Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So!!!

"He calms the storm so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet. So He guides them to their desired haven" Today, I am grateful for the deliverance of the Lord. For my salvation and adoption into His family through the precious blood of Jesus Christ and also for the work that He has done in my life and in the life of the one I love so dearly these past several months! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!!!

Psalm 107:1-32

Christ - Creator, Sustainer and Pre-Eminent Over All

Today's focus is on Christ. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things!! The book of Colossians lifts Him up and shows us His rightful place in the world and in our lives! We are reminded that our joy and hope do not emanate from any earthly source or from our religious practices, but from Him. O how we need to hear that today. It is not what we do in His name that brings us joy and hope, but Christ Himself!! I will rest in that truth today and ask God to make me truly grateful for His most precious gift to me - His Son!! (Colossians 1:12-17)

Growing in Gratitude!

Today, I am starting Nancy Leigh DeMoss's "Growing in Gratitude: A 30 day Challenge". As circumstances have changed in my life recently, it has become very apparent to me that there have been things that I have thought I needed in my life that I truly do not need and many important things that I do have for which I sometimes forget to be grateful! In this land of plenty that we live in, it is so easy to lose focus of what is really important in our lives (salvation, family, health, etc) and to give more attention to things that are less important (material things, surface relationships, etc.). There is so much good in my life, but sometimes, being human, I tend to look at the things I don't have instead of concentrating on what I do have. I am taking this challenge to help focus my attention on how wonderful God has been to me and how greatly He has blessed me!

Nancy says that "gratitude is learning to recognize and express appreciation for the benefits we have received from God and from others." It means constantly being on the lookout for blessings and being intentional about thanking God and others for the blessings that come our way. (Colossians 3:12-17)

We should not concentrate on or worry about the future and the needs we have tomorrow. We should thank God for what we have and ask "Do I have what I need for today?". God has promised that He will provide everything we need for today!! Why should I worry about tomorrow?? (Matthew 6:25-34)

Lord, please cultivate a more grateful heart in me over the 30 days of this challenge and transform me into a truly thankful person!!

Finding Joy

Pastor Phil preached a wonderful sermon this morning on finding joy in our lives. I wanted to recap it here to keep it in my memory and in an accessible place. One of my goals is to transfer the many things that I have collected over the years that are a blessing to me onto this blog and rid our home of all the paper trails that lead to them :).



Finding Joy - Phillipians

*Joy is a decision on our part. It starts with our attitude - our thought process. Here are some steps to having true joy in our lives:

1. Discard the regrets of the past - Stop looking back!! - In Philippians 3:13-14 Paul says "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." If the sins of the past steal my joy, remember if I have repented, God has forgiven and forgotten and so should I. Isaiah 43:18-19 "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing"!!!
2.  Determine not to worry about the future- Philippians 4:6-7 - "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." We can't worry and have joy at the same time! We can worry or we can pray. The choice is ours! Read Luke 12:22-34!!
3. Discover God's purpose for you - (Philippians 1:20-21) There is more to life than just going through the motions. Living for myself will not bring me joy. It is not about me!! My life must be yielded to God for His purpose and use - Romans 6:13
4. Dwell on the good!! - Philippians 4:8-9 - There is good and bad in every life. Where is my focus? my perspective? Good is found in God's Word. We are to think on these things: true things, noble things, just things, pure things, lovely things, things of good report, virtuous things, things that are praise worthy. Meditating on these things bring us the peace of God.
5. Decide to help others - Philippians 4:1 - Some of Paul's joy was found in his investment in others and we can also find joy in investing in other people's lives!
6. Depend on God and be content- Philippians 4:11 - "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." Notice that Paul said, "for I have learned". Contentment is not a natural state of mind. It is something that we must learn!

Two reasons that I can have joy in any circumstance of life:

1. God is in control
2. God will work it all out for good! (Philippians 1:6)

I CHOOSE JOY!!!

