Heart, Soul & Mind

I am so excited today!  I have enjoyed some study time and now I am enjoying a nice bowl of Cream of Wheat (trying to not let it drip as I rush forward to write this).  I so want to be wholly owned by the Heavenly Father - Heart, Soul and Mind. I want to surrender my will to His will. I want to drink in all that He wants to teach me and be obedient to His guiding. I cannot wait to see what new thing He will do in my life.

I started an Old Testament class.  We have only had the first class and already it was amazing.  As I listened,  the Lord opened my eyes in a whole new way to Moses and why He wrote much of what He wrote.  I also have a fresh understanding as to why the Israelites spent so much desert time.  Their lives are so important to the precious God breathed book that I am studying.  As I listened to the introduction for this class, it was clear. . . this is what I was longing for.  I was so incredibly excited I could hardly sit still.  Finally, something that would tie together all the Bible studies to make it all more cohesive.  I also began to understand more about differences in churches.  I know I have said it before but understand what your church or denomination believes and why.  It is very important as it colors all you are taught there.  On a slightly separate note, pray and be obedient if you feel that you are not where the Holy Spirit is leading you. It is so easy to stay put but not always God's best for us.  Sometimes we must make changes to learn and do all He wants for us.

I also started the workbook study.  Today I completed the second day of Beth Moore's study James.  The workbook is available at Lifeway Christian Bookstores or online.  So far it is incredible! I also love the way she has given options to do a deeper study in this workbook.  Her ability to help you be there and feel the things that Jesus' earthly family felt are amazing. I think it is going to be the perfect balance to my Old Testament study. I bet the Lord will even use them together to teach new things.

Another big excitement is that I got a brand new Bible.  I am now using the English Standard Version (ESV) and love it.  I have used it for a couple of weeks without making marks or writing in it. But at last I am making it my own.  I love to write in the margins and mark what God is teaching.  The perfectly smooth clean pages are starting to look loved.

At this point I am thinking this blog might provide accountability.  I usually concentrate on one thing at a time but my hunger for the Lord will not allow that right now.  I feel almost guilty to set this much time aside to study but also feel that it is what I need to do right now.  Please pray with me that I can stay on course and the Lord God will bless the time spent studying His Word.

New Year

Well Christmas and New Years are past.  I have to say that it was truly a wonderful time for our family this year. The Lord has been so good to us.  We had beautiful church services, great family time and really just a sense of peace. So now to move forward with 2013.  I don't do resolutions. Not against them. . . just not interested. Truly I just know that I will fail.  In my power, I have no power.  But still I can't help but think of things I need to change with a fresh new year.

Over the years, I have done lots of group Bible studies. One such study was what the Lord used to capture my attention and turn my heart to Him.  So they are precious to me.  But the last year, again God has been working and I feel the need to take another step.  My vision for this year is a go both deeper and wider.  By deeper I mean to spend more time in the Word than in a workbook. By wider, I want to get a better over-all grasp of scripture (putting the pieces grasped through workbook studies together more cohesively). That is my goal.  Now saying that, I purchased yet another workbook so it is going to take determination. So I step forward prayerfully that the Lord will help me to do what He has set in my heart.  I will post here from time to time and let you know how it is going.

We are also trying to be much more intentional about being host/hostesses.  It is a simple way to show love as God commanded. Plus we are already making some amazing new friends as we do this.  I do find that this requires putting pride aside. I would love to make a big meal every time we have company. . .but I was reminded (the hard way through failure and expense) that this is not the way to go. Simple inexpensive foods but very welcoming home is the winner!  May the Lord bless the effort and those who dine with us. Be sure to check my blog from time to time Family Faith & Dinner. You may see some of these meals there in the future.

Christmas of Faith

I am so excited about Christmas this year. The joy of it overwhelms me.  I truly cannot even explain it.  As we have worked with others to make our plans, many do not conform to my perfect plan. I love to plan and for things to seem organized and simple.  But that is not to be when there are lots of other planners in the mix.  Still I am thrilled that it is the week before Christmas!  There is not even one part I dread.  Clearly it is from the Lord.  How do I know? Well, it simply is not my nature.

By nature, I could plan every detail making sure that everything is evenly spaced for any needed corrections. Every gift a little better than necessary and beautifully wrapped (extras on standby).  Every meal carefully planned and shopping done. Cookies, pot lucks, snacks all ready.  All this with plenty of time left to think of all those people who have been special through the year so that I can get some baked goodie their way.  That is what I love. That is also what I feel somewhat freed from this year.  Some of those things are done but many are not. Everything is simple and fret-free so far.

