tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999057084815665212024-03-12T21:19:31.667-07:00Girl on AdventureNot your typical travel guide, Girl on Adventure will be a collection of lessons God is showing me as I move through life. As we read in the Bible, Jesus used the ordinary to demonstrate His extraordinary teachings. To this very day, He continues to use this style of instruction. If we just open our eyes to the world around us, God will enhance His message through examples using the obscure to the magnificent. He’s still out there working. Keep watch and you, too, can join the adventure.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-15492577450622058482015-02-06T14:31:00.000-08:002015-02-11T09:35:27.013-08:00It's All in the Name<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Recently, I was asked to look into the meaning of my name and here is what I discovered. Patricia Anne Schell can really be described as Noble, Gracious and...<i>LOUD!</i> Noble and gracious are pretty great characteristics to have but<i> loud.</i>.. Now, that's just troublesome. </span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> This forced me to take the time to dig into its meaning and look for some redeeming factor that might be attached to this sometimes offensive word. <i> Loud</i> means strongly audible; having exceptional volume or intensity; clamorous, vociferous (Who uses that anyway?), blatant, and noisy. </span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Of all those definitions, <i>clamorous</i> caught my eye. This word describes something-- or somebody, in this case-- marked by clamor; a vehement expression of desire. This is one attribute I want to embrace. This is where my heart lies when it comes to writing. </span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> My passion when composing anything is for God's work in our world and our lives will be intensely evident to the reader. I want to witness God's goodness and glory in words that demand a response. So, as it turns out, <i>loud</i> is exactly what I choose to be. In fact, when I write, I plan to keep raising a <i>ruckus</i> in a most noble and gracious way, of course. </span></span>
“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God's power for salvation to everyone who believes...” Romans 1:16</span></span></pre>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-8063638371002502342014-02-17T10:42:00.002-08:002014-02-17T15:04:03.816-08:00Mission: Love Thy NeighborRecently, I received an article from a friend. It contain some pictures of place I had been when on a prayer walk in Syria some years ago. The images were before and after shots showing the devastation that has taken place during the conflict there. My heart broke for the people who had lived their lives in these neighborhoods.<br />
<br />
I am not sure that I have ever experienced this situation before. Never have I been somewhere that has later been destroyed. My feet had walked the streets that now in ruins. I had once bartered with merchants whose shops are now bombed out and empty. I had eaten in these now tumbled down restaurants that were once full of people who were enjoying their evening meals. It had been a safe, peaceful and secure place when I visited.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/online/2014/1/24/1390580419227/The-Old-Souk-in-Aleppo-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Old Souk in Aleppo" border="0" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/online/2014/1/24/1390580419227/The-Old-Souk-in-Aleppo-001.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a>My prayers go out to this community. It is natural to feel sad for what has happened in their land but it was more than that for me. I drank tea with these people and listened to their stories. I was invited into their homes and shared in their family life. That is what sets traveling and mission trips apart. Traveling lets you experience the place with all its sights and sounds but a mission is all together different. It allows you to experience the people. And that is exactly what has happen each time I have set out on a mission. I found this to be true in Syria and in every other place God has landed my feet for his purposes. It makes the world smaller as you discover how much alike you are and how much in common you share. When you realize how the hopes and dreams of those you come in contact with look a whole lot like your own, compassion begins to build and a connection starts to grow. One woman I met in Tajikistan said it this way, "We may not know each other's language but our hearts will understand one another perfectly." This has been my experience every time I have said, "Yes" to joining God where He is working.<br />
<br />
Many of you who are reading this have become part of a mission by either going or supporting someone who was with finances and prayers. If you have never participated in any of these things do try one of them soon. Also try seeking out and listening to the stories of people who have traveled on a mission trip. The wealth they will share with you cannot be gained any other way. Compassion is gained by hearing and knowing and experiencing others and how they live. Your life will be better for it when get to know about people and communities outside of your own. Knowledge brings understanding. Add that to compassion and you have very powerful tools in making us better at loving our neighbor. Don't put off this kind of love a moment longer. Join a mission.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion...<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">For the whole law is fulfilled in on word:</span></span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;"> "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."</span></span></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Colossians 3:12; Galatians 5:14</i></div>
<br />
Please take a look at the full article that shows the devastation in Syria.<br />
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/26/syria-heritage-in-ruins-before-and-after-pictures<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-43969699253236832822014-02-11T11:59:00.000-08:002014-02-11T13:30:34.274-08:00Immersed in Language Learning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xoiGQkuEXHc/UubIwEkaxoI/AAAAAAAABWE/e7mpPoX2FMM/s1600/type.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xoiGQkuEXHc/UubIwEkaxoI/AAAAAAAABWE/e7mpPoX2FMM/s1600/type.JPG" height="153" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ah...language learning. I have desired
for a long time to know more than just English. I have bought the programs, gone to the classes and tried to
be totally immersed but have never progressed much farther than
“Hello” and “Good bye” and “Where is the bathroom?” Its
tough! I have found that I can understand and read a foreign
language far sooner than I can speak it. And when I do speak, it is
pretty much sounds like 'baby talk'.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am currently working on gaining some
understanding in German for my up coming trip to that country. I have
moved beyond <i>Guten Tag</i> and <i>Auf Wierdersehen</i> (although I
have yet to learn, “Where is the bathroom?) and now am working on
the familial terms- <i>Mutter, Vater, Bruder, Schwester.</i> Oh, and
don't forget <i>Baby</i>. Yes, that is German for...<i> baby</i>. I'm liking
this part. Not much different from our English pronunciation. I'm starting to
get it! This<i> ist gut!</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One thing I've noticed in the German
language is that all the nouns start with a capital. You can
recognize them for what they are- people, places or things. In my
English speaking mind this capitalization thing now elevates
everything to special status. You remember the rule from grammar
school- All Important Persons, Places or Things Always Start with a
Capital. Now, the ordinary words of life seem to taken on a new
significance. No longer just a plain, old <i>cat</i> but rather a <i>Cat </i>is
found in its place. Much grander and full of importance by the little
addition of the uppercase <i>C,</i>
don't you think?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
All kidding aside,
whether or not Cat seems to take on more value simply because it
starts with a big C, I have found when I start to prepare to venture
out and follow Jesus insignificant things seem to take on special
meaning. 'Chance' meetings, random bits of trivia and words of
wisdom heard from a mentor or read from the Scriptures all come up
Capitals. It is though God has pushed the cap's lock JUST SO I WOULD
KNOW THESE THINGS ARE IMPORTANT.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is said that
when you return from a mission's trip you will see the world through
different eyes. I believe the moment you turn to follow Jesus on a new mission your focus begins to sharpen. You see each event
as significant. Each word important. Each moment valuable. Joy begins
to seep in as you see the Lord's hand even in what seem to be minuscule
scribbles of life. It is a rather wonderful place to be, alongside
Jesus watching him communicate his words of LOVE to the world. Now, that's one
language I want to speak fluently. I'm going for the total immersion method.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>You
will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence
</i></b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>and
the pleasures of living with you forever.</i></b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Psalm
16:11</span></i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's
is your random bit of information--</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The
term”uppercase” and “lowercase” actually came from the
movable type printing press. You know, one like what Johannes
Gutenberg perfected in Germany. At the time, the letter blocks
themselves were stored in specially designed boxes called cases. By
convention, the cases containing the capital letters was stored above
the case containing the smaller versions of the letters. If one
single case had compartments for all the letters, the capitals were
stored in the back so that when the case was set upright, angled,
