Why give thanks?
.
Well, thanksgiving is a month away.....our country as well as others celebrate a day of thanksgiving, originally thanking God for His provision for helping the pilgrims get through their new life in a new country with the help of the native Americans .
But, it seems we have gotten a long way from that...or just a long way from being thankful at all. So here are some verses, taken one by one to give thanks, many repeating "for His love endures forever"....but isn't that worth repeating??
Can you imagine being a person who was designated "just " to give thanks to The Lord as some were? ...in all things....for all things....for those around us...
We have a lot for which to be thankful....so thank on....
Thank You oh God,,,,for your love does endures forever, You save us, You love us, ......and on and on....it goes from the beginning to the end......
1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:35
Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your
1 Chronicles 16:41
With them were Heman and Jeduthun and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the Lord, “for his love endures forever.”
1 Chronicles 29:13
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.
2 Chronicles 5:13
The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang:“He is good; his love endures forever.”Then the temple of the Lord was filled with the cloud,
2 Chronicles 7:3
When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying,“He is good; his love endures forever.”
2 Chronicles 7:6
The priests took their positions, as did the Levites with the Lord’s musical instruments, which King David had made for praising the Lord and which were used when he gave thanks, saying, “His love endures forever.” Opposite the Levites, the priests blew their trumpets, and all the Israelites were standing.
2 Chronicles 31:2
[ Contributions for Worship ] Hezekiah assigned the priests and Levites to divisions—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—to offer burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, to minister, to give thanks and to sing praises at the gates of the Lord’s dwelling.
Ezra 3:11
With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord:“He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.”And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was
Nehemiah 12:8
The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and also Mattaniah, who, together with his associates, was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving.
Nehemiah 12:24
And the leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, Jeshua son of Kadmiel, and their associates, who stood opposite them to give praise and thanksgiving, one section responding to the other, as prescribed by David the man of God.
Nehemiah 12:27
[ Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem ] At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.
Nehemiah 12:31
I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall. I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. One was to proceed on top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate
Psalm 7:17
I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.
Psalm 9:1
[ Psalm 9 ] [ For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David. ] I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
Psalm 35:18
I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise You...
Psalm 69:30
I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Psalm 106:1
[ Psalm 106 ] Praise the Lord.Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 106:47
Save us, Lord our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.
Psalm 107:1
[ BOOK V ] [ Psalms 107–150 ] [ Psalm 107 ] Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 107:8
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
Psalm 107:15
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
Psalm 107:21
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Psalm 107:31
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Psalm 118:1
[ Psalm 118 ] Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 118:19
Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.
Psalm 118:21
I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
Psalm 118:29
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 119:62
At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.
Psalm 136:1
[ Psalm 136 ] Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:2
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:3
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:26
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
Isaiah 51:3
The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.
Jeremiah 30:19
From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained.
Jeremiah 33:11
the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord, saying,“Give thanks to the Lord Almighty, for the Lord is good; his love endures forever.”For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,’ says The Lord
Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Matthew 14:19
And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.
Matthew 15:36
Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.
Matthew 26:27
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.
Mark 6:41
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.
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Mark 8:6
He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people, and they did so.
Mark 8:7
They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them.
Mark 14:22
Luke 2:38
Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Luke 9:16
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people.
Luke 24:30
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.
John 6:11
Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
John 6:23
Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.
Acts 27:35
After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.
Romans 1:21
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Romans 6:17
But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.
Romans 7:25
Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.
Romans 14:6
Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.
1 Corinthians 1:4
[ Thanksgiving ] I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ
1 Corinthians 10:16
Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?
1 Corinthians 11:24
and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
1 Corinthians 14:16
Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying?
1 Corinthians 14:17
You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.
1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:11
as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
2 Corinthians 2:14
But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.
2 Corinthians 4:15
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 8:16
[ Titus Sent to Receive the Collection ] Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you.
2 Corinthians 9:11
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:12
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Ephesians 1:15
[ Thanksgiving and Prayer ] For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people,
Ephesians 1:16
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Ephesians 5:4
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving...
Ephesians 5:20
always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus
Philippians 1:3
[ Thanksgiving and Prayer ] I thank my God every time I remember you.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:10
[ Thanks for Their Gifts ] I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
Colossians 1:3
[ Thanksgiving and Prayer ] We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
Colossians 1:12
and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
1 Thessalonians 1:2
[ Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith ] We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
2 Thessalonians 1:3
[ Thanksgiving and Prayer ] We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.
1 Timothy 2:1
[ Instructions on Worship ] I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—
1 Timothy 4:4
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
2 Timothy 1:3
[ Thanksgiving ] I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
Philemon 1:4
[ Thanksgiving and Prayer ] I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,
Revelation 4:9
Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever.
Revelation 7:12
saying:“Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”
Revelation 11:17
saying:“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Dreary days ...comfort foods....
Dreary days and comfort food....
Having just been to the Central Valley of Oregon, there are a lot of coffee drinkers over there to get awake ...coffee stands everywhere. There are here also, with the fall tastes of pumpkin, pumpkin spice, comfort....
Time to hunker down, macaroni and cheese, soups, stews, crockpots, chocolate.....comfort foods...for those cold days, dreary days...of winter....
All through time, there must be comfort foods, ethnic foods for various cultures...foods that remind us of survival, winter provision, family.....cooked directly over the fire, cooked in big community pots, shared, prepared, dried, gathered..saved In various ways .....
The Bible speaks of various times of comfort foods, hospitality,...the fatted calf...the journey .... Laws of food sacrifices, aromas....that are pleasing....comfort....In the summer we barbecue, the aromas of the cooking foods are pleasing......in the fall and winter, the smell of food In the crockpots, stews, soups, harvest are comfort.......turkeys, hams, roasts breads, pies, cakes, cookies for feasts and pleasure...
God gave food....Jacob wanted tasty food....Joseph saved food for harsher times...the Israelites wanted the food of slavery while in the desert...various people hosted others with foods, comfort...
Or the daily bread provision....
We could even look at the last supper as comfort foods....."remember....return"....that is the Real comfort....
Or even the wedding feast of the Lamb....
Thank You for smells, the provision of comfort foods, but more than that, You as the comfort of Yourself, Your promise of return...Your heavenly feast....
Genesis 1:29
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.
Genesis 9:3
Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.
Genesis 27:7a
‘Bring me some game and prepare me some tasty food to eat....
Exodus 16:3
The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”
Numbers 11:4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic.
1 Corinthians 11:23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Having just been to the Central Valley of Oregon, there are a lot of coffee drinkers over there to get awake ...coffee stands everywhere. There are here also, with the fall tastes of pumpkin, pumpkin spice, comfort....
Time to hunker down, macaroni and cheese, soups, stews, crockpots, chocolate.....comfort foods...for those cold days, dreary days...of winter....
All through time, there must be comfort foods, ethnic foods for various cultures...foods that remind us of survival, winter provision, family.....cooked directly over the fire, cooked in big community pots, shared, prepared, dried, gathered..saved In various ways .....
The Bible speaks of various times of comfort foods, hospitality,...the fatted calf...the journey .... Laws of food sacrifices, aromas....that are pleasing....comfort....In the summer we barbecue, the aromas of the cooking foods are pleasing......in the fall and winter, the smell of food In the crockpots, stews, soups, harvest are comfort.......turkeys, hams, roasts breads, pies, cakes, cookies for feasts and pleasure...
God gave food....Jacob wanted tasty food....Joseph saved food for harsher times...the Israelites wanted the food of slavery while in the desert...various people hosted others with foods, comfort...
Or the daily bread provision....
We could even look at the last supper as comfort foods....."remember....return"....that is the Real comfort....
Or even the wedding feast of the Lamb....
Thank You for smells, the provision of comfort foods, but more than that, You as the comfort of Yourself, Your promise of return...Your heavenly feast....
Genesis 1:29
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.
Genesis 9:3
Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.
Genesis 27:7a
‘Bring me some game and prepare me some tasty food to eat....
Exodus 16:3
The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”
Numbers 11:4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic.
1 Corinthians 11:23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Hope....
Hope......
This morning I was looking up the word, Hope, in the Bible dictionary online. first I got a great many verses and then the screen came on saying,"there are no references to hope in the Bible". Weird, so I backed out of program and did it over two or three times and came to the same screen....finally I had to stop and start all over again....
I knew there was hope....in the Bible....I just knew it...
A sense of panic came over me,,. That made me think, what if there was NO hope...doubt, despair, darkness, doubt....all the antonyms of hope....that is what many people look forward to, no hope.....just existence...a computer glitch ....emptiness ....nothingness....no hope.....
One definition , finally, was "one of the Christian values". Funny, it didn't say that about any other religion....only Christianity....
I have took thank You, God of hope, that there is Hope in You, through Jesus who came that we might have that Hope....
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Psalm 52:9
For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.
Psalm 62:5
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Romans 8:25
But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
hope for verb
to believe in the future occurrence of (something) <he was hoping for an A in English>
Synonyms anticipate, await, hope (for), watch (for)
Related Words bank on, count (on or upon), depend (on or upon), rely (on or upon), wait (for); envisage, envision, foresee; foretell, predict, prophesy; assume, presume, presuppose; contemplate, eye, view
Near Antonyms doubt, question
Wikipedia "In Christianity[edit]
Main article: Hope (virtue)
"In many traditional Christian texts, the word is an indication of certainty and a positive expectation of future reward. “Hope” in the Holy Bible means “a strong and confident expectation.” Though archaic today in modern terms, hope is akin to trust and a confident expectation".[27] The author of the book of Romans, Paul the Apostle, argued that hope was a source of salvation for Christians. Romans 8:24-25 states "For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it".[27]
According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, hope is a "[t]rustful expectation, particularly with reference to the fulfillment of God's promises. Hope, is the anticipation of a favorable outcome under God's guidance[;]... the confidence that what God has done for us in the past guarantees our participation in what God will do in the future.[28]
The concept is considered one of the three theological virtues of the Christian religion.
[29] "Hope is an essential and fundamental element of Christian life, so essential indeed, that, like faith and love, it can itself designate the essence of Christianity".[30]
This morning I was looking up the word, Hope, in the Bible dictionary online. first I got a great many verses and then the screen came on saying,"there are no references to hope in the Bible". Weird, so I backed out of program and did it over two or three times and came to the same screen....finally I had to stop and start all over again....
