Moving forward.....
As I have read various friends' annual Christmas letters (yes, I read them), it is fun to see all the different things we have done this past year. There have been ups and downs for us all, some more painful than others, some less...some are house bound...some have travelled the world.....but we are moving forward....into the future....and we all have choices each day...will it be a down day? Or an up day? Health may or may not have anything to do with it....attitude has a lot to do with it...
Am I willing to trust each day to God and his plans or do I have mine own that must be done? Am I willing to hand the day/future over to God and let Him direct is really the bottom line?? The joys, the disappointments...the laughter...the tears....life itself....
It is hard to give "control", like we really had it in the first place...it is hard to give up the hopes, dreams, expectations we may have had....
Just like yesterday, I started the simple task of uninstalling a printer in my computer....that went well...but then I wanted to install a new one.....I worked on it literally all day and never was successful....I followed all the directions, went to all the right places...and still it wouldn't load.....so I worked with the manufacturer and finally had to order a company cd which wasn't included for my computer...simple, yes, NO....I wanted to move forward....but my day was to work in the here and now, learning patience for the day....letting go of my expectations....and going with the plans that God had for me....
The computer incidence was foreshadowed with the eye doctor visit, early in the morning....eye pressure sky rocketing....what does that mean....we don't get we eyes installed...try new medications, again....loss of sight if not controlled .....what about my plans, here, God....my expectations? My attitude?
Going Into the future .....day by day....line upon line....I have the choice to give thanks, or not....Thank YOU, God....help me see your plans, be thankful for them, meet them as from YOU....not resentful.....but rejoicing in each new day.....
Deuteronomy 26:11
Then you and the Levites and the foreigners residing among you shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household.
1 Chronicles 16:10
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
1 Chronicles 16:31
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 104:34
May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord.
Psalm 118:24
This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Philippians 4:4
[ Final Exhortations ] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
A New Beginning
Daily Devotion for December 31
From the Writings of Ray Stedman
From your friends at
www.RayStedman.org
Read the Scripture: Job 42:16-17
After this Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. And so he died, old and full of years (Job 42:16-17).
The book of Job ends on a note of contentment and peace. Job was probably about seventy when the book opens, so he is an old man. What a picture of peace, a contented man. God had greatly blessed him.
Before us stretches a new year, a new beginning. The old is past, put away forever. God invites us always to forget about all the distrust and fears, all the anxieties of the past, all the resentments we have been holding against others, all the grudges, all the criticisms--to put them away and begin again.
The question that hovers over us as we close this book (and I feel it deeply in my own heart) is, On what basis am I going to live in this new year? Will it be on the old basis of it-all-depends-on-me, do-it-yourself goodness before God, trying my best to be pleasing to God and meaning it with all my heart but never realizing the depths of evil with which I have to deal? Or will I accept the gift of God that is waiting for me every day, fresh from His hand, a gift of forgiveness, of righteousness already mine, of a relationship in which He is my dear Father and I am his cherished, beloved son, and in which I therefore have provided for me all I need, all day long, so that I may say no to evil and yes to truth and right?
Will it be on that basis? If it is, this will be a year in which my life will be characterized by peace, fragrance, and beauty. And so will yours. Or, if we insist on living it on the same old basis, we will find ourselves like these friends of Job, arousing the anger and the wrath of God. Though He is patient and merciful, our only escape will be to repent of our evil and rest upon the righteousness of our perfect substitute and return to God for the blessing that He is waiting to give. That is the choice before us, every one of us. How are we going to live in this new year?
Lord, thank You for this new year that lies before me. I choose You. I choose to depend on You, trust You, and accept from Your hand all that You would give me.
Life Application: Before us stretches a new year, a new beginning. The old is past, put away forever. On which one of the two bases are we going to live in this new year?
Related Message: This daily devotion was inspired by one of Ray's messages. Please read "The New Beginning" or listen to Ray for more on this portion of scripture.
Copyright © 2007 by Elaine Stedman — This daily devotion is from the book The Power of His Presence: a year of devotions from the writings of Ray Stedman; compiled by Mark Mitchell. It may be copied for personal non-commercial use only in its entirety free of charge. All copies must contain this copyright notice and a hyperlink to www.RayStedman.org if the copy is posted on the Internet.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Rainbows....
Rainbows......
I try to take pictures of rainbows when I get a chance.....all though they can pretty quick and illusive....they have happened at different junctures of life when I needed a sign that He indeed does keep his promises ....
Driving down the road, sobbing over two of our children's pain....wondering how it was going to get "fixed" and they were going to feel whole again ....
Or watching the nearby mountains, wondering how our family was going to make it through the cancer diagnosis......
Or watching at the stern of a boat, watching the past flow away, moving toward the front, heading into the future .....
On top of a mountain, clouds moving in and out, changing....life changes .....
Plus so many more.....all had significant rainbows of reminders to me that God is still working.....He keeps his promises...He cares...
I didn't get pictures of some on film, but each one is embedded in my mind as memorable moments....
I know God doesn't have to give rainbows/signs to fulfill those promises and he doesn't most of the time....but they sure spectacular when He does...I enjoy them...but he remembers to keep His promises all the time, that is what is important..
He must enjoy color....as I can imagine being everywhere, He can see rainbows all the time....because there is light, and moisture somewhere in the skies around the earth all the time....millions of prisms of light for someone to see , somewhere, to be a sign at any given time when they need it to feed their souls with promise and beauty....
There are six references to rainbows In the BIble....three when God is talking about sign of the rainbow to Noah, two about the appearance / likeness around God and one about the appearance of an angel....
Genesis 9:13
I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.
Genesis 9:14
Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds,
Genesis 9:16
Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
Ezekiel 1:28
Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
Revelation 4:3
And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.
Revelation 10:1
[ The Angel and the Little Scroll ] Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars.
Thank YOU! for the beauty of Your rainbows...the promises of which they remind us....
I try to take pictures of rainbows when I get a chance.....all though they can pretty quick and illusive....they have happened at different junctures of life when I needed a sign that He indeed does keep his promises ....
Driving down the road, sobbing over two of our children's pain....wondering how it was going to get "fixed" and they were going to feel whole again ....
Or watching the nearby mountains, wondering how our family was going to make it through the cancer diagnosis......
Or watching at the stern of a boat, watching the past flow away, moving toward the front, heading into the future .....
On top of a mountain, clouds moving in and out, changing....life changes .....
Plus so many more.....all had significant rainbows of reminders to me that God is still working.....He keeps his promises...He cares...
I didn't get pictures of some on film, but each one is embedded in my mind as memorable moments....
I know God doesn't have to give rainbows/signs to fulfill those promises and he doesn't most of the time....but they sure spectacular when He does...I enjoy them...but he remembers to keep His promises all the time, that is what is important..
He must enjoy color....as I can imagine being everywhere, He can see rainbows all the time....because there is light, and moisture somewhere in the skies around the earth all the time....millions of prisms of light for someone to see , somewhere, to be a sign at any given time when they need it to feed their souls with promise and beauty....
There are six references to rainbows In the BIble....three when God is talking about sign of the rainbow to Noah, two about the appearance / likeness around God and one about the appearance of an angel....
Genesis 9:13
I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.
Genesis 9:14
Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds,
Genesis 9:16
Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
Ezekiel 1:28
Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
Revelation 4:3
And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.
Revelation 10:1
[ The Angel and the Little Scroll ] Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars.
Thank YOU! for the beauty of Your rainbows...the promises of which they remind us....
Sunday, December 29, 2013
iced with ice....
The other morning, I woke up to a world covered with ice. Not the thick ice that other parts of the country are experiencing, just a thin layer of ice that covered the ground, roads, the tree, the fences, sidewalks, everything, sparkling in the early morning sun.
"Ice coated ".... Sugar coated......a cold 22 degrees.....
Flashbacks to scenes from "chronicles of narnia", "frozen" and "the Beauty and the beast" where everything was covered with ice and life was stilled or changed....in time.....unreal, dead, lifeless, cold, dark, covered with lies and no truth....
One of the countries that we travelled through, had facades everywhere, gigantic billboards fronted the destruction of the older buildings or the building of new ones...covered piles of rubble or the decaying structures it fronted....giving the feeling of growth and newness everywhere....a facade in many places to look good...
Many times our world is like that...iced or covered with untruth....lies, sugar coated....made to look good, a facade....
There are liars in this world, those who can lie to your face and not flinch....others who can't lie to save their life....
I am so glad that God is not like that, He is the author of truth, not lies, not deception...and He doesn't sugar coat....he comforts, set free, loves with truth...makes no excuses....
Thank YOU, that you are the Truth.....help me to speak truth, be open, honest...to love, care in truth....
Numbers 23:19
God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
1 Samuel 15:29
He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.”
John 8:43-44
New International Version (NIV)
43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Job 6:28
“But now be so kind as to look at me. Would I lie to your face?
Proverbs 29:12
If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.
Psalm 10:
2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,
who are caught in the schemes he devises.
3 He boasts about the cravings of his heart;
he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.
4 In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
5 His ways are always prosperous;
your laws are rejected by him;
he sneers at all his enemies.
6 He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.”
He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.”
7 His mouth is full of lies and threats;
trouble and evil are under his tongue.
8 He lies in wait near the villages;
from ambush he murders the innocent.
His eyes watch in secret for his victims;
9 like a lion in cover he lies in wait.
He lies in wait to catch the helpless;
he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.
10 His victims are crushed, they collapse;
they fall under his strength.
11 He says to himself, “God will never notice;
he covers his face and never sees.”
12 Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God.
Psalm 34:12-14
New International Version (NIV)
12 Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
Proverbs 6:17-19, There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
Isaiah 32:7
Scoundrels use wicked methods, they make up evil schemes to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just.
Jeremiah 5:12
They have lied about the Lord; they said, “He will do nothing! No harm will come to us; we will never see sword or famine.
Jeremiah 5:31
The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end?
Jeremiah 9:3
“They make ready their tongue like a bow, to shoot lies; it is not by truth that they triumph in the land. They go from one sin to another; they do not acknowledge me,” declares the Lord.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
The garbage pickup....
Garbage pickup......
Yesterday morning was garbage pickup in my neighborhood...we are so privileged to have that service. Although, We can choose to take our own garbage to the landfill ourselves...many other countries in the world have no such service. We have travelled to countries where they just throw their garbage in the river or in the streets....not a pretty sight.....or smell...