Who knows if I can stay on this track. Many times I fail.  But I feel like the Lord explained it a bit today in my quiet time.  Did you ever think Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had anything to do with Christmas? Me either!!!  But God and His living breathing Word do not go by our rules. Praise God!  I love a warm glowing fire in the fireplace but fiery furnaces. . .um no.  The lesson given is about standing boldly for our Lord Jesus Christ. Can I before even the most intimidating relative (yes, even more intimidating than a King)  be bold when the time comes? Will I be kind to even the most hateful person I encounter while shopping?  Will I take time to stop and spread His love to those around me (push their cart in, lift the heavy item for the elderly, make sure the downtrodden are encouraged) or will I rush by to the next thing I need to do? That is my lesson.

I have seen first hand over the past months that God gives us many opportunity in rather normal situations to shine His light. Sometimes I was faithful and sometimes I failed miserably.  But this incredible joy that He is shining into my heart has reminded me that I am not doing it alone and it is not my choice to make.  I need Him! I want Him! Once you taste of the Lord, nothing else compares.   I have also learned that you cannot make others believe. You simply show them by the manifestations of His spirit in your life.  And be bold in speech when called upon.

Have I said how excited I am for Christmas? Praising God for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ! May He be EVERYTHING to you and your family this year! May we, as His servants, be focused on Him and obedient that this might be the very best Christmas ever!

 

Unconditional Love

In recent weeks, I have often found myself thinking about or reading about prophets of Biblical times.  It has struck me how really hard their lives were.  They were often condemned and outcast.  Their messages were hard and did not follow popular opinion.  Truly there was nothing that was not touched by the very difficult task they were assigned. Hosea is case and point.  God told him to marry a women who would not be faithful. He was to be an example of God's relationship with Israel.  The story is gut wrenching as Hosea perseveres his very difficult marriage with even his children being names according to what God was teaching the people through him.

There are so many stories in the Bible that fit perfectly with where our world is today.  The world still often scoffs and outcast those who speak the truth of God's Word. It is not pretty and fluffy. It is hard.  The world and the enemy make it confusing with all the lies.  But there is hope!

If you read the difficult story of Hosea, then you find a story of unconditional love. Not just of Hosea to his wife but of God to His people!  Praise Him!  He has not given up on us. He is ever faithful and beckoning us to be His faithful bride.

"And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy." Hosea 2:19

It breaks my heart to think of how we break the heart of the Lord our God. He has done so much for us and yet we turn our backs.  Yet. . .He is still there for us.  The picture of unconditional love.

It is not easy and, in fact, I think it is often very hard.  But the power of our God is unimaginable. There is nothing He cannot do.  Not sure of this, then ask yourself.  Why were prophets, like Hosea, willing to do what they did?  The Lord had not only given them an incredibly hard job. . .He gave them all they needed to do the job. I have no doubt that they KNEW that God is able and willing!!!! They knew God!  The question is . . .do we know God? Are we willing to obey even when it is not popular or even makes us outcast?

Say yes, to God who created you and loves you.  Then if you dare, read Hosea.  Fall upon your face and worship God!  Make it an amazing day in your relationship with the Lord! He is waiting. . .

 

Sometimes Change is Good

Time has surely passed since I last posted. There have been so many changes and it has been very busy! The changes have included moving, sending a son off to military, preparing another for college (next year), etc. One of the things that has been on the forefront is finding a new church. Stepping out and visiting new churches is scary to be sure. The first visit is a bit awkward and then there is the pressure to figure out if that is where God would have you. But I believe this is part of something bigger that God has been doing in our lives.

About six months back, the Lord our God began preparing us (as a family) for something. We simply do not know what yet. God has opened our eyes to some things, allowed us to be sifted in other areas, and allowed for growth in Him.  It is with excitement and trembling we take each step forward and sometimes a few steps back. As time moves forward. . . He ask for more and more to be given to Him. Often times we are deeply convicted of something we paid no attention to in the past. And that is where I am beginning to see that change is good.

Now please know that I am not speaking against any denomination or church. I would not so long as they preach the Word of God and believe in King Jesus as Lord and Savior. There will be no denominations in Heaven and we are all the same church! That being said, it is easy to do what you have always done. For example, your comfort zone may be with a particular denomination, certain friends, style of music, or even type of building for worship. While all those things may be wonderful. . . I wonder how often they keep us from being stretched or hinder our growth? This is what I have noticed. . .

In visiting other churches, we are required to go back to the Bible for answers. It causes questions to be raised as to why we do certain things or believe certain things. So much of what we do or believe falls back on tradition rather than the Word of God.  That is dangerous ground. I have been strongly convicted over past months that I must look to the Word of God for proof of everything. Other than Jesus Himself, there is no one who has walked this earth that knows everything and always speaks 100% truth. Sure there are many who desire to speak 100% truth, but Romans 3:10 says that "As it is written, None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one". So despite our best efforts, we cannot always be right.