I knew there was hope....in the Bible....I just knew it...
A sense of panic came over me,,. That made me think, what if there was NO hope...doubt, despair, darkness, doubt....all the antonyms of hope....that is what many people look forward to, no hope.....just existence...a computer glitch ....emptiness ....nothingness....no hope.....
One definition , finally, was "one of the Christian values". Funny, it didn't say that about any other religion....only Christianity....
I have took thank You, God of hope, that there is Hope in You, through Jesus who came that we might have that Hope....
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Psalm 52:9
For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.
Psalm 62:5
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Romans 8:25
But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
hope for verb
to believe in the future occurrence of (something) <he was hoping for an A in English>
Synonyms anticipate, await, hope (for), watch (for)
Related Words bank on, count (on or upon), depend (on or upon), rely (on or upon), wait (for); envisage, envision, foresee; foretell, predict, prophesy; assume, presume, presuppose; contemplate, eye, view
Near Antonyms doubt, question
Wikipedia "In Christianity[edit]
Main article: Hope (virtue)
"In many traditional Christian texts, the word is an indication of certainty and a positive expectation of future reward. “Hope” in the Holy Bible means “a strong and confident expectation.” Though archaic today in modern terms, hope is akin to trust and a confident expectation".[27] The author of the book of Romans, Paul the Apostle, argued that hope was a source of salvation for Christians. Romans 8:24-25 states "For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it".[27]
According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, hope is a "[t]rustful expectation, particularly with reference to the fulfillment of God's promises. Hope, is the anticipation of a favorable outcome under God's guidance[;]... the confidence that what God has done for us in the past guarantees our participation in what God will do in the future.[28]
The concept is considered one of the three theological virtues of the Christian religion.
[29] "Hope is an essential and fundamental element of Christian life, so essential indeed, that, like faith and love, it can itself designate the essence of Christianity".[30]
Sunday, October 27, 2013
One year....two years.....
One year....later....two years later...
I opened up my email this morning...and found that I had been doing Griefshare for 364 days, almost finished, one more day to go .....when I started last year, it stretched out forever, it felt. Then I realized that two years ago is when my husband and I noticed his balance wasn't right ....he thought it was due to sciatic problems he had suffered through earlier in the year. Went to doctor and it didn't have anything to do with that...then another doctor and another....until it was finally diagnosed as stage four glioblastoma brain cancer, the terminator, as it is called......thus starting a new journey for all of our family....five months of radiation,chemo, waiting, watching, sharing,laughter, intense family times, preparing, tears by the buckets, loving until the parting of ways came, painlessly, and painfully......we loved to the end...and beyond...
Thank you for the time and times we had....and then new chapters for us all.....changes ....grief. ....griefshare....and shared grief..all at different moments, different speeds, different ......different "ambushes" of remembrances .... but the same, differently.....
Today's scripture came from...Isaiah 61....Jesus repeated it in Luke.....they were looking for the coming of the messiah ..
-proclaim the good news
-bind up the brokenhearted
-comfort all who mourn
- bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes
-the oil of joy instead of mourning
- a garment of praise, instead of a spirit of despair
-Rebuild, restore
I know He was talking about Israel, but he was talking to my heart as well.....I need and need those words of comfort....joy....restoration....
Thank you,,,so very , very much for your Word.....
Isaiah 61
New International Version (NIV)
The Year of the Lord’s Favor
61 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,[a]
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
5 Strangers will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
6 And you will be called priests of the Lord,
you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Sightings.....
Sightings.....
It is fun going from house to house of my children...
1. To see everyone
2. Fun to see memories........
These past few years of downsizing for their grandparents, parents, themselves, choosing things that are part of their growing ups years, their lives, their memories and mine as well...
A cowboy hat, a spoon rack, quilts, pieces of crystal, paintings, a famed Gregorian chant, a table, chair, plates, bookcase, a quilt of handkerchiefs, a coat, jacket, books, pictures, pairs of socks, and so much more.....they have memories for me, different one for them....
I know it is all just "stuff", some with no monetary value at all, but pieces of life, minute in eternal time, but important In this realm..not to worship but to hold dear those years of memories...it is like burrowing down in a feather comforter with a cup of hot chocolate,,, reminiscing...values, lessons taught and learned, a trip, a laugh, a joke, a time, a story, a smell, a place, a smile...all wrapped into a big ball of life ......
What love, what wonders our families are...thank you, Father, for those in abundance....
Deuteronomy 4:8-9
New International Version (NIV)
8 And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?
9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Deuteronomy 8:2
Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
It is fun going from house to house of my children...
1. To see everyone
2. Fun to see memories........
These past few years of downsizing for their grandparents, parents, themselves, choosing things that are part of their growing ups years, their lives, their memories and mine as well...
A cowboy hat, a spoon rack, quilts, pieces of crystal, paintings, a famed Gregorian chant, a table, chair, plates, bookcase, a quilt of handkerchiefs, a coat, jacket, books, pictures, pairs of socks, and so much more.....they have memories for me, different one for them....
I know it is all just "stuff", some with no monetary value at all, but pieces of life, minute in eternal time, but important In this realm..not to worship but to hold dear those years of memories...it is like burrowing down in a feather comforter with a cup of hot chocolate,,, reminiscing...values, lessons taught and learned, a trip, a laugh, a joke, a time, a story, a smell, a place, a smile...all wrapped into a big ball of life ......
What love, what wonders our families are...thank you, Father, for those in abundance....
Deuteronomy 4:8-9
New International Version (NIV)
8 And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?
9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Deuteronomy 8:2
Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
Coming clean....
Coming clean.....
Psalm 115:1 Not to us, Lord, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.
I have to say that I love the accolades for writing each morning......
But each morning, I usually have no idea what will be written...as I am doing a Bible study or watching on a walk or something triggers a word or thought, God puts each one together.
I have read through the BIBle several times, logically, sequentially, in order, waiting for something to jump out at me as "this is what I want you to dwell on today". A word, or an idea... Or done Bible studies that are guided through books, with others as authors....or worked on studies which I or another person would teach.....but...not waking up up each morning and saying , "God , what is the idea or the words for today?"....
He is the author, the idea planter, the Word giver....there are some days that that isn't true..though. I want to expound on a word or thought and I do, not giving Him the glory that He deserves....
The iPad has made this working so much easier.....I can go back and forth from the notes to the Bible, blocking, copying into the notes the verses that are appropriate, other notes all while sitting in bed, not surrounded by the giant concordance, Bible encyclopedias, commentaries, dictionaries that I used to use ...convenience.... They are all inside this little iPad..
But even that is God's timing, isn't it??? We had to go through the big books even to learn what is out there and available to totally enjoy the resources available quickly now....
But, I want to be clear, this writing started because of God, not me....He has the ideas...it is is His word...that pierces the soul...teaches...examines hidden places...his faithfulness...
I don't know how long this will last and I actually get fearful at times that It will stop...I totally enjoy working like this,,,but it is not my call...
Thank you, God, for the opportunity to be an instrument...in whatever is done....and that all will be done in Your name....
Psalm 115:1 Not to us, Lord, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.
I have to say that I love the accolades for writing each morning......
But each morning, I usually have no idea what will be written...as I am doing a Bible study or watching on a walk or something triggers a word or thought, God puts each one together.
I have read through the BIBle several times, logically, sequentially, in order, waiting for something to jump out at me as "this is what I want you to dwell on today". A word, or an idea... Or done Bible studies that are guided through books, with others as authors....or worked on studies which I or another person would teach.....but...not waking up up each morning and saying , "God , what is the idea or the words for today?"....
He is the author, the idea planter, the Word giver....there are some days that that isn't true..though. I want to expound on a word or thought and I do, not giving Him the glory that He deserves....
The iPad has made this working so much easier.....I can go back and forth from the notes to the Bible, blocking, copying into the notes the verses that are appropriate, other notes all while sitting in bed, not surrounded by the giant concordance, Bible encyclopedias, commentaries, dictionaries that I used to use ...convenience.... They are all inside this little iPad..
But even that is God's timing, isn't it??? We had to go through the big books even to learn what is out there and available to totally enjoy the resources available quickly now....
But, I want to be clear, this writing started because of God, not me....He has the ideas...it is is His word...that pierces the soul...teaches...examines hidden places...his faithfulness...
I don't know how long this will last and I actually get fearful at times that It will stop...I totally enjoy working like this,,,but it is not my call...
Thank you, God, for the opportunity to be an instrument...in whatever is done....and that all will be done in Your name....
Psalm 77:11-13 (New International Version)
11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
12 I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
12 I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
13 Your ways, God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God?
Song lyrics
What god is as great as our God?
Song lyrics
Rebecca St. James - When The Stars Burn Down (Blessing & Honor) Lyrics
Artist: Rebecca St. James
Album: Miscellaneous
Genre: Pop
- Songwriters: Jonathan Lee, Jennie Riddle
When the stars burn down and the earth wears out
And we stand before the throne
With the witnesses who have gone before
We will rise and all applaud
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
When the hands of time wind fully down
And the earth is rolled up like a scroll
The trumpets will call and the world will fall
To its knees as we all go home
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
Star of the morning, light of salvation
Majesty
God of all mysteries, Lord of the universe
Righteous King
Star of the morning, light of salvation
Majesty
God of all mysteries, Lord of the universe
Righteous King
There will come a day standing face to face
In a moment, we will be like Him
He will wipe our eyes dry, take us up to His side
And forever we will be His
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
To our God, to our God
And we stand before the throne
With the witnesses who have gone before
We will rise and all applaud
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
When the hands of time wind fully down
And the earth is rolled up like a scroll
The trumpets will call and the world will fall
To its knees as we all go home
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
Star of the morning, light of salvation
Majesty
God of all mysteries, Lord of the universe
Righteous King
Star of the morning, light of salvation
Majesty
God of all mysteries, Lord of the universe
Righteous King
There will come a day standing face to face
In a moment, we will be like Him
He will wipe our eyes dry, take us up to His side
And forever we will be His
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
Singing blessing and honor, glory and power
Forever to our God
To our God, to our God
Friday, October 25, 2013
Temple....house....me? You?....