Be a Doer of the Word

I have been reading and listening to audio sermons lately and it seems that there is a main topic that keeps coming up. It is summarized in James 1:22 - "But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." The whole first chapter of James describes what a person looks like who hears God's Word, but does not apply it to their life. It also tells us that if we hear God's Word, but don't do what He says, we are deceiving ourselves! I just finished reading Lysa Terkeurst's book, "Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl". Bible study is so important, but we must live what we learn! I heard the best illustration on this just a few days ago. It made it so clear and is humorous also. The pastor likened our hearing God's directions but not following them to him asking his daughter to clean her room. After she knew what he wanted her to do, she went in her room. When she came out, he asked, "Is your room clean?" She said, "No, but when I went in my room, I sat and listened to praise music and thought about how much you love me and how wonderful you are." "That is not what I asked you to do. I asked you to clean your room!!" "I know, Dad, but I just wanted to just sit and feel your presence." She called a few friends and they all went in her room. When they came out a little bit later, her father asked, "Is your room clean?" "Not yet, I had some friends over and we talked about your directions. Guess what, Dad, we studied what you said and I can even say it in the Greek!!" "But you still haven't cleaned your room!!!" Does that sound familiar? We all know people who claim to know God and His Word, but their lives do not reflect Him or His Word. They sit and listen to praise music and talk about how He loves them, but do they love Him? Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love me, keep my commandments." They attend 3 or 4 Bible studies at a time and learn what God says, but do they stop to absorb what He is saying to us and follow His instructions? God is not interested in how much of His Word that we have in our head. He is concerned about how much of His Word has changed our heart and shines through our lives!

Quote for the Day

"Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day. " Sally Koch

My Hope and Refuge

Psalm 42:1 - " As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God."

 Lord, you are my hope and my refuge. All I need is found in you! Thank you for your blessings and provision in my life! For my family - Rob, Robyn, Judd, Brett, Josh and Cole! They are my closest companions on this journey of life. Thank you for the valleys and the mountaintops in which we walk together. Thank you for Your Presence and provision for each day. Jesus, to you be all glory and honor and praise!!

A Look at Psalm 23

I love the book of Psalms!! There is so much to be gleaned from each chapter - instruction for life, comfort, encouragement, etc. Recently, I received an email taking a look at God's provisions that David describes in Psalm 23 and it was so good that I have to post it to my blog for safekeeping!

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd ..... That is relationship!
I shall not want ..... That is provision!
He makes me to lie down in green pastures ..... That is rest!
He leads me beside the still waters ..... That is refreshment!
He restores my soul ..... That is healing!
He leads me in the paths of righteousness ..... That is guidance!
For His name's sake ..... That is purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death ..... That is testing!
I will fear no evil ..... That is protection!
For You are with me ..... That is faithfulness!
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me ..... That is discipline!
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies ..... That is hope!
You anoint my head with oil ..... That is consecration!
My cup runs over ..... That is abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life ..... That is blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord ..... That is security!
Forever ..... That is eternity!!!

Guard Your Heart

Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep thy heart with all dilligence; for out of it are the issues of life." The New Living Translation puts it this way, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do."

In Western society, we tend to think that our seat of the emotions (where we think, feel and reason) is our brain, but the Bible identifies this place as our heart. This is the place where everything that we see and experience is recorded. These things affect everything that we do. I believe that is why the writer of Proverbs warned us to guard our hearts, but how do we do that? The word "heart" is mentioned 855 times in the KJV Bible so I decided to search some of these verses for the answer.