they were higher, hence “uppercase” and “lowercase”.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2011/02/where-upper-case-and-lower-case-came-from/</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>If you would like to learn a bit of language for yourself check out the Duolingo app for your phone or tablet. It's free and a whole lot of fun.</b></span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-86686482231491247312014-02-03T12:27:00.001-08:002014-02-03T17:38:00.038-08:00Knit Together: Encouraged in Heart and United in Love<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A marvelous time was had by all who attended <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DLOo43qX_RE/Uu_qB1AA4KI/AAAAAAAABWo/c3x5gsINzts/s1600/20140201_135850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DLOo43qX_RE/Uu_qB1AA4KI/AAAAAAAABWo/c3x5gsINzts/s1600/20140201_135850.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
this weekend's Girls Day Out with a Purpose. At the end of the day, we had a huge pile of gorgeous knitted and crocheted scarves ready to take to Germany. But even though the purpose of our gathering was to create some beautiful gifts for the women in Radeburg, this would not be God's main emphasis for the day. Isn't it interesting how God works in his agenda whenever we make our plans? My daughter, Elena, mentioned how the day seemed just like things should always be, women of all generations gathering together and sharing their stories and expertise as well as love and laughter. Who knew [except God that is] that when Cynthia said yes to Germany and our team said yes to visit her and a group of women in the high desert said yes to making some scarves that one young mother would find encouragement in her life? We sometimes get so wrapped up in the logistics of the mission that we miss the details that God has worked out so perfectly. Much of what will happen surrounding this trip will not happen in Germany. It will happen in the hearts and lives of the people all along the way. Keep your eyes open. God is at work. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gmg76Xq69b8/Uu_vdD0UxqI/AAAAAAAABXA/snkOIrxvaIM/s1600/20140201_110935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gmg76Xq69b8/Uu_vdD0UxqI/AAAAAAAABXA/snkOIrxvaIM/s1600/20140201_110935.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8UJFZ3STgU/Uu_uP5pM1hI/AAAAAAAABW4/0mD8WjilWgQ/s1600/20140201_130221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8UJFZ3STgU/Uu_uP5pM1hI/AAAAAAAABW4/0mD8WjilWgQ/s1600/20140201_130221.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KdB90MExbJA/Uu_wQvNbcQI/AAAAAAAABXI/Fri5MyfqozI/s1600/20140201_105049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KdB90MExbJA/Uu_wQvNbcQI/AAAAAAAABXI/Fri5MyfqozI/s1600/20140201_105049.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When asked how many scarves we might need for gifts when we come to Germany, Cynthia was unsure of what amount we should bring. I told her that the women here in California were so excited about making them and being part of what would happen there I did not want to discourage them. I said that I was certain God knew the right amount. Her response--"If you made a hundred I am sure we would find people for them. Let's see what God thinks." I am excited to see just that. What do you think, God? Keep knitting, Girls.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b> which God prepared in advance for us to do. </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Ephesians 2:10</b></i></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-38540311452315062412014-02-03T09:54:00.000-08:002014-02-03T09:59:15.444-08:00The LORD is My Banner Yahweh Nissi<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8ih1_JMa_8/Uu_XSG8jo3I/AAAAAAAABWY/lJa8EbeU8kI/s1600/flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8ih1_JMa_8/Uu_XSG8jo3I/AAAAAAAABWY/lJa8EbeU8kI/s1600/flag.jpg" /></a>God has taken me on quite an excursion as I continued to consider the ideas of salvation and defense that come from the word <em>yesha</em> from Psalm 27:6. You can take a look at <strong><em>Sure Footed</em></strong> to see what God has been teaching me through his Word while urging me to apply them to my experiences in life. Today, I am looking at addition definition of the Hebrew word <em>yesha</em> -- victory<em>.</em> I came across the idea of The LORD is My Banner introduced to us by Moses in Exodus 17. The following is an exert from Ann Spangler's book <u>Praying the Names of God.</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br />
<em><strong>“Moses built an alter
and called it The Lord is my Banner. </strong></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<em><strong>He said for hands were
lifted up to the throne of the LORD. </strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>
</strong></em></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><strong>Exodus 17:15-16</strong></em></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Understanding the Name</b>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">from </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>Praying the Names of
God</u></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">
by Ann Spangler</span></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: small;">Unlike
fabric flags, ancient banners were usually made out of wood or
metal
and shaped into various figures or emblems that could be fasten
to a
bare staff or lodge pole. Depicting birds, animals, or gods,
they
often glistened brightly in the sun so that they could be seen
from a
far off. A banner carried at the head of an army or planted high
on
a hill served as a rallying point for troops before battle or as
an
announcement of a victory already won. Because they embodied the
ideals and aspirations of whoever carried them, banners aroused
devotion to a nation, a cause or a leader.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">When
considering this particular name of God-- The LORD is my
Banner--I
especially like Ann's statement “A banner carried at the head of
an
army or planted high on a hill served as a rallying point for
troops
before battle or as an announcement of a victory already won.” A
victory already won. Now that is a beautiful thing! It should
spur us
on to believe that today's 'battles' will also have the same
outcome
and give us the confidence to march on with the LORD as our inspiration.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.<br />
May he send you help from the sanctuary </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and grant you support from Zion.<br />
May he remember all your sacrifices </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and accept your burnt offerings.<br />
May he give you the desire of your heart </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and make all your plans succeed.<br />
May we shout for joy over your victory </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and lift up our banners in the name of our God. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May the LORD grant all your requests.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to his anointed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.<br />
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.<br />
They are brought to their knees and fall, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but we rise up and stand firm.<br />
LORD, give victory to the king! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Answer us when we call!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Psalm 20<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-31297674578328370942013-05-06T14:31:00.000-07:002013-05-06T15:37:52.666-07:00Constant Companions<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What doesn't kill you makes you
stronger”* kept ringing in my ears as I climbed up the trail on the
side of the mountain. My lungs were screaming for air and I was
wishing there was some sort of rescue plan for the desperately
out-of-shape, middle-aged woman who had “thought of herself more
highly than she ought.” When I started out that morning, I believed
a nice little walk in nature with a few hills and valleys would be
the perfect exercise but now I wished some helicopter would come over
the horizon to pull me up to level ground where my feet belonged. I
was beginning to believe this would not end in 'strengthening.'</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And yet, I survived to live another
day. I was relieved to make it to the top. I am not sure I would
have made it without the encouraging presence of my husband. He took
it slow when I needed to go slow and stopped and waited when I needed
to rest. He stuck with me the entire time even though he could have
gone much faster. He never murmured a single negative comment or let
on how weak I was. When we got to the top, I was grateful not only
for his company but also that he had been there for me when the trail
was tough. His companionship had helped me to persevere in an
exercise that was very difficult and through that perseverance I had
learned I could walk up the side of a mountain.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Hebrews 12 came to my mind this morning
partly because I recalled the part of “Enduring hardship as
discipline” but what I found was a list of encouraging companions
that help us along the way when we encounter that hardship.
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Verse 1 gives us a <i><b>“great cloud
of witnesses”</b></i> that surround us. The idea here is a stadium
filled to capacity with cheering spectators. The race is about to
begin and the crowd is not only there to witness it but to also shout
out encouragements. These <i>witnesses</i> know what we face because
they have been in our shoes and they too have felt the pre-race
jitters and the moments of doubt about whether would finish or not.
But they know it can be done and so they raise their voices with
enthusiasm to spur us on.
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Secondly, we see Jesus in verse 2. He
is called the author and perfecter of our faith. He has written the
how-to book on faith, what it looks like and how to do it. He is
what they call a <i>pioneer</i> who has gone before us to show the
way and now we are instructed to follow in his footsteps. Verse 3
says, <i><b>“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”</b></i> Jesus
lived as a man and was confronted with the hardships common to man.
