This morning in my quiet time, I read, prayed, and mediated for nearly an hour on what I thought God wanted me to share in my little 5 minute talk this morning at church - only ten minutes before I had to start getting ready - He changed it. I went from sharing about the woman who went to Simon's house because Jesus was there and shed many tears on Jesus' feet, letting down her hair and wiping His feet, kissing His feet in love and worship - to talking about Mark 12:30 where, when Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, He replied "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength". The Shema.
How do we do that? How do we love God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength? We do it in so many ways. When we think of Him and thank Him for the beauty around us, for our families, for our health, for our church, for friends, for so many blessings, they are too numerous to even mention. When we love God, we worship Him.
There are four things I want to share this morning about worship -
1. Worship is the first purpose of your life. You were created to worship God. He gives you everything you need, and many things you want - but He is the One to be worshipped - not what you have.
2. Anytime you express love to God, you are worshipping. On your way to work, do you see the sunrise - or on the way home, do you notice the sunset - and tell God how much you love Him and thank Him for drawing your attention to the beauty? Do you take moments throughout the day to just say 'I love you' to the One who loves you far more than anyone else ever could? Loving Him is worshipping Him.
3. God-pleasing worship is from the heart. Do you go to church and sing the songs just because you know them? Do you really look at the words and feel they are speaking what you want to say to Him? When you sing "Here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You're my God".... do you really mean it with all your heart? God is pleased when we 'own' the words we sing in worship to Him.
4. Worship is delighting in and enjoying God. I love the term 'enjoying God'. I do enjoy Him! He makes my life worth living when I feel that life has been sucked out of me and my heart is heavy with disappointment and sorrow. He wants to bring me to the place of letting Him take over - and to do that, I have to let go. I choose to delight in my God and enjoy Him to the fullest.
Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Worship Him!
Blessings!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Redo and Renew Interiors
During one of our numerous trips up to Prescott Valley, AZ I was pondering what I could share with the church that morning. I prayed and asked God to show me what He wanted me to share. As we drove along 89A, I think it was, I saw a sign that read 'Redo and Renew Interiors'.
As I thought about that sign, I thought about how God wants to 'redo' and 'renew' our interior. Yep, He doesn't care what we look like on the outside, but He does care what is going on in the inside. He can make our insides clean.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God,And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
When we give our problems and issues, and ourselves to Him, He is more than willing to clean our hearts and make us steadfast to be obedient to Him.
Not only do we need to be concerned about our insides, but we probably ought to clean up our eating habits, and start getting some exercise daily. We need to look at what we are putting into our minds and hearts by what we watch on TV, at the movies, and the books we read. What example are we giving to others - and how easy it becomes, when you consistently hear foul language and see unhealthy scenes, that it becomes the norm and not forbidden.
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Are you conforming to the world or being transformed by the renewing of your mind in those things that are good and acceptable?
Let's continue to set our eyes on Him as we glorify Him by re-doing and re-newing our hearts and minds in Him.
Blessings!
As I thought about that sign, I thought about how God wants to 'redo' and 'renew' our interior. Yep, He doesn't care what we look like on the outside, but He does care what is going on in the inside. He can make our insides clean.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God,And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
When we give our problems and issues, and ourselves to Him, He is more than willing to clean our hearts and make us steadfast to be obedient to Him.
Not only do we need to be concerned about our insides, but we probably ought to clean up our eating habits, and start getting some exercise daily. We need to look at what we are putting into our minds and hearts by what we watch on TV, at the movies, and the books we read. What example are we giving to others - and how easy it becomes, when you consistently hear foul language and see unhealthy scenes, that it becomes the norm and not forbidden.
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Are you conforming to the world or being transformed by the renewing of your mind in those things that are good and acceptable?
Let's continue to set our eyes on Him as we glorify Him by re-doing and re-newing our hearts and minds in Him.
Blessings!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Dinner time joy
My hubby and I decided to go to Old Country Buffet for a quick bite to eat tonight (after all, I had coupons!). On the way, knowing it was one of our middle child's favorite places to go to, I text'd Ralph to let him know where we were going. He tells me they were already at Sizzler. :-( Well, Tom and I walk in to Old Country Buffet to discover the line all the way to the door. We looked at each other and said 'nope, am not waiting' - and decided to join Ralph and his family at Sizzler.
I text'd Ralph on the way that we would be there too. The order line was short so we quickly got through it and found the family had already sat at a large table so that we could join them. We had a great meal and great company, catching up on what the grandsons were doing as well as our son and daughter-in-law. It was good to spend time with them and share a meal, even though it had not been planned. It was an unexpected opportunity to just enjoy being with family. And I love it.