The Bible is the very word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says that every word of it is "God breathed!" Are you hungry for more of the Lord? Are you wishing He would speak to you today? He will! All you need to do is open His word and read. While reading. . .remember that you are reading the living breathing words of the God who created all things including you. His desire is to have a relationship with you and that begins with a humble heart reading His words. I pray that His Word will greatly minister in and through you today! Praising Him with you!

"Be still and know that I am God"

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Over the past couple years, this is a verse that God continues to deepen the meaning of for me. Before that it seemed simple, but truly it is not. Like all of God's Word, it is living and breathing. Today, once again, this verse hit me. This time it was the very word "God" that hit me. In a time when our religion has become more about doctrine and is based more on what we have heard a pastor say rather than reading for ourselves. . .this verse holds great power in our relationship with the Most High God.

Personally, I have trouble with the "be still" part. Schedules are crazy and I have a need to get things done. Not a God created need but a me created need. In past months, God has really convicted me on the fact that without the "be still" part, I will never get the "God" part. Like who is God? What is He like? What does He expect of me? I believe that we have molded God into many things, most of which He is not. Sometimes it is a scripture taken out of context. Sometimes it is because the Lord revealed something to someone and they wanted others to "get it". But in our human efforts it is so easy to change the truth (to be more impactful,easier to understand, or maybe they just change in our minds over time) as we try to explain. Since God didn't intend for us to change or add to His Word this is so dangerous.

The Lord's message to me has been that the only complete truth is His Word. There is no substitute for spending time in His Word. Because how else will I know with absolute assurance what to believe? How else will I know who God is? How else will I know how Jesus truly lived and responded to people while in human form? Not only that. . .how else will I have faith?

God's Word is a tremendous gift which we have allowed to sit on our shelves and collect dust. I feel that we could be coming onto a time of national revival as more and more people are discovering these very things. I encourage you to be a part of this. Dust off your Bible, if need be, and soak in the very words of God. Watch as He opens your eyes to understanding and your love grows for the Father. Jeremiah 31:3 says, I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." If you just read this, it is not by accident. Abba Father is calling you to Himself. Be still and KNOW He is God! It will change your life like you never thought possible! Seek in His word what is true and then you will know for sure.

Could you have been Judas?

I want to try to paint a picture for you that I hope will have a profound impact.  Let's go back in time and pretend for a moment that you were one of  Jesus' disciples.  You are meeting together with Jesus and the others for an exciting and important celebration of the Passover.  You sense that Jesus is deeply troubled as the meal continues.   Then He says, "I'm telling you the truth: One of you will betray Me, even someone who is eating with Me!"  Everyone becomes extremely distressed and looks around at each other.  Who could He mean? First you begin to look at the others and think of all their shortcomings. But would any of them betray our Lord?  It is then that you realize that the others are looking at you just the same. So you wonder what they are thinking? What are my short-comings? Is there any chance He could be referring to me?  You know that you have loved Him and followed Him for three years, but you also know that you have made many mistakes along the way.  Some still burden your heart when you think of them. So one by one, each disciple goes to the Christ and asks "Am I the one?" You are hesitant to even ask since you know what is in your heart but finally you do.

If you had been there, what weaknesses would have come to mind? What guilt would lay your heart open to the enemy? Would you need to ask, "Lord is it I"?   As a "good" Christian, it is easy to judge that really bad disciple Judas Iscariot.  The one spoken of in church with disdain, but let's face the truth. When the Lord God searches our hearts, it may look much like his (Judas' heart).

Sometimes the life of a Christian doesn't look much different than the life they lived before. But that should never be the case.  Read these verses:

“The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, … and you will be changed into a different person.” — 1 Samuel 10:6
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20
"And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." Galatians 5:24
These verses tell us that when we accept Christ Jesus as our Savior. . . we should be radically changed!  Our life belongs to Him.

^" Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,   for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Jesus is waiting for you to ask? "Is it I?" But perhaps it would be better to just allow Him to have all of your life so that you never have to question if you could be Judas the betrayer.  Surrender your life daily to Him. Let Him produce change and beauty from the inside out.

Now about the passover . . . Did you know that even if you are not a Jew, the passover is critically important to you?  The passover occurred as the final plague that God used so that Pharaoh would release God's people who were being used as Egyptian slaves. Pharaoh had refused to listen and release the slaves after multiply opportunities.  So God instructed the Israelites to slay a lamb and put the blood on their door-frame.  That night the death angel passed over and took the life of every firstborn in each family. The exception was those whose doorway was covered by the blood of the lamb.  The blood covering was their protection from death.