We are spurred on when we consider his example of perseverance.
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And thirdly, God, the Father (vs7)
walks us through hard times and trains along the way. His motivation
is to give us what we need to have the life he has planned for us:
One full of righteousness and peace (vs11); One that allows us to share in
his holiness (vs10). I love his encouragement in verse 12, <i><b>“Therefore,”
</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">--
because you want to live a life of peace and righteousness and share
in God's holiness--</span></span><i><b> “strengthen your feeble
arms and weak knees.” </b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">How?</span></span><i><b>
“Run the race marked out for us”, “Consider him [Jesus] who
endured such opposition” and “Endure hardship as discipline”.</b></i> Easy. Hardly. This a one of those 'good news, bad news' situations. The bad news is <i><b>"No disciple seems pleasant at the time, but painful." </b></i>But the good news<i><b> --"Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (vs11)</b></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Last week, I repeated the hike that
almost did me in. This time with the blessing cooler weather and
stronger muscles, the thought of not finishing never entered my mind.
I did have to take it slow and even stop to catch my breath a few
times but the trip itself was much easier. My husband cheered for me
as I reached the top and pointed out we had completed the climb in
half the time. WooHoo! What an accomplishment.
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is true that “What doesn't kill us does make us stronger” but isn't it a good thing we don't have to
go it alone when life produces hardship. We are surrounded, shown the
way, and instructed by some pretty encouraging companions. Boy, do
they ever make life and its seemly constant uphill climb a whole lot
easier.
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<i><b>Two people are
better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one
person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who
falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close
together can keep warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person
standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand
back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple
stranded cord is not easily broken.” <span style="font-size: x-small;">Ecclesiastes
4:9-12 New Living Translation</span></b></i>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">*”That
which does not kill us makes us strong.” Friedrich Nietzsche</span></b></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-47132713894268743092013-04-29T14:53:00.000-07:002014-02-05T10:16:27.072-08:00Sure Footed<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>"Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foot hold." <span style="font-size: x-small;">Psalm 73:1-2</span></strong></em></div>
<br />
I lost it yesterday. What's the use anyway? All the encouragement and all the 'good words' about who God is I had lent to others in their times of trouble seemed to fall flat when applied to my own anguish. "Where was God and why was HE letting this situation continue?" and "Why wasn't he doing what he said he could do?!" were questions rumbling around in my head. And "WHO KNOWS!" seemed to be the only answer. My once firm footing based on God's promises seemed to be crumbling beneath my feet and I could feel myself stumbling. <br />
<br />
One verse seemed to scream out in my soul as I prayed was from Psalm 27.<em><strong> "I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."[<span style="font-size: x-small;">13]</span> </strong></em>It was more like-- I <strong><u>DEMAND</u></strong> TO SEE THE GOODNESS IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING!!! NOW!!! But this 'goodness' had not made itself visible in this situation. Turmoil and heartache were in its place taking all my attention. It wasn't until this morning when I took time to actually look at the verse in context with rest of the Psalm that my wobbly legs began to find their balance again.<br />
<br />
<em><strong>"The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?"</strong></em> are the opening words to this passage. The word 'stronghold' means defense or strength. Defense itself means to take action against attack or challenge while strength has the idea of endurance and impenetrable structure. Together we get the picture of a God who as the "stronghold of [our] lives" has what it takes to keep the enemy at bay. My part in all this? Nothing at all.<br />
<br />
You see, it says in verse 1,<strong><em> "The LORD <u>is</u> my light and my salvation..."</em></strong> Not <i>can be</i>. Not <i>will be</i> if I just ___________. Its says he <i>IS</i>. <em><strong>"When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident."<span style="font-size: x-small;"> [3-4]</span></strong></em> Why such confidence? Because he IS my light and my salvation. I can trust it.<br />
<br />
The rest of the Psalm repeats the idea of the Lord's protection by keeping us safe in his dwelling, hiding us in his sacred tent and setting us high upon a rock out of harm's way until we have dominion over the enemies that surround us.<br />
<br />
The Psalm does point out that since the Lord IS our<em><strong> </strong></em>salvation and that we can
be confident in that fact when trouble comes our heart can say as
the writer's, <em><strong>"Seek your [God's] face."<span style="font-size: x-small;">[8]</span></strong></em>
We don't have look at the situation. We can look to God and ask to
be taught and to be led as we move through it.<br />
<br />
I don't know how the current situation in my life will play out but I do know that however the Lord has decided to work it out <strong><em>"I [will] remain confident of this: I will see the goodness in the land of the living."</em></strong><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" because "He will not let your foot slip...For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; </strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>his faithfulness continues through all generations" </strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Psalm 27:14; Psalm 121:3; Psalm 100:5</span></strong></em></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="nowrap"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-66692476615963815482013-04-22T13:56:00.001-07:002013-04-22T14:52:23.685-07:00For Goodness Sake<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">“Grace and peace be yours in
abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His
divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through
the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises,
so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.</span> <u><b>For
this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness;
</b></u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and to goodness knowledge;
and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance;
and to perseverence, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection;
and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in
increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and
unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">2
Peter 1:2-8</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>goodness</i> — the state of being
good-- pure, moral, conscientious, meritorious, worthy, exemplary,
upright, beneficial, having admirable, pleasing qualities</span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"></span> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
For Goodness Sake.</span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Danny, the Build Director, teared up as
he stood watching his team congratulating the little family on their
new home. Handshakes, hugs and comments on the success of the day
passed throughout the group and although dinner was waiting back at
the ranch, no one wanted to break the moment. It had been a <em>good</em>
day.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am so glad I was there to witness
this life changing event for a young mother and her children. But
their's were not the only lives that were altered. A team of twenty
individuals had answered the call to do something good and this would
have a lasting effect on them as well. That is the way of things
when you put your faith into action by practicing what is <em>good</em>.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The word <i>goodness</i> in the focus
verse in 2 Peter is the Greek word<i> areta</i> and means moral
excellence; a virtuous course of thought, feeling or action. This
step of adding <i>goodness</i> to our faith is a strategic one .
Now that we have put our faith in God, aligning ourselves with him,
Peter says,<strong><em> “Add goodness.”</em></strong> It makes sense that we would follow
God in his ways by choosing to act as he does by doing good. It was his
own <i>goodness, after all,</i> he has called us out of a life of<strong><em>
“corruption...caused by evil desires” </em></strong>and <strong><em>“has given us
everything we need for a godly life.”</em></strong></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Romans 12 gives a Goodness Plan for our
lives calling us to become <strong><em>“a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing
to God...”</em></strong> by being <strong><em>“transformed by the renewing of our minds.”</em></strong>
It gives us a way of seeing things differently by thinking and acting
in a way that is good. And in this way, we are <strong><em>“not overcome by
evil, but overcome evil with good.”</em></strong> That, my friends, points to a
major reason to add <i>goodness</i> to our faith-- It overcomes evil.
That is something definitely needed when it comes to living a godly
life. It also allows us to participate in the divine nature which
gives us a deeper knowledge of who God is.