It reminded me of forgiveness....we need forgiveness tune ups every once in awhile or daily, depending on the circumstances....we need to deal with the issue, put it in the trash, so to speak, and throw it away....otherwise it sits, soaks and sours....just like the garbage....smelling and unsightly in our lives....sometimes it is very hard....and other times, a little easier...we may have to find the roots and carefully dig them out,....examining, and clarifying and finally forgiving.....
Later in the day, Amy and I went to watch the movie, "the Saving of Mr. Banks". I will say, that it was very good, and dealing with the theme, forgiveness...and letting go...it is well worth the time, thought provoking, and self examination of unrealized past issues...laughter and tears....
When we reached the parking lot after the movie, we witnessed an incident between two vehicles and their passengers, jumping out, anger rising, because of limited driving space and unwillingness to back down or off...forgiveness....or lack of....was graphically portrayed....with a simple solution...they needed to take a trip to forgiveness and throw away the anger, attitude....
thank YOU that you forgive...help me not to carry around the garbage of unforgiveness, but let it go so that it doesn't smell up my life....You are the Ultimate forgiver....
http://lacedwithgrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/forgiveness.jpg
Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and bitterness
When someone you care about hurts you, you can hold on to anger, resentment and thoughts of revenge — or embrace forgiveness and move forward.
By Mayo Clinic staff
Nearly everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of another. Perhaps your mother criticized your parenting skills, your colleague sabotaged a project or your partner had an affair. These wounds can leave you with lasting feelings of anger, bitterness or even vengeance — but if you don't practice forgiveness, you might be the one who pays most dearly. By embracing forgiveness, you can also embrace peace, hope, gratitude and joy. Consider how forgiveness can lead you down the path of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
What is forgiveness?
Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. E The act that hurt or offended you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.
Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life.
What are the benefits of forgiving someone?
Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace. Forgiveness can lead to:
Healthier relationships
Greater spiritual and psychological well-being
Less anxiety, stress and hostility
Lower blood pressure
Fewer symptoms of depression
Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse
Why is it so easy to hold a grudge?
When you're hurt by someone you love and trust, you might become angry, sad or confused. If you dwell on hurtful events or situations, grudges filled with resentment, vengeance and hostility can take root. If you allow negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice.
What are the effects of holding a grudge?
If you're unforgiving, you might pay the price repeatedly by bringing anger and bitterness into every relationship and new experience. Your life might become so wrapped up in the wrong that you can't enjoy the present. You might become depressed or anxious. You might feel that your life lacks meaning or purpose, or that you're at odds with your spiritual beliefs. You might lose valuable and enriching connectedness with others.
How do I reach a state of forgiveness?
Forgiveness is a commitment to a process of change. To begin, you might:
Consider the value of forgiveness and its importance in your life at a given time
Reflect on the facts of the situation, how you've reacted, and how this combination has affected your life, health and well-being
When you're ready, actively choose to forgive the person who's offended you
Move away from your role as victim and release the control and power the offending person and situation have had in your life
As you let go of grudges, you'll no longer define your life by how you've been hurt. You might even find compassion and understanding.
continued:
Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and bitterness
What happens if I can't forgive someone?
Forgiveness can be challenging, especially if the person who's hurt you doesn't admit wrong or doesn't speak of his or her sorrow. If you find yourself stuck, consider the situation from the other person's point of view. Ask yourself why he or she would behave in such a way. Perhaps you would have reacted similarly if you faced the same situation. In addition, consider broadening your view of the world. Expect occasional imperfections from the people in your life. You might want to reflect on times you've hurt others and on those who've forgiven you. It can also be helpful to write in a journal, pray or use guided meditation — or talk with a person you've found to be wise and compassionate, such as a spiritual leader, a mental health provider, or an impartial loved one or friend.
Does forgiveness guarantee reconciliation?
If the hurtful event involved someone whose relationship you otherwise value, forgiveness can lead to reconciliation. This isn't always the case, however. Reconciliation might be impossible if the offender has died or is unwilling to communicate with you. In other cases, reconciliation might not be appropriate. Still, forgiveness is possible — even if reconciliation isn't.
What if I have to interact with the person who hurt me but I don't want to?
If you haven't reached a state of forgiveness, being near the person who hurt you might be tense and stressful. To handle these situations, remember that you can choose to attend or avoid specific functions and gatherings. Respect yourself and do what seems best. If you choose to attend, don't be surprised by a certain amount of awkwardness and perhaps even more intense feelings. Do your best to keep an open heart and mind. You might find that the experience helps you to move forward with forgiveness.
What if the person I'm forgiving doesn't change?
Getting another person to change his or her actions, behavior or words isn't the point of forgiveness. Think of forgiveness more about how it can change your life — by bringing you peace, happiness, and emotional and spiritual healing. Forgiveness can take away the power the other person continues to wield in your life.
What if I'm the one who needs forgiveness?
The first step is to honestly assess and acknowledge the wrongs you've done and how those wrongs have affected others. At the same time, avoid judging yourself too harshly. You're human, and you'll make mistakes. If you're truly sorry for something you've said or done, consider admitting it to those you've harmed. Speak of your sincere sorrow or regret, and specifically ask for forgiveness — without making excuses. Remember, however, you can't force someone to forgive you. Others need to move to forgiveness in their own time. Whatever the outcome, commit to treating others with compassion, empathy and respect. "
about. Com, "Forgiveness in the Bible is a prominent theme. Yet, it's not uncommon for Christians to have questions about forgiveness. The act of forgiving does not come easy for most of us. Our natural instinct is to recoil in self-protection when we've been injured. We don't naturally overflow with mercy, grace and understanding when we've been wronged.
Is forgiveness a conscious choice, a physical act involving the will, or is it a feeling, an emotional state of being? The Bible offers insight and answers to these and many more questions about forgiveness. We'll take a look at the most frequently asked questions and find out what Scripture says about forgiveness.
Is forgiveness a conscious choice, or an emotional state?
I believe forgiveness is a choice we make through a decision of our will, motivated by obedience to God and his command to forgive.
The Bible instructs us to forgive as the Lord forgave us:
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)
How do we forgive when we don't feel like it? How do we translate the decision to forgive into a change of heart?
We forgive by faith, out of obedience. Since forgiveness goes against our nature, we must forgive by faith, whether we feel like it or not. We must trust God to do the work in us that needs to be done so that the forgiveness will be complete.
I believe God honors our commitment to obey Him and our desire to please him when we choose to forgive. He completes the work in his time. We must continue to forgive (our job), by faith, until the work of forgiveness (the Lord's job), is done in our hearts.
Philippians 1:6
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (NLT)
• More on How to Forgive
How will we know if we have truly forgiven?
Lewis B. Smedes wrote in his book, Forgive and Forget, "When you release the wrongdoer from the wrong, you cut a malignant tumor out of your inner life. You set a prisoner free, but you discover that the real prisoner was yourself."
• More Forgiveness Quotes
We will know the work of forgiveness is complete when we experience the freedom that comes as a result. We are the ones who suffer most when we choose not to forgive. When we do forgive, the Lord sets our hearts free from the anger, bitterness, resentment and hurt that previously imprisoned us.
Most times, however, forgiveness is a slow process.
Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (NIV)
This answer by Jesus makes it clear that forgiveness is not easy for us. It's not a one-time choice and then we automatically live in a state of forgiveness. Forgiveness may require a lifetime of forgiving, but it is important to the Lord. We must continue forgiving until the matter is settled in our heart.
What if the person we need to forgive is not a believer?
I have found that prayer is one of the best ways to break down the wall of unforgiveness in my heart. When I begin to pray for the person who has wronged me, God gives me new eyes to see and a new heart to care for that person. As I pray, I start to see that person as God sees them, and I realize that he or she is precious to the Lord. I also see myself in a new light, just as guilty of sin and failure as the other person. I too am in need of forgiveness. If God did not withhold his forgiveness from me, why should I withhold my forgiveness from another?
Is it okay to feel anger and want justice for the person we need to forgive?
This question presents another reason to pray for the person we need to forgive. We can pray for God to deal with the injustices, for God to judge the person's life, and then we can leave that prayer at the altar. We no longer have to carry the anger. Although it is normal for us to feel anger toward sin and injustice, it is not our job to judge the other person in their sin.
Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (NIV)
Why must we forgive?
The best reason to forgive is because Jesus commanded us to forgive. We learn from Scripture, if we don't forgive, neither will we be forgiven:
Matthew 6:14-16
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)
We also forgive so that our prayers will not be hindered:
Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. (NIV)
In summary and in closing, we forgive out of obedience to the Lord. It is a choice, a decision we make. However, as we do this "forgiving," we discover the command is in place for our own good, and we receive the reward of our forgiveness—freedom."
Yesterday morning was garbage pickup in my neighborhood...we are so privileged to have that service. Although, We can choose to take our own garbage to the landfill ourselves...many other countries in the world have no such service. We have travelled to countries where they just throw their garbage in the river or in the streets....not a pretty sight.....or smell...
It reminded me of forgiveness....we need forgiveness tune ups every once in awhile or daily, depending on the circumstances....we need to deal with the issue, put it in the trash, so to speak, and throw it away....otherwise it sits, soaks and sours....just like the garbage....smelling and unsightly in our lives....sometimes it is very hard....and other times, a little easier...we may have to find the roots and carefully dig them out,....examining, and clarifying and finally forgiving.....
Later in the day, Amy and I went to watch the movie, "the Saving of Mr. Banks". I will say, that it was very good, and dealing with the theme, forgiveness...and letting go...it is well worth the time, thought provoking, and self examination of unrealized past issues...laughter and tears....
When we reached the parking lot after the movie, we witnessed an incident between two vehicles and their passengers, jumping out, anger rising, because of limited driving space and unwillingness to back down or off...forgiveness....or lack of....was graphically portrayed....with a simple solution...they needed to take a trip to forgiveness and throw away the anger, attitude....
thank YOU that you forgive...help me not to carry around the garbage of unforgiveness, but let it go so that it doesn't smell up my life....You are the Ultimate forgiver....
http://lacedwithgrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/forgiveness.jpg
Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and bitterness
When someone you care about hurts you, you can hold on to anger, resentment and thoughts of revenge — or embrace forgiveness and move forward.
