goes on to say in verse 10 of Isaiah 41...
Don't be afraid, for I am with you.
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
I will help you.
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Anyone need to hear that this morning besides me?
Thursday, July 21, 2011
lostness
got this yesterday from Patty Maney's status (It's from The Message)
You came close when I called out. You said, 'It's going to be all right.' Lamentations 3:57
Here's the context in that chapter from which it comes - it's worth the read...
19-21 I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness,
the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed.
I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—
the feeling of hitting the bottom.
But there's one other thing I remember,
and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:
22-24 God's loyal love couldn't have run out,
his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He's all I've got left.
25-27 God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks.
It's a good thing to quietly hope,
quietly hope for help from God.
It's a good thing when you're young
to stick it out through the hard times.
28-30 When life is heavy and hard to take,
go off by yourself. Enter the silence.
Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions:
Wait for hope to appear.
Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face.
The "worst" is never the worst.
31-33 Why? Because the Master won't ever
walk out and fail to return.
If he works severely, he also works tenderly.
His stockpiles of loyal love are immense.
He takes no pleasure in making life hard,
in throwing roadblocks in the way:
34-36 Stomping down hard
on luckless prisoners,
Refusing justice to victims
in the court of High God,
Tampering with evidence—
the Master does not approve of such things.
37-39 Who do you think "spoke and it happened"?
It's the Master who gives such orders.
Doesn't the High God speak everything,
good things and hard things alike, into being?
And why would anyone gifted with life
complain when punished for sin?
40-42 Let's take a good look at the way we're living
and reorder our lives under God.
Let's lift our hearts and hands at one and the same time,
praying to God in heaven:
"We've been contrary and willful,
and you haven't forgiven.
43-45 "You lost your temper with us, holding nothing back.
You chased us and cut us down without mercy.
You wrapped yourself in thick blankets of clouds
so no prayers could get through.
You treated us like dirty dishwater,
threw us out in the backyard of the nations.
46-48 "Our enemies shout abuse,
their mouths full of derision, spitting invective.
We've been to hell and back.
We've nowhere to turn, nowhere to go.
Rivers of tears pour from my eyes
at the smashup of my dear people.
49-51 "The tears stream from my eyes,
an artesian well of tears,
Until you, God, look down from on high,
look and see my tears.
When I see what's happened to the young women in the city,
the pain breaks my heart.
52-54 "Enemies with no reason to be enemies
hunted me down like a bird.
They threw me into a pit,
then pelted me with stones.
Then the rains came and filled the pit.
The water rose over my head. I said, 'It's all over.'
55-57 "I called out your name, O God,
called from the bottom of the pit.
You listened when I called out, 'Don't shut your ears!
Get me out of here! Save me!'
You came close when I called out.
You said, 'It's going to be all right.'
You came close when I called out. You said, 'It's going to be all right.' Lamentations 3:57
Here's the context in that chapter from which it comes - it's worth the read...
19-21 I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness,
the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed.
I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—
the feeling of hitting the bottom.
But there's one other thing I remember,
and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:
22-24 God's loyal love couldn't have run out,
his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He's all I've got left.
25-27 God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks.
It's a good thing to quietly hope,
quietly hope for help from God.
It's a good thing when you're young
to stick it out through the hard times.
28-30 When life is heavy and hard to take,
go off by yourself. Enter the silence.
Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions:
Wait for hope to appear.
Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face.
The "worst" is never the worst.
31-33 Why? Because the Master won't ever
walk out and fail to return.
If he works severely, he also works tenderly.
His stockpiles of loyal love are immense.
He takes no pleasure in making life hard,
in throwing roadblocks in the way:
34-36 Stomping down hard
on luckless prisoners,
Refusing justice to victims
in the court of High God,
Tampering with evidence—
the Master does not approve of such things.
37-39 Who do you think "spoke and it happened"?
It's the Master who gives such orders.
Doesn't the High God speak everything,
good things and hard things alike, into being?
And why would anyone gifted with life
complain when punished for sin?
40-42 Let's take a good look at the way we're living
and reorder our lives under God.
Let's lift our hearts and hands at one and the same time,
praying to God in heaven:
"We've been contrary and willful,
and you haven't forgiven.