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The challenge set before us is to
continually choose <em>good</em> in everything we do. We not only will be
changed by doing <em>good</em> but it also has a way of affecting others in
the most positive way while bringing attention and glory to the
Father. So, for His sake choose <em>goodness</em>.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God's definition of doing good--</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<em><strong>“Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy—think on such things. Whatever you have learned or
received or heard from me--put into practice. And the peace of God
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">will be with you.”</span> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Philippians 4:8-9</span></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">”You are the light of the world...let
your light shine among others, that they may see your good deeds and
glorify the Father in heaven.” <span style="font-size: x-small;">Matthew 5:14-16</span></span></em></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVaOwyQvJJs/UXWi_HJ8FrI/AAAAAAAAAII/OtFmhWwYcDg/s1600/IMG_20130406_140312_727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVaOwyQvJJs/UXWi_HJ8FrI/AAAAAAAAAII/OtFmhWwYcDg/s320/IMG_20130406_140312_727.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hands of Mercy, Ensenada April 2013</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-73191873762028407102013-03-25T10:25:00.000-07:002014-01-24T06:29:36.039-08:00Add to Your Faith...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><strong><em>"His divine power has given us
everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of
him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through
these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so
that through them you may participate in the divine nature,
having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil
desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to
your faith...". 2Peter 1:3-5</em></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><big><br /><strong>
</strong></big></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
Long night spent sitting up in cramped quarters. What was I
thinking? About half way in I began to think my traveling days
were over. I had reached my limit of 'discomfort by choice'. And
then there was a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. The
'hours to arrival' ticked down and anticipation of reaching my
destination began to build. <span class="Apple-style-span">You
see, I got on this plane because I believed it would transport
me to the place I wanted to go and even in the midst of exhaustion
brought on by a long flight, a sleepless night and thoughts of
"Are we there yet?" I never lost faith I would eventually find
my way to the Arrival Gate.</span>
<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span">What is your definition of faith? Webster's defines<i> faith</i> as
a firm belief in something for which there is no proof,
complete trust, something that is believed with a strong
conviction. It is something <b>believed</b> but not only that.
Webster uses words in this definition such as <i>firm,
complete, strong</i> when it comes to that belief.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span">
</span>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span">In air travel you cannot 'sort of' get on the plane. One foot
on land with the other in the air is just not going to work.
You have to get <u>
completely</u> on the aircraft to reach your destination. That
is also the way with faith. You have to be 'all in' to get where arrive at the place God is taking you. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span">
<br />
</span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span">There is however an element of faith that is also a
continuous journey. When flying, there are always a few fellow
passengers wrought with anxiety. They believe with certainty
that this time may just be the time they will crash and burn. They pace
the aisles or pop
a sleeping pill just to get through.<span class="Apple-style-span"> This may not be too far from the
truth in how we treat our own lives. We get up each morning
and tentatively set our feet in route to see if God's promises
still apply to today's set of problems and worries. We
struggle with the pain and discomfort as we wonder if this
part of this trip through life will ever end. And then, as
promised we see the glimmer of hope that God is indeed
delivering us safely to our appointed destination.</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span">
<br />
<div>
I think that destination just might be a complete faith; one
that firmly, completely and with strong conviction puts our confidence in God's word and his ways. I believe God
is developing in us a habit in which we trust him on everything.
He proves Himself over and over <span class="Apple-style-span">that
there is nothing outside his power to bring the best possible
outcome</span>. As we go, we develop more and more assurance
in Him with a confidence that He will do He says he can do.
Each day that we plant our <b>both</b> feet firmly in that confidence will bring us closer to arriving at Complete Faith. <br />
<br />
In Romans 4:18-19, Abraham is credited "<i><b>against all hope...he
did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God,
but was strengthen in his faith and gave glory to God, being
<u>fully persuaded</u> that God had the power to do what he had
promised."</b></i> It goes on to say, <i><b>"This is why 'it was credited to him righteousness." </b></i><b><i>These words</i></b><i><b>
'it was credited to him righteousness' were not written for him alone,
but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness--for us who </b></i><i><b><u>believe</u></b></i><i><b> in him..." <small>[Emphasis added</small></b></i><i><small>.]</small></i>
Righteousness. Now, that's a pretty great perk. Let your faith grow. Be 'all in' when it comes to trusting the Lord. You do not want to miss out
on what God has for you.<br />
</div>
<div>
As for me and future travel? I will continue. Living would not be as
satisfying if not for the lessons God teaches through the sights
and sounds of this great excursion called life.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><i><b> The Lord will indeed give
what is good..." <small>Psalms 85:1</small></b></i><small><b>2</b></small> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span">You count on it!<br />
</span></div>
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-12390085406241525682013-03-04T12:03:00.000-08:002014-07-17T06:55:23.925-07:00Packing Light and Still Smelling Sweet<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0aMBN1KXqE/UubA41gPtVI/AAAAAAAABV0/mwbRlF-Nv9U/s1600/suitcase2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0aMBN1KXqE/UubA41gPtVI/AAAAAAAABV0/mwbRlF-Nv9U/s1600/suitcase2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
It's time. Packing must begin for my long awaited trip. For
over a year, I have been anticipating touring through Greece and
Italy to learn about the Biblical history of the region. But
first, one by one the items required for the next two weeks need
to find their way into my suitcase. There has been much debate
about how much is necessary to make this the trip successful. We
have been asked to travel light. For some this has been a daunting
task. How much clothing is needed to get by and still smell good
has been a huge concern among my traveling companions.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
And
then there is, "What size suitcase, how much weight, the right
adapters for hair driers and electronics, TSA regulations on
liquids, and what the weather will be. Do I need to bring a coat or
will a sweater do?<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Lots to consider so I have looked to the experience of an
expert traveler to help us navigate the process. Rick Steves,
author of Europe Through the Back Door, teaches people how to
experience travel to its fullest and he says that a measure of a
good traveler is how light he or she travels. He goes on to say,
"After you enjoy the sweet mobility and freedom, you'll never go
any other way." He breaks down what is necessary for travel as he
urges his readers to bring only the essentials. For instance
--When considering what to wear, don't pack anything you won't use
multiple times on the trip and include only items that coordinate
or can build on each other to create your wardrobe. Keep it
simple.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Good advice. Travel is supposed to move us to a new level of
understanding of the world around us by bringing new insight and
perspective on life. By keeping it simple and bringing only the
essentials it frees up our attention and energy to engage in the
journey.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Life in general has a similar plan. After all, it, too, is a
journey so we need to be careful not to restrict our movements by
being burdened down by the non essentials. In 2 Peter 1 there is actually a
packing list that can be applied to our 'spiritual suitcase' so
that we can get the most out of traveling with God-</div>
<div>
<br />
<b><i>"</i></b><b><i>His [God's] divine power has given us
everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of
him who called us by his own glory and goodness.Through
these he has given us his very great and precious promises,
so that through them you may participate in the divine
nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by
evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add
to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to
knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance;
and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual
affection; and to mutual affection, love."</i></b></div>
<div>
This
step-by-step guide revealed in this portion of Scripture
teaches us how to pack for a successful trek through life. God
has kept it simple. Each idea builds on the last as we move
through the list. And if these things, the first being faith,
make it into the 'suitcase' ...<i><b>"they will keep you
from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of
our Lord Jesus Christ... [but] </b></i><i><b>whoever does not have them is nearsighted and
blind...For if you do these things, you will
never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into
the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."</b></i></div>
<br />
Packing the 'travel' essentials makes us more
effective, productive, selfless, and balanced. To top it all
off, we " <i><b>will receive a rich welcome into the eternal
kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."</b></i>
Pretty incredible promises indeed.<br />
<br />
So
when you hit the road of life remember to pack just the
essentials. Leave your head and hands and heart free to embrace
the adventure. You will not want to miss a thing God has planned
on your itinerary. And don't worry. God's 'packing plan' will
leave you smelling sweet as well.<br />
<i><b><br />
</b></i><i><b>“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful
servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put
you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s
happiness!’ Matthew 25:23</b></i><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-62508653968355506792013-02-25T15:43:00.000-08:002013-02-25T15:43:21.094-08:00Consider the Ant?!Ants!!! Again, they have taken over my kitchen. I spay and they simple change they route. Hard as it may seem, they are not driven by the single purpose of trying to drive me crazy but rather providing a storehouse for the future. Yet again, God takes a moment to point out yet another important illustration that He makes in Proverbs.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-9</i></div>
<br />
When applied to the eternal, this is just another example of the importance of hiding away God’s Word in our hearts so that we might have hope. Scripture cultivates hope through its encouragement as well as being <i>“useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man (or woman) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16</i><br />
<br />
And, just, as those pesky little creatures don’t take “no!” for an answer, we should practice the ways of the enduring little creature and let nothing get in the way of satisfying our own hunger for the Bible and it’s wisdom.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4</i><br />
</div>
<i> </i>So, consider the ant. Diligently and persistently store up for the future <i>“…so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life…”</i><br />
<br />
All that being said, here is the blog site. Considering the lesson on fellowship, I am looking forward to discussing Scripture with you’all. Our time we are physically together is limited so this will give us another outlet to continue our conversation. It should be fun to hear from everyoneUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-61507796419679361752013-02-25T10:50:00.001-08:002014-02-11T14:34:02.017-08:00Carry Them in Faith<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<em><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"One
day while Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of
religious law were sitting nearby. (It seemed that these men showed
up from every village in all Galilee and Judea, as well as from
Jerusalem.) And the Lord's healing power was strongly with Jesus.
Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried
to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn't reach him because of
the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then
they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in
front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, "Young
man, your sins are forgiven..." </span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Luke
5:17-20 (NLT)</span></span></span></em></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;">My
granddaughter is in the thick of teenage rebellion. In all outward
signs she seems to be the typical moody 17 year-old, earbuds and all.
But away from of our view she has slipped into a very dark alternate
life of drug use and using means to get those drugs that no
grandmother wants to think about. You can imagine the turmoil and
heartbreak that has resulted knowing the horrible situation her
choices have led her to.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />The thing
is, she doesn't see it. It doesn't seem horrible to her. She has been
convinced by her desires and 'the ways of this world' that this is an
acceptable way to live. After all, it's HER life and she can choose
what to do with it. What she doesn't realize is that she has been
paralyzed by the world's deceptive thinking. If she continues on this
path her life will wind down to a stand still and she will find
herself struggling just to maintain the moment.</span></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So hard to
know just what to do. It is so much easier to pray for God to heal
an illness or provide a need. After all, these things are out of our
control and in God's hands but this situation seems different. What
do we do with this? We are convinced that because everyone has 'free
will' and can choose what they wish there is not much that we can change
. It leaves us watching as our loved one lays down on their
'mat of hopelessness' worrying and waiting until they are ready to
look to the Lord for help.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />I would
like to suggest that is just not the case. We can follow the lead of
these very good friends found in the passage from Luke and grab the
corners of the mat and haul them to the feet of Jesus.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">I love
this picture. It gives me hope. It takes the power away from hopeless
situation I see, empowers me with what I can do and shows me what God
will do in turn. Because of the faith of these friends this man's
sins were forgiven and the story goes on to tell us his body was
healed as well. Did you see that? Jesus acted on the FRIEND's
faith.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">I have seen this in action over and over as the women
of the Bible study I attend have carried their sisters to the feet of
Jesus. Most have gone willingly but there are some who would
have who fought us off except they were paralyzed. (Which means they
have to go where we carry them.) Healing and restoration has happened
and what's more? We have witnessed and recounted the stories bringing
the hope to even more women. Yes sir-e! These are exciting times.
Healing is happening. God is good.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<em><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Everyone
was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God,
exclaiming, "We have seen amazing things today!" "
Luke 5:26</span></span></em><br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Please grab a
corner of of granddaughter's mat and help me carry her to the feet of
Jesus. I know that because of faith of others and the willingness to
carry her to the feet of Jesus her sins will be forgiven, her body
will be healed and to God's glory she will take up her own 'mat'
sharing her story with other young women so they too can find hope in
a God who loves them. We will see amazing things today!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-69069945687075701912012-10-03T10:01:00.000-07:002013-03-04T06:01:45.019-08:00Route 66: Light the Way<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I love, Love, LOVE how <strong><em>“God works for
the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his
purpose”</em></strong> in all things. <span style="font-size: x-small;">[ Romans 8:28]</span> Each lesson he showed me
yesterday had a common theme of living a fully surrendered life.
Even the songs at Bible study lent their words to reinforce the fact
that my life is best lived in total obedience to my God. One thing
that God has been showing me through this is, when you give yourself over to the idea you are going to follow the road ahead becomes
smooth. I don't know what it is but I have a feeling is is we who
place those rocks in our way when we question God's wisdom. Hmmm...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today, our reading in Route 66 took us
though the beginning of Jesus' teaching. Found in this group of
verses is the teaching on salt and light. I really love his concept
on both these things but it was light that God wanted me to consider
at the moment. How do I know? This is the picture I received from a
friend on Facebook this morning. Isn't it amazing? It gave me a picture of exactly what Jesus was saying in Matthew 5:14 </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJU3GzncUSQ/UGxrt98TXvI/AAAAAAAAAHY/kt-WNfzfJks/s1600/Starry+sky+or+light+of+the+world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJU3GzncUSQ/UGxrt98TXvI/AAAAAAAAAHY/kt-WNfzfJks/s320/Starry+sky+or+light+of+the+world.jpg" width="320" /></a> I saw some thing
similar when flying to Seattle a few years back only there was quite
a bit of cloud cover that night. It did not, however, block out the
lights of the towns and cities I passed over. I could see their lights glowing through the mist. It was an equally
beautiful sight. Just think, we are light in our families,
neighborhoods and communities. Just as in this picture, we stand out
and draw attention. When we gather there is more light but even
separately we illuminate the dark spaces. It's a beautiful thing.
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
If I may, please let me give you one
more thing to consider. How did you feel the last time the lights
went out? Lost, fearful, uncertain? We need to embrace our roles as
light in a world living in darkness. Let's draw attention to the One
we draw power from. Plug into Him and SHINE your light!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, </em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>and it gives light to everyone in the house."</em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em> </em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Matthew 5:14-15</span></em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="userContent">[This</span><span class="userContent"> incredible image of the Wilmington area at space as taken from the International Space Station. To see an incredible full video fly-over of the US at night, check this out: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ObnEpRccHM&feature=player_embedded" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ObnEpRccHM&feature=player_embedded</a>#!</span> ]</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-44756678996339372422012-10-02T10:46:00.002-07:002012-10-05T14:28:37.327-07:00Route 66: Merit Badge<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DBQgx2DcW4/UGtMHonOPPI/AAAAAAAAAHI/G049zVRKUKg/s1600/junior_gardener_small.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DBQgx2DcW4/UGtMHonOPPI/AAAAAAAAAHI/G049zVRKUKg/s200/junior_gardener_small.png" width="200" /></a>When I was a young girl I was privileged to be part of the Girl
Scout program. My favorite part was earning the badges for all sorts
of activities but it wasn't the experience I valued. It was the proof
of completion that I really held dear. That little emblem that I had
accomplished the assigned task was the so important to my young
heart. There it was on my sash for all to see. It's award was the
signal move on to earning the next patch to add to my collection.<br />
<br />
In this morning's Route 66 reading through the Bible we started
the New Testament. Matthew opens with a genealogy, a cliff note's
version of the birth of the long awaited Savior and then we drop in
on John the Baptizer doing just what he was born to do- preparing the
way of the Lord. In the crowd he spots those troublesome religious
leaders, the Pharisees and the Sadducees. These men were stellar in
going through the motions of religious ritual and rule keeping. I'm
sure their sashes had many merit badges to show for their efforts but
John would not mince words with them about the important people they
thought themselves to be. He called them what they were – a pack of
poisonous vipers.