House....temple.....me?....you?
Grand design...
Noah's arc,,, really Gods design...Noah built it amongst the neighbors who were the unbelievers. He still built it and was saved.....like us In an hostile world.....
Tabernacle
Talented craftsman for weaving, metalwork, carving,
Temple, specific instructions, design, specific types of materials....
Woodsman, designers
1 Kings 5:5
I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the Lord my God, as the Lord told my father David, when he said, ‘Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.’
Psalm 139 we are built, formed by God's design....the ultimate craftsman....
1 Kings 5:18
The craftsmen of Solomon and Hiram and workers from Byblos cut and prepared the timber and stone for the building of the temple.
Can God be held in a "box " of a temple? As we ask Christ to be our savior, he sends his Holy spirt to dwell within us...mystery....how can we "hold" God within us?
1 Kings 8:27
“But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!
Filled with treasures, defiled by men, striped of the gold, given to others
2 Kings 18:16
At this time Hezekiah king of Judah stripped off the gold with which he had covered the doors and doorposts of the temple of the Lord, and gave it to the king of Assyria.
Over the years, In need of repair and refurbishment ....cleaning.....do I fall into disrepair??
2 Kings 12:12
the masons and stonecutters. They purchased timber and blocks of dressed stone for the repair of the temple of the Lord, and met all the other expenses of restoring the temple.
1 Kings 9:8
This temple will become a heap of rubble. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff and say, ‘Why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’
For all that, God knew it work be destroyed by design also...
But to be rebuilt ....the heart.
Ezra 1:2
“This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: “‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah.
Ezra 1:3
Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them.
Ezra 1:4
And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’”
Brokenness renewed.....
Ezra 3:12
But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy.
Mark 14:58
“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’”
Resurrection...
1 Corinthians 3:16
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
1 Corinthians 3:17
If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.
2 Corinthians 6:16
What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Isaiah 56:7
these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
Matthew 21:13
“It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”
Am I that house of prayer? Am I that temple? Am I that people? Do I listen when the Holy Spirit speaks truth ? Convicts...
Thank you, God, for molding, building me, let me not be in disrepair, but holding on to your truth..
Grand design...
Noah's arc,,, really Gods design...Noah built it amongst the neighbors who were the unbelievers. He still built it and was saved.....like us In an hostile world.....
Tabernacle
Talented craftsman for weaving, metalwork, carving,
Temple, specific instructions, design, specific types of materials....
Woodsman, designers
1 Kings 5:5
I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the Lord my God, as the Lord told my father David, when he said, ‘Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.’
Psalm 139 we are built, formed by God's design....the ultimate craftsman....
1 Kings 5:18
The craftsmen of Solomon and Hiram and workers from Byblos cut and prepared the timber and stone for the building of the temple.
Can God be held in a "box " of a temple? As we ask Christ to be our savior, he sends his Holy spirt to dwell within us...mystery....how can we "hold" God within us?
1 Kings 8:27
“But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!
Filled with treasures, defiled by men, striped of the gold, given to others
2 Kings 18:16
At this time Hezekiah king of Judah stripped off the gold with which he had covered the doors and doorposts of the temple of the Lord, and gave it to the king of Assyria.
Over the years, In need of repair and refurbishment ....cleaning.....do I fall into disrepair??
2 Kings 12:12
the masons and stonecutters. They purchased timber and blocks of dressed stone for the repair of the temple of the Lord, and met all the other expenses of restoring the temple.
1 Kings 9:8
This temple will become a heap of rubble. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff and say, ‘Why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’
For all that, God knew it work be destroyed by design also...
But to be rebuilt ....the heart.
Ezra 1:2
“This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: “‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah.
Ezra 1:3
Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them.
Ezra 1:4
And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’”
Brokenness renewed.....
Ezra 3:12
But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy.
Mark 14:58
“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’”
Resurrection...
1 Corinthians 3:16
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
1 Corinthians 3:17
If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.
2 Corinthians 6:16
What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Isaiah 56:7
these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
Matthew 21:13
“It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”
Am I that house of prayer? Am I that temple? Am I that people? Do I listen when the Holy Spirit speaks truth ? Convicts...
Thank you, God, for molding, building me, let me not be in disrepair, but holding on to your truth..
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Heart descriptions....
Heart descriptions......
Grudging...Troubled...Evil...
Praying...
Hardened....unyielding..
Willing..prompting...
Hateful...fearful...
observing...Obstinate...
seeking..Inclined to God...inclined to a god...
Loving..
Joyful...
Humble...Proud...
Loving...serving...
remembering...Despairing...anguished
Changing, turning...
Melted...Warring...
Faithful...wicked...
Failing...Despised.....Callous...
Truthful...faint.....
Blameless ...Seeking...foolish
..devoted.....Longing..
Committed...
Glad...searching..
Turning...sorrowful.....probed..craving...
Righteous...sad...moved...
Enticed...guilty...pure,,,
Troubled...upright...discerning...
Responsive...rejoicing...tested....
These are a few of the descriptions of the heart found throughout the Bible....it seems there are more negative ones than positive ones..
Each description was like an arrow through mine...was I this or that? Spoken aloud...they come forcefully , needing to be dealt with....When? Why? How? What have I done about it??? Searching my heart....
Thank you, God for bringing these descriptions to mind to,light...help me to get rid of the negative ones and be filled with the ones that honor you.....examine..search. mine...that it would be filled with you....
Psalm 26:2
Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Grudging...Troubled...Evil...
Praying...
Hardened....unyielding..
Willing..prompting...
Hateful...fearful...
observing...Obstinate...
seeking..Inclined to God...inclined to a god...
Loving..
Joyful...
Humble...Proud...
Loving...serving...
remembering...Despairing...anguished
Changing, turning...
Melted...Warring...
Faithful...wicked...
Failing...Despised.....Callous...
Truthful...faint.....
Blameless ...Seeking...foolish
..devoted.....Longing..
Committed...
Glad...searching..
Turning...sorrowful.....probed..craving...
Righteous...sad...moved...
Enticed...guilty...pure,,,
Troubled...upright...discerning...
Responsive...rejoicing...tested....
These are a few of the descriptions of the heart found throughout the Bible....it seems there are more negative ones than positive ones..
Each description was like an arrow through mine...was I this or that? Spoken aloud...they come forcefully , needing to be dealt with....When? Why? How? What have I done about it??? Searching my heart....
Thank you, God for bringing these descriptions to mind to,light...help me to get rid of the negative ones and be filled with the ones that honor you.....examine..search. mine...that it would be filled with you....
Psalm 26:2
Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
What David prepared ....
What David prepared...
Reading through 1 chronicles 22 the other day, it struck me how much preparation work David did for the building of the temple to be done by his son, Solomon. David had wanted to build it, but was told no, but that his son might do it. So instead David had the fun and privilege to make the preparations....then the hand off...
It made me think of the many times in life that I have gotten to plan and execute an event or build houses. Being there from the beginning to the end is so much work, but so rewarding...then there have been times that for whatever reason, I have been able to plan something only to have someone else carry it on....sometimes the handing off was easy and others , oh so hard....I love the creativity of planning and the carry through......the step by step, the details....seeing the finished project....the feelings of accomplishment.....
As a parent, grandparent, there are things we have handed off to our children, things we have prepared for them along the way...plans we have made that they have the opportunity to finish....or not...estate stuff...family stuff....
God has created each of us with specific plans for our lives...prepared events, people, lives...plans for each of us.....we are the young and inexperienced .....needing advisers, helpers along the way....we are the temples to be built, stone by carved stone....day by day....until finished and completed....workers, over the years of our lives from all over cross our paths to be part of the building... We are the ones whom God desires discretion and understanding...to be followers of Him.... To Be strong and courageous...... not to be afraid or discouraged......we desire that of our children....
I know this passage is a stretch to be looked at this way,, but it really hit me....that way, this time....that preparation, that care, that handoff....that LOVE....
Thank you for the part You have prepared for the handoff, the building in my life, my children's ....help me, help them....be wise, be string, courageous, not to be afraid, discouraged....You are building us all everyday with divine , skilled workmanship.....
John 14:1-3
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
1 Corinthians 2:9
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
2 Timothy 2:21
Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
1 Chronicles 2
Then David said, “The house of the Lord God is to be here, and also the altar of burnt offering for Israel.”
Preparations for the Temple
2 So David gave orders to assemble the foreigners residing in Israel, and from among them he appointed stonecutters to prepare dressed stone for building the house of God. 3 He provided a large amount of iron to make nails for the doors of the gateways and for the fittings, and more bronze than could be weighed. 4 He also provided more cedar logs than could be counted, for the Sidonians and Tyrians had brought large numbers of them to David.
5 David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations. Therefore I will make preparations for it.” So David made extensive preparations before his death.
6 Then he called for his son Solomon and charged him to build a house for the Lord, the God of Israel. 7 David said to Solomon: “My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the Lord my God. 8 But this word of the Lord came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. 9 But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon,[a] and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. 10 He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’
11 “Now, my son, the Lord be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the Lord your God, as he said you would. 12 May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. 13 Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
14 “I have taken great pains to provide for the temple of the Lord a hundred thousand talents[b] of gold, a million talents[c] of silver, quantities of bronze and iron too great to be weighed, and wood and stone. And you may add to them. 15 You have many workers: stonecutters, masons and carpenters, as well as those skilled in every kind of work 16 in gold and silver, bronze and iron—craftsmen beyond number. Now begin the work, and the Lord be with you.”
17 Then David ordered all the leaders of Israel to help his son Solomon. 18 He said to them, “Is not the Lord your God with you? And has he not granted you rest on every side? For he has given the inhabitants of the land into my hands, and the land is subject to the Lord and to his people. 19 Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the Lord.”
1 Kings 5
New International Version (NIV)
Preparations for Building the Temple
5 [a]When Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king to succeed his father David, he sent his envoys to Solomon, because he had always been on friendly terms with David. 2 Solomon sent back this message to Hiram:
3 “You know that because of the wars waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build a temple for the Name of the Lord his God until the Lord put his enemies under his feet. 4 But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster. 5 I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the Lord my God, as the Lord told my father David, when he said, ‘Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.’