I love being with family, and I love being with friends. It brings me joy to bring them into my life, and to hear what is going on in theirs. Sometimes I actually PLAN to meet with family, or with friends, just to spend time with them. I hope they enjoy my company as much as I do theirs. These are times of special memories for me, times I hide in my heart.
I called a dear friend today to ask for advice. It was such fun to talk with her, to just spend time sharing with her what was going on in my life. Yeah, I let her talk a little bit too. :-) And that is what friends do. I value her opinion and appreciate her input into my life.
What have you done lately to bring someone into your life? Plan an activity or meal or just meet for a coke to hear what is going on in a family member's life. Get 1:1 with them. Who have you shared a part of your day with? Pick up the phone and call someone you haven't talked with lately - and share with them what happened in your life and hear what is going on in theirs. Do you have someone you can share with? If you feel you don't, please know you can always email or call me. I will listen. You will always have a friend.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. Live life to the fullest - make every moment count!
Blessings!
I text'd Ralph on the way that we would be there too. The order line was short so we quickly got through it and found the family had already sat at a large table so that we could join them. We had a great meal and great company, catching up on what the grandsons were doing as well as our son and daughter-in-law. It was good to spend time with them and share a meal, even though it had not been planned. It was an unexpected opportunity to just enjoy being with family. And I love it.
I love being with family, and I love being with friends. It brings me joy to bring them into my life, and to hear what is going on in theirs. Sometimes I actually PLAN to meet with family, or with friends, just to spend time with them. I hope they enjoy my company as much as I do theirs. These are times of special memories for me, times I hide in my heart.
I called a dear friend today to ask for advice. It was such fun to talk with her, to just spend time sharing with her what was going on in my life. Yeah, I let her talk a little bit too. :-) And that is what friends do. I value her opinion and appreciate her input into my life.
What have you done lately to bring someone into your life? Plan an activity or meal or just meet for a coke to hear what is going on in a family member's life. Get 1:1 with them. Who have you shared a part of your day with? Pick up the phone and call someone you haven't talked with lately - and share with them what happened in your life and hear what is going on in theirs. Do you have someone you can share with? If you feel you don't, please know you can always email or call me. I will listen. You will always have a friend.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. Live life to the fullest - make every moment count!
Blessings!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Walking and Talking
This morning my daughter and I went for an early morning 5.5 miles walk. As we went around 5:30 this morning, the air was still 'somewhat' cool (as cool as it can be in Phoenix in July in the early morning) and it was a good time to walk.
As we were walking and sharing with each other, I realized how nice it is that we both are physically able to get out and walk. There are so many people who can not - or will not. Those that WILL NOT come up with all kinds of excuses why they can't walk. "It's too hot" or "I'm so tired" or "It's too early" or "___________". (Fill in the blank if it applies to you)
Mary and I were able to catch up on what is going on in our lives. (Yes, it's true, my daughter and I do NOT talk every day - sometimes it can be a week or more!) It is so refreshing to listen and to have that 1:1 time with each other. (Yes, boys, I would love to have 1:1 time with you - and I won't make you walk, but it would be nice! When do you want to meet?) Sometimes we don't even talk - we just walk. We even saw a bunny this morning!
When was the last time you got up and took a walk outside to feel the coolness of the early morning, or to listen to the birds chirping as the morning begins? To enjoy the quietness of the day, before all the busyness starts? To realize all the beauty around you that God has made - just for you to enjoy?
I encourage you to plan a morning soon that you can just 'be quiet' and slip out into the coolness of the day, to enjoy the beauty our Heavenly Father has designed for you. Ask a relative or close friend to walk around the block with you. Yeah, 5:30AM is early, but I am willing to spend it with my daughter and enjoy the time together. You will find you enjoy it too. What a way to start the day!
Get up out of that bed - or out of that soft chair - and step out - and praise God you have the ability to get out and enjoy the things He has made. God is so good.
Blessings!
As we were walking and sharing with each other, I realized how nice it is that we both are physically able to get out and walk. There are so many people who can not - or will not. Those that WILL NOT come up with all kinds of excuses why they can't walk. "It's too hot" or "I'm so tired" or "It's too early" or "___________". (Fill in the blank if it applies to you)
Mary and I were able to catch up on what is going on in our lives. (Yes, it's true, my daughter and I do NOT talk every day - sometimes it can be a week or more!) It is so refreshing to listen and to have that 1:1 time with each other. (Yes, boys, I would love to have 1:1 time with you - and I won't make you walk, but it would be nice! When do you want to meet?) Sometimes we don't even talk - we just walk. We even saw a bunny this morning!