By Mayo Clinic staff
Nearly everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of another. Perhaps your mother criticized your parenting skills, your colleague sabotaged a project or your partner had an affair. These wounds can leave you with lasting feelings of anger, bitterness or even vengeance — but if you don't practice forgiveness, you might be the one who pays most dearly. By embracing forgiveness, you can also embrace peace, hope, gratitude and joy. Consider how forgiveness can lead you down the path of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
What is forgiveness?
Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. E The act that hurt or offended you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.
Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life.
What are the benefits of forgiving someone?
Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace. Forgiveness can lead to:
Healthier relationships
Greater spiritual and psychological well-being
Less anxiety, stress and hostility
Lower blood pressure
Fewer symptoms of depression
Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse
Why is it so easy to hold a grudge?
When you're hurt by someone you love and trust, you might become angry, sad or confused. If you dwell on hurtful events or situations, grudges filled with resentment, vengeance and hostility can take root. If you allow negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice.
What are the effects of holding a grudge?
If you're unforgiving, you might pay the price repeatedly by bringing anger and bitterness into every relationship and new experience. Your life might become so wrapped up in the wrong that you can't enjoy the present. You might become depressed or anxious. You might feel that your life lacks meaning or purpose, or that you're at odds with your spiritual beliefs. You might lose valuable and enriching connectedness with others.
How do I reach a state of forgiveness?
Forgiveness is a commitment to a process of change. To begin, you might:
Consider the value of forgiveness and its importance in your life at a given time
Reflect on the facts of the situation, how you've reacted, and how this combination has affected your life, health and well-being
When you're ready, actively choose to forgive the person who's offended you
Move away from your role as victim and release the control and power the offending person and situation have had in your life
As you let go of grudges, you'll no longer define your life by how you've been hurt. You might even find compassion and understanding.
continued:
Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and bitterness
What happens if I can't forgive someone?
Forgiveness can be challenging, especially if the person who's hurt you doesn't admit wrong or doesn't speak of his or her sorrow. If you find yourself stuck, consider the situation from the other person's point of view. Ask yourself why he or she would behave in such a way. Perhaps you would have reacted similarly if you faced the same situation. In addition, consider broadening your view of the world. Expect occasional imperfections from the people in your life. You might want to reflect on times you've hurt others and on those who've forgiven you. It can also be helpful to write in a journal, pray or use guided meditation — or talk with a person you've found to be wise and compassionate, such as a spiritual leader, a mental health provider, or an impartial loved one or friend.
Does forgiveness guarantee reconciliation?
If the hurtful event involved someone whose relationship you otherwise value, forgiveness can lead to reconciliation. This isn't always the case, however. Reconciliation might be impossible if the offender has died or is unwilling to communicate with you. In other cases, reconciliation might not be appropriate. Still, forgiveness is possible — even if reconciliation isn't.
What if I have to interact with the person who hurt me but I don't want to?
If you haven't reached a state of forgiveness, being near the person who hurt you might be tense and stressful. To handle these situations, remember that you can choose to attend or avoid specific functions and gatherings. Respect yourself and do what seems best. If you choose to attend, don't be surprised by a certain amount of awkwardness and perhaps even more intense feelings. Do your best to keep an open heart and mind. You might find that the experience helps you to move forward with forgiveness.
What if the person I'm forgiving doesn't change?
Getting another person to change his or her actions, behavior or words isn't the point of forgiveness. Think of forgiveness more about how it can change your life — by bringing you peace, happiness, and emotional and spiritual healing. Forgiveness can take away the power the other person continues to wield in your life.
What if I'm the one who needs forgiveness?
The first step is to honestly assess and acknowledge the wrongs you've done and how those wrongs have affected others. At the same time, avoid judging yourself too harshly. You're human, and you'll make mistakes. If you're truly sorry for something you've said or done, consider admitting it to those you've harmed. Speak of your sincere sorrow or regret, and specifically ask for forgiveness — without making excuses. Remember, however, you can't force someone to forgive you. Others need to move to forgiveness in their own time. Whatever the outcome, commit to treating others with compassion, empathy and respect. "
about. Com, "Forgiveness in the Bible is a prominent theme. Yet, it's not uncommon for Christians to have questions about forgiveness. The act of forgiving does not come easy for most of us. Our natural instinct is to recoil in self-protection when we've been injured. We don't naturally overflow with mercy, grace and understanding when we've been wronged.
Is forgiveness a conscious choice, a physical act involving the will, or is it a feeling, an emotional state of being? The Bible offers insight and answers to these and many more questions about forgiveness. We'll take a look at the most frequently asked questions and find out what Scripture says about forgiveness.
Is forgiveness a conscious choice, or an emotional state?
I believe forgiveness is a choice we make through a decision of our will, motivated by obedience to God and his command to forgive.
The Bible instructs us to forgive as the Lord forgave us:
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)
How do we forgive when we don't feel like it? How do we translate the decision to forgive into a change of heart?
We forgive by faith, out of obedience. Since forgiveness goes against our nature, we must forgive by faith, whether we feel like it or not. We must trust God to do the work in us that needs to be done so that the forgiveness will be complete.
I believe God honors our commitment to obey Him and our desire to please him when we choose to forgive. He completes the work in his time. We must continue to forgive (our job), by faith, until the work of forgiveness (the Lord's job), is done in our hearts.
Philippians 1:6
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (NLT)
• More on How to Forgive
How will we know if we have truly forgiven?
Lewis B. Smedes wrote in his book, Forgive and Forget, "When you release the wrongdoer from the wrong, you cut a malignant tumor out of your inner life. You set a prisoner free, but you discover that the real prisoner was yourself."
• More Forgiveness Quotes
We will know the work of forgiveness is complete when we experience the freedom that comes as a result. We are the ones who suffer most when we choose not to forgive. When we do forgive, the Lord sets our hearts free from the anger, bitterness, resentment and hurt that previously imprisoned us.
Most times, however, forgiveness is a slow process.
Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (NIV)
This answer by Jesus makes it clear that forgiveness is not easy for us. It's not a one-time choice and then we automatically live in a state of forgiveness. Forgiveness may require a lifetime of forgiving, but it is important to the Lord. We must continue forgiving until the matter is settled in our heart.
What if the person we need to forgive is not a believer?
I have found that prayer is one of the best ways to break down the wall of unforgiveness in my heart. When I begin to pray for the person who has wronged me, God gives me new eyes to see and a new heart to care for that person. As I pray, I start to see that person as God sees them, and I realize that he or she is precious to the Lord. I also see myself in a new light, just as guilty of sin and failure as the other person. I too am in need of forgiveness. If God did not withhold his forgiveness from me, why should I withhold my forgiveness from another?
Is it okay to feel anger and want justice for the person we need to forgive?
This question presents another reason to pray for the person we need to forgive. We can pray for God to deal with the injustices, for God to judge the person's life, and then we can leave that prayer at the altar. We no longer have to carry the anger. Although it is normal for us to feel anger toward sin and injustice, it is not our job to judge the other person in their sin.
Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (NIV)
Why must we forgive?
The best reason to forgive is because Jesus commanded us to forgive. We learn from Scripture, if we don't forgive, neither will we be forgiven:
Matthew 6:14-16
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)
We also forgive so that our prayers will not be hindered:
Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. (NIV)
In summary and in closing, we forgive out of obedience to the Lord. It is a choice, a decision we make. However, as we do this "forgiving," we discover the command is in place for our own good, and we receive the reward of our forgiveness—freedom."
Friday, December 27, 2013
YOU were there....
YOU were there....
I woke up this morning to a song," YOU were there"...I don't know if there is such a song or if I have ever heard it until now...I don't have the words, just the impression...
Not matter time or space, circumstance, place, God is there...from the far reaches of heaven to the depths of the sea, from the lost tribes of earth to the highest level of any government, He is there....waiting for acknowledgment, waiting for prayer, knowing the minds of all...knowing who stands with Him and who doesn't .....
His presence goes with the praying doctor, the janitor, the diplomat, the translator, the pilot, the warrior, the oil driller, the astronaut, the child, the mother, father, the aged one, Everyone. Everywhere. Anytime, anyplace. About anything....big or small...old or young...He is there ....desiring that fellowship....that response....that love....
Thank YOU that you are there, in all, through all, .....there.....
Job 11:7 “Can you fathom the mysteries of God?
Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
8 They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do?
They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know?
9 Their measure is longer than the earth
and wider than the sea.
Psalm 96
1 Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
13 Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his faithfulness.
The ride with Christ
When I first met Christ
It seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride,
But it was a tandem bike,
And I noticed that Christ
Was in the back helping me pedal.
I don't know just when it was that
He suggested we change places,
But life has not been the same since.
When I had control, I knew the way,
It was rather boring, but predictable...
It was the shortest distance between two points.
But when He took the lead,
He knew delightful long cuts,
Up mountains, and through rocky places,
At breakneck speeds,
It was all I could do to hang on!
Even though it looked like madness,
He said, "Pedal"
I worried and was anxious and asked,
"Where are you taking me?"
He laughed and didn't answer,
And I started to learn to trust.
I forgot my boring life
And entered into the adventure.
And when I'd say, "I'm scared,"
He'd lean back and touch my hand.
He took me to people with gifts that I needed.
Gifts of healing, acceptance, and joy.
He said, "Give the gifts away;
They're extra baggage, too much weight."
So I did, I gave them to the people we met,
And I found that in giving I received,
And still our burden was light.
I did not trust Him, at first, In control of my life.
I thought He'd wreck it;
But He knows bike secrets,
Knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,
Knows how to jump to clear high rocks,
Knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.
And I am learning to shut up
and pedal in the strangest places,
And I'm beginning to enjoy the view
And the cool breeze on my face
With my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.
And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore,
He just smiles and says...
"Pedal.
Author unknown...
I woke up this morning to a song," YOU were there"...I don't know if there is such a song or if I have ever heard it until now...I don't have the words, just the impression...
Not matter time or space, circumstance, place, God is there...from the far reaches of heaven to the depths of the sea, from the lost tribes of earth to the highest level of any government, He is there....waiting for acknowledgment, waiting for prayer, knowing the minds of all...knowing who stands with Him and who doesn't .....