<br />
<br />
That seems so harsh in my estimation but John knew them and their
hearts. God and his ways had become something that they added to the
outside of themselves to look as though they had it going on on the
inside as well but it just wasn't true. He told them, “Produce
fruit in keeping with repentance.” It wasn't the religious ceremony
that was going to save them. It would be the change of heart, one
that was fully surrendered to God and that would only be evident
through the fruit of their lives.<br />
<br />
We as a culture of Christians need to be careful not to operate in
the same way as these religious men. We cannot just add Jesus as
another of our life's achievements. We have to be fully in him and he must reside in the proper place as
Lord over our lives. What we can add is fruit and everyone will
recognize this fruit of God by its characteristics -
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, </em></strong><br />
<strong><em>gentleness and self-control.”</em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Galatians 5:22-23</span></em></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
Verse 23 of Galatians ends with<strong><em> “Against such things there
is no law.”</em></strong> There is no limit to how much you can do when it comes
to producing fruit of the Spirit. If I must collect something for
others to see why not it be acting in a way that is pleasing to the
Lord. And one last thing, unlike that little girl of the past who
just wanted to get through the task to earn the praise of
accomplishment, I now savor each moment in each experience with the
Lord. That's the true pay off.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>"All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the
heart.<br />To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD
than sacrifice." </em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Proverbs 21:3-4</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-28809143319914137052012-10-01T11:28:00.000-07:002013-02-11T07:07:35.676-08:00Galatians: Joy: The Sparkle in Life<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="moz-smiley-s1"><strong><em>Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Psalm 43:3-4</span></em></strong></span></div>
<span class="moz-smiley-s1"></span><br />
<span class="moz-smiley-s1">I along with my Bible study girlfriends are currently studying Galatians through a Beth Moore study called<em> Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit</em>. And I am so...well, full of joy to be looking at the characteristic of JOY this week. Crazy I know,
if I take into consideration all of the stress and turmoil life
brings each day. But when we set our eyes on the Lord the struggle
diminishes and the joy increases because we know that ultimately our sufferings are part to moving us forward to that "hope and a future." Jeremiah<span style="font-size: small;">
29:11 talks about. This shift in focus from ourselves onto God draws our
attention to purpose of life's experiences but there is more to be seen. We begin to see something that is beautifully purposeful and the result is joy. It is exactly what is shown in the story of Paul and Silas of Acts 16:16-40 where their beating and imprisonment ends in the salvation of a whole family.</span></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOYCvY0fc0g/UGnf4kwe0pI/AAAAAAAAAGo/dXbaW2GjBGo/s1600/sparkly+shoe+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOYCvY0fc0g/UGnf4kwe0pI/AAAAAAAAAGo/dXbaW2GjBGo/s200/sparkly+shoe+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="moz-smiley-s1"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="moz-smiley-s1">I would like to use one of my friends, Julia, for a moment
here-- Julia has a knack for taking an ordinary even somewhat worn
out pair of shoes and turns them into a sparkly expression of
joy by embellishing them with crystals. She does beautiful work and
her creations certainly grab your attention. I can't help but think that no matter where those shoes may take her, they have to
give her some measure of joy when she happens to look down
and catch their glimmer. I think that is how God works in our
lives, too. Life can be a drag, wearing us out and leaving us
discontented and even hopeless but if we take time to glace at him
even for a moment we will see the glimmer of his light. A sparkle of
truth will catch our attention and we will be drawn in and reminded
of the joy of living in His presence while walking out His will no matter where it takes us. Delight in the Lord and allow him to
show you the joyful expression of his work in you. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<strong><em>"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,<br />because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything...</em></strong><strong><em>for the <span class="criteria">joy</span> of the LORD is your <span class="criteria">strength</span>."<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> James 1:2-4, Nehemiah 8:10</span></em></strong></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-42335433108304596462012-08-01T16:19:00.000-07:002012-08-04T08:14:47.976-07:00Route 66: Oh, The View is Worth It!<br />
Sometimes life has a funny way of flipping on us. One day all
seems to be going great and then it knocks us down cold with a sucker
punch. If you have lived very long you know this to be true. Life is
full of ups and downs or hills and valleys as some would say. If your
life is anything like mine those hills and valleys seem to be
happening in the same moment. I can't figure out if I going up or if
I'm on my way down. Happiness in one aspect and sadness in another.
And Sadness has a way of saying, "What do you have to be happy
about anyway? Can't you see you're struggling here! You have no space
for Happy in your life."
<br />
<br />
The thing is whether climbing up the side of a mountain slope or
going down it is an equally difficult journey. Our legs ache and our
lungs scream for air on the way up while we cringe at the thought
that one miss step on a steep downward slope could send us tumbling
all the way to the bottom. I'm not sure I really get the whole hiking
thing but I do know that I appreciate the level path more than the
rugged climb. Even if you are not a hiker, you can appreciate the
picture of the trail opening onto a beautiful, lush meadow. Your
breathing slows and your comfort level rises and you begin to think,
"This was totally worth it!"<br />
<br />
On my recent trek through Ecclesiastes I had to pause and think.
In the midst of woe and meaningless whining about life, its struggles
and its distractions we find Solomon encouraging us to find
satisfaction in the simple things. He takes it down to the basic
level each of us live at. Eat, drink and work. That's it. We can be
content with what we have or we can strive, climb and worry our lives
away to which Solomon would point out is <strong><em>"Meaningless."</em></strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-NIV-17444"></a>Solomon also speaks to the things in
life that come to us through no action on our part-the illness, the
accident, the down sizing, the prodigal child- he tells us, "When
times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God
has made the one as well as the other<strong><em>." And then he says,"
Remember that nothing is certain in this life. I have seen everything
in this meaningless life, including the death of good young people
and the long life of wicked people." </em><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">[7:14-14
</span></em><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 0);">NLT</span></span></em><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">]</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
Solomon is pointing out there is no checklist or formula to living
the perfect life. <em>"Nothing is certain."</em> No matter
who we are, how closely we follow the Lord, or how much faith we
possess S*** Happens. I'm sorry if I am offensive but lets be
realistic. When life gets hard don't you think, "This STINKS!"?<br />
<br />
Woe is universal. It strikes us all. It doesn't matter if we are
righteous or wicked we will meet up with it eventually. There is no
escape. But in the passage from Ecclesiastes it says, <em><strong>"...consider
this: God has made the one as well as the other."</strong></em> And
that's when we think,"Really, Lord. I'm doing the best I can and
now this! There is no hope here." But when the disappointment
subsides and we can begin to see clearly again that's when we can
actually can start to realize that God is indeed in those dark days
as well working to bring about things that could happen any other
way. Blessings in disguise some would say.<br />
<br />
One 'undercover' blessing came to me at very critical time in my
life as they always do. My dad was dying. His body was ravaged with
cancer brought on by his lifestyle choices. No amount of prayer was
going to turn the tide on this one. Nor did I even think God was
working here. After all, Dad had indicated the church would fall down
if he ever entered it. So to protect the other parishioners he stayed
clear of the building on Sundays. It seemed as though he had turned
his back on God. The real truth is he felt unworthy but a few months
before my dad's death came a new revelation.