6 “So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My men will work with yours, and I will pay you for your men whatever wages you set. You know that we have no one so skilled in felling timber as the Sidonians.”
7 When Hiram heard Solomon’s message, he was greatly pleased and said, “Praise be to the Lord today, for he has given David a wise son to rule over this great nation.”
Reading through 1 chronicles 22 the other day, it struck me how much preparation work David did for the building of the temple to be done by his son, Solomon. David had wanted to build it, but was told no, but that his son might do it. So instead David had the fun and privilege to make the preparations....then the hand off...
It made me think of the many times in life that I have gotten to plan and execute an event or build houses. Being there from the beginning to the end is so much work, but so rewarding...then there have been times that for whatever reason, I have been able to plan something only to have someone else carry it on....sometimes the handing off was easy and others , oh so hard....I love the creativity of planning and the carry through......the step by step, the details....seeing the finished project....the feelings of accomplishment.....
As a parent, grandparent, there are things we have handed off to our children, things we have prepared for them along the way...plans we have made that they have the opportunity to finish....or not...estate stuff...family stuff....
God has created each of us with specific plans for our lives...prepared events, people, lives...plans for each of us.....we are the young and inexperienced .....needing advisers, helpers along the way....we are the temples to be built, stone by carved stone....day by day....until finished and completed....workers, over the years of our lives from all over cross our paths to be part of the building... We are the ones whom God desires discretion and understanding...to be followers of Him.... To Be strong and courageous...... not to be afraid or discouraged......we desire that of our children....
I know this passage is a stretch to be looked at this way,, but it really hit me....that way, this time....that preparation, that care, that handoff....that LOVE....
Thank you for the part You have prepared for the handoff, the building in my life, my children's ....help me, help them....be wise, be string, courageous, not to be afraid, discouraged....You are building us all everyday with divine , skilled workmanship.....
John 14:1-3
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
1 Corinthians 2:9
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
2 Timothy 2:21
Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
1 Chronicles 2
Then David said, “The house of the Lord God is to be here, and also the altar of burnt offering for Israel.”
Preparations for the Temple
2 So David gave orders to assemble the foreigners residing in Israel, and from among them he appointed stonecutters to prepare dressed stone for building the house of God. 3 He provided a large amount of iron to make nails for the doors of the gateways and for the fittings, and more bronze than could be weighed. 4 He also provided more cedar logs than could be counted, for the Sidonians and Tyrians had brought large numbers of them to David.
5 David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations. Therefore I will make preparations for it.” So David made extensive preparations before his death.
6 Then he called for his son Solomon and charged him to build a house for the Lord, the God of Israel. 7 David said to Solomon: “My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the Lord my God. 8 But this word of the Lord came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. 9 But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon,[a] and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. 10 He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’
11 “Now, my son, the Lord be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the Lord your God, as he said you would. 12 May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. 13 Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
14 “I have taken great pains to provide for the temple of the Lord a hundred thousand talents[b] of gold, a million talents[c] of silver, quantities of bronze and iron too great to be weighed, and wood and stone. And you may add to them. 15 You have many workers: stonecutters, masons and carpenters, as well as those skilled in every kind of work 16 in gold and silver, bronze and iron—craftsmen beyond number. Now begin the work, and the Lord be with you.”
17 Then David ordered all the leaders of Israel to help his son Solomon. 18 He said to them, “Is not the Lord your God with you? And has he not granted you rest on every side? For he has given the inhabitants of the land into my hands, and the land is subject to the Lord and to his people. 19 Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the Lord.”
1 Kings 5
New International Version (NIV)
Preparations for Building the Temple
5 [a]When Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king to succeed his father David, he sent his envoys to Solomon, because he had always been on friendly terms with David. 2 Solomon sent back this message to Hiram:
3 “You know that because of the wars waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build a temple for the Name of the Lord his God until the Lord put his enemies under his feet. 4 But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster. 5 I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the Lord my God, as the Lord told my father David, when he said, ‘Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.’
6 “So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My men will work with yours, and I will pay you for your men whatever wages you set. You know that we have no one so skilled in felling timber as the Sidonians.”
7 When Hiram heard Solomon’s message, he was greatly pleased and said, “Praise be to the Lord today, for he has given David a wise son to rule over this great nation.”
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Pottery.....
Pottery.....
Wherever we have travelled, I have taken pictures of pottery, even the potter working with the clay. I have a whole album of pictures of various clay pots, pieces of clay pots, clay pots from different cultures, different ages in time, clay pots for different uses, clay used for different objects than pots.....
It was a reminder that there is a potter and that potter visualizes different uses for clay, ......
There are three legged pots, which the Chinese created to catch more heat in the fire when cooking......clay used for roofs......terra cotta soldiers.....pots used for transporting water or other things.....to carried on the head, or an on the side of an animal .......plates from which to eat....chamber pots....clay masks....beads.....all were needed and useful...even the pieces of pottery had a use.....
There are whole books written about the uses, the how-tos of clay making and mixing, various ways to work the clay....to mold the clay....where to find clay....how to strengthen the clay....and how the to "cook" the clay....
If it is not fired, the item will disintegrate with moisture...the higher the heat, the stronger the clay item will be....
Then there is the decorating of the clay.......so much a part of various cultures, times, places.....just as we are...
Our Potter, the Creator of the universe, has designed us for different times, places, uses...decorated us differently...we may hold different things, have different uses, cover different items,
We can argue with the Creator ......but we are still the clay, being molded, used....He still decides the use.....the firing temperature for strengthening....
There are times when I don't like the firing, the molding....But He sees the finished product....and is working toward that as He works.....
Thank you, even through molding, the heat....to be used as a vessel of Your choosing.....
2 Samuel 17:28
brought bedding and bowls and articles of pottery. They also brought wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans and lentils,
Job 2:8
Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.
Psalm 2:9
You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
Psalm 31:12
I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.
Isaiah 30:14
It will break in pieces like pottery, shattered so mercilessly that among its pieces not a fragment will be found for taking coals from a hearth or scooping water out of a cistern.”
Romans 9:21
Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?
Isaiah 29:16
You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, “You did not make me”? Can the pot say to the potter, “You know nothing”?
Isaiah 41:25
“I have stirred up one from the north, and he comes— one from the rising sun who calls on my name. He treads on rulers as if they were mortar, as if he were a potter treading the clay.
Isaiah 45:9
“Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker, those who are nothing but potsherds among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘The potter has no hands’?
Isaiah 64:8
Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Jeremiah 18:4
But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
Jeremiah 18:6
He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.
Romans 9:21
Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?
Wherever we have travelled, I have taken pictures of pottery, even the potter working with the clay. I have a whole album of pictures of various clay pots, pieces of clay pots, clay pots from different cultures, different ages in time, clay pots for different uses, clay used for different objects than pots.....
It was a reminder that there is a potter and that potter visualizes different uses for clay, ......
There are three legged pots, which the Chinese created to catch more heat in the fire when cooking......clay used for roofs......terra cotta soldiers.....pots used for transporting water or other things.....to carried on the head, or an on the side of an animal .......plates from which to eat....chamber pots....clay masks....beads.....all were needed and useful...even the pieces of pottery had a use.....
There are whole books written about the uses, the how-tos of clay making and mixing, various ways to work the clay....to mold the clay....where to find clay....how to strengthen the clay....and how the to "cook" the clay....
If it is not fired, the item will disintegrate with moisture...the higher the heat, the stronger the clay item will be....
Then there is the decorating of the clay.......so much a part of various cultures, times, places.....just as we are...
Our Potter, the Creator of the universe, has designed us for different times, places, uses...decorated us differently...we may hold different things, have different uses, cover different items,
We can argue with the Creator ......but we are still the clay, being molded, used....He still decides the use.....the firing temperature for strengthening....
There are times when I don't like the firing, the molding....But He sees the finished product....and is working toward that as He works.....
Thank you, even through molding, the heat....to be used as a vessel of Your choosing.....
2 Samuel 17:28
brought bedding and bowls and articles of pottery. They also brought wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans and lentils,
Job 2:8
Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.
Psalm 2:9
You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
Psalm 31:12
I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.
Isaiah 30:14
It will break in pieces like pottery, shattered so mercilessly that among its pieces not a fragment will be found for taking coals from a hearth or scooping water out of a cistern.”
Romans 9:21
Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?
Isaiah 29:16
You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, “You did not make me”? Can the pot say to the potter, “You know nothing”?
Isaiah 41:25
“I have stirred up one from the north, and he comes— one from the rising sun who calls on my name. He treads on rulers as if they were mortar, as if he were a potter treading the clay.
Isaiah 45:9
“Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker, those who are nothing but potsherds among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘The potter has no hands’?
Isaiah 64:8
Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Jeremiah 18:4
But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
Jeremiah 18:6
He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.
Romans 9:21
Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?
Monday, October 21, 2013
Anticipation.......
Anticipation.......
I wrote about adoption, but must retrace to anticipation of the first two children born into our family....
We wanted children ....I had attended college because that was the expected thing to do....but had always seen myself as a wife and mother...not a college graduate....
At the appointed time, place, in college, God provided the husband for that wifely/motherly journey....
We graduated from college, started working, bought a house, but no children...
We had miscarriages along the way, very discouraging....painful....emotionally and physically draining ....not something I wish on anyone...
but, finally we were able to carry a child be birth....a boy,....Russell, "like a fox", sonograms were not available at the time as routine exams....so he was a surprise! but oh, so anticipated and planned for....I will never forget the proud look on his father's face....his first born, son....
One day, as his father held him while reading the Bible, he reached over with his pudgy little hands and tore out a portion....it was this passage.....
Luke 2:23
(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”)
We carefully taped it back into the Bible, a reminder .....of him and that scripture......
Another miscarriage, but following that another full term pregnancy,,,,I just knew it would be a girl...this time....Mary...."liberty"......so anticipated.....
Blessing , all......so wanted....
With so many miscarriages, we felt that adoption would b e the next step...so we enrolled InThe foster care program and had lots of babies along the way to care for while family circumstances improved for them.....but still felt led to seek adoption....to add to the two given. So freely.....