When was the last time you got up and took a walk outside to feel the coolness of the early morning, or to listen to the birds chirping as the morning begins? To enjoy the quietness of the day, before all the busyness starts? To realize all the beauty around you that God has made - just for you to enjoy?
I encourage you to plan a morning soon that you can just 'be quiet' and slip out into the coolness of the day, to enjoy the beauty our Heavenly Father has designed for you. Ask a relative or close friend to walk around the block with you. Yeah, 5:30AM is early, but I am willing to spend it with my daughter and enjoy the time together. You will find you enjoy it too. What a way to start the day!
Get up out of that bed - or out of that soft chair - and step out - and praise God you have the ability to get out and enjoy the things He has made. God is so good.
Blessings!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Who do you suck up to?
October 31, 2009. Our day started off with a volleyball game in which our granddaughter played (Tricia). Stevie, our 11 year old grandson (at that time), always takes care of me. He makes sure I have a seat, he helps me up the bleachers. He loves me and isn't afraid, even in public, to lavish his love upon me. He gives the best hugs - not a quickie, but will hold on until you know you've been hugged - and loved.
Later that evening the grandchildren were brought over so that grandma and grandpa could see them in their costumes. When Tricia and Stevie were getting ready to leave, Stevie was hugging on me and giving me one of his extra long hugs. I started to tease him that he was 'sucking up' - and he says, "yeah, I know, but you love it."
And I had to confess that yeah, I did.
Think about this..... when was the last time you 'sucked up' to our Heavenly Father? As much as I love the hugs and kisses I get from all my grandchildren, how much more our Heavenly Father loves it when we direct our attention to Him, and lavish our love upon Him through our praise, our worship, and even more so - by how we are living out our lives daily.
Are you worshiping and lavishing your love upon Him daily? Would He tell you lovingly that you are 'sucking up' to Him - and He loves it?
May we all become like little children and hug our Heavenly Father with passion and love.
Blessings!
Later that evening the grandchildren were brought over so that grandma and grandpa could see them in their costumes. When Tricia and Stevie were getting ready to leave, Stevie was hugging on me and giving me one of his extra long hugs. I started to tease him that he was 'sucking up' - and he says, "yeah, I know, but you love it."
And I had to confess that yeah, I did.
Think about this..... when was the last time you 'sucked up' to our Heavenly Father? As much as I love the hugs and kisses I get from all my grandchildren, how much more our Heavenly Father loves it when we direct our attention to Him, and lavish our love upon Him through our praise, our worship, and even more so - by how we are living out our lives daily.
Are you worshiping and lavishing your love upon Him daily? Would He tell you lovingly that you are 'sucking up' to Him - and He loves it?
May we all become like little children and hug our Heavenly Father with passion and love.
Blessings!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
I Surrender
I was asked to lead communion this morning at church - right after I arrived for service. No time to prepare, I asked God to give me what He wanted me to say, for Him to speak through me.
I read Mark 14:22-26. Verse 26 says they then went to the Mount of Olives. And that is what I talked about. What happened when Jesus and his disciples, less Judas Iscariot, went to the Mount of Olives? Jesus went off to pray, remember? And what did He pray? It says in it in Luke 22:42.
Luke 22:42
“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”
Jesus surrendered His will in order to do His Father's will. Surrender. In our minds we may think of white flags being raised and giving up. But Jesus didn't raise any white flag. Jesus surrendered His will to the One who loves Him so much, knowing that He would be our sacrifice, giving up His life for our sins. He willingly surrendered His will.
As I shared that surrender, I felt overwhelmed with my own need to surrender my will, to surrender all I have, all I wish for, all I am. I need to surrender and let God use me as He sees fit. Surrender. Am I willing to let go of 'me' so that I can have all of 'Him'? Surrender.
My answer is 'yes', I am willing, Lord. As we took the bread and the juice, I prayed that the congregation would also make the commitment with me - that with taking the bread and the juice, we would be, together, making a convenant with our God, to surrender our will to Him. Not our will, but Thine, O Lord.
What about you? Are you willing to surrender, to give up your will, to take the bread and the cup and convenant with God that you will surrender your life, your will, to Him? Surrender. Your life will never be the same.
Blessings!
I read Mark 14:22-26. Verse 26 says they then went to the Mount of Olives. And that is what I talked about. What happened when Jesus and his disciples, less Judas Iscariot, went to the Mount of Olives? Jesus went off to pray, remember? And what did He pray? It says in it in Luke 22:42.
Luke 22:42
“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”
Jesus surrendered His will in order to do His Father's will. Surrender. In our minds we may think of white flags being raised and giving up. But Jesus didn't raise any white flag. Jesus surrendered His will to the One who loves Him so much, knowing that He would be our sacrifice, giving up His life for our sins. He willingly surrendered His will.