Here are some things that I want to make sure are in practice in my life:

1. I must recognize God in my heart - Psalm 14:1 says, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." Don't want to be a fool!
2. I must trust God with all my heart -Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths."
3. I must memorize God's Word - Psalm 119:11 - "Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee."
4. I must love others sincerely and from a pure heart - I Peter 1:22 - "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart."
5. I must spend more time cultivating the virtues of my heart than on my outward appearance - I Peter 3:3-4 - "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."
6. I must serve God from my heart. - Ephesians 6:6 - "Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart."
7. I must love God with all my heart. - Matthew 22:37 - "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."
8. I must guard my heart against things that are in it. - Mark 7:21-23- "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and defile the man." Okay, so I'm not a man, but a woman's heart can contain these same evil leanings!
9. I must strive to keep a merry heart. - Proverbs 17:22 - "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." I want to be a blessing to those who are around me and uplift their spirits.
10. I must submit my heart to God for examination and be willing to let Him lead me in His ways. - Psalm 139:23-24 - "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." 

New Life

We can learn so much about God and life by looking at nature. Paul tells us in Romans 1:20 - "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made..."
 I was pondering some things the other day while looking at a caterpillar. People are like caterpillars in many ways:

• Both are creations of God.
• Both are complex and unique in their makeup.
• Both must undergo transformation in order to reveal God's true beauty their life!

 A caterpillar is a wonder to look at because God created it, but there is not much beauty in it. Its markings may be beautiful and unique, but it is slow moving, round and rarely noticed. Before we die to self and come alive in Christ, our life is like the caterpillar's: mundane and spent seeking self fulfillment. In a butterfly's life cycle, the chrysalis (or pupa) is the transformation stage within which the caterpillar tissues are broken down and the adult insect's structures are formed. We can liken this to the sanctification that Christ develops in us over time through our journey with Him. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." Transformation for the caterpillar comes when it emerges from the darkness of the chrysalis into new life as a beautiful mature butterfly. Transformation for us as humans comes when we emerge from the darkness of living in our sins and are reconciled to God through Christ Jesus unto new life in Him!! Though the life long process may be painful at times, God's goal of forming us to the image of Christ is so worth letting go of any comfort that we might hold dear.


Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your patience and work in our lives. May we as Your creation bring you glory today and forever!! AMEN!!



(pictures taken at the butterfly exhibit at Close Memorial Park in Springfield)

I Know Where I am Going!

Billy Graham is now 91 years old. In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte, North Carolina, invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in his honor. He initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he struggles with Parkinson's disease, but the Charlotte leaders said, "We don't expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you." So he agreed.

After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, "I am reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it. The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.'

Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.

The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are. It is no problem. You don't need a ticket. I am sure you bought one.'

Einstein looked at him and said, 'Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I am going'

Having said that Billy Graham continued, "See the suit I'm wearing? It is a brand new suit. My children and grandchildren are telling me that I've gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion.

You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I will be buried. But when you hear that I am dead, I don't want you to immediately remember the suit I'm wearing. I want you to remember this:

"I not only know who I am...I also know where I am going!!!"

____________________________________________________

I am so glad that through Christ we can know who we are and where we are going!!!

Romans 8:12-39

¹² Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. ¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. ¹⁵ For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; ²¹ because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. ²² For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. ²³ Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. ²⁴ For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
²⁶ Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. ²⁷ Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.  
³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? ³³ Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:
      “ For Your sake we are killed all day long;
       We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”^[c]
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thank you, Father, for the gift of knowing who I am in You and where the journey of this life leads!! Jesus, You alone are worthy of my praise!

First Grade Proverbs

Gotta love kids!! A first grade teacher collected well known proverbs. She gave each kid in the class the first half of the proverb, and then asked them to come up with the rest. Here is what the kids came up with:

• Better to be safe than..........punch a 5th grader.
• Strike while the... ..............bug is close.
• It's always darkest before...daylight savings time.
• Never underestimate the power of........termites.
• You can lead a horse to water but...how?
• Don't bite the hand that......looks dirty.
• No news is ......impossible.
• A miss is as good as a...Mr.
• You can't teach an old dog...math.
• If you lie down with the dogs, you...will stink in the morning.
• Love all, trust....me.
• The pen is mightier than.....the pigs.
• An idle mind is.....the best way to relax.
• Where there is smoke, there is.....pollution.
• Happy is the bride who........gets all the presents.
• A penny saved is..............not much.
• Two is company, three's..........the Musketeers.
• None are so blind as........Helen Keller.
• Children should be seen and not.........spanked or grounded.
• If at first you don't succeed...........get new batteries.
• When the blind lead the blind........get out of the way.
• There is no fool like........Aunt Edie.