Anticipation......felt like our quiver was not quite full enough....
So the next two eventually joined the family.....so, by the nature of things, we have two first born sons...and two first daughters...if you go by birth order, biologically...fun traits for all.....what a combination...all loved so much, planned for....anticipated....different routes....but known of since the beginning .....
Thank you so much for the family Only You could create...plan...
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 139:13-17a
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,.....
I wrote about adoption, but must retrace to anticipation of the first two children born into our family....
We wanted children ....I had attended college because that was the expected thing to do....but had always seen myself as a wife and mother...not a college graduate....
At the appointed time, place, in college, God provided the husband for that wifely/motherly journey....
We graduated from college, started working, bought a house, but no children...
We had miscarriages along the way, very discouraging....painful....emotionally and physically draining ....not something I wish on anyone...
but, finally we were able to carry a child be birth....a boy,....Russell, "like a fox", sonograms were not available at the time as routine exams....so he was a surprise! but oh, so anticipated and planned for....I will never forget the proud look on his father's face....his first born, son....
One day, as his father held him while reading the Bible, he reached over with his pudgy little hands and tore out a portion....it was this passage.....
Luke 2:23
(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”)
We carefully taped it back into the Bible, a reminder .....of him and that scripture......
Another miscarriage, but following that another full term pregnancy,,,,I just knew it would be a girl...this time....Mary...."liberty"......so anticipated.....
Blessing , all......so wanted....
With so many miscarriages, we felt that adoption would b e the next step...so we enrolled InThe foster care program and had lots of babies along the way to care for while family circumstances improved for them.....but still felt led to seek adoption....to add to the two given. So freely.....
Anticipation......felt like our quiver was not quite full enough....
So the next two eventually joined the family.....so, by the nature of things, we have two first born sons...and two first daughters...if you go by birth order, biologically...fun traits for all.....what a combination...all loved so much, planned for....anticipated....different routes....but known of since the beginning .....
Thank you so much for the family Only You could create...plan...
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 139:13-17a
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,.....
Adoption......
Adoption......
Yesterday, at the beginning of the church service, the pastor brought up a young couple and their two young sons to pray for them as they are to leave this week for South Africa. They are to stay there for 6 weeks getting acquainted with their two newest members of their family, a little girl and boy whom they are adopting...this has been three years in coming...
Flashback......1
The year is 1980, fall, a young woman has give us permission to adopt her child to be born in December.....we don't know if it will be a boy or girl...but we are ecstatic, waiting in anticipation...we choose names. Our two children are excited for a new brother or sister...waiting....the the news comes, SHE is born, Amy is here, "beloved"....we get on the airplane with baby blankets, clothing and fly...
Staying with the lawyer who has adopted their children as well, we arrive at the hospital in great anticipation.....he hands over this little girl with a full head of auburn hair...she is instantly ours...we fly home and she joins her brother and sister....so begins and continues her life....as part of our family...
Flashback....2
The year is 1984, winter, a little boy is being released for adoption from the state foster care program. We have been in the foster care program for 5 years,taking care of infants to 5 years olds...they call and ask if we would like a little boy to join our family...our older son is jumping up and down as he has always wanted a brother...yes, yes...we drive to another city, meet with the various agencies and then go to the foster home...there is this little boy who greets us at the door with his arms up in the air to be held and loved...and Matthew is ours, "gift of God".....so begins and continues his life ...as part of our family....
God had it all planned out from the beginning, these two arrived a different route than our first two...ALL were anticipated with great joy and celebration....all were loved before their arrival.....adopted....
Just like we are into God's family when we ask Jesus. To be our Lord and Saviour ....adoption....a good thing....a glorious thing.....
Thank you so much for Our adoption into your family,,thought out....known....before we knew it...Your picture of it in our lives...
Psalm 139:13-16
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
Esther 2:15
When the turn came for Esther (the young woman Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.
Romans 8:15
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:23
Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 9:4
the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises.
Galatians 4:5
to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.
Ephesians 1:5
he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—
Yesterday, at the beginning of the church service, the pastor brought up a young couple and their two young sons to pray for them as they are to leave this week for South Africa. They are to stay there for 6 weeks getting acquainted with their two newest members of their family, a little girl and boy whom they are adopting...this has been three years in coming...
Flashback......1
The year is 1980, fall, a young woman has give us permission to adopt her child to be born in December.....we don't know if it will be a boy or girl...but we are ecstatic, waiting in anticipation...we choose names. Our two children are excited for a new brother or sister...waiting....the the news comes, SHE is born, Amy is here, "beloved"....we get on the airplane with baby blankets, clothing and fly...
Staying with the lawyer who has adopted their children as well, we arrive at the hospital in great anticipation.....he hands over this little girl with a full head of auburn hair...she is instantly ours...we fly home and she joins her brother and sister....so begins and continues her life....as part of our family...
Flashback....2
The year is 1984, winter, a little boy is being released for adoption from the state foster care program. We have been in the foster care program for 5 years,taking care of infants to 5 years olds...they call and ask if we would like a little boy to join our family...our older son is jumping up and down as he has always wanted a brother...yes, yes...we drive to another city, meet with the various agencies and then go to the foster home...there is this little boy who greets us at the door with his arms up in the air to be held and loved...and Matthew is ours, "gift of God".....so begins and continues his life ...as part of our family....
God had it all planned out from the beginning, these two arrived a different route than our first two...ALL were anticipated with great joy and celebration....all were loved before their arrival.....adopted....
Just like we are into God's family when we ask Jesus. To be our Lord and Saviour ....adoption....a good thing....a glorious thing.....
Thank you so much for Our adoption into your family,,thought out....known....before we knew it...Your picture of it in our lives...
Psalm 139:13-16
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
Esther 2:15
When the turn came for Esther (the young woman Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.
Romans 8:15
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:23
Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 9:4
the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises.
Galatians 4:5
to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.
Ephesians 1:5
he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Heaven is real.....
Heaven is real......
I was at a women's dinner the other night. The theme was "Beloved" from
Rev 19:1-9 Hallelujah Over Babylon’s Fall
After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:
“Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
2 for true and just are his judgments.
He has condemned the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth by her adulteries.
He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
3 And again they shouted:
“Hallelujah!
The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.”
4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried:
"Amen, Hallelujah!”
5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying:
“Praise our God,
all you his servants,
you who fear him,
both great and small!”
6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
“Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
8 Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear.”
(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)
9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
The first question, as we were to get acquainted with the others at the table, was what were our expectations of heaven.....the discussion ended up centered on whether there would be animals in heaven...truthfully I couldn't speak as I have had too many close encounters these last four years....so I listened to the discussion (my normal default)...
I have pictures in my mind what I imagine...not really thinking of animals.....
I can imagine my mom enjoying the music and colors as she loved music and art....
I can imagine my husband talking to everyone about anything, enjoying the geology of the various places, seeing gold so pure as he was a geologist....and he didn't need to take it with him....
I can imagine my dad talking to everyone as well, telling stories and listening to other's....free of the pain of dying.....
I can imagine my grandparents and parents in law seeing their children and visiting....
Friends meeting....hugging....catching up....
None of them In pain or worried about the stock markets or estate plans.....forgetting all the concerns they had while here on earth.....just enjoying the fellowship, the timelessness, the music, the continual praise......
Waiting for the wedding of the Lamb.....and us...all dressed in fine linen.....all the bride, blessed because we have been invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb...the Savior, the Creator, the glorious God himself.....
All of them shouting the praises, Hallelujah!!! praise to our God.....I
Thank You for the Pictures, descriptions.....the memories, the images, of those who have gone before.....their personalities, cares, love, lives.....who they were to us.....
Thank you.....
“‘The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,’ says the Lord” (Isaiah 65:25).
“The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean” (Revelation 19:14).
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month” (Revelation 22:1-2).
I was at a women's dinner the other night. The theme was "Beloved" from
Rev 19:1-9 Hallelujah Over Babylon’s Fall
After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:
“Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
2 for true and just are his judgments.
He has condemned the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth by her adulteries.
He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
3 And again they shouted:
“Hallelujah!
The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.”
4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried:
"Amen, Hallelujah!”
5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying:
“Praise our God,
all you his servants,
you who fear him,
both great and small!”
6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
“Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
8 Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear.”
(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)
9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
The first question, as we were to get acquainted with the others at the table, was what were our expectations of heaven.....the discussion ended up centered on whether there would be animals in heaven...truthfully I couldn't speak as I have had too many close encounters these last four years....so I listened to the discussion (my normal default)...
I have pictures in my mind what I imagine...not really thinking of animals.....
I can imagine my mom enjoying the music and colors as she loved music and art....
I can imagine my husband talking to everyone about anything, enjoying the geology of the various places, seeing gold so pure as he was a geologist....and he didn't need to take it with him....
I can imagine my dad talking to everyone as well, telling stories and listening to other's....free of the pain of dying.....
I can imagine my grandparents and parents in law seeing their children and visiting....
Friends meeting....hugging....catching up....
None of them In pain or worried about the stock markets or estate plans.....forgetting all the concerns they had while here on earth.....just enjoying the fellowship, the timelessness, the music, the continual praise......
Waiting for the wedding of the Lamb.....and us...all dressed in fine linen.....all the bride, blessed because we have been invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb...the Savior, the Creator, the glorious God himself.....
All of them shouting the praises, Hallelujah!!! praise to our God.....I
Thank You for the Pictures, descriptions.....the memories, the images, of those who have gone before.....their personalities, cares, love, lives.....who they were to us.....
Thank you.....
“‘The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,’ says the Lord” (Isaiah 65:25).
“The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean” (Revelation 19:14).
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month” (Revelation 22:1-2).
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Do not be afraid......a declaration
Do not be afraid....
Several years ago, we were on the verge of moving. We were leaving a church and community that I loved being a part of, going back to a community that held a lot of negative memories, with a rebellious teenager....but I had peace that we were doing the right thing...but so unexcited, fearful.....my husband was excited to get out of the gray skies and back to sunshine where he excelled both in his profession and emotional well being....
The last sermon we heard, was on the portion in the gospels about Jesus in the boat with the disciples when the storm raged. I felt I was in that storm.....all I heard was "do not be afraid"....