As I shared that surrender, I felt overwhelmed with my own need to surrender my will, to surrender all I have, all I wish for, all I am. I need to surrender and let God use me as He sees fit. Surrender. Am I willing to let go of 'me' so that I can have all of 'Him'? Surrender.
My answer is 'yes', I am willing, Lord. As we took the bread and the juice, I prayed that the congregation would also make the commitment with me - that with taking the bread and the juice, we would be, together, making a convenant with our God, to surrender our will to Him. Not our will, but Thine, O Lord.
What about you? Are you willing to surrender, to give up your will, to take the bread and the cup and convenant with God that you will surrender your life, your will, to Him? Surrender. Your life will never be the same.
Blessings!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Tho None Go With Me
A couple years ago we watched a movie called 'Tho None GoWith Me' starring Cheryl Ladd. I enjoyed the movie, and the movie itself was full of the value of commitments. There was one thing that wove its way throughout the movie that grabbed my heart. Hopefully, it will grab your heart as well. The words are:
Tho none go with me,
I still will follow.
I won't turn back,
I won't turn back.
When I commited to follow Jesus, it was with my whole heart and I had determined I would follow Him, even if my husband and children did not. Even if my siblings, or my friends, did not.
Has my path been smooth? Absolutely not. But my commitment to Jesus remains firm, and to this day I still can say
Tho none go with me,
I still will follow.
I won't turn back,
I won't turn back.
What has been - and is - your commitment to Jesus? I encourage you to think on these words and reflect on your commitment to follow Jesus today.
You will never regret your decision to follow Him.
Blessings!
Tho none go with me,
I still will follow.
I won't turn back,
I won't turn back.
When I commited to follow Jesus, it was with my whole heart and I had determined I would follow Him, even if my husband and children did not. Even if my siblings, or my friends, did not.
Has my path been smooth? Absolutely not. But my commitment to Jesus remains firm, and to this day I still can say
Tho none go with me,
I still will follow.
I won't turn back,
I won't turn back.
What has been - and is - your commitment to Jesus? I encourage you to think on these words and reflect on your commitment to follow Jesus today.
You will never regret your decision to follow Him.
Blessings!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Taste and see....
November 2009 our granddaughter, Tricia, wanted to cook all our Thanksgiving dinner. I was asked to put my grandmother's cornbread dressing recipe on an index card as well as the giblet gravy I make, and bring the ingredients when I brought the recipe cards so that Tricia could put it all together.
We did this and Tricia, on Thanksgiving day, baked the turkey, made the cornbread dressing, giblet gravy, deviled eggs and some other things, with a little help from her mama. She did a wonderful job and the food was excellent.
But there was one thing we found out. Tricia, nor our grandson Stevie, had ever eaten my dressing and giblet gravy. Tricia decided that since it had smelled so good while she was making it that she would try it. Stevie decided to as well. Tricia even went so far as to put the giblet gravy on top of the dressing. Stevie couldn't go that far for his food isn't 'allowed' to touch other food on his plate. But, they both ate the dressing and giblet gravy, where in years past neither would touch it.
It reminded me of Psalm 34:8 - just the first part of the verse. "Taste and see that the Lord is good".
What has God been trying to get you to do that you turn it away? Has he been wooing you to a special time with Him and you keep finding things to do so that you are too busy to spend time with Him?
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Take 5 minutes, close your eyes, quiet your mind, and focus upon Him. Tell Him you love Him and thank Him for His faithfulness and goodness to you. Taste the freshness of being in His Presence. It is good.
Blessings!
We did this and Tricia, on Thanksgiving day, baked the turkey, made the cornbread dressing, giblet gravy, deviled eggs and some other things, with a little help from her mama. She did a wonderful job and the food was excellent.
But there was one thing we found out. Tricia, nor our grandson Stevie, had ever eaten my dressing and giblet gravy. Tricia decided that since it had smelled so good while she was making it that she would try it. Stevie decided to as well. Tricia even went so far as to put the giblet gravy on top of the dressing. Stevie couldn't go that far for his food isn't 'allowed' to touch other food on his plate. But, they both ate the dressing and giblet gravy, where in years past neither would touch it.
It reminded me of Psalm 34:8 - just the first part of the verse. "Taste and see that the Lord is good".
What has God been trying to get you to do that you turn it away? Has he been wooing you to a special time with Him and you keep finding things to do so that you are too busy to spend time with Him?
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Take 5 minutes, close your eyes, quiet your mind, and focus upon Him. Tell Him you love Him and thank Him for His faithfulness and goodness to you. Taste the freshness of being in His Presence. It is good.
Blessings!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Touchdowns or Penalties?