His presence goes with the praying doctor, the janitor, the diplomat, the translator, the pilot, the warrior, the oil driller, the astronaut, the child, the mother, father, the aged one, Everyone. Everywhere. Anytime, anyplace. About anything....big or small...old or young...He is there ....desiring that fellowship....that response....that love....
Thank YOU that you are there, in all, through all, .....there.....
Job 11:7 “Can you fathom the mysteries of God?
Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
8 They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do?
They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know?
9 Their measure is longer than the earth
and wider than the sea.
Psalm 96
1 Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
13 Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his faithfulness.
The ride with Christ
When I first met Christ
It seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride,
But it was a tandem bike,
And I noticed that Christ
Was in the back helping me pedal.
I don't know just when it was that
He suggested we change places,
But life has not been the same since.
When I had control, I knew the way,
It was rather boring, but predictable...
It was the shortest distance between two points.
But when He took the lead,
He knew delightful long cuts,
Up mountains, and through rocky places,
At breakneck speeds,
It was all I could do to hang on!
Even though it looked like madness,
He said, "Pedal"
I worried and was anxious and asked,
"Where are you taking me?"
He laughed and didn't answer,
And I started to learn to trust.
I forgot my boring life
And entered into the adventure.
And when I'd say, "I'm scared,"
He'd lean back and touch my hand.
He took me to people with gifts that I needed.
Gifts of healing, acceptance, and joy.
He said, "Give the gifts away;
They're extra baggage, too much weight."
So I did, I gave them to the people we met,
And I found that in giving I received,
And still our burden was light.
I did not trust Him, at first, In control of my life.
I thought He'd wreck it;
But He knows bike secrets,
Knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,
Knows how to jump to clear high rocks,
Knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.
And I am learning to shut up
and pedal in the strangest places,
And I'm beginning to enjoy the view
And the cool breeze on my face
With my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.
And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore,
He just smiles and says...
"Pedal.
Author unknown...
Thursday, December 26, 2013
An out of (computer) body experience ...writing on the wall...
An out of (computer) body experience....writing on the wall....
My computer has been going slower and s l o w e r lately...even purchased a new one, but haven't had time to get things transferred.
I Have been getting error messages a lot, which apparently are sent somewhere to someone who is a techy person For the computer company. This computer had been my mothers and she only used it for less that two months. The I inherited it and my husband used it occasionally for a few months, the it was put into storage for a few months and finally my stuff was transferred to it two years ago. So in "use" age it is Not too old...
So the other morning, I receive a phone call from the computer company telling me that they have been getting many error messages about my computer and wanted to help me..he was in India...so "we" get on my computer and search the guts of the thing and find that there were actually 56,000 plus error messages taking up space and multiplying starting back when my mother had been on this machine....each message dated when it had taken place....
The weird thing was that this man in India could check my machine, work the curser, clean all the files, defrag the system, see the errors from the other side of the world...he would give me different instructions over the phone, then I would do certain things and he would do others,..some times saying , "now, now don't touch the mouse..." He would type words, click boxes, and I could see it happening...on my screen...taking fours hours one morning and two the next...
So will see if this clean up job helped...
The whole thing reminded me of the handwriting on the wall in the fifth chapter of the book of Daniel....
The engineer, from somewhere else could look into my computer and see that I had errors, work on it, write In it, and hopefully clean it up all while I was watching....the writing on my computer wall...
I had errors that needed cleaned and he could see it...
just as God see the errors in my life, and tells me through His word, circumstances or any means, all the while writing on my heart , cleaning it up if I give permission,,,I don't, as this king in Daniel found, want to be found wanting, in default...and lose it all as he did. I want to right the errors, clean them up, put up security against future problems....and move forward with a clean heart...
Thank You GOD, that you see our errors and give us the means to clean them up through you and Your word...you even contact us to show us our errors! and we have the choice to clean them up...help me to listen to your messages in order to have a less fragmented life....all systems working together...
Psalm 16:7
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Daniel 5
New International Version (NIV)
The Writing on the Wall
5 King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them. 2 While Belshazzar was drinking his wine, he gave orders to bring in the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. 3 So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. 4 As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.
5 Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. 6 His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his legs became weak and his knees were knocking.
7 The king summoned the enchanters, astrologers and diviners. Then he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing and tells me what it means will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
8 Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king what it meant. 9 So King Belshazzar became even more terrified and his face grew more pale. His nobles were baffled.
10 The queen, hearing the voices of the king and his nobles, came into the banquet hall. “May the king live forever!” she said. “Don’t be alarmed! Don’t look so pale! 11 There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. 12 He did this because Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.”
13 So Daniel was brought before the king, and the king said to him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? 14 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom. 15 The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it. 16 Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
17 Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.
18 “Your Majesty, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory and splendor. 19 Because of the high position he gave him, all the nations and peoples of every language dreaded and feared him. Those the king wanted to put to death, he put to death; those he wanted to spare, he spared; those he wanted to promote, he promoted; and those he wanted to humble, he humbled. 20 But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. 21 He was driven away from people and given the mind of an animal; he lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like the ox; and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and sets over them anyone he wishes.
22 “But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. 23 Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. 24 Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription.
25 “This is the inscription that was written:
mene, mene, tekel, parsin
26 “Here is what these words mean:
Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
27 Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
28 Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”
29 Then at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom.
30 That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, 31 and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.
My computer has been going slower and s l o w e r lately...even purchased a new one, but haven't had time to get things transferred.
I Have been getting error messages a lot, which apparently are sent somewhere to someone who is a techy person For the computer company. This computer had been my mothers and she only used it for less that two months. The I inherited it and my husband used it occasionally for a few months, the it was put into storage for a few months and finally my stuff was transferred to it two years ago. So in "use" age it is Not too old...
So the other morning, I receive a phone call from the computer company telling me that they have been getting many error messages about my computer and wanted to help me..he was in India...so "we" get on my computer and search the guts of the thing and find that there were actually 56,000 plus error messages taking up space and multiplying starting back when my mother had been on this machine....each message dated when it had taken place....
The weird thing was that this man in India could check my machine, work the curser, clean all the files, defrag the system, see the errors from the other side of the world...he would give me different instructions over the phone, then I would do certain things and he would do others,..some times saying , "now, now don't touch the mouse..." He would type words, click boxes, and I could see it happening...on my screen...taking fours hours one morning and two the next...
So will see if this clean up job helped...
The whole thing reminded me of the handwriting on the wall in the fifth chapter of the book of Daniel....
The engineer, from somewhere else could look into my computer and see that I had errors, work on it, write In it, and hopefully clean it up all while I was watching....the writing on my computer wall...
I had errors that needed cleaned and he could see it...
just as God see the errors in my life, and tells me through His word, circumstances or any means, all the while writing on my heart , cleaning it up if I give permission,,,I don't, as this king in Daniel found, want to be found wanting, in default...and lose it all as he did. I want to right the errors, clean them up, put up security against future problems....and move forward with a clean heart...
Thank You GOD, that you see our errors and give us the means to clean them up through you and Your word...you even contact us to show us our errors! and we have the choice to clean them up...help me to listen to your messages in order to have a less fragmented life....all systems working together...
Psalm 16:7
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Daniel 5
New International Version (NIV)
The Writing on the Wall
5 King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them. 2 While Belshazzar was drinking his wine, he gave orders to bring in the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. 3 So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. 4 As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.
5 Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. 6 His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his legs became weak and his knees were knocking.
7 The king summoned the enchanters, astrologers and diviners. Then he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing and tells me what it means will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
8 Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king what it meant. 9 So King Belshazzar became even more terrified and his face grew more pale. His nobles were baffled.
10 The queen, hearing the voices of the king and his nobles, came into the banquet hall. “May the king live forever!” she said. “Don’t be alarmed! Don’t look so pale! 11 There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. 12 He did this because Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.”
13 So Daniel was brought before the king, and the king said to him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? 14 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom. 15 The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it. 16 Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
17 Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.
18 “Your Majesty, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory and splendor. 19 Because of the high position he gave him, all the nations and peoples of every language dreaded and feared him. Those the king wanted to put to death, he put to death; those he wanted to spare, he spared; those he wanted to promote, he promoted; and those he wanted to humble, he humbled. 20 But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. 21 He was driven away from people and given the mind of an animal; he lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like the ox; and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and sets over them anyone he wishes.
22 “But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. 23 Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. 24 Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription.
25 “This is the inscription that was written:
mene, mene, tekel, parsin
26 “Here is what these words mean:
Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
27 Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
28 Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”
29 Then at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom.
30 That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, 31 and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Open arms....
Open arms....
For as long as I can remember, Christmas has been celebrated with family...it has been a fun time, laughter, visiting, hugs all around...I remember that more than any gift given or received ...even when our family knew that time was short...we had fun times...bringing food, preparing it, helping one another, playing games, opening presents, exclamations...smiles, babies, children...those are the memories of Christmas for me...
Looking back at family pictures, that is what I see,....the love, the open arms....all around....not there wasn't hard times, attitudes or animosity...or some undercurrents at times over the years...nothing is perfect...but at the beginning and end, there were hugs, open arms...
Christmas is about Christ and his open arm invitation for everlasting life..God's welcome...His gift ......and it is a memorable one.....not to be forgotten over time...
Picturing open arms In the Bible,
The baby, Jesus,lifting up his arms to be held and holding on to his parents...
The child, Jesus, holding out arms for a toy or a hug from his parents...talking to the teachers in the temple, gesturing with his words...
Later, teaching, gesturing again with his arms....touching others..holding those children and blessing them...
And finally, the cross, arms spread wide....welcoming those around him, the thief, the crowd..longing to hold his mother another time, but instead handing her over to the care of another....
Arms spread wide...opening up for the sin of the world to be placed upon His shoulders, soul....
His body, taken down, arms wrapped ...
The meeting In the garden, others holding Him...
The room with the disciples, again gesturing for Thomas to see the wounds, even that gesture opens up the arms, welcoming again to believe...
I have that vision when loved ones leave this sphere and join the heavenly one...open arms, welcoming...
Christmas, welcoming, open arms, hugs...words of encouragement, smiles....those are memories...those are the real gifts....
Thank YOU, for the open arms of love....the real gift of Christmas .....
Deuteronomy 33:27a
The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; ...
Isaiah 51:5
My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth, And My arms will judge the peoples; The coastlands will wait upon Me, And on My arm they will trust.
Mark 9:35-37
35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”
Mark 10:16
And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
I love you and miss you, but know that you were welcomed with open arms....
