Sweetly Broken lyrics
To the cross I look, to the cross I cling
Of it's suffering I do drink
Of it's work I do sing
For on it my Savior both bruised and crushed
Showed that God is love
And God is just
Chorus:
At the cross You beckon me
You draw me gently to my knees, and I am
Lost for words, so lost in love,
I’m sweetly broken, wholly surrendered
What a priceless gift, undeserved life
Have I been given
Through Christ crucified
You’ve called me out of death
You’ve called me into life
And I was under Your wrath
Now through the cross I’m reconciled
Chorus:
In awe of the cross I must confess
How wondrous Your redeeming love and
How great is Your faithfulness
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Jeremy Riddle - Sweetly Broken / Lyrics
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Well, it has been a very eventful week or so. I knew that Aimee's senior year would be packed full of "stuff", but I never predicted it would be surgery.
Poor girl. Most everyone knows that she has had problems with her shoulder. It has, now, dislocated 3 times. The latest in her basketball game this past Friday against Loogootee. When I heard her scream I knew THAT scream. I'd heard it before. I knew her shoulder was out. The concerning thing to me was that she was wearing her Sully Brace, & didn't really overextend her arm & it popped out again. The first thing in her mind were the words Dr. Love had spoken last year when she partially dislocated it. "Next time it happens you will need surgery".
I am thankful that Will Walker was there at the game Friday. The first one, he said, that he has been to in 10 years. He is the nurse practitoner that she sees at Norris & Love's office more than Dr. Love actually. He came down to the trainer room after Ed & Andy Burkhardt carried her off the floor. He got her Sully Brace off, looked at it & popped it back in. Now the last time she had to have this done it was at Salem Hospital when she was 14. They gave her an IV & pain meds & had her sit for about 30 minutes before they would put it back in place. Will called in some pain meds for her & told us to come to the office on Monday.
As bad as it was when she was 14 to have her mom dress her, fix her hair, & other things that she would rather me not discuss I'm sure. It's probably much worse as an 18 year old. The good thing for me is she slept with me, which put Ed on the couch but, I loved it!
We were in the doctor office yesterday for about 4 hours. Will came in & saw us & then said "I didn't want to tell you this Friday night but I had never put one back in". Aimee & I just laughed & told him how thankful we are that he was there. Dr. Love came in, didn't even examine her, sat down & said well here we are again. Then he reminded us of what he had said last year. He said xrays won't do good at this point but said he wanted a MRI done & said surgery is what he recommends, as soon as next week. We were expecting that but the next part we weren't. He said that at 3 months her arm would be starting to feel better but that 6 months is the target date to be fully released. I saw her mentally adding up the months, when she turned to me & said but that's June... What about softball? It broke my heart, missing her senior year of basketball was bad but softball was devastating to her. She had the MRI at 1230, we will know final information of what exactly they plan to do by noon tomorrow if not before.
While this is a blow to her, she also knows it's best to fix it now. We are so blessed with friends & family that stopped what they were doing to pray & offer assistance. Friday night Andy Burkhardt, Jason Hennette, & Sandy Hovis jumped right in & helped & for that we are thankful. So many others offered help & said prayers, for that we are truly thankful. She has a long road ahead of her but we will make it through.
Tonight I plan on spending some time with Cole, as he has been some neglected in the past few days!!
Poor girl. Most everyone knows that she has had problems with her shoulder. It has, now, dislocated 3 times. The latest in her basketball game this past Friday against Loogootee. When I heard her scream I knew THAT scream. I'd heard it before. I knew her shoulder was out. The concerning thing to me was that she was wearing her Sully Brace, & didn't really overextend her arm & it popped out again. The first thing in her mind were the words Dr. Love had spoken last year when she partially dislocated it. "Next time it happens you will need surgery".
I am thankful that Will Walker was there at the game Friday. The first one, he said, that he has been to in 10 years. He is the nurse practitoner that she sees at Norris & Love's office more than Dr. Love actually. He came down to the trainer room after Ed & Andy Burkhardt carried her off the floor. He got her Sully Brace off, looked at it & popped it back in. Now the last time she had to have this done it was at Salem Hospital when she was 14. They gave her an IV & pain meds & had her sit for about 30 minutes before they would put it back in place. Will called in some pain meds for her & told us to come to the office on Monday.
As bad as it was when she was 14 to have her mom dress her, fix her hair, & other things that she would rather me not discuss I'm sure. It's probably much worse as an 18 year old. The good thing for me is she slept with me, which put Ed on the couch but, I loved it!
We were in the doctor office yesterday for about 4 hours. Will came in & saw us & then said "I didn't want to tell you this Friday night but I had never put one back in". Aimee & I just laughed & told him how thankful we are that he was there. Dr. Love came in, didn't even examine her, sat down & said well here we are again. Then he reminded us of what he had said last year. He said xrays won't do good at this point but said he wanted a MRI done & said surgery is what he recommends, as soon as next week. We were expecting that but the next part we weren't. He said that at 3 months her arm would be starting to feel better but that 6 months is the target date to be fully released. I saw her mentally adding up the months, when she turned to me & said but that's June... What about softball? It broke my heart, missing her senior year of basketball was bad but softball was devastating to her. She had the MRI at 1230, we will know final information of what exactly they plan to do by noon tomorrow if not before.
While this is a blow to her, she also knows it's best to fix it now. We are so blessed with friends & family that stopped what they were doing to pray & offer assistance. Friday night Andy Burkhardt, Jason Hennette, & Sandy Hovis jumped right in & helped & for that we are thankful. So many others offered help & said prayers, for that we are truly thankful. She has a long road ahead of her but we will make it through.