43-45 "You lost your temper with us, holding nothing back.
You chased us and cut us down without mercy.
You wrapped yourself in thick blankets of clouds
so no prayers could get through.
You treated us like dirty dishwater,
threw us out in the backyard of the nations.
46-48 "Our enemies shout abuse,
their mouths full of derision, spitting invective.
We've been to hell and back.
We've nowhere to turn, nowhere to go.
Rivers of tears pour from my eyes
at the smashup of my dear people.
49-51 "The tears stream from my eyes,
an artesian well of tears,
Until you, God, look down from on high,
look and see my tears.
When I see what's happened to the young women in the city,
the pain breaks my heart.
52-54 "Enemies with no reason to be enemies
hunted me down like a bird.
They threw me into a pit,
then pelted me with stones.
Then the rains came and filled the pit.
The water rose over my head. I said, 'It's all over.'
55-57 "I called out your name, O God,
called from the bottom of the pit.
You listened when I called out, 'Don't shut your ears!
Get me out of here! Save me!'
You came close when I called out.
You said, 'It's going to be all right.'
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
paths
Proverbs 4:25 Look straight ahead, & fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
27 Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
Sometimes, when we're not sure where we're going or how we're gonna get there, all we can do is put one foot in front of the other.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
27 Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
Sometimes, when we're not sure where we're going or how we're gonna get there, all we can do is put one foot in front of the other.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
words
Colossians 3:16 Lets the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts & make you wise. Use His words to counsel each other.
And the way we let them live in our hearts?
Read them, every day!!!
Today, I read Proverbs 3. You may not know that I read through Psalm & Proverbs sequentially every day. I read a psalm each day. When I finish psalms (there's 150 of them), I read through Proverbs (31 chapters). So I basically read through them twice a year. (ain't I holy! ;-) LOL!!!) I heard about 10 years ago that Billy Graham does that. I figured if it was good enough for him, I'd give it a try. I recommend it!
Back on January 18, 2010, I was reading Proverbs 3 also. For some reason I chose to read verse 5 in The Message. (I usually read in a first edition of the New Living Translation that Pastor John gave me). It turned out to be one of the 5 passages God is using to keep me straight & keep me from going crazy these past 18 months.
Here's what it is in The Message...
"Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own. (you have NO idea how often God reminds me of this!)
Listen for God's voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go;
He's the One Who will keep you on track."
I've said this over & over again - I wouldn't have this anchor of a verse if I hadn't been reading daily.
God knows what's ahead for all of us (duh!).
If we're reading in His word every day, He can use that effort to speak to us - that's right; the God of the universes chooses to speak to us through His Word - and the things He speaks are directed at what's currently going on in our lives, or will be going on soon, or both!
People sometimes tell me they just don't ever feel like they've had God talk to them or direct them. I usually ask them if they're reading the Bible ever day. Usually they are not.
Uh huh...
Well, pick it up!
Now, God knows me pretty good - He knows I try to figure out things & situations & what I'm supposed to be or do.
These last 10 months have been puzzlers, & it doesn't look like they're gonna get any less puzzling any time soon.
"don't try to figure out everything on your own"
these 10 months in many ways have been all about trust - trusting Him, especially when things don't look like they make any sense.
Anyway, you wanna hear God speak? You want some direction? You wanna grow into a closer connection with God?
read the Bible!
if you don't know where to start, read the gospel of John. Then go to maybe Luke, then Acts, 1 & 2 Corinthians, then read the 4 short books: Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians.
Read a psalm every day. When you finish Psalms, go to Proverbs.
When you get to the end of all that & still feel like you need advice where to read, message me on FB.
Now remember this: if you start reading the Bible every day, God will mess with you - especially in the areas you don't want to be messed with.
And the way we let them live in our hearts?
Read them, every day!!!
Today, I read Proverbs 3. You may not know that I read through Psalm & Proverbs sequentially every day. I read a psalm each day. When I finish psalms (there's 150 of them), I read through Proverbs (31 chapters). So I basically read through them twice a year. (ain't I holy! ;-) LOL!!!) I heard about 10 years ago that Billy Graham does that. I figured if it was good enough for him, I'd give it a try. I recommend it!