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
The illusive donkey......
The illusive donkey.....
Every Christmas card which depicts Mary and Joseph traveling, has donkey....I just know it should be spoken of in the narration of the birth of Jesus....but no, it is not..
It may be that the donkey was the typical mode of transportation or a typical animal that people owned...after all Joseph was a carpenter and he would need a donkey to carry his tools or the item he had built or what ever. Anyway, the donkey shows up in every picture with the new couple...whether they had one or not....
On the comical side, the illusive donkey reminds me of the mule that gets its picture taken with Don knots and Tim Conway in the Apple Dumpling movies...
But, back to the real story....
An assumption...of course there is this because of that....taking something for granted...a guess....a theory, untested......
I make assumptions everyday, without checking on the source or without checking with other people....I just assume that they are thinking the way I am...or doing the same as I am....after all isn't that the way you say or do it??? NOT....a great way to have bad communication ....
Life experiences, personalities, temperaments, age all added into the pot of decisions, time, circumstances, change the way we look at, or things...not assumptions...
In America, many assume that because they are Americans that we are Christians. Or because our family has Christian members, we are all Christians.....NOT.....that is a poor assumption....only those who have acknowledged their need for a Saviour, repented, believed in the one true Saviour, have the privilege of being a Christian...that is real, not an illusion...
It has been said that God has no grandchildren, just children...in other words, just because our parents are Christians, we should be Christians also....NOT...everyone has the choice of belief or not....
John 3:16
New King James Version (NKJV)
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
.NIV commentary..... those who love the coming of the light, who look on and trust the “upraised,” crucified Son, who believe in Jesus and “live by the truth” (3:21), these people not only enjoy eternal life (3:16, 18) but they come to the light and yearn for its truth. John does not have in mind here people in the world who already have the goodness of God at work in their hearts and whom the light reveals. John is describing what happens when those in the world make a choice to believe; they are transformed into children of God (1:12; 11:52; 1 John 3:10), experiencing the power of the Spirit (3:5–6) and living the truth (3:21). Such people live righteously because God is at work in them (3:21b), not because they have a native desire to be godly.
Actually, in the recorded word of Christ's life, a donkey really doesn't come into the real picture until near the end of Christ's life...the triumphal entry into Jerusalem.....and this was a particular donkey, a colt, never ridden....for the special purpose of carrying a king into the town.....and this is no assumption, it actually happened....
Thank YOU that we can't assume that we Christians. We have to make that choice...each for own self....it is not illusive, but real.....
Every Christmas card which depicts Mary and Joseph traveling, has donkey....I just know it should be spoken of in the narration of the birth of Jesus....but no, it is not..
It may be that the donkey was the typical mode of transportation or a typical animal that people owned...after all Joseph was a carpenter and he would need a donkey to carry his tools or the item he had built or what ever. Anyway, the donkey shows up in every picture with the new couple...whether they had one or not....
On the comical side, the illusive donkey reminds me of the mule that gets its picture taken with Don knots and Tim Conway in the Apple Dumpling movies...
But, back to the real story....
An assumption...of course there is this because of that....taking something for granted...a guess....a theory, untested......
I make assumptions everyday, without checking on the source or without checking with other people....I just assume that they are thinking the way I am...or doing the same as I am....after all isn't that the way you say or do it??? NOT....a great way to have bad communication ....
Life experiences, personalities, temperaments, age all added into the pot of decisions, time, circumstances, change the way we look at, or things...not assumptions...
In America, many assume that because they are Americans that we are Christians. Or because our family has Christian members, we are all Christians.....NOT.....that is a poor assumption....only those who have acknowledged their need for a Saviour, repented, believed in the one true Saviour, have the privilege of being a Christian...that is real, not an illusion...
It has been said that God has no grandchildren, just children...in other words, just because our parents are Christians, we should be Christians also....NOT...everyone has the choice of belief or not....
John 3:16
New King James Version (NKJV)
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
.NIV commentary..... those who love the coming of the light, who look on and trust the “upraised,” crucified Son, who believe in Jesus and “live by the truth” (3:21), these people not only enjoy eternal life (3:16, 18) but they come to the light and yearn for its truth. John does not have in mind here people in the world who already have the goodness of God at work in their hearts and whom the light reveals. John is describing what happens when those in the world make a choice to believe; they are transformed into children of God (1:12; 11:52; 1 John 3:10), experiencing the power of the Spirit (3:5–6) and living the truth (3:21). Such people live righteously because God is at work in them (3:21b), not because they have a native desire to be godly.
Actually, in the recorded word of Christ's life, a donkey really doesn't come into the real picture until near the end of Christ's life...the triumphal entry into Jerusalem.....and this was a particular donkey, a colt, never ridden....for the special purpose of carrying a king into the town.....and this is no assumption, it actually happened....
Thank YOU that we can't assume that we Christians. We have to make that choice...each for own self....it is not illusive, but real.....
Monday, December 23, 2013
Through the eyes of a baby.....
Through the eyes of a baby.....
Getting ready for Christmas, whether it was this time of the year or not, the real look of the manger, three wise men or a dozen...it is still the celebration and the commemoration of the Christ's child's birth....God with us....
Here is God entering his creation's world In a most unique way, through human birth...it boggles the mind...
Was Mary saved from a painful childbirth...because she was carrying the perfect baby?
Were the animals in that dirty stable instinctively aware that this baby was different?
Were the wrapping cloths new and scratchy to His tender skin or used, handed from one mother to another?
Did the straw from that manger tickle His petal soft skin?
From modern day studies, an infant's senses are not too good at first, but what did Jesus see when He was born???
Was His eyesight perfect, seeing his mother, hearing her croon soft comforting sounds to this special baby? Trying his first taste of human milk, He the Creator, seeing, feeling this from a human's perspective.....
Was he waiting for shepherds....the angels' song?
Did the innkeeper visit to see if they were "comfortable"? Or did he care?
Did more people come after the shepherds spread the word of this event?
How does perfection act as an infant? child?
Later, As a child, was he waiting for the magi to come, because he knew they were coming???
Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.....
A few day after the birth, When they went to the temple with their poor offering of two doves or pigeons, people noticed, Anna and Simeon...who had waited in anticipation of this Particular Child....they knew Him, moved by the Spirit, they knew exactly who he was.....
The promised one....as had the shepherds....
More things for Mary to ponder...
All this through the eyes of a baby.....a special baby....Emmanuel, God with us....
Thank YOU that You stepped into our world...what a sacrifice to you to leave the heavenly realm, What a sacrifice, what a love....for us...rich or poor, dirty or clean, leaders or followers.....anyone....everyone...whomever believes....You came that we might have a way to YOU.....You created, but experienced...but in perfection....something that we will never understand fully....But You loved enough to come...to live, to die , to live again....thank you.....
Genesis 3:16a
16 To the woman he said,
"I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;
with painful labor you will give birth to children......
Luke 2
http://www.uptv.com/blog/uplifting-video-mary-did-you-know-music-video
http://www.babycenter.com/0_developmental-milestones-sight_6508.bc
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Names of GOD....
Names of God......
This morning as I woke up, I just said, "Good morning, God". Is was as if I could hear people from all over saying the same.....in their own language, calling on the name of God for whatever reason....just to say "good morning" or calling on Him for any characteristic, attribute they personally need at the moment...and He is there....personally...
There are times when I call on Him as comforter, provider, refuge, collector of tears, father, husband....and the list goes on....and He is there in those names, present..holding me up, enfolding me, listening...faithful, compassionate...redeemer of my soul, emotions, counseling .....protecting...
No matter the time of day, time zone, color of my skin, language I speak...He resonates through out time and space,,,,there....waiting to say, "good morning, I am here for you"....listen, can you hear them?...all those others saying "good morning, God"...
Thank YOU....Your names say it all.....
Romans 14:11
It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God...
Philippians 2:10
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=7PKZG7NX
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-Names-of-God/
http://christianity.about.com/od/biblestudyresources/qt/namesofgodjesus.htm
"Studying the names of God is one of the most uplifting Bible adventures a Christian can explore. You will learn about God's character, his nature, and how completely he cares for you.
This list presents the biblical names of God and Jesus and where they are located in Scripture. With 102 names of God represented, the list, though not exhaustive, is quite extensive.
Biblical Names of God
Advocate - 1 John 2:1
Almighty - Revelation 1:8
Alpha - Revelation 1:8
Amen - Revelation 3:14
Angel of the Lord - Genesis 16:7
Anointed One - Psalm 2:2
Apostle - Hebrews 3:1
Author and Perfecter of our Faith - Hebrews 12:2
Beginning - Revelation 21:6
Bishop of Souls - 1 Peter 2:25
Branch - Zechariah 3:8
Bread of Life - John 6:35,48
Bridegroom - Matthew 9:15
Carpenter - Mark 6:3
Chief Shepherd - 1 Peter 5:4
The Christ - Matthew 1:16
Comforter - Jeremiah 8:18
Consolation of Israel - Luke 2:25
Cornerstone - Ephesians 2:20
Dayspring - Luke 1:78
Day Star - 2 Peter 1:19
Deliverer - Romans 11:26
Desire of Nations - Haggai 2:7
Emmanuel - Matthew 1:23
End - Revelation 21:6
Everlasting Father - Isaiah 9:6
Faithful and True Witness - Revelation 3:14
First Fruits - 1 Corinthians 15:23
Foundation - Isaiah 28:16
Fountain - Zechariah 13:1
Friend of Sinners - Matthew 11:19
Gate for the Sheep - John 10:7
Gift of God - 2 Corinthians 9:15
God - John 1:1
Glory of God - Isaiah 60:1
Good Shepherd - John 10:11
Governor - Matthew 2:6
Great Shepherd - Hebrews 13:20
Guide - Psalm 48:14
Head of the Church - Colossians 1:18
High Priest - Hebrews 3:1
Holy One of Israel - Isaiah 41:14
Horn of Salvation - Luke 1:69
I Am - Exodus 3:14
Jehovah - Psalm 83:18
Jesus - Matthew 1:21
King of Israel - Matthew 27:42
King of Kings - 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16
Lamb of God - John 1:29
Last Adam - 1 Corinthians 15:45
Life - John 11:25
Light of the World - John 8:12; John 9:5
Lion of the Tribe of Judah - Revelation 5:5
Lord of Lords - 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16
Master - Matthew 23:8
Mediator - 1 Timothy 2:5
Messiah - John 1:41
Mighty God - Isaiah 9:6
Morning Star - Revelation 22:16
Nazarene - Matthew 2:23
Omega - Revelation 1:8
Passover Lamb - 1 Corinthians 5:7
Physician - Matthew 9:12
Potentate - 1 Timothy 6:15
Priest - Hebrews 4:15
Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6
Prophet - Acts 3:22
Propitiation - I John 2:2
Purifier - Malachi 3:3
Rabbi - John 1:49
Ransom - 1 Timothy 2:6
Redeemer - Isaiah 41:14
Refiner - Malachi 3:2
Refuge - Isaiah 25:4
Resurrection - John 11:25
Righteousness - Jeremiah 23:6
Rock - Deuteronomy 32:4
Root of David - Revelation 22:16
Rose of Sharon - Song of Solomon 2:1
Ruler of God's Creation - Revelation 3:14
Sacrifice - Ephesians 5:2
Savior - 2 Samuel 22:47; Luke 1:47
Second Adam - 1 Corinthians 15:47
Seed of Abraham - Galatians 3:16
Seed of David - 2 Timothy 2:8
Seed of the Woman - Genesis 3:15
Servant - Isaiah 42:1
Shepherd - 1 Peter 2:25
Shiloh - Genesis 49:10
Son of David - Matthew 15:22
Son of God - Luke 1:35
Son of Man - Matthew 18:11
Son of Mary - Mark 6:3
Son of the Most High - Luke 1:32
Stone - Isaiah 28:16
Sun of Righteousness - Malachi 4:2
Teacher - Matthew 26:18
Truth - John 14:6
Way - John 14:6
Wonderful Counselor - Isaiah 9:6
Word - John 1:1
Vine - John 15:1"
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Current controversies ....?