Tonight I plan on spending some time with Cole, as he has been some neglected in the past few days!!
Friday, November 20, 2009
You're the man!!
What do you think of when you hear "you're the man" today? Probably that someone did something good or just made the winning basket or what not. But I want to look at what it meant in 2 Samuel.
2 Samuel 12
(New International Version)
Nathan Rebukes David
1 The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, "There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, 3 but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him. 4 "Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him." 5 David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, "As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! 6 He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity." 7 Then Nathan said to David, "YOU ARE THE MAN,This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave your master's house to you, and your master's wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9 Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.' 11 "This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.' " 13 Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. 14 But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt, the son born to you will die." 15 After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. 16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. 17 The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them. 18 On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate." 19 David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked."Yes," they replied, "he is dead." 20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate. 21 His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!" 22 He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved him; 25 and because the LORD loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah.
Nathan was sent by God to David. He tells him a story & what does David do? He gets angry with the title subject in the story. When Nathan says to him "you're the man".
OUCH!!
Has this ever happened to you? Some injustice gets you worked up only to have God say to you "you're the man". I dare say we all have at one time or another. BUT the story goes on. David doesn't just wallow in his sin he gets up & goes on. He is forgiven from God as we see. I like to read the Psalms because there is such anguish, such true to life crying out to God for strenght beyond ourselves but there is also hope in the Psalms.
Take some time to read this story & also go to Psalms 51 & read what David wrote. Talk to God today, he's a great listener!!
2 Samuel 12
(New International Version)
Nathan Rebukes David
1 The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, "There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, 3 but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him. 4 "Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him." 5 David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, "As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! 6 He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity." 7 Then Nathan said to David, "YOU ARE THE MAN,This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave your master's house to you, and your master's wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9 Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.' 11 "This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.' " 13 Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. 14 But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt, the son born to you will die." 15 After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. 16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. 17 The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them. 18 On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate." 19 David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked."Yes," they replied, "he is dead." 20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate. 21 His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!" 22 He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved him; 25 and because the LORD loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah.
Nathan was sent by God to David. He tells him a story & what does David do? He gets angry with the title subject in the story. When Nathan says to him "you're the man".
OUCH!!
Has this ever happened to you? Some injustice gets you worked up only to have God say to you "you're the man". I dare say we all have at one time or another. BUT the story goes on. David doesn't just wallow in his sin he gets up & goes on. He is forgiven from God as we see. I like to read the Psalms because there is such anguish, such true to life crying out to God for strenght beyond ourselves but there is also hope in the Psalms.
Take some time to read this story & also go to Psalms 51 & read what David wrote. Talk to God today, he's a great listener!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Pursue the Virtue of Contentment
Pursue the Virtue of Contentment
by Max Lucado
A businessman bought popcorn from an old street vendor each day after lunch. He once arrived to find the peddler closing up his stand at noon. “Is something wrong?” he asked.
A smile wrinkled the seller’s leathery face. “By no means. All is well.”
“Then why are you closing your popcorn stand?”
“So I can go to my house, sit on my porch, and sip tea with my wife.”
The man of commerce objected. “But the day is still young. You can still sell.”
“No need to,” the stand owner replied. “I’ve made enough money for today.”
“Enough? Absurd. You should keep working.”
The spry old man stopped and stared at his well-dressed visitor. “And why should I keep working?”
“To sell more popcorn.”
“And why sell more popcorn?”
“Because the more popcorn you sell, the more money you make. The more money you make, the richer you are. The richer you are, the more popcorn stands you can buy. The more popcorn stands you buy, the more peddlers sell your product, and the richer you become. And when you have enough, you can stop working, sell your popcorn stands, stay home, and sit on the porch with your wife and drink tea.”
The popcorn man smiled. “I can do that today. I guess I have enough.”
Wise was the one who wrote, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income” (Eccles. 5:10 NIV).
Don’t heed greed.
Greed makes a poor job counselor.
Greed has a growling stomach. Feed it, and you risk more than budget-busting debt. You risk losing purpose. Greed can seduce you out of your sweet spot.
Before you change your job title, examine your perspective toward life. Success is not defined by position or pay scale but by this: doing the most what you do the best.
Parents, give that counsel to your kids. Tell them to do what they love to do so well that someone pays them to do it.
Spouses, urge your mate to choose satisfaction over salary. Better to be married to a happy person who has a thin wallet than a miserable person with a thick one. Besides, “a pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life” (Prov. 13:7 MSG).
Pursue the virtue of contentment. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6 NIV). When choosing or changing jobs, be careful. Consult your design. Consult your Designer. But never consult your greed.
From Cure for the Common Life
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2006) Max Lucado
by Max Lucado
A businessman bought popcorn from an old street vendor each day after lunch. He once arrived to find the peddler closing up his stand at noon. “Is something wrong?” he asked.
A smile wrinkled the seller’s leathery face. “By no means. All is well.”
“Then why are you closing your popcorn stand?”
“So I can go to my house, sit on my porch, and sip tea with my wife.”
The man of commerce objected. “But the day is still young. You can still sell.”
“No need to,” the stand owner replied. “I’ve made enough money for today.”
“Enough? Absurd. You should keep working.”
The spry old man stopped and stared at his well-dressed visitor. “And why should I keep working?”
“To sell more popcorn.”
“And why sell more popcorn?”
“Because the more popcorn you sell, the more money you make. The more money you make, the richer you are. The richer you are, the more popcorn stands you can buy. The more popcorn stands you buy, the more peddlers sell your product, and the richer you become. And when you have enough, you can stop working, sell your popcorn stands, stay home, and sit on the porch with your wife and drink tea.”