When we arrived, the first sermon we heard was the same passage,....Again.... "Do not be afraid"...... I would be remiss to say that things got easier.....they didn't for quite awhile...but, there was that message over and over again in my heart ....."do not be afraid".....we went through a pretty tough season, but so many good things along the way as well....so much learning, growing, tears and laughter....opportunities ....
There are over 80 passages in the Bible that say, "do not be afraid"
Most back it with ...a promise...or declaration .....
Reading through these verse are such a comfort again....in this season of life....
Thank you again that You are with me, You are my shield, courage, firmness, promise....
I am chosen....
Genesis 15:1a
[ The Lord’s Covenant With Abram ] After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
Genesis 26:24a
That night the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you....
Exodus 14:13a
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today....
Deuteronomy 1:17a
Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. ....
Deuteronomy 7:18a
But do not be afraid of them; remember well.....
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you..
Joshua 10:25
Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.”
Judges 6:23
But the Lord said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die!"
Isaiah 43:5a
Do not be afraid, for I am with you;.....
Isaiah 44:2 altered
This is what the Lord says— he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid,.........whom I have chosen.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Mark 4:39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Hurricane song by Christian singer, Natalie grant
http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0SO8z0ShWJSPQUA.qLBGOd_;_ylu=X3oDMTByNzhwY2hkBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMgRjb2xvA2dxMQR2dGlkAw--/SIG=120v92kn2/EXP=1382217106/**http%3a//www.youtube.com/watch%3fv=ttKnLwwHlig
Several years ago, we were on the verge of moving. We were leaving a church and community that I loved being a part of, going back to a community that held a lot of negative memories, with a rebellious teenager....but I had peace that we were doing the right thing...but so unexcited, fearful.....my husband was excited to get out of the gray skies and back to sunshine where he excelled both in his profession and emotional well being....
The last sermon we heard, was on the portion in the gospels about Jesus in the boat with the disciples when the storm raged. I felt I was in that storm.....all I heard was "do not be afraid"....
When we arrived, the first sermon we heard was the same passage,....Again.... "Do not be afraid"...... I would be remiss to say that things got easier.....they didn't for quite awhile...but, there was that message over and over again in my heart ....."do not be afraid".....we went through a pretty tough season, but so many good things along the way as well....so much learning, growing, tears and laughter....opportunities ....
There are over 80 passages in the Bible that say, "do not be afraid"
Most back it with ...a promise...or declaration .....
Reading through these verse are such a comfort again....in this season of life....
Thank you again that You are with me, You are my shield, courage, firmness, promise....
I am chosen....
Genesis 15:1a
[ The Lord’s Covenant With Abram ] After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
Genesis 26:24a
That night the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you....
Exodus 14:13a
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today....
Deuteronomy 1:17a
Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. ....
Deuteronomy 7:18a
But do not be afraid of them; remember well.....
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you..
Joshua 10:25
Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.”
Judges 6:23
But the Lord said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die!"
Isaiah 43:5a
Do not be afraid, for I am with you;.....
Isaiah 44:2 altered
This is what the Lord says— he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid,.........whom I have chosen.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Mark 4:39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Hurricane song by Christian singer, Natalie grant
http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0SO8z0ShWJSPQUA.qLBGOd_;_ylu=X3oDMTByNzhwY2hkBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMgRjb2xvA2dxMQR2dGlkAw--/SIG=120v92kn2/EXP=1382217106/**http%3a//www.youtube.com/watch%3fv=ttKnLwwHlig
Friday, October 18, 2013
Seeing......
Seeing.....
I am now the proud owner of three pairs of glasses....one for the computer, ....one for close reading....And a general purpose set....sight is a wonderful gift....
I remember a friend, who has since gone to see heaven, had three pair of glasses which she wore around her neck....each on a separate necklace...we laughed as she was always untangling them to get the "right " pair for the right use...I thought I never want that to happen to me...I keep mine at the various locations for use....not around my neck ......at this point.....
Having worn glasses or contacts since I was in the fifth grade,,they are just part of life...then having the emergency retinal surgery two years ago....and almost losing sight in one eye, sight became still more precious .....so will go with the various glasses....
Reading through the Bible, sight is acknowledged in so many different ways.....who made it...who lost it....who doesn't have it...how they used it.....and so on...
But I do appreciate it so much and the Creator who is all seeing and creating, who gave us sight both to see and discern....throughout our years...and I thank Him for the miracle of glasses....now..as the people in Bible times did not have the gift of glasses...
Proverbs 20:12
Ears that hear and eyes that see— the Lord has made them both.
Luke 5:26
Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”
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?
Genesis 48:10
Now Israel’s eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.
1 Samuel 4:14-15
14 Eli heard the outcry and asked, “What is the meaning of this uproar?”
The man hurried over to Eli, 15 who was ninety-eight years old and whose eyes had failed so that he could see.
Ecclesiastes 12:2a, 3b
2 before the sun and the light
and the moon and the stars grow dark,
3 when the keepers of the house tremble,......
and those looking through the windows grow dim;
Mark 8:23
He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”
Mark 8:24
He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”
John 20:29
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Thank you for the sight You have given me, but so much more than that, we who haven't "seen" You, can also have the promised eternal life that your disciples were able to obtain...we, too can "see" and believe.....
I am now the proud owner of three pairs of glasses....one for the computer, ....one for close reading....And a general purpose set....sight is a wonderful gift....
I remember a friend, who has since gone to see heaven, had three pair of glasses which she wore around her neck....each on a separate necklace...we laughed as she was always untangling them to get the "right " pair for the right use...I thought I never want that to happen to me...I keep mine at the various locations for use....not around my neck ......at this point.....
Having worn glasses or contacts since I was in the fifth grade,,they are just part of life...then having the emergency retinal surgery two years ago....and almost losing sight in one eye, sight became still more precious .....so will go with the various glasses....
Reading through the Bible, sight is acknowledged in so many different ways.....who made it...who lost it....who doesn't have it...how they used it.....and so on...
But I do appreciate it so much and the Creator who is all seeing and creating, who gave us sight both to see and discern....throughout our years...and I thank Him for the miracle of glasses....now..as the people in Bible times did not have the gift of glasses...
Proverbs 20:12
Ears that hear and eyes that see— the Lord has made them both.
Luke 5:26
Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”
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?
Genesis 48:10
Now Israel’s eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.
1 Samuel 4:14-15
14 Eli heard the outcry and asked, “What is the meaning of this uproar?”
The man hurried over to Eli, 15 who was ninety-eight years old and whose eyes had failed so that he could see.
Ecclesiastes 12:2a, 3b
2 before the sun and the light
and the moon and the stars grow dark,
3 when the keepers of the house tremble,......
and those looking through the windows grow dim;
Mark 8:23
He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”
Mark 8:24
He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”
John 20:29
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Thank you for the sight You have given me, but so much more than that, we who haven't "seen" You, can also have the promised eternal life that your disciples were able to obtain...we, too can "see" and believe.....
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Handing off the baton....
Handing over the baton......
Reading about David this morning, handing off a project that he truly wanted to do...so hard.....how do we finish well?
Give over things that we either need to do or let another finish them....it is sometimes very difficult to do...it involves opening our hands and letting go of dreams,desires, expectations....
Paul preached, Barnabas came along and encouraged...
Moses led in the wilderness but Joshua led into the promised land...
Each generation accumulates and the next carries on or changes..
It goes on and on....each has their own vision of how things will look ...function...
But, there are times when we do the prep work and have the opportunity to graciously hand it off to another ......open hands .....that may be hard, with anguish-we want to finish the project or whatever to see it to fruition.....
This may happen when we are younger, but it Especially happens as we get older... We have accumulated wisdom, that could "help" others but, alas, they have to learn on their own....mistakes teach.....
There have been many times, many events, projects, even children, I have had the privilege to nurture , plan, work with to the finish...but others I have had to give them over to complete...children given over to God for His teaching...after all ....everything was His In the first place....I was a tool, facilitator, a means...a vessel....in the grand scheme of life...
Will i do the hand off with grace or hold tight....with joy or remorse.....with blessing or grudgingly....with rules or openness....with preparation or stinginess....
Thank you for opportunity to be a part of the whole picture of life. Help me to hand off batons at the proper time, with the proper preparation work, with blessings and not holding back....anything that would hinder the next generation....in their growth in You.....
1 Chronicles 22
New International Version (NIV)
Then David said, “The house of the Lord God is to be here, and also the altar of burnt offering for Israel.”
Preparations for the Temple
2 So David gave orders to assemble the foreigners residing in Israel, and from among them he appointed stonecutters to prepare dressed stone for building the house of God. 3 He provided a large amount of iron to make nails for the doors of the gateways and for the fittings, and more bronze than could be weighed. 4 He also provided more cedar logs than could be counted, for the Sidonians and Tyrians had brought large numbers of them to David.
5 David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations. Therefore I will make preparations for it.” So David made extensive preparations before his death.
6 Then he called for his son Solomon and charged him to build a house for the Lord, the God of Israel. 7 David said to Solomon: “My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the Lord my God. 8 But this word of the Lord came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. 9 But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon,[a] and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. 10 He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’
11 “Now, my son, the Lord be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the Lord your God, as he said you would. 12 May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. 13 Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
14 “I have taken great pains to provide for the temple of the Lord a hundred thousand talents[b] of gold, a million talents[c] of silver, quantities of bronze and iron too great to be weighed, and wood and stone. And you may add to them. 15 You have many workers: stonecutters, masons and carpenters, as well as those skilled in every kind of work 16 in gold and silver, bronze and iron—craftsmen beyond number. Now begin the work, and the Lord be with you.”
17 Then David ordered all the leaders of Israel to help his son Solomon. 18 He said to them, “Is not the Lord your God with you? And has he not granted you rest on every side? For he has given the inhabitants of the land into my hands, and the land is subject to the Lord and to his people. 19 Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God......
Reading about David this morning, handing off a project that he truly wanted to do...so hard.....how do we finish well?
Give over things that we either need to do or let another finish them....it is sometimes very difficult to do...it involves opening our hands and letting go of dreams,desires, expectations....