Football season is quickly approaching and one of our grandsons is getting ready to play Pop Warner football again. We love to watch Stevie play and cheer him and the team on to victory. However, a couple years ago when Stevie was playing, something else happened.
The other team already had 7 points and our team was at the 1 yard line, ready and eager to get into the end zone to score a touchdown. But, the eagerness of one player caused him to jump the play and move. You know what that means. Yep, our team was moved back 5 yards for the penalty. The same player did this not just once, but four times in a row, causing our team to not get the touchdown.
It is sort of like us, isn't it? We are doing good and moving down the field; everything is in place. Our jobs are going well, our families are healthy and happy, we have extra money to do things with - we are on top of the world. We decide we're doing so well that we can do something or make a big purchase without asking God if it is in His plan. We just jump in and go for it, thinking that God is in it and won't let us make the wrong move.
Perhaps we have prayed about it, but God hasn't given us a direct answer yet (or the one we want to hear). We decide that since God hasn't answered as quickly as we think He should have, the answer must be 'yes' and He is waiting on us. So we move ahead with that job change, with that big purchase. After all, it had to be His will for the salesman knocked the price down for us without us asking for it, or everything just fell into place so easily, it just had to be God. And then we quickly find that God's answer was for us to 'wait'. Or it may have been 'no'. Dreams may have fallen into place, but there were a lot of hidden things that have made things very costly at this time. When we bring the play onto God's field, and wait for His answer - and we wait, regardless of how long it is - we find that sometimes His answer to what we want is 'no' because He has something much better in mind for us. Sometimes the answer is just to 'wait' because all the pieces are not lined up yet.
Sometimes, we find ourselves being moved back 5 yards because of our eagerness to make the move into the end zone. We don't learn the first time to wait for His answer, and we keep getting moved back. We tell ourselves that even though things are rough because we 'jumped the play', we just know that God is going to bless our next move. Only nothing happens. We keep trying to get ahead of God, when He just wants us to be patient and 'wait' for Him to tell us to move.
What would you rather do - jump the play and get moved back 5 yards - or pray and ask God to set the timetable and wait upon Him to show you when to make the touchdown? I know that when I choose to wait on His timing, He will make something beautiful happen. When I jump ahead, my life is chaos. My dreams may never come true the way I want them, but it is more important that I be obedient and wait upon the Lord. His timing and His dreams for me are much better than mine will ever be.
Psalm 25:21
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,For I wait for You.
Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD;Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Psalm 130:5
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,And in His word I do hope.
Blessings!
The other team already had 7 points and our team was at the 1 yard line, ready and eager to get into the end zone to score a touchdown. But, the eagerness of one player caused him to jump the play and move. You know what that means. Yep, our team was moved back 5 yards for the penalty. The same player did this not just once, but four times in a row, causing our team to not get the touchdown.
It is sort of like us, isn't it? We are doing good and moving down the field; everything is in place. Our jobs are going well, our families are healthy and happy, we have extra money to do things with - we are on top of the world. We decide we're doing so well that we can do something or make a big purchase without asking God if it is in His plan. We just jump in and go for it, thinking that God is in it and won't let us make the wrong move.
Perhaps we have prayed about it, but God hasn't given us a direct answer yet (or the one we want to hear). We decide that since God hasn't answered as quickly as we think He should have, the answer must be 'yes' and He is waiting on us. So we move ahead with that job change, with that big purchase. After all, it had to be His will for the salesman knocked the price down for us without us asking for it, or everything just fell into place so easily, it just had to be God. And then we quickly find that God's answer was for us to 'wait'. Or it may have been 'no'. Dreams may have fallen into place, but there were a lot of hidden things that have made things very costly at this time. When we bring the play onto God's field, and wait for His answer - and we wait, regardless of how long it is - we find that sometimes His answer to what we want is 'no' because He has something much better in mind for us. Sometimes the answer is just to 'wait' because all the pieces are not lined up yet.
Sometimes, we find ourselves being moved back 5 yards because of our eagerness to make the move into the end zone. We don't learn the first time to wait for His answer, and we keep getting moved back. We tell ourselves that even though things are rough because we 'jumped the play', we just know that God is going to bless our next move. Only nothing happens. We keep trying to get ahead of God, when He just wants us to be patient and 'wait' for Him to tell us to move.
What would you rather do - jump the play and get moved back 5 yards - or pray and ask God to set the timetable and wait upon Him to show you when to make the touchdown? I know that when I choose to wait on His timing, He will make something beautiful happen. When I jump ahead, my life is chaos. My dreams may never come true the way I want them, but it is more important that I be obedient and wait upon the Lord. His timing and His dreams for me are much better than mine will ever be.