Back on January 18, 2010, I was reading Proverbs 3 also. For some reason I chose to read verse 5 in The Message. (I usually read in a first edition of the New Living Translation that Pastor John gave me). It turned out to be one of the 5 passages God is using to keep me straight & keep me from going crazy these past 18 months.
Here's what it is in The Message...
"Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own. (you have NO idea how often God reminds me of this!)
Listen for God's voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go;
He's the One Who will keep you on track."
I've said this over & over again - I wouldn't have this anchor of a verse if I hadn't been reading daily.
God knows what's ahead for all of us (duh!).
If we're reading in His word every day, He can use that effort to speak to us - that's right; the God of the universes chooses to speak to us through His Word - and the things He speaks are directed at what's currently going on in our lives, or will be going on soon, or both!
People sometimes tell me they just don't ever feel like they've had God talk to them or direct them. I usually ask them if they're reading the Bible ever day. Usually they are not.
Uh huh...
Well, pick it up!
Now, God knows me pretty good - He knows I try to figure out things & situations & what I'm supposed to be or do.
These last 10 months have been puzzlers, & it doesn't look like they're gonna get any less puzzling any time soon.
"don't try to figure out everything on your own"
these 10 months in many ways have been all about trust - trusting Him, especially when things don't look like they make any sense.
Anyway, you wanna hear God speak? You want some direction? You wanna grow into a closer connection with God?
read the Bible!
if you don't know where to start, read the gospel of John. Then go to maybe Luke, then Acts, 1 & 2 Corinthians, then read the 4 short books: Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians.
Read a psalm every day. When you finish Psalms, go to Proverbs.
When you get to the end of all that & still feel like you need advice where to read, message me on FB.
Now remember this: if you start reading the Bible every day, God will mess with you - especially in the areas you don't want to be messed with.
Monday, July 18, 2011
roots
Colossians 2:6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him.
7 Let your roots grow down into Him,
and draw up nourishment from Him,
so you will grow in faith, strong & vigorous in the truth you were taught.
Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done.
I used to wonder what "let your roots grow down into Him" meant.
That is, until back in January of 2003, I started getting up early to read the Bible & listen out for what He has to say.
Now, I understand.
PLEASE start doing that too! You have NO idea the radical change that will happen in your life!
Now, God will mess with you & your life. But the quality of our lives will be light years better than they used to be if we do a simple thing - read the Bible each day & listen out for whatever He has to say.
I guarantee it - but more importantly, God guarantees it.
7 Let your roots grow down into Him,
and draw up nourishment from Him,
so you will grow in faith, strong & vigorous in the truth you were taught.
Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done.
I used to wonder what "let your roots grow down into Him" meant.
That is, until back in January of 2003, I started getting up early to read the Bible & listen out for what He has to say.
Now, I understand.
PLEASE start doing that too! You have NO idea the radical change that will happen in your life!
Now, God will mess with you & your life. But the quality of our lives will be light years better than they used to be if we do a simple thing - read the Bible each day & listen out for whatever He has to say.
I guarantee it - but more importantly, God guarantees it.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
something to hold on to
Hebrews 10:35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord,
no matter what happens.
Remember the great reward it brings you!
36 Patient endurance is what you need now,
so that you will continue to do God's will.
Then you will receive all that He has promised.
Isaiah 41:9b For I have chosen you & will not throw you away.
10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you.
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
I will help you.
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
If these are verses that resonate with you, write them down & carry them around in your billfold or purse. Put them in places where you'll bump into them. These are 2 of 5 passages I feel like God gave me for the days ahead. Some days, it's the only thing that keeps me going.
There is so much power in holding verses close to you. I couldn't have lived the last 4 years especially without the ones God gave me. Ask Him to give you verses to hold on to. Trust me, many times they will be the only thing that keeps us from going crazy (or crazier!) or losing hope completely.
And read the Bible every day. The smartest thing I've EVER done was starting to read the Bible every day.
And the dumbest thing I've EVER done was wait until I was 52 1/2 to do it!
no matter what happens.
Remember the great reward it brings you!
36 Patient endurance is what you need now,
so that you will continue to do God's will.
Then you will receive all that He has promised.
Isaiah 41:9b For I have chosen you & will not throw you away.
10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you.
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
I will help you.