As Christians, Christ Jesus is our passover lamb. He has given His perfect self as our sanctification.
"Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." 1 Corinthians 5:7
When we try to enter the gates of Heaven, there will be only one question.  "Were you covered by the blood of Christ?"  No credential will do. No excuse will do. No great act or acts will do. Being a good person won't help.  Nothing but the blood of Christ! Christ died that you might have eternal life and He is the only one worthy of paying such a price.

Have you accepted the free gift of grace offered by Jesus? Is He your Savior but also your Lord?  Do you call yourself His while your heart betrays Him? Our time is short and our number of days are unknown to us. Today might be your last chance to surrender.  Please ask God why He brought you to this blog and answer His call.

Seeking Him?. . .He will be found!

But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29

. . . If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9

If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. 2 Chronicles 15:2

But if you will seek God earnestly and plead with the Almighty, if you are pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself on your behalf and restore you to your prosperous state. Job 8:5-6

As I begin to write today, I can honestly say I don't know what to say.  I feel like God is deeply pressing the above verses on my heart to share.  Today as I read in 2 Chronicles, I thought "didn't I read that same verse in 1 Chronicles" so I took a look. To my amazement, almost that same verse is written at least the four times mentioned above.  Wow! I would say that God certainly wanted to make sure we understand and believe it is important.

So if God wants to be found and tells us we can find Him, then why do so many seem to not be able to find Him? It is heartbreaking.  I have heard people say so many times that they are praying but they just don't feel close to God.  They are struggling and seemingly loosing the battle.  Yet it is so hard to help them find their way.  But it is not because God won't or doesn't want to be found.  Rather it is way we seek Him.

These passages say things like "seek Him with all your heart and soul" or "seek God earnestly." This kind of seeking is not an instant thing. It requires allowing His Word and His Holy Spirit to plow the fields of your heart.  It takes loving Him enough to spend time with Him.  When you spend time in His Word each day, it literally feels like your heart is being plowed. The yucky hard rocks are removed and replaced by fertile tender soil.  His word settles into the soil and grows and produces fruit.  The best part is that you will begin to come to Him excited to see what else His word will reveal.  And HE WILL BE FOUND!

I know those first steps can be hard. But please be encouraged that the changes that will take place will be more than you could dream.  God, who created everything, wants to have a relationship with YOU! Imagine that! He wants you to come to Him with all your heart so that He may be found by you. The question really is. . .Do you want to find Him?

Need a place to start? Of course, it would be reading His word.  There are all kinds of reading plans out there but I highly recommend getting a "One Year Bible." For each day of the year, you will read something from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs.  After just a couple days, you will settle into the amazing story and truths being read. It only takes about 15 minutes a day and is so worth it.  You can also read online at One Year Bible.

I hope this encourages you and helps you surrender your heart for some good plowing. May you find the Lord your God when you seek Him today!

Praise be to you, Lord. . .

 David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,

“Praise be to you, Lord,
    the God of our father Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting.
 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
    and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
    for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
    you are exalted as head over all.
 Wealth and honor come from you;
    you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
    to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks,
    and praise your glorious name.

1 Chronicles 29:10-13 (NIV)

 

Today, I just wanted to share a praise to the Lord. His Word speaks to our hearts so much more than mere human words.  I want to give Him the rightful place of honor and praise in my heart and on this blog.

Finding the Light in the Darkness

They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Ephesians 4:18

 

We live in a time that the darkness is becoming more and more apparent. People aren't hiding the evil (Genesis 8:21) within their hearts any longer.  It seems that many feel it very socially acceptable to put it on display.  Even so many of the TV shows and movies put on display the overwhelming evil that comes from Satan.

"Day after day we exercise our natural impulses, spurning our Creator's authority over us. God beckons storm clouds, and they come. He tells the wind to blow and the rain to fall, and they immediately obey. Everything in creation responds in obedience to the Creator. . . until we get to you and me.  We have the audacity to look God in the face and say no. . . when you reflect not only on the power of God but also on the fullness of His perfection, you come to see just how heinous, destructive, and arrogant our rebellion really is." David Platt

Yet even within such a dark time, it seems that many are hoping/ pleading for something more. Often times we do not even know what we are yearning for. In Ephesians 4:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:4, the Bible tells us that our understanding has been darkened and ours hearts hardened. We no longer "see" the truth. In fact, aside from Jesus there is no way we can see the truth. That is why God had to make a plan for us.  So He sent His Son who is Truth to show us His light in the darkness.  Jesus is the light beckoning us from the darkness.

Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Have you submitted your life completely to Him? Do you obey the Word of God? When the Holy Spirit speaks do you obey? Be like the ocean, wind and all the rest of creation. . .obey God!

God loves us with an everlasting love. When you see the light rather than the darkness. . .you will know that love. When you obey Him, then His love will over-whelm you.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6