The popcorn man smiled. “I can do that today. I guess I have enough.”
Wise was the one who wrote, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income” (Eccles. 5:10 NIV).
Don’t heed greed.
Greed makes a poor job counselor.
Greed has a growling stomach. Feed it, and you risk more than budget-busting debt. You risk losing purpose. Greed can seduce you out of your sweet spot.
Before you change your job title, examine your perspective toward life. Success is not defined by position or pay scale but by this: doing the most what you do the best.
Parents, give that counsel to your kids. Tell them to do what they love to do so well that someone pays them to do it.
Spouses, urge your mate to choose satisfaction over salary. Better to be married to a happy person who has a thin wallet than a miserable person with a thick one. Besides, “a pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life” (Prov. 13:7 MSG).
Pursue the virtue of contentment. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6 NIV). When choosing or changing jobs, be careful. Consult your design. Consult your Designer. But never consult your greed.
From Cure for the Common Life
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2006) Max Lucado
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Safeguards
Remember back in the old days when castles had moats with fire breathing dragons???
Well, maybe you don't really remember but use your imagination here.
How about large 4 legged animals to "guard" our homes?
What safeguards do you use to guard your heart?? We've been talking a lot lately in the Ya Ya's about Love... Crazy Love to be exact. We've talked about taking our thoughts captive daily to help "safeguard" our hearts.
Also surrounding yourself with Christian friends. Although I caution you on this one because we tend to get in our little groups where everything is all fine & aren't we sweet with our dress on & our patent leather shoes... Man that was a memory from my childhood BUT I digress. We all too often get in our little groups & a few things happen:
1. We want to pretend everything in our life is just so great, nothing goes wrong. It's all roses etc... I challange you to find people with whom you can be completely honest with even if it scares you to death to be that honest cause when you find that group there won't be judgemental attitudes but love.
2. We don't reach out to others. We are in our little group of Christian friends & it's all warm & cozy so we forget about that part in the Bible where Jesus COMMANDS us to Go, to all nations preaching the good news. It's scary to put yourself out there but it wasn't a suggestion. It was a commandment!
Another way to safeguard yourself is to listen to Christian radio throughout your day. Or Christina CDs etc... This has been a big help in my daily walk.
What safeguards are you taking to guard your heart & mind??
Well, maybe you don't really remember but use your imagination here.
How about large 4 legged animals to "guard" our homes?
What safeguards do you use to guard your heart?? We've been talking a lot lately in the Ya Ya's about Love... Crazy Love to be exact. We've talked about taking our thoughts captive daily to help "safeguard" our hearts.
Also surrounding yourself with Christian friends. Although I caution you on this one because we tend to get in our little groups where everything is all fine & aren't we sweet with our dress on & our patent leather shoes... Man that was a memory from my childhood BUT I digress. We all too often get in our little groups & a few things happen:
1. We want to pretend everything in our life is just so great, nothing goes wrong. It's all roses etc... I challange you to find people with whom you can be completely honest with even if it scares you to death to be that honest cause when you find that group there won't be judgemental attitudes but love.
2. We don't reach out to others. We are in our little group of Christian friends & it's all warm & cozy so we forget about that part in the Bible where Jesus COMMANDS us to Go, to all nations preaching the good news. It's scary to put yourself out there but it wasn't a suggestion. It was a commandment!
Another way to safeguard yourself is to listen to Christian radio throughout your day. Or Christina CDs etc... This has been a big help in my daily walk.
What safeguards are you taking to guard your heart & mind??
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The Blindside
I cannot wait to see this movie!! These types of true stories touch my heart in a big way.
Michael Jerome Oher (born Michael Jerome Williams Jr. on May 28, 1986) is an American professional football player for the Baltimore Ravens. He played college football at, and graduated from, the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). His life prior to college is the subject of Michael Lewis's 2006 book, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, and a movie titled The Blind Side, scheduled to be released on November 20, 2009.
High school career
Michael Oher played football in his freshman year at a Memphis public school, but didn't play football again until his junior year at Briarcrest Christian School. His senior year, he took over at left tackle. In 2004, Oher was ranked the No. 1 offensive line prospect in high school, and it was also said that "Michael Oher's ability and his body — the only thing you could compare it to was Orlando Pace's."
College career
After receiving scholarship offers from the University of Tennessee, Louisiana State University, the University of Alabama, and North Carolina State University, among others, Oher ultimately decided to attend the University of Mississippi, the alma mater of Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, with whom he was living at the time. His decision was not without controversy. The National Collegiate Athletic Association suspected that the Tuohys had taken Oher in and added him to their will in order to secure his services as a player for their school, but an investigation did not affect his eligibility. Oher's high school coach Hugh Freeze also created the appearance of possible impropriety by taking a job as UM's assistant athletic director for external affairs twenty days after Oher signed a letter of intent with the school. Freeze claimed that the offer was not an example of quid pro quo for encouraging Oher to attend Mississippi, but rather the result of a pre-existing relationship with Mississippi offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone. The NCAA later ruled that Freeze had committed secondary violations by contacting Memphis-area prospects on behalf of the school before he had officially become an employee.
Oher started in 10 games as a guard during his first season with Mississippi, becoming a first-team freshman All American. He shifted to the position of left tackle for the 2006 season, and was named to a variety of preseason All-Conference and All-American teams. He was named a second-team SEC offensive lineman after his sophomore season and a first-team SEC offensive lineman after his junior season.
On January 14, 2008, Oher declared that he would be entering the 2008 NFL Draft. However, two days later, he announced his withdrawal from the draft to return to Ole Miss for his senior season.
After the 2008-2009 college football season, Oher was selected to the AP All-American first team.