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
If these are verses that resonate with you, write them down & carry them around in your billfold or purse. Put them in places where you'll bump into them. These are 2 of 5 passages I feel like God gave me for the days ahead. Some days, it's the only thing that keeps me going.
There is so much power in holding verses close to you. I couldn't have lived the last 4 years especially without the ones God gave me. Ask Him to give you verses to hold on to. Trust me, many times they will be the only thing that keeps us from going crazy (or crazier!) or losing hope completely.
And read the Bible every day. The smartest thing I've EVER done was starting to read the Bible every day.
And the dumbest thing I've EVER done was wait until I was 52 1/2 to do it!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
try this
Don't worry about anything;
instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need
& thank Him for all He has done.
If you do this, you will experience God's peace,
which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.
His peace will guard your hearts...
and minds...
as you live in Christ Jesus.
Paul, Philippians 4: 6 & 7
So, let's try this today, maybe tomorrow, and into next week.
Let's just tell Him what we need, & thank Him ahead of time for whatever He's gonna choose to do about it.
And keep doing that until we see what happens, whichever way it may turn out.
It says we'll experience God's peace, if we do this.
Paul says so - I figure he oughta know what he's talkin' about?
Ok, so here's what we're gonna do for the next few days...
1. tell God what we need
2. thank Him ahead of time
3. see if His peace follows
4. wait & see what happens, being thankful for however He decides to move on what we asked
Now, I'm serious about this.
This isn't trick. These were the verses God gave me for 2005. It actually worked back then. It's a whole new ballgame now. Let's see see what happens
Now, this isn't making God a vending machine.
He says, through Paul...
I wanna know what happens to you in you give this a try.
I'll tell you what happens to me - these verses were for especially for 2005. That was then, this is now. I wanna see how pertinent they are now.
What have we go to lose?
instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need
& thank Him for all He has done.
If you do this, you will experience God's peace,
which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.
His peace will guard your hearts...
and minds...
as you live in Christ Jesus.
Paul, Philippians 4: 6 & 7
So, let's try this today, maybe tomorrow, and into next week.
Let's just tell Him what we need, & thank Him ahead of time for whatever He's gonna choose to do about it.
And keep doing that until we see what happens, whichever way it may turn out.
It says we'll experience God's peace, if we do this.
Paul says so - I figure he oughta know what he's talkin' about?
Ok, so here's what we're gonna do for the next few days...
1. tell God what we need
2. thank Him ahead of time
3. see if His peace follows
4. wait & see what happens, being thankful for however He decides to move on what we asked
Now, I'm serious about this.
This isn't trick. These were the verses God gave me for 2005. It actually worked back then. It's a whole new ballgame now. Let's see see what happens
Now, this isn't making God a vending machine.
He says, through Paul...
- don't worry,
- tell Him what's up,
- thank Him ahead of time,
- and His peace will follow.
I wanna know what happens to you in you give this a try.
I'll tell you what happens to me - these verses were for especially for 2005. That was then, this is now. I wanna see how pertinent they are now.
What have we go to lose?
Friday, July 15, 2011
pressing on
Philippians 3
12b ...I press on...
to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.
13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,
but I focus on this one thing:
Forgetting the past
and looking forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on to reach the end of the race
and receive the heavenly prize
for which God,
through Christ Jesus,
is calling us.
Sometimes, all you can do is put one foot in front of the other.
12b ...I press on...
to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.
13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,
but I focus on this one thing:
Forgetting the past
and looking forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on to reach the end of the race
and receive the heavenly prize
for which God,
through Christ Jesus,
is calling us.
Sometimes, all you can do is put one foot in front of the other.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
finishing
Philippians 1:6 I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished n that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.
If God starts something, He finishes it.
That may be the healing & restoration in our lives.
It may be some mission or purpose He puts before us.
It may be a promise He has made us.
Whatever He clearly starts, He will bring full circle.
Don't know who that's for besides me.
Keep moving forward.
listen to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PilfgFt-S4
If God starts something, He finishes it.
That may be the healing & restoration in our lives.
It may be some mission or purpose He puts before us.
It may be a promise He has made us.
Whatever He clearly starts, He will bring full circle.
Don't know who that's for besides me.