God of the Details

In nature, God is very detailed. Just look at the detail in this butterfly. Some people wonder if God is interested in the details of our lives or if He leaves us to figure out the "little" things while He takes care of the "big" things? I am convinced that God is interested and involved in every aspect of our lives. Nothing we say or do goes unnoticed by Him. He knows what we are going to say even before we do! Nothing enters our lives before it is known by Him. There is no where that we can run to hide from God or to outrun His love! That boggles my mind! It is hard for me to comprehend that the God who created everything knows and cares about every facet of my life. I'm not alone though - David had trouble mulling it over in his mind too!! Look what he said in Psalm 139:1-18
  
¹O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
²You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
   you discern my thoughts from afar.
³You search out my path and my lying down
   and are acquainted with all my ways.
⁴Even before a word is on my tongue,
   behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
⁵You hem me in, behind and before,
   and lay your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
   it is high; I cannot attain it.
 ⁷Where shall I go from your Spirit?
   Or where shall I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
⁹If I take the wings of the morning
   and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
¹⁰even there your hand shall lead me,
   and your right hand shall hold me.
¹¹If I say,"Surely the darkness shall cover me,
   and the light about me be night,"
¹²even the darkness is not dark to you;
   the night is bright as the day,
   for darkness is as light with you.
 ¹³For you formed my inward parts;
   you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;
   my soul knows it very well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret,
   intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them,
   the days that were formed for me,
   when as yet there was none of them.
 ¹⁷How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
   How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
   I awake, and I am still with you.

What comfort and peace these truths bring!! God not only knows about me - He knows me!! He not only knows me, but He has a plan and purpose for me! Every detail of my life leads to His purpose! 

Reality Check

Have you ever been guilty of saying "I just don't have time to read my Bible today"? I have, but I read something today that really opened my eyes. Click on the picture to enlarge the chart. You see, we have time to do what is most important to us. May God's Word always be a priority in our lives!

Psalm 119:105 - "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Serenity

The dictionary defines serenity as "steadiness of mind under stress". Many of us have heard of The Serenity Prayer - "Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change; courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference." However, it wasn't until lately that I discovered that those are only the opening lines of the prayer. The rest goes like this:

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.

Isaiah tells us of this kind of peace of mind in Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You." We are told of "a peace that surpasses all understanding in Philippians 4:6-8 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

So how do I learn to live a peace filled life?
1. Live one moment at a time.
2. Do not dwell on past or be anxious over the future.
3. Enjoy the life that God has given to me.
4. Realize that everyone faces trials and God gives us each the grace and mercy to face the unique trials that come into our lives.
5. Accept the trials that God allows in my life as His will for me and believe that He brings them to mature me and to teach me to be more like Him.
6. Learn to see this world as it truly is - not how I would like it to be! (Okay so I have control issues, but God is working on those too!)
7. Trust that He will make all things right in His time, His way and for His glory.
8. Fix my mind on God and the things listed in Philippians 4.

Father, teach me to surrender my will to yours, to trust You completely and to rest in your peace daily!!

The Tea Cup

There was a couple who took a trip to England to shop in a beautiful antique store to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They both liked antiques and pottery, and especially teacups. Spotting an exceptional cup, they asked "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful.

As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke, "You don't understand. I have not always been a teacup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My Master took me and rolled me pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled out, "Don't do that." "I don't like
it!" "Let me alone."

But He only smiled, and gently said, "Not yet!"

Then WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. "Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick!" I screamed.

But the Master only nodded and said quietly, 'Not yet.'

He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit Himself and then He put me in the oven.

I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. "Help! Get me out of here!"

I could see him through the opening and I could read His lips as He shook His head from side to side, 'Not yet'.