<br />
<br />
On one of my last visits my dad was calling each of us aside and
presenting us with a gift of a personal item he held dear throughout
his life. His hunting knife, his hat, his rifle, his watch went to
various siblings. They were just things he knew we would like or he
just wanted us to have to remember him by. When he got to me he said,
"Sis, I don't have anything in my box for you." I shrugged
it off with, "That's OK, Dad," knowing his love was really
enough. But then he went on to say he wanted me to know he had made
his peace with God and he had finally trusted him with his life.
<br />
<br />
Oh, My God! [reverently, of course] You are truly a God of
miracles! I cannot tell you the pleasure I found in hearing my dad's
profession of faith. A long season of prayer was answered and a
daughter's broken heart restored. And that's not all. When it came
time for his passing God blessed me again by allowing me to be with
Dad when he saw the light of heaven. He pointed it out to me but my
eyes that were still anchored to this earth could not see it. He went
on his way to an eternal life with Jesus. A beautiful thing, indeed.<br />
<br />
You know, I think I beg to differ with our wise man, Solomon, on
the point that nothing is certain in life. I believe you can know for
certain what the future holds. For instance, I know for certain that
God is with me whether I am in good times or bad.<em> </em><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>[Deuteronomy
31:6]</strong></span></em> I know that because of his presence I will survive
the bad times.<em> </em><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>[Psalm 16]</strong></span></em> But
not only that. I will be blessed through them. There will be joy in
them. Perhaps not about what I wanted or expected but joy all the
same. I will look back and realize it was not a meaningless exercise
but a time when God's power and glory as well as his love and
compassion were on display in my life. <em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>[Romans 8:18,
28]</strong></span></em><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">And I have no doubt
God will continue involve himself all aspects, good and bad, of my
life. That is something I can count on. His ways are certain.</span><br />
<br />
At the end of this particular portion of Scripture in Ecclesiastes
Solomon states, <em><strong>"It is good to grasp the one and not let go
of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all [extremes]."</strong></em>
I believe he is talking about grasping the good and the bad that
comes to our lives. Hold them in your heart. Look for God and his
wisdom in each situation. Know that God is at work bringing not just
a good but the <strong>best</strong> outcome. This is what brings
that sense of ease even in the midst of turmoil. When we do this it
is like that experience we talked about in the beginning, the
stepping onto that peaceful meadow. Trusting that God is in control
of all situations allows us to stand in awe of the beauty he is
creating in and around us. When we do we will surely find ourselves
breathing out, "Now, this is totally worth it."<br />
<br />
<div align="CENTER">
<em>He has made everything beautiful in its time. </em>
</div>
<br />
<div align="CENTER">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ecclesiastes 3:11</span></em></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-47738902180100307722012-07-23T11:17:00.002-07:002012-07-24T15:26:11.059-07:00Route 66: InternalChange Ahead<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>A wife of noble character <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17295K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> who can find? </em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17295L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup><strong><em> Proverbs 31:1</em></strong></div><br />
Oh, the dreaded Proverbs 31 woman is in our sights today. Of course we would love to be God's ideal of a woman but in reality her description just makes most of us feel anxious, extremely tired and a bit hopeless. Where does this woman get all her energy? Up before dawn working all day and well into the night, she completes her check list with a satisfied smile. She sews, she shops, she cooks, she farms, she sells, she spins, she gives, she protects, she interacts with the community, she speaks wisdom, she gives good advice, she keeps an orderly home and she is never idle. How could she be with that list! And another thing. Nothing seems too much. She does her job well. So well in fact that others take notice.<br />
<br />
What is the secret to this woman's unending pool of motivation and energy? The love for her husband or children? The need to help her friends and neighbors? The responsibility of being a contributing member of society? These things may play into it but will never sustain the energy it takes to be successful. We find the answer way down in verse 30- <strong><em>"a woman who fears the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is to be praised."</em></strong><br />
<br />
Its not the checklist God is after here. It is the heart of the woman that determines her nobility not her ability to stay busy all the time carrying out prescribed tasks. Does she fear the Lord is the real indicator. Once that is in place the motivation and energy to make a difference in this world will follow.<br />
<br />
In case you are a little confused how being <em>afraid</em> of God could provide the positive example we see in Proverbs 31 let me give another definition. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>fear</strong> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">[verb]</span> to hold in <strong>awe</strong> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">[noun]</span> -respectful fear and <strong>wonder</strong><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> [verb]</span> -to think or speculate <strong>curiously</strong> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">[adjective]</span><strong> -eager</strong> to know<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> [adjective]</span> -full of desire or enthusiasm.</div><br />
There you have it. I believe that if we follow our English definitions this woman was full of wonder about the Lord. Her mind was on him. She examined him with a need to know more about him and she did it with eagerness and enthusiasm. <strong>Enthusiasm</strong><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> [noun]</span> actually means 'absorbing interest' which means she was extremely interested in the Lord but not only that she was<strong> engrossed</strong> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">[adj]</span> with him. Her mind and attention were <strong>fully and completely occupied</strong> with the God. How then could she not be affected by him in everything she did?<br />
<br />
There is a story about two other women in the New Testament you may be familiar with. Two sisters, Mary and Martha, look forward to a gathering where Jesus was to be the guest of honor. Martha became distracted with the preparations for the event. Oh, the plans she made but in the end she grew weary of doing everything herself while her sister seemed preoccupied with their visitor, I can't blame Martha. I know her pain and frustration of trying to pull everything together for a perfect party. But perhaps I, as well as Martha have missed the point on these occasions. Jesus' answer to Martha brings it back into perspective.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, <span class="woj">“you are worried <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25405AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup> and upset about many things,</span> <span class="text Luke-10-42" id="en-NIV-25406"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” <span style="font-size: x-small;">Luke 10:41-42</span></span></span></em></strong></div><br />
<span class="text Luke-10-42"><span class="woj">Jesus was saying, "The important thing here is we are spending time together and nothing can replace that. And when all that is left of the banquet is a sink full of dirty dishes, you will still have the relationship we have built interacting with one another. That lasts for ever." </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Luke-10-42"><span class="woj">Jesus was supposed to be the focus of the get together not the preparations Martha was spending so much time and energy doing on her own. I believe our Proverbs 31 woman likely has that all figured out in her life. Her focus is the Lord and his influence is seen in all that she does and accomplishes. The same is true for us. Our lives should have Jesus at their center and everything else we are involved with will reflect his presence. </span></span><span class="text Luke-10-42"><span class="woj"> A shift in perspective can bring that ideal women well within your reach. Jesus first, then... The noble lady of Proverbs-that 'perfect' woman- simply put is one who <em>fears</em> the Lord.</span></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-71736443706947812262012-07-16T11:34:00.000-07:002012-10-03T04:48:45.699-07:00Route 66: Drive-Thru vs Roadside Diner<span class="chapter-1"><span class="text Prov-2-1"><br />
</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-2-5"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-2-5">OMGosh, it's been a long time since I have have had to sit down and write. As many of you know we have had a wedding in our family. Our youngest daughter married in June to a very generous and kind young man whom we feel very happy to welcome to the family. With all of the activity of preparations along with company of friends and family there just hasn't been time to settle my mind to putting 'thoughts to paper'. God finally used a tiny slip of paper found in a fortune cookie last week to remind me it was time to get back to writing. It said, <b>"You are an adventurer traveling on the highway of life"</b> so today I am ready to get back on the road to see what God has for me to see.</span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-2-5">OK...we are now in the book of Proverbs with our travels along Route 66. I do love this book and its lists of instructions, knowledge and wisdom Solomon wished to pass along to his son.</span></span><br />