Keep moving forward.
listen to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PilfgFt-S4
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
walking in the light
Proverbs 4:25 Look straight ahead, & fix your eyes on what lie before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
27 Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
Have your ever walked through the night with just a flashlight?
I'm not talking the kind of night where there's a street light ever 50' or so.
I'm talking about when, as a friend of mine says, it's as dark as Egypt (why Egypt?) - not street lights, no house lights, no moon, no stars - dark night.
If you've ever walked through that kind of dark, you'll understand how interesting using a flashlight is.
We can't see ahead, we can't see behind, we can't see much around us.
We can see what's right in front of us - that's all.
If we stand still, we'll never get anywhere.
But if we walk into the area that's already lighted by our flashlight, that same flashlight will illuminate the ground ahead of us.
We can walk through the darkest night if we simply follow the light the illuminates our path.
We can walk through the darkest night if we simply follow the Light that illuminates our path.
I'm especially depending on that right now.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
27 Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
Have your ever walked through the night with just a flashlight?
I'm not talking the kind of night where there's a street light ever 50' or so.
I'm talking about when, as a friend of mine says, it's as dark as Egypt (why Egypt?) - not street lights, no house lights, no moon, no stars - dark night.
If you've ever walked through that kind of dark, you'll understand how interesting using a flashlight is.
We can't see ahead, we can't see behind, we can't see much around us.
We can see what's right in front of us - that's all.
If we stand still, we'll never get anywhere.
But if we walk into the area that's already lighted by our flashlight, that same flashlight will illuminate the ground ahead of us.
We can walk through the darkest night if we simply follow the light the illuminates our path.
We can walk through the darkest night if we simply follow the Light that illuminates our path.
I'm especially depending on that right now.
Monday, July 11, 2011
filled with love
Ephesians 5
1 Follow God's example in everything you do,
because you are His dear children.
2 Live a life filled with love for others,
following the example of Christ,
who loved you
& gave Himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins.
And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to Him.
How does someone "live a life filled with love for others"?
hmmmmmm...
all I know is all I know...
For me, I'm plugged into God.
And I'm plugged into the people I know & am around.
And somehow the current of His love runs through me.
It's not something I've earned the right to be & do because I'm so everlovin' holy. It just happens. I don't know how. It's a supernatural thing.
And if God can do that through a sinner like me, He can certainly do that through you.
I also ask myself "why" questions about people.
Why are they like that?
Why do they do those things?
Why are they the way they are?
Everybody's got a story & a reason for why they are what they are & do the things they do.
And I let people tell me who they are.
John Savage says, "People cannot not tell you who they are."
If we listen, watch, & remember what we see & hear, people will eventually reveal who they are.
And it's also helpful to remember that Jesus died for everyone we'll meet today, & delights in & cherishes them just as much as He delights in & cherishes us. There's gotta be a reason He does - although it is hard to see sometimes ;-)
And I try to remember that my life isn't all about me. I'm not the center of my universe. God is.
I've just reread all this. My goodness! I sound more than a little pompous & "I'm more holy & loving than you"
Please remember that it was after over 50 years of my life had passed that I finally began to connect to some of this stuff. It wasn't easy - it still isn't. I'm a pretty self-absorbed kind of guy.
Anyway, loving people is a whole lot simpler (but not easier) than we think. We just shift the spotlight of our thinking from ourselves to them. Easier said than done. It is simpler when we realize that none of us are very capable of loving anyone or anything, but with God's love channeling through us, it is possible.
1 Follow God's example in everything you do,
because you are His dear children.
2 Live a life filled with love for others,
following the example of Christ,
who loved you
& gave Himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins.
And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to Him.
How does someone "live a life filled with love for others"?
hmmmmmm...
all I know is all I know...
For me, I'm plugged into God.
And I'm plugged into the people I know & am around.
And somehow the current of His love runs through me.
It's not something I've earned the right to be & do because I'm so everlovin' holy. It just happens. I don't know how. It's a supernatural thing.
And if God can do that through a sinner like me, He can certainly do that through you.
I also ask myself "why" questions about people.
Why are they like that?
Why do they do those things?
Why are they the way they are?
Everybody's got a story & a reason for why they are what they are & do the things they do.