Paul preached, Barnabas came along and encouraged...
Moses led in the wilderness but Joshua led into the promised land...
Each generation accumulates and the next carries on or changes..
It goes on and on....each has their own vision of how things will look ...function...
But, there are times when we do the prep work and have the opportunity to graciously hand it off to another ......open hands .....that may be hard, with anguish-we want to finish the project or whatever to see it to fruition.....
This may happen when we are younger, but it Especially happens as we get older... We have accumulated wisdom, that could "help" others but, alas, they have to learn on their own....mistakes teach.....
There have been many times, many events, projects, even children, I have had the privilege to nurture , plan, work with to the finish...but others I have had to give them over to complete...children given over to God for His teaching...after all ....everything was His In the first place....I was a tool, facilitator, a means...a vessel....in the grand scheme of life...
Will i do the hand off with grace or hold tight....with joy or remorse.....with blessing or grudgingly....with rules or openness....with preparation or stinginess....
Thank you for opportunity to be a part of the whole picture of life. Help me to hand off batons at the proper time, with the proper preparation work, with blessings and not holding back....anything that would hinder the next generation....in their growth in You.....
1 Chronicles 22
New International Version (NIV)
Then David said, “The house of the Lord God is to be here, and also the altar of burnt offering for Israel.”
Preparations for the Temple
2 So David gave orders to assemble the foreigners residing in Israel, and from among them he appointed stonecutters to prepare dressed stone for building the house of God. 3 He provided a large amount of iron to make nails for the doors of the gateways and for the fittings, and more bronze than could be weighed. 4 He also provided more cedar logs than could be counted, for the Sidonians and Tyrians had brought large numbers of them to David.
5 David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations. Therefore I will make preparations for it.” So David made extensive preparations before his death.
6 Then he called for his son Solomon and charged him to build a house for the Lord, the God of Israel. 7 David said to Solomon: “My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the Lord my God. 8 But this word of the Lord came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. 9 But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon,[a] and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. 10 He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’
11 “Now, my son, the Lord be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the Lord your God, as he said you would. 12 May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. 13 Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
14 “I have taken great pains to provide for the temple of the Lord a hundred thousand talents[b] of gold, a million talents[c] of silver, quantities of bronze and iron too great to be weighed, and wood and stone. And you may add to them. 15 You have many workers: stonecutters, masons and carpenters, as well as those skilled in every kind of work 16 in gold and silver, bronze and iron—craftsmen beyond number. Now begin the work, and the Lord be with you.”
17 Then David ordered all the leaders of Israel to help his son Solomon. 18 He said to them, “Is not the Lord your God with you? And has he not granted you rest on every side? For he has given the inhabitants of the land into my hands, and the land is subject to the Lord and to his people. 19 Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God......
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
My naked tree....
My naked tree......
Last week the trees were green, this week, colorful reds, oranges, yellows....
Day before yesterday my trees had leaves. Yesterday, as I walked, I noticed that one of my trees had dropped all of it leaves in a neat pile on the ground. It reminded me of an old cartoon of Garfield, when Jon said "shed" to Garfield and the next picture was a pile of hair and a naked Garfield...or "the born loser" waiting under a tree holding his rake standing in a huge pile of leaves that the tree had dumped on him.
All the other trees still have leaves on them, losing them a few at a time ...I grabbed the yard debris container, scooped up the leaves and voila, one tree done, just like that....
Sometimes events go quickly, but it seems like growth takes time....lots of time....one leaf at a time....before the transformation really shows...as we shed those leaves and stand naked for all to see....the dying to self......the winter before the spring...the resurrection and new growth....
ADam and Eve covered up their nakedness with clothing as I try to cover up my "flaws"...even though God sees all, knows all, .... I have to bare it all ....shed the leaves of sin, falling to the ground...He rakes them up, throws them away...and covers me with His white robe of righteousness...forgetting the dead leaves, He see his splendor, not the nakedness...He is faithful...forgiving....all knowing, all powerful....the forgiveness takes an instant....the change is everlasting...
Thank you for daily reminders of Yourself....seasons.....fruitfulness .....forgiveness....
Psalm 102:25-27
Living Bible (TLB)
25 In ages past you laid the foundations of the earth and made the heavens with your hands! 26 They shall perish, but you go on forever. They will grow old like worn-out clothing, and you will change them like a man putting on a new shirt and throwing away the old one! 27 But you yourself never grow old. You are forever, and your years never end.
Psalm 1:3
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
[ A Time for Everything ] There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
Jeremiah 5:24
They do not say to themselves, ‘Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.’
Deuteronomy 11:14
then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil.
Joel 2:23
Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.
Last week the trees were green, this week, colorful reds, oranges, yellows....
Day before yesterday my trees had leaves. Yesterday, as I walked, I noticed that one of my trees had dropped all of it leaves in a neat pile on the ground. It reminded me of an old cartoon of Garfield, when Jon said "shed" to Garfield and the next picture was a pile of hair and a naked Garfield...or "the born loser" waiting under a tree holding his rake standing in a huge pile of leaves that the tree had dumped on him.
All the other trees still have leaves on them, losing them a few at a time ...I grabbed the yard debris container, scooped up the leaves and voila, one tree done, just like that....
Sometimes events go quickly, but it seems like growth takes time....lots of time....one leaf at a time....before the transformation really shows...as we shed those leaves and stand naked for all to see....the dying to self......the winter before the spring...the resurrection and new growth....
ADam and Eve covered up their nakedness with clothing as I try to cover up my "flaws"...even though God sees all, knows all, .... I have to bare it all ....shed the leaves of sin, falling to the ground...He rakes them up, throws them away...and covers me with His white robe of righteousness...forgetting the dead leaves, He see his splendor, not the nakedness...He is faithful...forgiving....all knowing, all powerful....the forgiveness takes an instant....the change is everlasting...
Thank you for daily reminders of Yourself....seasons.....fruitfulness .....forgiveness....
Psalm 102:25-27
Living Bible (TLB)
25 In ages past you laid the foundations of the earth and made the heavens with your hands! 26 They shall perish, but you go on forever. They will grow old like worn-out clothing, and you will change them like a man putting on a new shirt and throwing away the old one! 27 But you yourself never grow old. You are forever, and your years never end.
Psalm 1:3
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
[ A Time for Everything ] There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
Jeremiah 5:24
They do not say to themselves, ‘Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.’
Deuteronomy 11:14
then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil.
Joel 2:23
Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Contemplation .....consider...
Contemplation....consider.....
At church the pastor is going through a study of Nehemiah. This last week, he asked the congregation to take some time..to contemplate our lives....take time to think where we are going...where we have been, what is God calling us to do.....
Then formulate some life goals asking the questions...where am I right now....where does God want me to be....what do I need to do to move ahead.....
And finally after answering those questions ....anticipate the challenges......
Was such a good reminder...
We used to take time to write out 5 year plans, and even some life goals....where did we as a couple, business, family want to be in the coming years.....I found some of those plans written In various journals of my husband's....I had to put them down for later reading as they were a little hard to grasp at the moment....but, I found out again that God was indeed in those plans with some little tweaks here and there.....plus some major tweaks in my point of view...we never anticipated death so soon....
So now I am asking the same questions with a different perspective.....but as a friend said......"God's purposes are being accomplished".....
There are daily plans and goals....but important also are the life's goals....what do want my spiritual life to look like or be...and what am I doing about??? I probably don't have another 60 years to move in the right direction....so I need to think in smaller chunks of time....what am I doing right now to move closer to God?....what do I do on a daily basis to make that move...how I walk, talk, be in a closer relationship with Him????
How do I lay down the burdens that assail and take time? Which are important to let others take? What do I need to move ahead????
Thank you for thinking time....help me to discern the important, the plans that YOu have for me.....help me to be wise in heart....
Psalm 90:12. New International Version (NIV)
12 Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom
Proverbs 22:3 Living Bible (TLB)
3 A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
Proverbs 24:3-4
New International Version (NIV)
3 By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
4 through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.
At church the pastor is going through a study of Nehemiah. This last week, he asked the congregation to take some time..to contemplate our lives....take time to think where we are going...where we have been, what is God calling us to do.....
Then formulate some life goals asking the questions...where am I right now....where does God want me to be....what do I need to do to move ahead.....
And finally after answering those questions ....anticipate the challenges......
Was such a good reminder...
We used to take time to write out 5 year plans, and even some life goals....where did we as a couple, business, family want to be in the coming years.....I found some of those plans written In various journals of my husband's....I had to put them down for later reading as they were a little hard to grasp at the moment....but, I found out again that God was indeed in those plans with some little tweaks here and there.....plus some major tweaks in my point of view...we never anticipated death so soon....
So now I am asking the same questions with a different perspective.....but as a friend said......"God's purposes are being accomplished".....
There are daily plans and goals....but important also are the life's goals....what do want my spiritual life to look like or be...and what am I doing about??? I probably don't have another 60 years to move in the right direction....so I need to think in smaller chunks of time....what am I doing right now to move closer to God?....what do I do on a daily basis to make that move...how I walk, talk, be in a closer relationship with Him????
How do I lay down the burdens that assail and take time? Which are important to let others take? What do I need to move ahead????
Thank you for thinking time....help me to discern the important, the plans that YOu have for me.....help me to be wise in heart....
Psalm 90:12. New International Version (NIV)
12 Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom
Proverbs 22:3 Living Bible (TLB)
3 A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
Proverbs 24:3-4
New International Version (NIV)
3 By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
4 through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.
Monday, October 14, 2013
The table......
If my table could talk......
I have a table that was given to us in 1971 when me moved into our first purchased home. The neighbor came over and asked us if we would like a table and chairs out of his shed. "Sure , we will look at it" was our response.....there was this solid brown-painted wooden table with a variety of broken and unbroken ladder back chairs. We said we would take them and he just gave them to us...thus begins the saga of our family table.
It has ends that slide put so that is fits 12 people around it. The chairs were in need of repair, so that was done and I recovered the seats.
One night when Don was out on a job, I covered the floor and started to take off the dark brown paint to reveal a solid maple table....so beautiful ....I showed the generous neighbor and he kind of turned green with envy....it was astounding. The table was beautiful....we couldn't afford anything like it, but free to us. What a gift....