Professional career
2009 NFL Draft
The Baltimore Ravens drafted Oher in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Oher was the 23rd pick in the first round, a pick Baltimore received from the New England Patriots in exchange for the Ravens' 1st and 5th round picks. The Tuohy family was there to witness the moment.
(* represents NFL Combine)
Baltimore Ravens
On April 26, 2009, he was assigned the #74 jersey, which was his jersey number at Ole Miss. On July 30, 2009 he signed a 5 year, $13.8 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens. He started the 2009 season at right tackle, but was moved to left tackle after an injury to line-mate Jared Gaither. In week eight, he returned to right tackle. He currently has a listed height of 6'4" and a listed weight of 310 pounds. His 40 yard dash time is 5.32 seconds. Oher has thus far started every game for the Ravens this season.
Personal life
Oher was born to Denise Oher, who suffered an addiction to crack cocaine. As a result, he received little constructive attention during his formative years. He repeated both first grade and second grade, and attended eleven different schools during his first nine years as a student. He also alternated between time spent in various foster homes and periods with no fixed address until he was sixteen years old. Oher's estranged father was murdered while Oher was a senior in high school.
Oher applied for admission to a private school, Briarcrest Christian School, at the instigation of acquaintance Tony Henderson, with whom he was staying temporarily. Henderson was sending his son to the school in order to fulfill the dying wish of the boy's grandmother, and he decided that Oher might as well come along. Although the school's football coach was interested in Oher, school administrators did not feel that he was capable of handling the school's academic workload due to his scant educational background; however, he was admitted after he attempted to qualify for admission through a home-study program that removed him from the public education system.
A couple with a daughter at the school, Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, allowed Oher to move in with them and began taking care of his needs after becoming familiar with his difficult personal circumstances. They also connected him with a tutor, who worked with him for twenty hours a week. He eventually brought his 0.9 grade point average up to 2.65. Later, the Tuohy family adopted him.
What do you smell like?
Heard this today and thought it was SO good. Had to share!
What Do You Smell Like?
What do you smell like right now? That may sound like an inappropriate question, but did you know that the Bible tells us how we should smell.
Our sense of smell is given to us by God, and is in large part for our pleasure, to allow us to enjoy the many beautiful fragrances all around us. How much duller life would be if we couldn't smell!
Have you ever noticed that aromas and fragrances were evidently very important to God? In the law given to Moses, he established sacrifices that were to give a pleasing smell and aroma. He gave the formula for the incense to be burned on his altar, a unique aroma that was never to be used for any other purpose.
There's a very interesting passage in
2 Corinthians 2:14-16 about aromas:
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.
You know, perfumes are distinguishable. You can recognize one from another pretty easily. I wear a certain brand, and quite often someone will identify it. They know the smell; it's distinctive. Well, we note in this passage that those of us who are believers also give off an aroma. God intended for us to be fragrant people, with a distinctive smell that can be identified.
You want to know the name of this Christian perfume? It's The Knowledge of Jesus Christ. When you wear this fragrance, it will be recognized. We are to spread everywhere the fragrance that we know Jesus, that he has impacted our lives and as a result, we're different. That he has top priority in our lives.
Are you spreading this fragrance everywhere you go? "Everywhere" has to include our jobs, our homes, our community, our social engagements. Some Christians like to put on their knowledge of Jesus Christ perfume on Sundays, but prefer not to wear it during the week. Obviously God intended for us to smell like his children all the time.
How well I remember, quite a few years ago now before I was walking with the Lord in obedience, when I was painfully reminded that I didn't smell like a Christian. A co-worker and I were chatting one day, and I mentioned that I went to church. He looked at me and said, "Yeah?" I went on to explain that I always went to church and it was an important part of my life. "Gee, Mary," he said, "that really surprises me. I never knew you were religious."
It was like a convicting dagger to my heart, because what he was saying to me was, "You don't act like I'd expect a real dedicated Christian to act." Of course he was right. I was not spreading everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Sadly many Christians are in that same boat.
Things are a little different now, thank God. For years I taught public seminars across the country on business topics, and quite often one of the attenders would approach me cautiously, with a questioning look on his or her face, and say something like, "You're a Christian, aren't you?" They smelled the aroma of Jesus Christ, and recognized it because they wore the same perfume. And we immediately shared our mutual love for the Lord and felt that special closeness because we wore the same perfume, the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ. It's exciting when that happens.
Do people ever smell the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ on you? Even the strangers you meet for brief moments should be able to detect from your face and your manner that there's something unusual about you. God's been convicting me that often I lose that wonderful aroma of Jesus Christ when I'm dealing with strangers. I need to take time to spread that good aroma through smiles and kind words, going out of my way a little bit to help someone else.
There are many ways we can spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and those of us who go out to a working world everyday have a wonderful opportunity to smell like Jesus because we're there, working closely with people who don't know Jesus personally. Our lives should carry his beautiful aroma to those people we rub shoulders with day in and day out. Ask yourself if you smell like Jesus today.
However, note that the passage says that the aroma of Jesus Christ has different effects on different people. To those who know Christ or are searching to know the truth, it is the aroma of life. But to those who are perishing and who have no desire to live any other way, it is the aroma of death. The fragrance of Jesus Christ will attract some people, and it will repel others.
Now, Paul tells us that God has purposely placed us with this distinctive smell among two kinds of people: those who are being saved and those who are perishing, knowing full well that our aroma would attract one group and repel the other. That shouldn't surprise us because, as we read in this passage, "we are to God the aroma of Christ" among these people. What aroma did Christ have? For some people he was the aroma of life; and for others the aroma of death.