And I let people tell me who they are.
John Savage says, "People cannot not tell you who they are."
If we listen, watch, & remember what we see & hear, people will eventually reveal who they are.
And it's also helpful to remember that Jesus died for everyone we'll meet today, & delights in & cherishes them just as much as He delights in & cherishes us. There's gotta be a reason He does - although it is hard to see sometimes ;-)
And I try to remember that my life isn't all about me. I'm not the center of my universe. God is.
I've just reread all this. My goodness! I sound more than a little pompous & "I'm more holy & loving than you"
Please remember that it was after over 50 years of my life had passed that I finally began to connect to some of this stuff. It wasn't easy - it still isn't. I'm a pretty self-absorbed kind of guy.
Anyway, loving people is a whole lot simpler (but not easier) than we think. We just shift the spotlight of our thinking from ourselves to them. Easier said than done. It is simpler when we realize that none of us are very capable of loving anyone or anything, but with God's love channeling through us, it is possible.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
endure
Hebrews 10
vs 35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord,
no matter what happens.
Remember the great reward it brings you!
vs 36 Patient endurance is what you need now,
so that you will continue to do God's will.
Then you will receive all that He has promised.
There are 5 passages of scripture that God gave me at the beginning of 2010 that I'm carrying through this season of my life.
This is one of them
Sometimes they're all that get me through the day.
vs 35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord,
no matter what happens.
Remember the great reward it brings you!
vs 36 Patient endurance is what you need now,
so that you will continue to do God's will.
Then you will receive all that He has promised.
There are 5 passages of scripture that God gave me at the beginning of 2010 that I'm carrying through this season of my life.
This is one of them
Sometimes they're all that get me through the day.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
infinitely
Ephesians 3:16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.
17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong.
18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should,
how wide,
how long,
how high,
and how deep his love is.
19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.
Then...
...you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong.
18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should,
how wide,
how long,
how high,
and how deep his love is.
19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.
Then...
...you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Friday, July 8, 2011
something we need to be reminded of
Ephesians 2
vs 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed.
And you can't take credit for this;
it is a gift from God.
9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done,
so none of us can boast about it.
10 For we are God's masterpiece.
(dan note: I'm gonna repeat that)
we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece -we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece
(dan note: just sayin')
He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,
(dan note: operative word in that last sentence - "anew")
so we can do the good things he planned for us...
...long ago.
(dan note: as in loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong ago)
vs 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed.
And you can't take credit for this;
it is a gift from God.
9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done,
so none of us can boast about it.
10 For we are God's masterpiece.
(dan note: I'm gonna repeat that)
we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece -we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece - we are God's masterpiece
(dan note: just sayin')
He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,
(dan note: operative word in that last sentence - "anew")
so we can do the good things he planned for us...
...long ago.
(dan note: as in loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong ago)
Thursday, July 7, 2011
the same
Ephesians 1:19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.
Now let that sink in...
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is ours who believe in God.
The same power...
Think about that today
How would we live if we REALLY believed that?
Now let that sink in...
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is ours who believe in God.
The same power...
Think about that today
How would we live if we REALLY believed that?
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
a promise
Galatians 5:9 Don't get tired of doing what is right. Don't get discouraged & give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
God gave me this verse as a promise a few years ago.
I was at staff prayer out at SportsTowne (the staff gets together for prayer at 8:30am for an hour each day).
I was just asking the Lord what to do about this person in my life. Our relationship wasn't good & I couldn't see how it could get better.
I was walking around the room listening out for some sort of word from Him. Inside my head I heard "read Galatians 6"
Being the uber-holy person that I am, I thought "what's Galatians 6 got to do with me & this person?!"
;-D LOL
Well, I went over & started to read Galatians 6.
Nothing...
...until I got to verse 9.
The words "don't get discouraged & give up" jumped off the page!
Then I read the whole verse.
Not only did it kick my butt & tell me to keep on keeping on, it contained the promise that if I did a "harvest of blessing" in that relationship would come "at the appropriate tme".
Now I wish I could tell you that that relationship has blossomed & grown into something that's just terrific & a mutual blessing.
It's still not what it should be.
Many times - well, a whole lot of times, if I'm truthful - I've wanted to just give up on this person.