If Our family table could talk it would relate the upheavals, the changes, the growth, the history of our family...
Moves to various places, first prayers, a place to hand color geology master thesis maps, hosting missionaries from all over the world.....hearing proposals to go on short term missions, .....marriage plans....family laughter, ...morning devotionals, evening story times, home economics cooking classes, birthday parties of all years and stages, disciplining, meat cutting.....game times....family gatherings,....college groups, Bible study times for various ages, 4H meetings and craft times, soccer dinners, and now another generation of voices have added to the history.......what were the stories that it could have told before it came to us? Not sure, but I am sure that being released from the dark wooden shed to be revived and cared for was a blessing to it and to us as a family.....if tables could speak.....
When I look around my home, there is not a piece of furniture that was historical in our family as that table...except two rockers, one acquired at an estate sale when I was pregnant with my oldest son...and the old other, a hand me down from my grandfather..but they came later...not so many stories to tell about our family....
God speaks of tables in his word, first in the furnishing of the tabernacle in the desert, specific directions were given the table of the bread of the Presence... How it was to be made, arranged , carried and what to go on top....
Exodus 25:23
[ The Table ] “Make a table of acacia wood—two cubits long, a cubit wide and a cubit and a half high.
David showed hospitality to family members of his beloved friend, Jonathan..as well as others....
2 Samuel 9:11b
.....So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons.
Over and over through out the scriptures, table are spoken of for hospitality, blessing, fellowship,questioning....abundance....judgement and feasts.......
Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 78:19
They spoke against God; they said, “Can God really spread a table in the wilderness.....
Psalm 128:3
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
Mark 11:15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers ....
Mark 14:3
While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
Mark 14:18
While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”
Thank you for reminders of history through a simple object that You blessed our family with many years ago...a continual reminder that You have been with us through all stages, ages, providing ....caring....listening.....as we gathered around your table......
I have a table that was given to us in 1971 when me moved into our first purchased home. The neighbor came over and asked us if we would like a table and chairs out of his shed. "Sure , we will look at it" was our response.....there was this solid brown-painted wooden table with a variety of broken and unbroken ladder back chairs. We said we would take them and he just gave them to us...thus begins the saga of our family table.
It has ends that slide put so that is fits 12 people around it. The chairs were in need of repair, so that was done and I recovered the seats.
One night when Don was out on a job, I covered the floor and started to take off the dark brown paint to reveal a solid maple table....so beautiful ....I showed the generous neighbor and he kind of turned green with envy....it was astounding. The table was beautiful....we couldn't afford anything like it, but free to us. What a gift....
If Our family table could talk it would relate the upheavals, the changes, the growth, the history of our family...
Moves to various places, first prayers, a place to hand color geology master thesis maps, hosting missionaries from all over the world.....hearing proposals to go on short term missions, .....marriage plans....family laughter, ...morning devotionals, evening story times, home economics cooking classes, birthday parties of all years and stages, disciplining, meat cutting.....game times....family gatherings,....college groups, Bible study times for various ages, 4H meetings and craft times, soccer dinners, and now another generation of voices have added to the history.......what were the stories that it could have told before it came to us? Not sure, but I am sure that being released from the dark wooden shed to be revived and cared for was a blessing to it and to us as a family.....if tables could speak.....
When I look around my home, there is not a piece of furniture that was historical in our family as that table...except two rockers, one acquired at an estate sale when I was pregnant with my oldest son...and the old other, a hand me down from my grandfather..but they came later...not so many stories to tell about our family....
God speaks of tables in his word, first in the furnishing of the tabernacle in the desert, specific directions were given the table of the bread of the Presence... How it was to be made, arranged , carried and what to go on top....
Exodus 25:23
[ The Table ] “Make a table of acacia wood—two cubits long, a cubit wide and a cubit and a half high.
David showed hospitality to family members of his beloved friend, Jonathan..as well as others....
2 Samuel 9:11b
.....So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons.
Over and over through out the scriptures, table are spoken of for hospitality, blessing, fellowship,questioning....abundance....judgement and feasts.......
Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 78:19
They spoke against God; they said, “Can God really spread a table in the wilderness.....
Psalm 128:3
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
Mark 11:15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers ....
Mark 14:3
While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
Mark 14:18
While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”
Thank you for reminders of history through a simple object that You blessed our family with many years ago...a continual reminder that You have been with us through all stages, ages, providing ....caring....listening.....as we gathered around your table......
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Heavy heart day....
Heavy heart day.......
Yesterday was a heavy heart day.....am I the only one that have those days.....I don't think so....it was a funeral day for some friends who last Sunday were going to church, "went directly to heaven" instead....their teenage daughter came away from crash with a bruise....heavy heart....
The father had gone to Mongolia in 2011 with my husband and was so excited.....he was able to work with young Christian couples on marriage with the book, "Love and Respect" while other team members did VBS for kids in Ulanbaatar, the capital....
The other day, when I heard that news, I just wanted to talk to my husband and he wasn't there....so talked to God about that....He is such a good listener and comforter....but not quite the same, not bad or anything , just different...
Later, when talking to my daughter , she said the same thing....she just wanted to call up and talk to her dad....and he wasn't there....
So I got out my sewing machine and sewed...brought back so many memories.....I used to sew everyday, but it hurts my back....but I have prayed with sewing machine running for many things.....over the years...a sanctuary of sorts......comfort in doing the common things ....I talk to God there , creating as I cry or mull over, sort through, making sense of.....whatever....my end products have different memories attached to them....but more often than not they go to someone else....with blessings and prayers....
So even with a heavy heart,,,God gave me a sanctuary of sorts, the sewing machine.....contemplation .....prayer, with an a creative end product.....thank you so much ,again and again.....
Psalm 20
1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.[b]
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests.
6 Now this I know:
The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
with the victorious power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
9 Lord, give victory to the king!
Answer us when we call!
Yesterday was a heavy heart day.....am I the only one that have those days.....I don't think so....it was a funeral day for some friends who last Sunday were going to church, "went directly to heaven" instead....their teenage daughter came away from crash with a bruise....heavy heart....
The father had gone to Mongolia in 2011 with my husband and was so excited.....he was able to work with young Christian couples on marriage with the book, "Love and Respect" while other team members did VBS for kids in Ulanbaatar, the capital....
The other day, when I heard that news, I just wanted to talk to my husband and he wasn't there....so talked to God about that....He is such a good listener and comforter....but not quite the same, not bad or anything , just different...
Later, when talking to my daughter , she said the same thing....she just wanted to call up and talk to her dad....and he wasn't there....
So I got out my sewing machine and sewed...brought back so many memories.....I used to sew everyday, but it hurts my back....but I have prayed with sewing machine running for many things.....over the years...a sanctuary of sorts......comfort in doing the common things ....I talk to God there , creating as I cry or mull over, sort through, making sense of.....whatever....my end products have different memories attached to them....but more often than not they go to someone else....with blessings and prayers....
So even with a heavy heart,,,God gave me a sanctuary of sorts, the sewing machine.....contemplation .....prayer, with an a creative end product.....thank you so much ,again and again.....
Psalm 20
1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.[b]
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests.
6 Now this I know:
The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
with the victorious power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
9 Lord, give victory to the king!
Answer us when we call!
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Refresh....
Refresh....
Walking early in the morning right now is refreshing to say the least....28-32 degrees....down coat, wool gloves and hat.......the air is crisp, cold....such a change from a month ago....the leaves are dropping already, not long fall this year unless it comes after the leaves are gone.....the breeze is bracing, cooling to the bone, it seems....makes one walk a little faster.....
It made me think of the word "refresh".......what refreshes......friends, laughter, a word of encouragement ....giving....rest...a touch of concern....or care...a hug.....
The Jeremiah verse was a balm to my soul, especially when we were going through some very rough times with one of our children...I was reading and crying through the book of Jeremiah...when that verse popped off the pages...."Jeremiah 31:25
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” I was very weary and very faint, troubled, tired to the bone .....both emotionally and physically .....it just took those few words spoken to my heart the bring refreshment to my soul...I have gone back to them time after time in the ensuing years...they still speak the same truth and encouragement....thank You so much.....You do refresh.....
How can I give refreshment to others....with the same words, the hug, the care that others have given to me.....Help me to be that refreshment wherever I go, who ever I see...I don't want to always be the one needy,,,but give to others who are in need of refreshment....
Psalm 19:7
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, e making wise the simple.
Psalm 23:3
he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Psalm 68:9
You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.
Proverbs 11:25
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Proverbs 25:13
Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.
1 Corinthians 16:18
For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.
2 Corinthians 7:13
By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you
2 Timothy 1:16
May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
Philemon 1:7
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
Philemon 1:20
I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
Walking early in the morning right now is refreshing to say the least....28-32 degrees....down coat, wool gloves and hat.......the air is crisp, cold....such a change from a month ago....the leaves are dropping already, not long fall this year unless it comes after the leaves are gone.....the breeze is bracing, cooling to the bone, it seems....makes one walk a little faster.....
It made me think of the word "refresh".......what refreshes......friends, laughter, a word of encouragement ....giving....rest...a touch of concern....or care...a hug.....
The Jeremiah verse was a balm to my soul, especially when we were going through some very rough times with one of our children...I was reading and crying through the book of Jeremiah...when that verse popped off the pages...."Jeremiah 31:25
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” I was very weary and very faint, troubled, tired to the bone .....both emotionally and physically .....it just took those few words spoken to my heart the bring refreshment to my soul...I have gone back to them time after time in the ensuing years...they still speak the same truth and encouragement....thank You so much.....You do refresh.....
How can I give refreshment to others....with the same words, the hug, the care that others have given to me.....Help me to be that refreshment wherever I go, who ever I see...I don't want to always be the one needy,,,but give to others who are in need of refreshment....
Psalm 19:7
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, e making wise the simple.
Psalm 23:3
he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Psalm 68:9
You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.
Proverbs 11:25
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Proverbs 25:13
Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.
1 Corinthians 16:18
For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.
2 Corinthians 7:13
By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you
2 Timothy 1:16
May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
Philemon 1:7
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
Philemon 1:20
I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
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