When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. Oh, that felt so good! "Ah, this is much better," I thought.

But, after I cooled He picked me up and brushed and painted me all over.The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh, please, Stop it, Stop', I cried.

He only shook His head and said. 'Not yet!'.

Then suddenly He put me back in to the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and He took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering "What's He going to do to me next?"

An hour later He handed me a mirror and said 'Look at yourself.'

And I did. I said, 'That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful'!!

Quietly He spoke, 'I want you to remember,' He said. 'I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. If I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you.'"

The moral of this story is: God knows what He's doing for each of us. He is the potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing and perfect will.

So when life seems hard, and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to "stink", try this .Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest tea cup, sit down and think on this story and then, have a little talk with the Potter.

Contentment

The dictionary defines being content as "desiring no more than what one has; satisfied" and "ready to accept or acquiesce; willing". Both definitions can speak to our attitude - "Am I satisfied with what God has graciously given me (whether emotionally, relationally, materially or spiritually) or do I envy what others have?" and "Am I content, ready and willing to accept the place where I find myself today knowing that God loves me and is in control?"

I am reading a great book, "Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl," by Lysa Terkeurst, president of Proverbs 31 ministries. The following insight touched my heart - "Maybe this is the true secret to being fulfilled and content -Living in the moment with God, defined by His truth and with no unrealistic expectations for others or things to fill me up. Not reaching back for what was lost in my yesterdays and not reaching for what I hope will be in my tomorrow, but living fully with what is right in front of me and truly seeing the gift of this moment."

Proverbs 19:23 (ESV) "The fear of the Lord leads to life and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm."

Jesus, you came so that I might have life and have it more abundantly! Lord, true contentment rests in You!! Help me each day to look up and not around me to find contentment. Then help me to reach out to those around me with gentleness, kindness and love directing them to you as the Source of contentment!

The Test of Three

How to Handle a Rumor: The Test of Three

In ancient Greece (469-399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students?"

"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me, I'd like you to pass a little test. It is called the Test of Three."

"Three?"

"That's right." Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my student let's take a moment to test what you're going to say. The first test is TRUTH. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it."

"All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it is true or not."

"Now, let's try the second test, the test of GOODNESS. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?"

"No, on the contrary..."

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him even though you are not certain that it is true?"

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued. "You may still pass though because there is a third test - the filter of USEFULNESS. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really..."

"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?"

The man went away defeated and ashamed!

Dear Lord - May every thing I say today pass all three tests: Truth, Goodness and Usefulness!!

"Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." Psalms 141:3

God's Handiwork

"You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” - Revelation 4:11

I am constantly amazed at the intricacies of nature and how creative God is. From the millions of stars in the heavens to the gossamer strands of a spider's web, His glory and power are seen. With his Word, God spoke everything around us into existence. Yet when He created man, he bent down and "formed" him from the dust of the earth. How lovingly He created humankind! What amazes me most is that He loves me and knows me by name!!

"O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!" - Psalms 8:9

Songs in the Night

Have you ever felt like the night was so long that morning would never come? These past few nights my sleep has been interrupted and I have found myself awake in the very early hours of the morning. During those wakeful hours, I find myself in a constant battle with the Enemy. The Father of lies - the one who seeks whom he may devour. His battleplan: Discouragement, Doubt, Worry, Anxiety and Bitterness. My weapons: God's Word, God's Spirit, Faith, Hope and Love. Sometimes I am so weak and it seems that he is winning, but I am reminded of Exodus 14:14 -"The Lord will fight for you and you shall hold your peace." I don't fight alone. Sometimes I don't fight at all, but the Lord fights for me and the victory will be won. Paul said in Romans 8:35 and 37 -"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us!" The victory has already been won. In this present trial, I can be more than a conqueror because of Jesus who loves me so!!