But "don't get discouraged & give up" keeps popping into my head whenever I've read to throw in the towel. It has caused me to continue "doing what is right" with this person.
I've accepted the fact that "the appropriate time" for "a harvest of blessing" may not be until we both get to heaven.
But then, maybe I'll see it here.
But I'm not letting this person go - I have a promise for our relationship.
So?
Anybody out there have a similar person or situation like this?
Someone you love but can't get them to connect with you.
Something you care about but can't get it to sync?
Don't get tired of doing what is right.
Don't get discouraged & give up,
for we will reap a harvest of blessing
at the appropriate time.
God gave me this verse as a promise a few years ago.
I was at staff prayer out at SportsTowne (the staff gets together for prayer at 8:30am for an hour each day).
I was just asking the Lord what to do about this person in my life. Our relationship wasn't good & I couldn't see how it could get better.
I was walking around the room listening out for some sort of word from Him. Inside my head I heard "read Galatians 6"
Being the uber-holy person that I am, I thought "what's Galatians 6 got to do with me & this person?!"
;-D LOL
Well, I went over & started to read Galatians 6.
Nothing...
...until I got to verse 9.
The words "don't get discouraged & give up" jumped off the page!
Then I read the whole verse.
Not only did it kick my butt & tell me to keep on keeping on, it contained the promise that if I did a "harvest of blessing" in that relationship would come "at the appropriate tme".
Now I wish I could tell you that that relationship has blossomed & grown into something that's just terrific & a mutual blessing.
It's still not what it should be.
Many times - well, a whole lot of times, if I'm truthful - I've wanted to just give up on this person.
But "don't get discouraged & give up" keeps popping into my head whenever I've read to throw in the towel. It has caused me to continue "doing what is right" with this person.
I've accepted the fact that "the appropriate time" for "a harvest of blessing" may not be until we both get to heaven.
But then, maybe I'll see it here.
But I'm not letting this person go - I have a promise for our relationship.
So?
Anybody out there have a similar person or situation like this?
Someone you love but can't get them to connect with you.
Something you care about but can't get it to sync?
Don't get tired of doing what is right.
Don't get discouraged & give up,
for we will reap a harvest of blessing
at the appropriate time.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
read this REAL slow
(How many times have I read this? And each time, He speaks through it to me in different ways.)
Psalm 139
1 O LORD, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I'm far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, LORD.
5 You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
8 If I go up to heaven,
you are there;
if I go down to the grave,
you are there.
9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
11 I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous...
how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
18 I can't even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
23 Search me, O God,
and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139
1 O LORD, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I'm far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, LORD.
5 You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
8 If I go up to heaven,
you are there;
if I go down to the grave,
you are there.
9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
11 I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous...
how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
18 I can't even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
23 Search me, O God,
and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Monday, July 4, 2011
'nuff said
Psalm 138:8a The Lord will work out His plans for my life...
It may not be the plans I would choose for my life, but if I "don't cling to my life", He will be able to implement His plans.
It may not be the plans I would choose for my life, but if I "don't cling to my life", He will be able to implement His plans.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
they come, they go
Galatians 3
26 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ,
like putting on new clothes.
28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile,
slave or free,
male and female.
For you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham.
You are his heirs,
and God's promise to Abraham belongs to you.
Ya know, I was thinking this morning about all the different things people have had to say about Jesus, od, following Him, a changed life, the absolutes of life, and stuff like that.
They haven't said anything new, although people always seem to think that do.
It's all been said before, one way or another, through words, actions, behaviors, or whatev...
...for 2000+ yrs
These detractors, these belittlers, these deep & intelligent theologian & thinkers, these hip & with it cultural icons, these wise leaders, these __________ (you fill in the blank)...
They've given their interpretations, views, ideas, & insight on the Word.
They've all come & gone.
And there will always be those to come who will speak "their truth" about the Truth.
And the Truth of these verses, & the truth found in the Bible, just keeps on keeping on.
26 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ,
like putting on new clothes.
28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile,
slave or free,
male and female.
For you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham.
You are his heirs,
and God's promise to Abraham belongs to you.
Ya know, I was thinking this morning about all the different things people have had to say about Jesus, od, following Him, a changed life, the absolutes of life, and stuff like that.