Current controversies......
Since the beginnings on recorded times, there have been controversies ....right and wrong, murder, my way or the hi way, leadership styles, personality differences, love triangles, who to follow, how to follow, whose rules, to drink or not to drink, land disputes, family disputes, what to eat or not, how to worship, rich or poor, and on and on with judgements flying everywhere......part of every story is a good conflict with a resolution....
Look through the Bible and they are all there...now look at the current newspaper or news station ....the names have changed, but still similar conflicts...
Some of us relish the conflict and live In that moment, others of us long for the solution for peace in the matter....it has been that way down through the ages....
A long time ago, I heard the adage, "desiring rights promotes revolution, desiring responsibility promotes revival"..... It still holds true......and it still is a conflict ...generation after generation, it goes on...it seems more blatant now as we have such instant access to everything...but the issues are pretty much the same...over and over...
"There is Nothing new under the sun," the purveyor of proverbs said a long time ago...
I, alone, stand before The Lord and answer to my own life, no one else's, how did I live, what did I believe, who did I put my trust in, did I follow the path that was set out for me...what was my legacy ....did I exhibit the fruit of the spirit ....did I promote peace, love, ...truth....that is an everyday event, examining ....creating a clean heart, thoughts, spirit....whom did I love .....care for, ....dwelling on the right thoughts ...not causing anyone to stumble by my example...not trying inflict my way on others...but promoting peace..love..care for others and pointing the way to Jesus...
thank YOu that we can come to You for all the right things, attitudes,...thoughts...I don't want to dwell in the wrong thinking .....mulling over, chewing the current controversies when You want me to keep my thoughts, on You...I even talk back to the news commentators, when I should be talking over them withYOU, praying for them and the situations...help me to stand up to the wrong and stand for YOu.....when it is appropriate. ...
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
James 4:1What causes fights and quarrels(A) among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us ? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Since the beginnings on recorded times, there have been controversies ....right and wrong, murder, my way or the hi way, leadership styles, personality differences, love triangles, who to follow, how to follow, whose rules, to drink or not to drink, land disputes, family disputes, what to eat or not, how to worship, rich or poor, and on and on with judgements flying everywhere......part of every story is a good conflict with a resolution....
Look through the Bible and they are all there...now look at the current newspaper or news station ....the names have changed, but still similar conflicts...
Some of us relish the conflict and live In that moment, others of us long for the solution for peace in the matter....it has been that way down through the ages....
A long time ago, I heard the adage, "desiring rights promotes revolution, desiring responsibility promotes revival"..... It still holds true......and it still is a conflict ...generation after generation, it goes on...it seems more blatant now as we have such instant access to everything...but the issues are pretty much the same...over and over...
"There is Nothing new under the sun," the purveyor of proverbs said a long time ago...
I, alone, stand before The Lord and answer to my own life, no one else's, how did I live, what did I believe, who did I put my trust in, did I follow the path that was set out for me...what was my legacy ....did I exhibit the fruit of the spirit ....did I promote peace, love, ...truth....that is an everyday event, examining ....creating a clean heart, thoughts, spirit....whom did I love .....care for, ....dwelling on the right thoughts ...not causing anyone to stumble by my example...not trying inflict my way on others...but promoting peace..love..care for others and pointing the way to Jesus...
thank YOu that we can come to You for all the right things, attitudes,...thoughts...I don't want to dwell in the wrong thinking .....mulling over, chewing the current controversies when You want me to keep my thoughts, on You...I even talk back to the news commentators, when I should be talking over them withYOU, praying for them and the situations...help me to stand up to the wrong and stand for YOu.....when it is appropriate. ...
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
James 4:1What causes fights and quarrels(A) among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us ? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Broken and satisfied.......
Broken but satisfied.....
In three of the gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke, the feeding of the crowds is recorded...
Matthew 14:20
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
Matthew 15:37
They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
What struck me, in the verses, that the people were satisfied ......And that the disciples picked up the broken pieces...
There is satisfaction in brokenness.....a stretch, I know....but true. Our salvation was satisfied by the brokenness of Christ on the cross...and there was the abundance of eternal life....in the "left overs"....there is still more....and more and more...he never stops giving....
Jesus came to satisfy, heal, carry out the care of the broken hearted people ....
I don't know about you, but I don't like to be broken, I want everything perfect, taken care, in one piece...but there are many times in life that just isn't so....I am broken, but through Jesus, I am satisfied....even when it is hard....
sat·is·fy
: to cause (someone) to be happy or pleased
: to provide, do, or have what is required by (someone or something)
: to cause (someone) to believe that something is true
sat·is·fiedsat·is·fy·ing
a : to carry out the terms of (as a contract) : discharge
b : to meet a financial obligation to
: to make reparation to (an injured party) : indemnify
a : to make happy : please
b : to gratify to the full : appease
a : convince
b : to put an end to (doubt or uncertainty) : dispel
a : to conform to (as specifications) : be adequate to (an end in view)
b : to make true by fulfilling a condition
: to be adequate : suffice; also : please
Synonyms
assuage, quench, sate, satiate, slake
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 51:17
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Isaiah 61:1
[ The Year of the Lord’s Favor ] The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
Thank YOU that You do bind up the brokenhearted...You heal....You save....You are the Satisfaction of all things....
Christmas is on it's way. Touching story........
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WxjZB5S_g7s?rel=0
In three of the gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke, the feeding of the crowds is recorded...
Matthew 14:20
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
Matthew 15:37
They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
What struck me, in the verses, that the people were satisfied ......And that the disciples picked up the broken pieces...
There is satisfaction in brokenness.....a stretch, I know....but true. Our salvation was satisfied by the brokenness of Christ on the cross...and there was the abundance of eternal life....in the "left overs"....there is still more....and more and more...he never stops giving....
Jesus came to satisfy, heal, carry out the care of the broken hearted people ....
I don't know about you, but I don't like to be broken, I want everything perfect, taken care, in one piece...but there are many times in life that just isn't so....I am broken, but through Jesus, I am satisfied....even when it is hard....
sat·is·fy
: to cause (someone) to be happy or pleased
: to provide, do, or have what is required by (someone or something)
: to cause (someone) to believe that something is true
sat·is·fiedsat·is·fy·ing
a : to carry out the terms of (as a contract) : discharge
b : to meet a financial obligation to
: to make reparation to (an injured party) : indemnify
a : to make happy : please
b : to gratify to the full : appease
a : convince
b : to put an end to (doubt or uncertainty) : dispel
a : to conform to (as specifications) : be adequate to (an end in view)
b : to make true by fulfilling a condition
: to be adequate : suffice; also : please
Synonyms
assuage, quench, sate, satiate, slake
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 51:17
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Isaiah 61:1
[ The Year of the Lord’s Favor ] The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
Thank YOU that You do bind up the brokenhearted...You heal....You save....You are the Satisfaction of all things....
Christmas is on it's way. Touching story........
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WxjZB5S_g7s?rel=0
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Weight...weight...and weight...
Weight.....weight...and weight....
It seems for me, weight has always been an issue. I grew up with Barbie....but I wasn't her shape or size. I was always taller than my family and felt like an Amazon woman compared to them...even though, in looking back we were similar...I always and still do see myself a big person when I look into a mirror. Sometimes it is an illusion and other times, not....
For years, I have self talked the whole psalm 139 verses, "fearfully and wonderfully made" ....but my mind still wanders back to the feeling and reality of being overweight...
My father,. for all of my life, only commented on weight when I or my mother were pencil thin...so my message from him, was that thinness was the only way to get positive comments.....and he himself was obsessed with his size and never gained weight.....
I know that I feel better when I am weigh what I should. And I don't know that is real or just in my mind....this verse sums it up. Two differing weights...in my mind, one heavy and one light...which one is the correct one???
Deuteronomy 25:13
Do not have two differing weights in your bag—one heavy, one light.
the magazines sell it, tv sells it, it is all around....everywhere....so I know I am not alone on this....part of life....
So what is true and what is helpful for each of us. That is what we,with Gods help, have to determine for ourselves, not others ...what is God saying to me, personally....where is my balance...what are my instructions....without the baggage....without the worldly influence....and He cares...godliness.....and in eternity it doesn't matter...but what is the good witness.....what is important....lies or truth....consistency or haphazard...
Father, YOU know my inmost being....my inmost thoughts...teach me...lead me...to Your truths for my life, not looking around at others' stories or paths...on any subject....
Thank YOU...for caring about everything....
1 Timothy 4:7-9
New International Version (NIV)
7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.