To the man possessed of a legion of demons, bound by chains, naked and mad, Jesus was the aroma of life as he delivered him from his bondage. To Zacchaeus, a notorious sinner sitting in a tree, Jesus smelled like life, and he followed him. To Mary Magdalene, delivered from seven demons, Jesus was the fragrance of life, the first life she'd ever known. To Peter, who left his smelly fishing boat to follow Jesus, he was the sweetest smell in the world.
But the religious leaders found Jesus' aroma quite intolerable. They hated his fragrance. To them it was the smell of death, because Jesus threatened their authority, their influence, their livelihood. He forced them to look inside and see what they were really like—dead men's bones and everything unclean—and they hated his aroma. They wanted to destroy him. It made them most uncomfortable.
I remember a business assignment, which put me for a short period of time in the company of two individuals who were not Christians. That experience sharply reminded me that when we wear the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, it will have different effects on different people.
One of these two individuals had a seeking heart. She liked the aroma of Jesus Christ that she sensed in me. She asked me questions, wanted to stay in touch, admired the peace I have. I wrote to her several times, we talked on the phone and met for lunch. I think she is one of those who Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 2:15 as one who is "being saved," that is, one who wants to know truth and will accept it when she hears it.
It was a delight to spend a little time with her. I was excited to get to know her and to realize that God had brought our paths together.
However, the other person with whom I spent a couple of days had a different reaction. She quickly found me a bit intolerable and our time together was not terribly comfortable. I believe that I treated her with kindness and hopefully with gentleness, but if you're wearing the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, there's no way you can spend two days with a person and cover up the aroma! It is a strong fragrance; you can't just ignore it. Some of the things I shared with her as to my own experience and beliefs made her most uneasy. I think she was quite glad when our two days together ended.
The first encounter made me feel real good, but I didn't feel good about the second one. Why had she reacted to me that way? What did I do wrong? In rethinking that experience, I couldn't nail myself for anything inappropriate. Finally, I had to realize that for this person, the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ was the fragrance of death.
If you are wearing the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, you will have these opposite reactions from people, depending upon whether they're looking for truth, or whether they prefer to stay in their darkness. So, when you feel rejected by others because of your faith in Jesus, don't assume guilt or take it personally until you check it out with the Lord.
What may be happening—what often happens—is that they just don't like the aroma of Jesus Christ. It makes them uncomfortable because it convicts them inwardly. Therefore, they may react negatively to you, when actually what they're truly reacting to is the fragrance of Jesus Christ which they smell on you.
Now, we have to be very careful that we're not spreading another fragrance and calling it "The Knowledge of Jesus Christ." Sometimes we excuse ourselves by saying that people don't like us because we're Christians, when actually what they're reacting to is another smell, one that isn't Christ-honoring, one that is a result of our self-life and our lack of compassion and love for others.
That's why it's important that we examine carefully the negative responses to our fragrance, and make sure we are not being unnecessarily offensive or combative. The fragrance of The Knowledge of Jesus Christ doesn't pick fights; and it is always kind, even when direct.
How do you wear the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ? It comes by spending time in his presence and "putting him on" each day, just as you do your perfume. It happens automatically when you get to know him.
How well do you know him? How much time do you spend getting to know him? If that's not a high priority in your life, then the aroma you are spreading is likely not the aroma of Jesus Christ. If we're not in our worlds, smelling like Christians who know Jesus Christ, then we fail those around us who are searching for truth. God has placed us among these people for the purpose of smelling like Christ to them. If we don't do that in our worlds, who will?
And remember, God has a sense of smell, too. What do you smell like to God? His nostrils are totally accurate; you can't fool Him. He sees underneath the words you say and he smells the aroma you give off. Are you a sweet-smelling fragrance to God? Does your life bring honor to his name so that he likes what he smells? If you're wearing the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, you can rest assured that he's pleased and satisfied with your aroma.
Well, what do you smell like? It's a good question, and one we should be asking ourselves everyday, before we head out into our worlds. You know, friends, this old world isn't here for long. And we will face God some day to give an account of how we spent our brief time while we're here. Don't let the world shove you into its mold and force you to wear its perfume. Use the opportunities God is giving you today to spread everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Those opportunities will never come your way again. Don't blow them.
What Do You Smell Like?
What do you smell like right now? That may sound like an inappropriate question, but did you know that the Bible tells us how we should smell.
Our sense of smell is given to us by God, and is in large part for our pleasure, to allow us to enjoy the many beautiful fragrances all around us. How much duller life would be if we couldn't smell!
Have you ever noticed that aromas and fragrances were evidently very important to God? In the law given to Moses, he established sacrifices that were to give a pleasing smell and aroma. He gave the formula for the incense to be burned on his altar, a unique aroma that was never to be used for any other purpose.
There's a very interesting passage in
2 Corinthians 2:14-16 about aromas:
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.
You know, perfumes are distinguishable. You can recognize one from another pretty easily. I wear a certain brand, and quite often someone will identify it. They know the smell; it's distinctive. Well, we note in this passage that those of us who are believers also give off an aroma. God intended for us to be fragrant people, with a distinctive smell that can be identified.
You want to know the name of this Christian perfume? It's The Knowledge of Jesus Christ. When you wear this fragrance, it will be recognized. We are to spread everywhere the fragrance that we know Jesus, that he has impacted our lives and as a result, we're different. That he has top priority in our lives.
Are you spreading this fragrance everywhere you go? "Everywhere" has to include our jobs, our homes, our community, our social engagements. Some Christians like to put on their knowledge of Jesus Christ perfume on Sundays, but prefer not to wear it during the week. Obviously God intended for us to smell like his children all the time.