Psalm 25:21
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,For I wait for You.
Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD;Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Psalm 130:5
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,And in His word I do hope.
Blessings!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Holding Back
Tom and I had dinner with a close friend one Saturday evening and as we talked about ministry, he told us about a message he had given recently.
He said that people feel comfortable with giving 90% of themselves to their Christian walk. They go to church, they may go to a Bible study or Sunday School, they may even put some money in for a tithe; but they hold back 10% of themselves - they withhold 10% of their will to other things.
The rich young ruler (Matthew 19) wanted to follow Jesus. He had followed all the commandments all his life; he felt he was ready to follow Jesus. Until Jesus told him to sell all he had then 'come, follow Me'. The rich young ruler walked away - he couldn't let go of that 10% that held him captive and unwilling.
What is your 10% - the part that is holding you back from serving God, holding you back from being totally His?
Is it holding on to habits or activities you don't want to give up because you enjoy them so much? Is it money or possessions that are more important to you than He is? These things will fade away and will be of no value in a very short time. Is it always wanting your own way - controlling others so that you will look good? Jesus doesn't try to control us, He allows us to make our own decisions. Are you allowing past experiences that hurt you, or hardened you, keep you from experiencing freedom? Are you allowing other people to hold you back from giving all?
We are not asked to give up everything to follow Jesus. He is willing to take you 'just as you are'. As you fall deeper in love with Him, you will find the things that were important to you at the beginning of your walk, no longer seem so valuable or important. Possessions and dreams that were once important become of no value. His love for us will always remain constant. After all, He loved us more than He loved Himself - He gave up His life for us. What great love, what great sacrifice!
Are you 100% committed in your walk with Jesus? Can you honestly look Jesus in the face and say to Him, "I am 100% committed to You, Lord." I believe we can say He was 100% committed to us.
What is your level of commitment?
Blessings!
He said that people feel comfortable with giving 90% of themselves to their Christian walk. They go to church, they may go to a Bible study or Sunday School, they may even put some money in for a tithe; but they hold back 10% of themselves - they withhold 10% of their will to other things.
The rich young ruler (Matthew 19) wanted to follow Jesus. He had followed all the commandments all his life; he felt he was ready to follow Jesus. Until Jesus told him to sell all he had then 'come, follow Me'. The rich young ruler walked away - he couldn't let go of that 10% that held him captive and unwilling.
What is your 10% - the part that is holding you back from serving God, holding you back from being totally His?
Is it holding on to habits or activities you don't want to give up because you enjoy them so much? Is it money or possessions that are more important to you than He is? These things will fade away and will be of no value in a very short time. Is it always wanting your own way - controlling others so that you will look good? Jesus doesn't try to control us, He allows us to make our own decisions. Are you allowing past experiences that hurt you, or hardened you, keep you from experiencing freedom? Are you allowing other people to hold you back from giving all?
We are not asked to give up everything to follow Jesus. He is willing to take you 'just as you are'. As you fall deeper in love with Him, you will find the things that were important to you at the beginning of your walk, no longer seem so valuable or important. Possessions and dreams that were once important become of no value. His love for us will always remain constant. After all, He loved us more than He loved Himself - He gave up His life for us. What great love, what great sacrifice!
Are you 100% committed in your walk with Jesus? Can you honestly look Jesus in the face and say to Him, "I am 100% committed to You, Lord." I believe we can say He was 100% committed to us.
What is your level of commitment?
Blessings!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Growing Good
I was searching for an 'inspirational' piece for my boss a couple weeks ago to share at a meeting and found this one. I thought I would share it with you.
Growing Good Corn
Author Unknown
There once was a farmer who grew award-winning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won a blue ribbon. One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors.
"How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?" the reporter asked.
"Why sir," said the farmer, "didn't you know? the wind picks up the pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my own corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn."
He is very much aware of the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbor's corn also improves. So it is with our lives. Those who choose to live in peace must help their neighbors to live in peace. Those who choose to live well must help others to live well, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others to find happiness, for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all.
The lesson for each of us is this: if we are to grow good corn, we must help our neighbors grow good corn.
Additional thought: When we hang around with friends and/or family who are unbelievers, are we sharing good seed with them - or will the 'cross-pollination' from their seed degrade the quality of our talk - and our walk?
Blessings!
Growing Good Corn
Author Unknown
There once was a farmer who grew award-winning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won a blue ribbon. One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors.
"How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?" the reporter asked.
"Why sir," said the farmer, "didn't you know? the wind picks up the pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my own corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn."
He is very much aware of the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbor's corn also improves. So it is with our lives. Those who choose to live in peace must help their neighbors to live in peace. Those who choose to live well must help others to live well, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others to find happiness, for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all.