1 Samuel 4:18
When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell backward off his chair by the side of the gate. His neck was broken and he died, for he was an old man, and he was heavy. He had led Israel forty years.
Judges 3:15 Again the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite. The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab. 16 Now Ehud had made a double-edged sword about a cubit long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his clothing. 17 He presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who was a very fat man. 18 After Ehud had presented the tribute, he sent on their way those who had carried it. 19 But on reaching the stone images near Gilgal he himself went back to Eglon and said, “Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you.”
The king said to his attendants, “Leave us!” And they all left.
20 Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the upper room of his palace and said, “I have a message from God for you.” As the king rose from his seat, 21 Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king’s belly. 22 Even the handle sank in after the blade, and his bowels discharged. Ehud did not pull the sword out, and the fat closed in over it. 23 Then Ehud went out to the porch[f]; he shut the doors of the upper room behind him and locked them.
It seems for me, weight has always been an issue. I grew up with Barbie....but I wasn't her shape or size. I was always taller than my family and felt like an Amazon woman compared to them...even though, in looking back we were similar...I always and still do see myself a big person when I look into a mirror. Sometimes it is an illusion and other times, not....
For years, I have self talked the whole psalm 139 verses, "fearfully and wonderfully made" ....but my mind still wanders back to the feeling and reality of being overweight...
My father,. for all of my life, only commented on weight when I or my mother were pencil thin...so my message from him, was that thinness was the only way to get positive comments.....and he himself was obsessed with his size and never gained weight.....
I know that I feel better when I am weigh what I should. And I don't know that is real or just in my mind....this verse sums it up. Two differing weights...in my mind, one heavy and one light...which one is the correct one???
Deuteronomy 25:13
Do not have two differing weights in your bag—one heavy, one light.
the magazines sell it, tv sells it, it is all around....everywhere....so I know I am not alone on this....part of life....
So what is true and what is helpful for each of us. That is what we,with Gods help, have to determine for ourselves, not others ...what is God saying to me, personally....where is my balance...what are my instructions....without the baggage....without the worldly influence....and He cares...godliness.....and in eternity it doesn't matter...but what is the good witness.....what is important....lies or truth....consistency or haphazard...
Father, YOU know my inmost being....my inmost thoughts...teach me...lead me...to Your truths for my life, not looking around at others' stories or paths...on any subject....
Thank YOU...for caring about everything....
1 Timothy 4:7-9
New International Version (NIV)
7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.
1 Samuel 4:18
When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell backward off his chair by the side of the gate. His neck was broken and he died, for he was an old man, and he was heavy. He had led Israel forty years.
Judges 3:15 Again the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite. The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab. 16 Now Ehud had made a double-edged sword about a cubit long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his clothing. 17 He presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who was a very fat man. 18 After Ehud had presented the tribute, he sent on their way those who had carried it. 19 But on reaching the stone images near Gilgal he himself went back to Eglon and said, “Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you.”
The king said to his attendants, “Leave us!” And they all left.
20 Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the upper room of his palace and said, “I have a message from God for you.” As the king rose from his seat, 21 Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king’s belly. 22 Even the handle sank in after the blade, and his bowels discharged. Ehud did not pull the sword out, and the fat closed in over it. 23 Then Ehud went out to the porch[f]; he shut the doors of the upper room behind him and locked them.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
The moon.....
The moon...
These few mornings the moon set and the sunrise have given a wonderous show in the early morning....the full moon set to the west over the Cascades as the sun was beginning to makes its way up in east with vivid reds,, scattered clouds, causing both the mountains in the west and evergreen trees in the east to silhouette against a colorful sky....the early golden hour...
There is nothing that man can do in nature that can replicate the beauty of nature...we have witnessed the explosion of the bomb in the deserts, various manmade things as the moon walks, etc, the wall of China, the lights of earth as seen from space, but they do not hold a candle to lights that God created for us in the heavens.....not to be worshipped but to hold as part of the creation we do enjoy....
We hold them as passage of seasons, times, enjoy their beauty at different times of the year, somewhat understand the play between emotions, and full moons...the tides...but they are still a small part of the whole of creation and we will not understand them in our finite minds...
I can not even fathom the brilliance that the future holds in heaven....we can read about it...ponder it....but understand, no....not until we experience it...no need for light except God himself, no need for sunglasses, our bodies will be perfect...unless they are supplied there...no darkness, nor sunrises or sunsets....just light....no sorrow...regrets...tears..pain...but love everlasting.....light everlasting....
Thank YOU for the moon, the sun, the stars...reminders of Your eternal light....a small picture of the light of Yourself, the beauty...the majesty...help us to shine as beacons in a dark world....
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AlmnoVNEu8Q. Ayers Rock moonset.
Isaiah 60:19
The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.
Isaiah 60:20
Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.
Psalm 8:2-4
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
Genesis 1:14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 God made two great lights—the greater light. to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening, and there was morning-the fourth day.
Psalm 136:9
the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.
Jeremiah 31:35
This is what the Lord says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord Almighty is his name:
Joel 2:31
The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
Revelation 21:23
The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
Matthew 16:1-3
The Demand for a Sign
16 The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.
2 He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ 3 and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
These few mornings the moon set and the sunrise have given a wonderous show in the early morning....the full moon set to the west over the Cascades as the sun was beginning to makes its way up in east with vivid reds,, scattered clouds, causing both the mountains in the west and evergreen trees in the east to silhouette against a colorful sky....the early golden hour...
There is nothing that man can do in nature that can replicate the beauty of nature...we have witnessed the explosion of the bomb in the deserts, various manmade things as the moon walks, etc, the wall of China, the lights of earth as seen from space, but they do not hold a candle to lights that God created for us in the heavens.....not to be worshipped but to hold as part of the creation we do enjoy....
We hold them as passage of seasons, times, enjoy their beauty at different times of the year, somewhat understand the play between emotions, and full moons...the tides...but they are still a small part of the whole of creation and we will not understand them in our finite minds...
I can not even fathom the brilliance that the future holds in heaven....we can read about it...ponder it....but understand, no....not until we experience it...no need for light except God himself, no need for sunglasses, our bodies will be perfect...unless they are supplied there...no darkness, nor sunrises or sunsets....just light....no sorrow...regrets...tears..pain...but love everlasting.....light everlasting....
Thank YOU for the moon, the sun, the stars...reminders of Your eternal light....a small picture of the light of Yourself, the beauty...the majesty...help us to shine as beacons in a dark world....
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AlmnoVNEu8Q. Ayers Rock moonset.
Isaiah 60:19
The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.
Isaiah 60:20
Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.
Psalm 8:2-4
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
Genesis 1:14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 God made two great lights—the greater light. to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening, and there was morning-the fourth day.
Psalm 136:9
the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.
Jeremiah 31:35
This is what the Lord says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord Almighty is his name:
Joel 2:31
The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
Revelation 21:23
The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
Matthew 16:1-3
The Demand for a Sign
16 The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.
2 He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ 3 and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Sight....
Eyesight....
I can remember going to the eye doctor when I was I the fifth grade. I had gotten closer and closer to the blackboard, and the tv, as everything was fuzzy...
New glasses, voila, sight...what a wonderful world again...crisp and distinct....
After high school graduation, contact lenses, no glasses, That was such a treat....didn't look so bookish, even though I was...then back to glasses after allergy to solutions...and so much sand in Nevada.....no lasak like my kids ....eyes too inconsistent...later laser surgery for pucker, and on and on, tear ducts, eye pressure...cornea....
Eyesight , so fragile....so important....we use it for everything....
There is an advertisement, now that says we can see a single candle light at 10 miles...they must be of the Bonneville salt flats to do that... When you think of that and put it with the passage about a light hidden or not hidden under a bushel...that light shines greatly in a dark world...but we need to see.....both with our hearts and eyes....
Our eyes are so intricate....so many pieces, and they work together with such precision ...colors, shapes, light and dark. And all between....until we don't have it, we sometimes don't appreciate it....an artist's eye, an engineer's eye, a repairman's eye, an educator's eye, a policeman's eye....All seeing different things...but seeing.....using those God created and given eyes....
And when I think about God seeing all.....something that far more than I can imagine in my finite mind...
I appreciate that Jesus was concerned and healed many of blindness of their eyes....
He had compassion and power to do that.... It was a felt need...when they, we, And I really the blindness cured of my heart...soul...form the darkness of sin....with the light and sight of the Word...
Thank YOU that you do indeed heal the blind both in sight and heart ....with the illumination of Your word...help me to seek that light, to freely see YOu in me, around me, in all...that You do...say...
Exodus 4:11
The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord?
Deuteronomy 6:18
Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors,
Psalm 146:8
the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.
Proverbs 29:13
The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.
Matthew 20:Two Blind Men Receive Sight
29 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”
34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Matthew 11:5
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.
Mark 8:25
Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.
Mark 10:46
[ Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight ] Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging.
Mark 10:52
“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,
Luke 7:21
At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind.
I can remember going to the eye doctor when I was I the fifth grade. I had gotten closer and closer to the blackboard, and the tv, as everything was fuzzy...
New glasses, voila, sight...what a wonderful world again...crisp and distinct....
After high school graduation, contact lenses, no glasses, That was such a treat....didn't look so bookish, even though I was...then back to glasses after allergy to solutions...and so much sand in Nevada.....no lasak like my kids ....eyes too inconsistent...later laser surgery for pucker, and on and on, tear ducts, eye pressure...cornea....
Eyesight , so fragile....so important....we use it for everything....
There is an advertisement, now that says we can see a single candle light at 10 miles...they must be of the Bonneville salt flats to do that... When you think of that and put it with the passage about a light hidden or not hidden under a bushel...that light shines greatly in a dark world...but we need to see.....both with our hearts and eyes....
Our eyes are so intricate....so many pieces, and they work together with such precision ...colors, shapes, light and dark. And all between....until we don't have it, we sometimes don't appreciate it....an artist's eye, an engineer's eye, a repairman's eye, an educator's eye, a policeman's eye....All seeing different things...but seeing.....using those God created and given eyes....
And when I think about God seeing all.....something that far more than I can imagine in my finite mind...
I appreciate that Jesus was concerned and healed many of blindness of their eyes....
He had compassion and power to do that.... It was a felt need...when they, we, And I really the blindness cured of my heart...soul...form the darkness of sin....with the light and sight of the Word...