How well I remember, quite a few years ago now before I was walking with the Lord in obedience, when I was painfully reminded that I didn't smell like a Christian. A co-worker and I were chatting one day, and I mentioned that I went to church. He looked at me and said, "Yeah?" I went on to explain that I always went to church and it was an important part of my life. "Gee, Mary," he said, "that really surprises me. I never knew you were religious."
It was like a convicting dagger to my heart, because what he was saying to me was, "You don't act like I'd expect a real dedicated Christian to act." Of course he was right. I was not spreading everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Sadly many Christians are in that same boat.
Things are a little different now, thank God. For years I taught public seminars across the country on business topics, and quite often one of the attenders would approach me cautiously, with a questioning look on his or her face, and say something like, "You're a Christian, aren't you?" They smelled the aroma of Jesus Christ, and recognized it because they wore the same perfume. And we immediately shared our mutual love for the Lord and felt that special closeness because we wore the same perfume, the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ. It's exciting when that happens.
Do people ever smell the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ on you? Even the strangers you meet for brief moments should be able to detect from your face and your manner that there's something unusual about you. God's been convicting me that often I lose that wonderful aroma of Jesus Christ when I'm dealing with strangers. I need to take time to spread that good aroma through smiles and kind words, going out of my way a little bit to help someone else.
There are many ways we can spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and those of us who go out to a working world everyday have a wonderful opportunity to smell like Jesus because we're there, working closely with people who don't know Jesus personally. Our lives should carry his beautiful aroma to those people we rub shoulders with day in and day out. Ask yourself if you smell like Jesus today.
However, note that the passage says that the aroma of Jesus Christ has different effects on different people. To those who know Christ or are searching to know the truth, it is the aroma of life. But to those who are perishing and who have no desire to live any other way, it is the aroma of death. The fragrance of Jesus Christ will attract some people, and it will repel others.
Now, Paul tells us that God has purposely placed us with this distinctive smell among two kinds of people: those who are being saved and those who are perishing, knowing full well that our aroma would attract one group and repel the other. That shouldn't surprise us because, as we read in this passage, "we are to God the aroma of Christ" among these people. What aroma did Christ have? For some people he was the aroma of life; and for others the aroma of death.
To the man possessed of a legion of demons, bound by chains, naked and mad, Jesus was the aroma of life as he delivered him from his bondage. To Zacchaeus, a notorious sinner sitting in a tree, Jesus smelled like life, and he followed him. To Mary Magdalene, delivered from seven demons, Jesus was the fragrance of life, the first life she'd ever known. To Peter, who left his smelly fishing boat to follow Jesus, he was the sweetest smell in the world.
But the religious leaders found Jesus' aroma quite intolerable. They hated his fragrance. To them it was the smell of death, because Jesus threatened their authority, their influence, their livelihood. He forced them to look inside and see what they were really like—dead men's bones and everything unclean—and they hated his aroma. They wanted to destroy him. It made them most uncomfortable.
I remember a business assignment, which put me for a short period of time in the company of two individuals who were not Christians. That experience sharply reminded me that when we wear the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, it will have different effects on different people.
One of these two individuals had a seeking heart. She liked the aroma of Jesus Christ that she sensed in me. She asked me questions, wanted to stay in touch, admired the peace I have. I wrote to her several times, we talked on the phone and met for lunch. I think she is one of those who Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 2:15 as one who is "being saved," that is, one who wants to know truth and will accept it when she hears it.
It was a delight to spend a little time with her. I was excited to get to know her and to realize that God had brought our paths together.
However, the other person with whom I spent a couple of days had a different reaction. She quickly found me a bit intolerable and our time together was not terribly comfortable. I believe that I treated her with kindness and hopefully with gentleness, but if you're wearing the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, there's no way you can spend two days with a person and cover up the aroma! It is a strong fragrance; you can't just ignore it. Some of the things I shared with her as to my own experience and beliefs made her most uneasy. I think she was quite glad when our two days together ended.
The first encounter made me feel real good, but I didn't feel good about the second one. Why had she reacted to me that way? What did I do wrong? In rethinking that experience, I couldn't nail myself for anything inappropriate. Finally, I had to realize that for this person, the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ was the fragrance of death.
If you are wearing the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, you will have these opposite reactions from people, depending upon whether they're looking for truth, or whether they prefer to stay in their darkness. So, when you feel rejected by others because of your faith in Jesus, don't assume guilt or take it personally until you check it out with the Lord.
What may be happening—what often happens—is that they just don't like the aroma of Jesus Christ. It makes them uncomfortable because it convicts them inwardly. Therefore, they may react negatively to you, when actually what they're truly reacting to is the fragrance of Jesus Christ which they smell on you.
Now, we have to be very careful that we're not spreading another fragrance and calling it "The Knowledge of Jesus Christ." Sometimes we excuse ourselves by saying that people don't like us because we're Christians, when actually what they're reacting to is another smell, one that isn't Christ-honoring, one that is a result of our self-life and our lack of compassion and love for others.
That's why it's important that we examine carefully the negative responses to our fragrance, and make sure we are not being unnecessarily offensive or combative. The fragrance of The Knowledge of Jesus Christ doesn't pick fights; and it is always kind, even when direct.
How do you wear the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ? It comes by spending time in his presence and "putting him on" each day, just as you do your perfume. It happens automatically when you get to know him.
How well do you know him? How much time do you spend getting to know him? If that's not a high priority in your life, then the aroma you are spreading is likely not the aroma of Jesus Christ. If we're not in our worlds, smelling like Christians who know Jesus Christ, then we fail those around us who are searching for truth. God has placed us among these people for the purpose of smelling like Christ to them. If we don't do that in our worlds, who will?