The lesson for each of us is this: if we are to grow good corn, we must help our neighbors grow good corn.
Additional thought: When we hang around with friends and/or family who are unbelievers, are we sharing good seed with them - or will the 'cross-pollination' from their seed degrade the quality of our talk - and our walk?
Blessings!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Mary's Salsa
My daughter, Mary, commented on facebook the other day about the family's complaints she did not make her wonderful pico de gallo (or as she says, the 'white girl version' of it) for our July 4th gathering. She does make really good 'salsa'. I've tried to create it but it never tastes as good as hers does. Mary knows how to pull all the right ingredients together to blend the flavors just so - and it is ohhhh so good! I'm sure it made her feel good to know how much the family loves what she creates and that we noticed it wasn't there for us to enjoy. (Hint: Christmas gifts!!)
What are you good at? Do you enjoy encouraging others and helping them through rough times? Pick up the phone and call someone who could use a kind word today. They would be encouraged. Do you like to cook or bake? Why not try a new recipe (or use a good old one) and take a dish to a friend or neighbor just to let them know you are thinking of them - OR invite them over for dinner! They would enjoy this greatly! I know we all know someone who loves cookies!
Has someone done something special for you lately and you don't know how to thank them - again? Drop them a note and just tell them how much you appreciated their kindness. OR, pick up the phone and just let them know. Call a couple friends and meet them for a coke or coffee. Take an hour from your busy schedule to let them know you value them. You will feel valued in return. (there is always shopping to bond friends) :-)
Have a shrimp cocktail contest (hint hint) and invite your parents and/or friends over to determine the winner. (even though it is a given the granddaughter will win) :-) Make it a family challenge. Meet a family member (or friend) for a movie you both want to see. Share a bag of popcorn! Find out what is going on in each other's lives. LISTEN and SHARE.
Mary has learned the family loves her 'salsa' because a brother spoke up at our gathering and told her. Would she have known it otherwise?
What do you do well? Do you think that gift was given to you to hide under a bushel? NO! God has gifted you in special ways to be an encouragement to others. Whether it be baking a dish, visiting a friend, making a phone call, meeting friends, l-i-s-t-e-n-i-n-g to them - not only will they be blessed - but you will be as well.
Colossians 2:2
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
Blessings!
What are you good at? Do you enjoy encouraging others and helping them through rough times? Pick up the phone and call someone who could use a kind word today. They would be encouraged. Do you like to cook or bake? Why not try a new recipe (or use a good old one) and take a dish to a friend or neighbor just to let them know you are thinking of them - OR invite them over for dinner! They would enjoy this greatly! I know we all know someone who loves cookies!
Has someone done something special for you lately and you don't know how to thank them - again? Drop them a note and just tell them how much you appreciated their kindness. OR, pick up the phone and just let them know. Call a couple friends and meet them for a coke or coffee. Take an hour from your busy schedule to let them know you value them. You will feel valued in return. (there is always shopping to bond friends) :-)
Have a shrimp cocktail contest (hint hint) and invite your parents and/or friends over to determine the winner. (even though it is a given the granddaughter will win) :-) Make it a family challenge. Meet a family member (or friend) for a movie you both want to see. Share a bag of popcorn! Find out what is going on in each other's lives. LISTEN and SHARE.
Mary has learned the family loves her 'salsa' because a brother spoke up at our gathering and told her. Would she have known it otherwise?
What do you do well? Do you think that gift was given to you to hide under a bushel? NO! God has gifted you in special ways to be an encouragement to others. Whether it be baking a dish, visiting a friend, making a phone call, meeting friends, l-i-s-t-e-n-i-n-g to them - not only will they be blessed - but you will be as well.
Colossians 2:2
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
Blessings!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Cupcake Parable
I was sitting at my desk working when someone from another department came by with chocolate, and white, iced cupcakes. They caught me in a weak moment. These cupcakes were grouped together and had about an inch (really!!) of frosting. Not the whipped kind, but my favorite - butter cream - all over them and you had to reach under the icing to pull one out. I reached in and got a chocolate one and immediately started running my finger over the frosting and eating it. It was 'just enough'.
Later that afternoon as I was working, I noticed that the stone on a ring - my blue sapphire - was changing colors. It was really strange. It was a light color, then a pink, a darker pink, then dark blue again. I studied this for a couple minutes trying to figure out what had my ring been in that would change it. I had been wiping down desks with clorox wipes of those who were sick. Could it have been a chemical in that? As I studied the ring closer, I realized what it was. Cake icing! I had somehow, in pulling the cupcake out from under the layer of icing earlier that morning, had 'dragged' my ring (not my finger!) through the colors of the icing.