Thank YOU that you do indeed heal the blind both in sight and heart ....with the illumination of Your word...help me to seek that light, to freely see YOu in me, around me, in all...that You do...say...
Exodus 4:11
The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord?
Deuteronomy 6:18
Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors,
Psalm 146:8
the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.
Proverbs 29:13
The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.
Matthew 20:Two Blind Men Receive Sight
29 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”
34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Matthew 11:5
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.
Mark 8:25
Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.
Mark 10:46
[ Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight ] Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging.
Mark 10:52
“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,
Luke 7:21
At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Coming home....
Coming Home.....
It seems like we are on the road a lot....so it is nice to arrive home, especially after a long absence or moving, visiting others, being in the hospital or wherever we are....
Coming home has a nice ring to it....even with laundry to do, bills to pay or catch up of any kind...we have our own bed, pillow, comfort zone...we can wander around in our pjs if we want, or get food when we want it, sit in our favorite chair...home....
All of my children have remodeled, repainted, built, and/or moved this last year...a state of flux......so being home feels good ......
Or there have been deaths which took loved ones to their ultimate home, heaven...a place prepared especially for each of us.....I have to admit, right at this moment, place and time...I am enjoying being with family here but have so many friends and family there, it is a toss up, which place I want to be....both are real...both have a draw...
I think of Mary and Joseph this time of year, traveling, finding no place to stay at the inn, pregnant, walking, or riding...tired, wanting a place to rest, dusty, obeying the rule of the land, but fulfilling prophecy,....arriving at a barn ...not home...no luxuries, animals, hay, dust, possible rodents, but sheltered......common...poor...and then birth of a holy baby....in this "rustic" place...the king of kings in a stable...not even on our radar....no, this should be in a clean, sterile, fancy place....where kings are waited upon, ...served...
But He came to serve, seek and save.....
He later said, I have no where to lay my head....no home here on earth...His is a kingly home.....heaven..or the Holy Spirit resides in us, temples....am I keeping that home clean? Is He comfortable there???
Thank You that You are preparing a heavenly home, that you have provided an earthly home as well. You have provided so much....and You desire that we dwell in You...no matter where we are.....
Joshua 22:6
Then Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their homes.
Proverbs 3:33b
...., but he blesses the home of the righteous.
Isaiah 32:18
My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
Matthew 1:20
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
John 14:23
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.
2 Corinthians 5:6
Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:9
So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
Psalm 27:4
One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
camels...
Camels......
Last spring, while in Australia, several of us took a camel ride to see the sunrise over Ayers Rock ...
We left early in the morning to get instructed and saddled up on the camels which were close to the resort at which we were staying...the camels had their own individual saddles that were especially made for them and held two people each.....we left the camp and tread out through red sand that covers the land...just before sunrise to a viewing spot where we could see the rock with the sunrise...quite spectacular ......
We rode dromedary camels with one hump.....the camels from the Gobi are bactrian camel with two humps...I can remember by the letters B-two humps like the letter or D-one hump like the letter...
The Bactrian camels are in Mongolia where my daughter and family lived.....you rode between the humps to keep you warm...the desert camels you ride on the Top to keep you cool...that is my theory anyway. They were designed for the environment that they ranged....
I just think of the wise men coming to visit the child, Jesus.....how many came? Not sure, but three gilts.....they probably came on camels as that was the mode of transportation....a caravan, bearing gifts...preparation and supplies needed by Joseph and his family for their journey to Egypt. God supplied their needs through gifts given...
But, back to camels...there must have been a lot in Bible times....Job started off with three thousand and ended with six thousand...they are spoken of several times in the listing of livestock of various people.... They were used for a lot of things, their hair for spinning and fabric, milk, transportation, meat...designed for desert living....
Just think if you were Mary and Joseph,who were poor, and these men, who must have had some wealth, arrive, bowing down to this child....offering these gifts....what was running through their minds.....another thing for them to ponder and remember over the course of time....
If you were Mary, would you remember those gifts later on when your son was buried using the spices....those men who probably came on camels to worship?..so many sights, scents and events to remember....
Camels, winding their way through time.....plodding,,carrying, possibly bringing those wise men to the child, the creator of the universe...what a picture....going down on their front knees to unload....bowing themselves to this Holy child...
Thank YOU, God for your pictures, your creation....we will bow before you....all creation....your gifts given.....great or small.....all for a purpose....
Matthew 2:1-12 The Magi Visit the Messiah
2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,during the time of King Herod,Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel."
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts(H) of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/10-Amazing-Facts-About-Camels-68843.shtml
http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/facts-about-camels-1654.html
Interesting & Amazing Information About Camels
A female camel is called a cow, a male camel is called a bull and a baby camel is called a calf.
The word ‘camel’ comes from the Arabic word, meaning ‘beauty’.
A common misconception is that the humps of camels are used to carry water. However, this is not true. The humps store fat, lessening heat-trapping insulation around the rest of the body.
As early as 1800 BC, camels have been used as the most common means of transport in Africa, Asia and the areas in the Arabian Peninsula. This majestic creature, wouloften help merchants carry gold, ivory, silk, incense and spices to different parts of the world and the trading capital of ‘Petra’ in Jordan.
Camels are commonly used by Bedouins, even today.
Did you know, that the longest fence in the world, which was completed in 1907, in Western Australia, would not have completed without the use of camels.?
The Bactrian camels are shorter and are able to endure varying temperatures than the Dromedaries. The Bactrian camels are also known for their longer and finer wool.
It is said that camel’s milk is an acquired taste.
Camels do not chew the food and swallow it instead. They regurgitate and chew the cud later.
Camels have thick bushy eyebrows to protect their eyes from the rays of the son.
Camels shed their coat each year.
Camels have two layers of thick eyelashes to protect them from the dust.
Camels have paddy hoofs, with two toes to protect them from sinking in the sand.
Baby camels are born without a hump
Camels have three chambers in their stomach.
Camels can eat thorny twigs without hurting its mouth.
Camels can live without water for days and even months.
A camel can drink about 200 liters of water in a day.
The body temperature of the camel rises during the day and cools off during the night.
Camels can close their nostrils or leave a small opening to prevent sand from entering inside.
The tag, ‘The Ship of the Desert’, comes from the camel’s walk. The camel moves both its legs on one side of the body at the same time, which resembles the rolling motion of a ship at sea.
Camel’s ears are very small and hairy but their hearing power is very strong .
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Wise mean still seek Him.....
Wise men ......still seek Him....
Down through the ages, wise men have been summoned.
One Pharaoh summoned them to to interpret his dreams....in the story of Joseph...
Another Pharaoh summoned them to do miracles against Moses and Aaron...
Moses chose wise men to help with the governing of the tribes as they were in the desert journeys.....
Solomon asked for wisdom.....rather than riches....
The books of Proverbs and ecclesiastes have many descriptions of a wise men...
Wise men sought the child, Jesus......they were wise not only because they sought him but heeded warnings about their return....
Joseph, was a wise man, who heeded the warnings and took great care of his wife and her Son.....
We are asked to seek wisdom, to be wise.....to show and live the qualities of wisdom in the book of James......
I need to seek that wisdom daily, seeking Him, relentlessly,.....I want that same wisdom as the wise men who sought the child, Jesus, until they found him, presented their gifts...which were His due....discerning, understanding, pondering, heeding, listening, asking....from the Wisdom giver himself....
Thank YOU that you give wisdom to those who seek it....help me the humble myself in order to ask, seek, find, and use it wisely....
Genesis 41:8
In the morning his mind was troubled, so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him.
Genesis 41:33
“And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt.
Genesis 41:39
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.
Deuteronomy 1:13
Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.”
1 Kings 3:12
I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.
Esther 1:13
Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times
Psalm 107:43
Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.
Psalm 119:98
Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies.
Proverbs 1:5
let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—
Proverbs 3:35
The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.
Proverbs 8:33
Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it.
Proverbs 9:9
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
Proverbs 9:12
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
Proverbs 10:8
The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.
Proverbs 16:21
The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.
Proverbs 16:23
The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.
Proverbs 18:15
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.
Ecclesiastes 9:17
The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
Jeremiah 23:5
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.
Daniel 12:3
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
Daniel 12:10b
.......but those who are wise will understand.
Hosea 14:9
Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.
Ephesians 5:15
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
Colossians 4:5
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
James 3:13
[ Two Kinds of Wisdom ] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Down through the ages, wise men have been summoned.
One Pharaoh summoned them to to interpret his dreams....in the story of Joseph...
Another Pharaoh summoned them to do miracles against Moses and Aaron...
Moses chose wise men to help with the governing of the tribes as they were in the desert journeys.....
Solomon asked for wisdom.....rather than riches....
The books of Proverbs and ecclesiastes have many descriptions of a wise men...
Wise men sought the child, Jesus......they were wise not only because they sought him but heeded warnings about their return....
Joseph, was a wise man, who heeded the warnings and took great care of his wife and her Son.....
We are asked to seek wisdom, to be wise.....to show and live the qualities of wisdom in the book of James......
I need to seek that wisdom daily, seeking Him, relentlessly,.....I want that same wisdom as the wise men who sought the child, Jesus, until they found him, presented their gifts...which were His due....discerning, understanding, pondering, heeding, listening, asking....from the Wisdom giver himself....
Thank YOU that you give wisdom to those who seek it....help me the humble myself in order to ask, seek, find, and use it wisely....
Genesis 41:8
In the morning his mind was troubled, so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him.
Genesis 41:33
“And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt.
Genesis 41:39
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.
Deuteronomy 1:13
Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.”
1 Kings 3:12
I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.
Esther 1:13
Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times
Psalm 107:43
Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.
Psalm 119:98
Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies.
Proverbs 1:5
let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—
Proverbs 3:35
The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.
Proverbs 8:33
Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it.
Proverbs 9:9
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
Proverbs 9:12
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
Proverbs 10:8
The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.
Proverbs 16:21
The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.
Proverbs 16:23
The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.
Proverbs 18:15
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.
Ecclesiastes 9:17
The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
Jeremiah 23:5
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.
Daniel 12:3
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
Daniel 12:10b
.......but those who are wise will understand.
Hosea 14:9
Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.
Ephesians 5:15
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
Colossians 4:5
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
James 3:13
[ Two Kinds of Wisdom ] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
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