And remember, God has a sense of smell, too. What do you smell like to God? His nostrils are totally accurate; you can't fool Him. He sees underneath the words you say and he smells the aroma you give off. Are you a sweet-smelling fragrance to God? Does your life bring honor to his name so that he likes what he smells? If you're wearing the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, you can rest assured that he's pleased and satisfied with your aroma.
Well, what do you smell like? It's a good question, and one we should be asking ourselves everyday, before we head out into our worlds. You know, friends, this old world isn't here for long. And we will face God some day to give an account of how we spent our brief time while we're here. Don't let the world shove you into its mold and force you to wear its perfume. Use the opportunities God is giving you today to spread everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Those opportunities will never come your way again. Don't blow them.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Alone time
I've been real bad about working my gate in the mornings then going to get lost at work. Let's just say not everyone that I work with are very caring, jovial people, or let's be honest only a very few are!
So, in order to keep my sanity (and their heads from being bit off) I have, for a while now, just kinda gotten lost. My work days are my time with God really. I have OCD horribly and I have a routine I like to follow. I know what programs are on when that I enjoy listening to on 88.1 or 88.7 and I don't like to be interrupted.
Ole' Francis Chan has really been shaking me up lately though and I have felt convicted about not making myself more available. So, today I ventured out of my comfort zone and had lunch with a few of the guys. I must say while trying as it may have been it was actually nice. We talked, laughed and just enjoyed each other's company.
They all know my stance on spiritual matters and sometimes we get into really good "Jesus" conversations. I dare say I will get out of the woods and make myself more open a little more!
So, in order to keep my sanity (and their heads from being bit off) I have, for a while now, just kinda gotten lost. My work days are my time with God really. I have OCD horribly and I have a routine I like to follow. I know what programs are on when that I enjoy listening to on 88.1 or 88.7 and I don't like to be interrupted.
Ole' Francis Chan has really been shaking me up lately though and I have felt convicted about not making myself more available. So, today I ventured out of my comfort zone and had lunch with a few of the guys. I must say while trying as it may have been it was actually nice. We talked, laughed and just enjoyed each other's company.
They all know my stance on spiritual matters and sometimes we get into really good "Jesus" conversations. I dare say I will get out of the woods and make myself more open a little more!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Exhalt God always!
Psalm 34 (New International Version)
Psalm 34 Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left.
1 I will extol the LORD at all times;his praise will always be on my lips.
2 My soul will boast in the LORD;let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;
20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.
21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
22 The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him
What do you do when fears come? Do you bury your head in the sand? Or do you put your eyes on Jesus?
As my commentary says: God promises great blessings to His people, but many of these blessings require active participation. He will deliver us from fear (34:4), save us out of our troubles (34:6), guard & deliver us (34:7), show us goodness (34:8), supply our needs (34:9), listen when we talk to him (34:15), & redeem us (34:22), but we must do our part. We can appropriate His blessings when we seek him (34:4, 10), cry out to Him (34:6, 17), trust Him (34:8), fear Him (34:7, 9), refrain from lying (34:13), turn from evil, do good & seek peace (34:14), are humble (34:18), & serve Him (34:22).
Are you doing your part??
Psalm 34 Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left.
1 I will extol the LORD at all times;his praise will always be on my lips.
2 My soul will boast in the LORD;let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;
20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.
21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
22 The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him
What do you do when fears come? Do you bury your head in the sand? Or do you put your eyes on Jesus?
As my commentary says: God promises great blessings to His people, but many of these blessings require active participation. He will deliver us from fear (34:4), save us out of our troubles (34:6), guard & deliver us (34:7), show us goodness (34:8), supply our needs (34:9), listen when we talk to him (34:15), & redeem us (34:22), but we must do our part. We can appropriate His blessings when we seek him (34:4, 10), cry out to Him (34:6, 17), trust Him (34:8), fear Him (34:7, 9), refrain from lying (34:13), turn from evil, do good & seek peace (34:14), are humble (34:18), & serve Him (34:22).
Are you doing your part??
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
I wish I had some words of wisdom to give to you but I do not.
It seems more and more I get "blogger's block". I have been down in my back since Saturday, I went back to work today. Still not pain free, but I could walk so that is a plus. I am a VERY independent person, so it's hard for me to ask Ed to help me bathe, get dressed and pick up things I may have dropped on the floor. My family has been more than good at helping out where needed. It's also very nice having a chiropractor in the family. Although I have noticed we tend to have some pretty strange conversations.
Anyway, I am up and moving today thanks to Mikey and Susan. Still in pain but slowly it's getting better.
I can't believe basketball season is among us. Aimee's first game is this Thursday and Cole has his first scrimmage next Thursday. My babies are growing up!!
It seems more and more I get "blogger's block". I have been down in my back since Saturday, I went back to work today. Still not pain free, but I could walk so that is a plus. I am a VERY independent person, so it's hard for me to ask Ed to help me bathe, get dressed and pick up things I may have dropped on the floor. My family has been more than good at helping out where needed. It's also very nice having a chiropractor in the family. Although I have noticed we tend to have some pretty strange conversations.
Anyway, I am up and moving today thanks to Mikey and Susan. Still in pain but slowly it's getting better.
I can't believe basketball season is among us. Aimee's first game is this Thursday and Cole has his first scrimmage next Thursday. My babies are growing up!!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Got this devotional from my Mom. Wanted to pass it on!
A Sacred Interruption
By Leslie Snyder
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Twentieth century theologian and philosopher Reinhold Niebuhr penned the following prayer, now commonly referred to as “The Serenity Prayer.”
It reads:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next.