It's sort of like our lives isn't it, when we give in to temptation and are disobedient to God? We tell that 'little white lie' and tell ourselves it is ok. We slander someone's reputation so that we can feel better than ourselves. We cheat on that test; we don't tell the whole truth; who will know? And each time, our heart and mind get colored a bit darker with our sin(s). Soon, we don't even feel guilty about it. 'It's just life' we tell ourselves.
Look at your heart this morning. I recognized why the different colors were on my ring and proceeded to wash the cake icing off to bring back the blue of the sapphire. When you recognize why the color of your heart has been changed and confess your sin, He is faithful and just to forgive you and will cleanse your heart and make it like new again.
Don't delay another moment and remain weary and heavy burdened. Let Christ set you free.
Blessings!
Later that afternoon as I was working, I noticed that the stone on a ring - my blue sapphire - was changing colors. It was really strange. It was a light color, then a pink, a darker pink, then dark blue again. I studied this for a couple minutes trying to figure out what had my ring been in that would change it. I had been wiping down desks with clorox wipes of those who were sick. Could it have been a chemical in that? As I studied the ring closer, I realized what it was. Cake icing! I had somehow, in pulling the cupcake out from under the layer of icing earlier that morning, had 'dragged' my ring (not my finger!) through the colors of the icing.
It's sort of like our lives isn't it, when we give in to temptation and are disobedient to God? We tell that 'little white lie' and tell ourselves it is ok. We slander someone's reputation so that we can feel better than ourselves. We cheat on that test; we don't tell the whole truth; who will know? And each time, our heart and mind get colored a bit darker with our sin(s). Soon, we don't even feel guilty about it. 'It's just life' we tell ourselves.
Look at your heart this morning. I recognized why the different colors were on my ring and proceeded to wash the cake icing off to bring back the blue of the sapphire. When you recognize why the color of your heart has been changed and confess your sin, He is faithful and just to forgive you and will cleanse your heart and make it like new again.
Don't delay another moment and remain weary and heavy burdened. Let Christ set you free.
Blessings!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Proper Priorities
I read in a favorite devotional this morning - Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge - the chapter about "The Secret of Intimacy First". Hmmm, what does that mean? you may ask. As I read what Bob Sorge wrote, I can understand the pain he felt within when the Lord took away his ministry for awhile. My heart cries out to serve the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength - and time - and yet, what I find I desire is not what His desire is for me at this time. So the question arises - do I desire to 'do ministry full time' more than I desire to have Jesus active in my life? More than to have an intimate relationship with Him? I find I can honestly say 'no'. If I should never preach again, if I could never serve in His name again, if I am never used by Him again - I would give those things up to have that personal, intimate, and loving relationship with Jesus that I love and live for. When I accepted Jesus into my heart many years ago, I chose to serve the One who loves me more than I could ever love anyone or anything. He laid His life down for me. He gave everything up for me. If I was the only person in the world, He still would have done it - for me.
And he did it for you. Give some thought to this - what are you putting before your relationship with Jesus? Do you get up in the morning and rush through your day with only a quick "'bless me' or 'help me' today Lord" prayer or read your 'scripture of the day' and think it will get you through - or listen to Christian music on the radio on your way to work and think that will help? Is your job more important than your relationship with Jesus? Are your daily activities - though they are good things - more important than taking time to lavish some love upon Him who loves you more than you can ever imagine?
What if ..... this moment, as you are reading this, you sit back and think about when was the last time you gave Jesus and/or our Heavenly Father, your undivided attention and just loved Him? When was the last time you put Him first and told Him all you want is Him? Not what He can give you, but you just want Him. He's waiting for you. Do you have time to make a personal relationship with Him a priority in your life? My prayer is that you will want that personal, loving, fulfilling relationship more than anything else.
Blessings!
And he did it for you. Give some thought to this - what are you putting before your relationship with Jesus? Do you get up in the morning and rush through your day with only a quick "'bless me' or 'help me' today Lord" prayer or read your 'scripture of the day' and think it will get you through - or listen to Christian music on the radio on your way to work and think that will help? Is your job more important than your relationship with Jesus? Are your daily activities - though they are good things - more important than taking time to lavish some love upon Him who loves you more than you can ever imagine?
What if ..... this moment, as you are reading this, you sit back and think about when was the last time you gave Jesus and/or our Heavenly Father, your undivided attention and just loved Him? When was the last time you put Him first and told Him all you want is Him? Not what He can give you, but you just want Him. He's waiting for you. Do you have time to make a personal relationship with Him a priority in your life? My prayer is that you will want that personal, loving, fulfilling relationship more than anything else.
Blessings!
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