They haven't said anything new, although people always seem to think that do.
It's all been said before, one way or another, through words, actions, behaviors, or whatev...
...for 2000+ yrs
These detractors, these belittlers, these deep & intelligent theologian & thinkers, these hip & with it cultural icons, these wise leaders, these __________ (you fill in the blank)...
They've given their interpretations, views, ideas, & insight on the Word.
They've all come & gone.
And there will always be those to come who will speak "their truth" about the Truth.
And the Truth of these verses, & the truth found in the Bible, just keeps on keeping on.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
walking in the light
Proverbs 3:5 (The Message)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go;
He's the One Who will keep you on track.
You have no idea how I've held on to this verse these last 10 months...
especially, "don't try to figure out everything on your own"
3 thing stuck out when I felt like God gave it to me in January, 2010 for the ahead:
Trust
Listen
...will keep you
Been tryin' to trust Him - what choice do I have?!
Been listening as hard as I ever have.
So far, He's kept me - not like I thought He would - but He has.
And prolly a gajillion times He's reminded me "don't try to figure out everything on your own"
these days, so much of my life doesn't figure compared to conventional wisdom.
but then, when has it? ;-)
Listen...
Trust...
(He) will keep you.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go;
He's the One Who will keep you on track.
You have no idea how I've held on to this verse these last 10 months...
especially, "don't try to figure out everything on your own"
3 thing stuck out when I felt like God gave it to me in January, 2010 for the ahead:
Trust
Listen
...will keep you
Been tryin' to trust Him - what choice do I have?!
Been listening as hard as I ever have.
So far, He's kept me - not like I thought He would - but He has.
And prolly a gajillion times He's reminded me "don't try to figure out everything on your own"
these days, so much of my life doesn't figure compared to conventional wisdom.
but then, when has it? ;-)
Listen...
Trust...
(He) will keep you.
Friday, July 1, 2011
scandalous
Galatians 1
4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.5 All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
God is holy - so holy that if we were to look directly upon Him, we would just evaporate - iow, He is big-time HOLY - we can't fathom that kind of holiness - we can't even fathom a little bit of holiness - He is so holy that sin cannot coexist with Him
God is eternal - He does not live within the time continuum - He just IS
God is all-powerful - NOTHiNG can overcome Him - there is NOTHING He can't do
God is all-wise - iow, He doesn't do stupid stuff
God is all-knowing - He sees the BIG picture - He sees the beginning, the end, & everything in between.
God knows each of us specifically, to every detail about us
God is the very essence of love - the author of love
This inconceivable Person has made it possible for us sinful people to come into a relationship with Him because of Jesus Christ - Jesus was perfect, so He trades is life as payment for the judgement we all deserve - iow, if liken it to a court proceeding where God is our judge, Jesus can pay with His perfect life the fine for our sinful behavior & lives
Grace is SO scandalous - we get off - we get forgiven for all the stupid, sinful things we are & do - & as a result, God sees us as clean & pure.
scandalous
Sometimes this whole thing is too gianormous to wrap our brains around
4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.5 All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
God is holy - so holy that if we were to look directly upon Him, we would just evaporate - iow, He is big-time HOLY - we can't fathom that kind of holiness - we can't even fathom a little bit of holiness - He is so holy that sin cannot coexist with Him
God is eternal - He does not live within the time continuum - He just IS
God is all-powerful - NOTHiNG can overcome Him - there is NOTHING He can't do
God is all-wise - iow, He doesn't do stupid stuff
God is all-knowing - He sees the BIG picture - He sees the beginning, the end, & everything in between.
God knows each of us specifically, to every detail about us
God is the very essence of love - the author of love
This inconceivable Person has made it possible for us sinful people to come into a relationship with Him because of Jesus Christ - Jesus was perfect, so He trades is life as payment for the judgement we all deserve - iow, if liken it to a court proceeding where God is our judge, Jesus can pay with His perfect life the fine for our sinful behavior & lives
Grace is SO scandalous - we get off - we get forgiven for all the stupid, sinful things we are & do - & as a result, God sees us as clean & pure.
scandalous
Sometimes this whole thing is too gianormous to wrap our brains around
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