Amen
Most people are familiar with the first four lines of this prayer as it has been made into wall hangings, bookmarks, prayer cards and other Christian resources. However, most are unfamiliar with the second stanza, which seems to carry the fuller meaning of the prayer. In a hurried world in which we keep a breathless pace, it feels almost sinful to stop and rest. Every day advertisers plead with us to purchase “security” for our futures. Investors encourage us to plan for our retirement and our children’s education. Every day, thousands of hardworking employees are “downsized” or let go, resulting in chaos, instability and loss of confidence. How then are we to experience this type of “serenity” when our world seems out of control? Psalm 46:10 reads, “Be still and know that I am God.”A popular bumper sticker says it this way, “I know God and you ain’t Him!” So often we attempt to orchestrate our lives in such a way that there is no room for God to interrupt with His own plans. When we follow this prayer, we create some margin, some sacred space for God to penetrate our over-scheduled, busy, restless lives. As you look over your calendar today, is there room for God to “interrupt”? The Scriptures declare, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
GOING DEEPER:
1. What can I cut from my schedule today to allow for God to interrupt?
2. Am I open to the sacred interruptions God brings my way?
A Sacred Interruption
By Leslie Snyder
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Twentieth century theologian and philosopher Reinhold Niebuhr penned the following prayer, now commonly referred to as “The Serenity Prayer.”
It reads:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next.
Amen
Most people are familiar with the first four lines of this prayer as it has been made into wall hangings, bookmarks, prayer cards and other Christian resources. However, most are unfamiliar with the second stanza, which seems to carry the fuller meaning of the prayer. In a hurried world in which we keep a breathless pace, it feels almost sinful to stop and rest. Every day advertisers plead with us to purchase “security” for our futures. Investors encourage us to plan for our retirement and our children’s education. Every day, thousands of hardworking employees are “downsized” or let go, resulting in chaos, instability and loss of confidence. How then are we to experience this type of “serenity” when our world seems out of control? Psalm 46:10 reads, “Be still and know that I am God.”A popular bumper sticker says it this way, “I know God and you ain’t Him!” So often we attempt to orchestrate our lives in such a way that there is no room for God to interrupt with His own plans. When we follow this prayer, we create some margin, some sacred space for God to penetrate our over-scheduled, busy, restless lives. As you look over your calendar today, is there room for God to “interrupt”? The Scriptures declare, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
GOING DEEPER:
1. What can I cut from my schedule today to allow for God to interrupt?
2. Am I open to the sacred interruptions God brings my way?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Sidewalk Prophets "The Words I Would Say" w/ LYRICS
Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
The scum dog chronicles
Today I laugh in the face of fear!
Man, that sounds like such a bold statement. But the past couple of days I couldn't have said that. I'm amazed at how the ole scum dog (satan) works. Why do I still say that. He knows right where to get us at & he will pull out all strings.
Today I come boldly before the throne of God & thank Him for who HE is. I thank Him that he's spoken for my heart. Today, I say the devil will not rule in my life.
I'm getting better at that whole "counting it all Joy" stuff that Tami always talks about. I'm learning that I can do ALL things through Christ. But I'm also learning that trials can also knock me on my butt faster than anything if I let them.
The ironic thing is that God works it for good because I have really great friends who are there for me through anything. That being said, I'm also thankful to have those friends who have the same issues that I do. It helps encourage us. Today, I'm in a role reversal with a dear friend of mine. We just seemed to have switched places from where I was the last couple of days. God is good though!
So, today I'm jacked up on Jesus like a kid on Mountain Dew =)
Man, that sounds like such a bold statement. But the past couple of days I couldn't have said that. I'm amazed at how the ole scum dog (satan) works. Why do I still say that. He knows right where to get us at & he will pull out all strings.
Today I come boldly before the throne of God & thank Him for who HE is. I thank Him that he's spoken for my heart. Today, I say the devil will not rule in my life.
I'm getting better at that whole "counting it all Joy" stuff that Tami always talks about. I'm learning that I can do ALL things through Christ. But I'm also learning that trials can also knock me on my butt faster than anything if I let them.
The ironic thing is that God works it for good because I have really great friends who are there for me through anything. That being said, I'm also thankful to have those friends who have the same issues that I do. It helps encourage us. Today, I'm in a role reversal with a dear friend of mine. We just seemed to have switched places from where I was the last couple of days. God is good though!
So, today I'm jacked up on Jesus like a kid on Mountain Dew =)
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Who loves ya baby??
God does that's who!!
So, why is it that we don't really get that?? For me, I've always known in my head that God loved me but I'm not sure I really got it in my heart.
Why?
Because all we have to base "love" on is our earthly relationships. Earthly relationships aren't perfect but God's love is..... Earthly relationships will always in some way or another let us down.... God's love will not!
Love, which patient, kind, does not envy or boast, is not proud or rude, is not self-seeking or easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. This consummate Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres and never fails. (1 Cor 13:4-8)
After reading that verse no wonder we can't fathom God's love for us. I love my family but I am often not patient, kind and I am rude for sure. BUT God loves me and my family more than I can ever imagine!!!
So, who loves ya baby???
So, why is it that we don't really get that?? For me, I've always known in my head that God loved me but I'm not sure I really got it in my heart.
Why?
Because all we have to base "love" on is our earthly relationships. Earthly relationships aren't perfect but God's love is..... Earthly relationships will always in some way or another let us down.... God's love will not!
Love, which patient, kind, does not envy or boast, is not proud or rude, is not self-seeking or easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. This consummate Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres and never fails. (1 Cor 13:4-8)
After reading that verse no wonder we can't fathom God's love for us. I love my family but I am often not patient, kind and I am rude for sure. BUT God loves me and my family more than I can ever imagine!!!
So, who loves ya baby???
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