While lying awake in the darkness and pondering the valley that we walk in, a sound caught my attention. Birds were singing at the top of their lungs outside our window. How can that be I thought - it is not even close to morning yet. There are several hours to go! That is when my Father spoke to my heart and said, "No, but they have learned to sing in the night while looking forward to the promise of morning." Psalm 30:5 says, "For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor a lifetime. Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning."

Gracious Father - Teach me to sing in the night. Beautiful things can happen in the night time - Strength is renewed, love is rekindled and rest is given. Thank you that the victory is already won through the sacrifice and love of your Son, Jesus the Christ!! You are my hiding place. To you I will run!!

Today's quote: "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It is about learning to dance in the rain!!!"

We are called!!

I came across this article from DaySpring. It was such a blessing to me that I decided to post it so it could be read by others!

GOD HAS CALLED YOU

God has called each of us to serve Him in the place He has us. In His eyes we all have a ministry. Many serve Him in a local church through a variety of ministries, such as music, teaching, youth work, or by being a part of the church staff. Others serve on the mission field, on the job, at school, or at home.

God knows you and He knows your heart desires to serve Him. You are someone that He will use to make a difference, to share His love, and to touch the hearts of others. What has qualified you for this high privilege of being used by Him? Is it your talents, your personality, your education, your influence or your resume? It is none of these; rather it is the response of your heart toward Him. God is always searching for those whose hearts are yielded to Him so that He can work mightily through them. (2 Chronicles 16:9a - "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.)

Sometimes we can be led to think that God’s work is dependent upon us, upon what we do, and upon what we know. The truth is that God wants us to be totally dependent on Him. He is the Treasure, we are the vessels; He is the Vine, we are the branches; He is the Living Water, we are the channels through which He flows.

The apostle Peter was someone who needed to learn this important truth. Jesus taught him the futility of trying to get results through his own efforts by allowing him, an expert fisherman, to labor all night and come up empty. Afterward, when He followed Jesus’ word to cast out into the deep, Peter pulled in a catch that was beyond his dreams.

As His servant, remember that your ministry is His idea not yours. He is the One who knows you, who has called you and who has equipped you to serve Him. Remain true, remain faithful, remain restful, and remain totally dependent upon Him.

God is not looking for those who are clever, but for those in whom He can be wise; He is not looking for those who are talented, But for those to whom He can be all sufficient; He is not looking for those who are powerful, But for those through whom He can be almighty.

My Favorite Quotes

"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." Galileo Galilei

"Too many of us have a Christian vocabulary rather than a Christian experience. We think we are doing our duty when we're only talking about it." - Charles F. Banning

"The Kingdom of Heaven is not for the well-meaning: it is for the desperate." James Denney

Transformation

Just as a butterfly is completely transformed from its former caterpillar state, when we truly accept Christ there is a dramatic transformation in our lives. I have been listening to John MacArthur's sermon series, "The Way to Heaven" the past two days. This series so challenges the thinking of the modern day "church" concerning salvation. The text in this series is Matthew 7:13-29. In this passage, Jesus is bringing his Sermon on the Mount to a close. This is the passage of Scripture that Dr. Sewell was preaching from the night I received Christ as my Savior in February of 1981. There are so many people sitting in church who have gone forward, said a prayer, filled out a card and believe that they are saved, but there has been no evidence of a transformation in their lives. That is the point that I was at!! I had gone to church probably every Sunday since my birth. I had made a "profession of faith" at least 3 times in my childhood. I had been baptized at least 3 times. I sang in the choir, worked in children's church, grew up in the Youth group, was attending Bible College, but I did not know Christ. Yes, there was a head knowledge of who He was and what He did for me, but I did not give my life to Him until I came face to face with the truth of verses 21 to 23 - "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Thank you, Father, for loving me enough to reach down into a church pew and show me that I needed you. I had so long given lip service to You, but my life was not surrendered to your will. Please continue to transform me into the likeness of your Son so that others who find themselves sitting in the pew without you may also see their need.

"The only validation you will ever have of your salvation is a life of obedience." - John MacArthur