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<i><b><span class="text Prov-3-5" id="en-NIV-16461">"</span><span class="text Prov-1-1">The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:</span><span class="text Prov-1-2" id="en-NIV-16403">for gaining wisdom and instruction;</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Prov-1-2">for understanding words of insight;</span><span class="text Prov-3-2"></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-3-8">..." Proverbs 1:1-2</span></span></b></i></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-3-8">We, too have the opportunity to benefit from the writings of Solomon as well as others from the Bible and since they are directly inspired by God himself we can gain more insight about him every time we read it.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-1-9">Recently, I was a approached by a woman from our summer Bible study and was complimented for my knowledge of the Scriptures. She had been encouraged by something I had said which in turn had made her think about God's word all week. (This was a happy dance moment for me because I love to promote God's word in women's lives.) She also admitted feeling a bit intimidated by me and the wisdom I possessed. The last thing I want to be intimidating so I revealed to her and now, to you that this wisdom/knowledge thing has not always been prevalent in my life. </span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-1-9">For most of my adulthood I have lived as a nominal Christian. I guest you can say I just snacked on God from time to time. I attended church services but did not read the Bible outside of filling a few blanks in a study booklet but about ten years ago, something changed. I joined a Bible study and decided to really take on studying the portion of Scripture put in front of me. As I worked through the passages, God revealed himself to me in such a way I never wanted to let go. It created a hunger for something substantial in regards to God. I wanted to know him more and I knew the way to do that was not by hearing what others had to say about him. I needed to discover him, his ways, his thoughts and his desires for myself through his word. Our relationship became personal as I was getting to know him first hand and loving every minute of it. </span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-1-9">So, as they say,"The rest is history." I continue to seek his wisdom through his word and I get so filled up I have to share it with others. I am not wise outside of his influence. I say all this because its attainable in everyone's life. I am no one special. Anyone who wants to have more knowledge about God needs only to jump in and get started exploring the Scriptures for themselves. I guarentee you will never want to go back to mediocre life of just knowing what others tell you about him. You will want to get to know God for yourself in a way that makes him real and your relationship with him meaningful.</span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-1-9">Am I perfect when it comes to daily studying the word? Hardly. I am like everyone else. I struggle to find time, I get distracted by life and its drama and sometimes I just can't seem to find the motivation. I have days, sometimes several in a row when I don't open the Word but I can always tell when I have been away too long. I start to get cranky and critical. I begin to feel shaky and weak. Sounds a bit like hunger and low blood sugar don't ya think. When I have these physical symptoms, that's when I know I need to sit down and have something to eat. So too, when these symptoms are spiritual. I need hardy portion of the Scriptures.</span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-1-9"> In the Old Testament there is in an exchange between God and </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-1-9">Ezekiel as Ezekiel prepares for his mission.</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-1-9"></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-1-9"> In The Message it reads like this--</span></span><br />
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<b><i>"He told me, "Son of man, eat what you see. Eat this book. Then go and speak to the family of Israel." As I opened my mouth, he gave me the scroll to eat, saying, "Son of man, eat this book that I am giving you. Make a full meal of it!" So I ate it. It tasted so good—just like honey." Ezekiel 3:1-3</i></b></div>
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Love it! Eat my words. Linger over them for they are pleasant and they keep you coming back for more. These instructions are good advice to us, as well, especially when its been awhile since our last meal on the Word. Just the thing to put us back on track feeling strong and energized. So pull up a chair, settle in and begin to feast on the best thing you will every eat. And you sure can't beat the company.<br />
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<i><b><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." </span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span class="woj">Revelation 3:20</span></b></i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-3-8"></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-2-5"></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-604779832301277362012-05-02T12:38:00.000-07:002012-05-02T12:46:38.232-07:00Route 66: Eat Drink and Be Merry!Once I finished with the genealogy in 1 Chronicles, I have a sense of being trapped with the "Life's Short, Talk Fast" Gilmore Girls and a quick version of David's life. It's almost as if we are cramming for an exam and just need to hit the high points as we review. So, just for fun I thought I would share with you a fun resource I have come across-- <a class="widget" href="http://www.cookingwiththebible.com/widget.aspx">Cooking with the Bible</a>. This book contains menus and recipes for the foods mentioned in the stories we have been reading. For instance, when Sarah found herself preparing a meal for unexpected guests we can look to <a class="green" href="http://www.cookingwiththebible.com/meals.aspx#GR3410-102">Entertaining Angels Unawares</a> for the menu and recipes. And if you want to make <a href="http://www.cookingwiththebible.com/reader/Default.aspx/GR3410-502/recipe/"><i>Rebekah's "Tasty Dish"</i></a> used to entice her husband to hand over the blessing to the wrong son then<i> </i><a class="green" href="http://www.cookingwiththebible.com/reader/Default.aspx/GR3410-410/meal/">All for a Father's Blessing</a> is the place to look. We can even find recipes for date and raisin cakes found in the 1 Chronicles 16 celebration give baskets in <a class="green" href="http://www.cookingwiththebible.com/meals.aspx#GR3410-1359">Abigail Cooks to Appease</a>. There are many more recipes and menus to be had at this site as well as commentary on the individual stories. It is great fun to look at and may even come in handy at your next gathering. Enjoy! <br />
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<i><b>"So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man
under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany
him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the
sun." <span style="font-size: x-small;">Ecclesiastes 8:15</span></b></i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-28884792186125922302012-05-01T13:06:00.001-07:002012-05-01T13:59:14.713-07:00Route 66: The ChroniclesRecently, I watched an episode of The Waltons, the story of a family in Virginia during the 30s and 40s. It contains a fair amount of history of that time period mixed in the with the joys and struggles found in the everyday life of any family. This particular segment called 'The Family Tree' tells the story of one of the Walton's neighbors, a African American woman named Verdie and her search for her identity. She confessed that because she knew nothing of her history she felt as though she was just floating without the grounding factor of legacy. She wanted the roots family history brings.<br />
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Perhaps that is why God takes time again to remind us we come from somewhere. Notice I say 'we' because this family tree listed in 1 Chronicles is ours. I think if we take time to realize this, too, is our history then perhaps it will have more meaning to us. As Christians, this is our legacy, the place we come from. Our people.<br />
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I think most of us of have some sense of our personal history. We can track our family tree at less a few generations back. It provides us a road map along with hopefully a few good stories about where we came from. My husband's own grandfather was a Swedish immigrant who came through Ellis Island with saxophone in hand. He settled in Boston and married into the family whose ancestor was General Pickering of the Revolutionary War. Somehow knowing these things gives me a feeling of longevity and belonging.<br />
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For Verdie of The Waltons, her search lead her to the knowledge her people we slaves of a once prominent family in the area who before that lived their lives on the African continent.They had names. They came from somewhere. She discovered her story and in turn, it grounded her soul.<br />
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For us, the same is true as we realize these accounts found in the Bible belong to us as much as they do to Israel. Our story has been one in the making since the beginning of time, back when our people, Adam and Eve, began their lives in the garden of Eden. They extend down through time to the birth of our Savior, Jesus and even beyond through the early church and even even revealing whats to come in our future.These stories are personal so as you read the lists of names recount the tales of those who came before because they are our great, great, great granddaddies, after all.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-580788325726395172012-04-16T12:31:00.000-07:002012-07-16T14:58:42.403-07:00Route 66: Just Crossed the Border into 1 KingsWhew! I didn't think I'd make it after being stuck in 2 Samuel so long but here I am. David's reign has come to its end and he wants to put his successor in place. But would the real king please step forward. When all is said and done Solomon would find the crown firmly placed on his head and with David's marching orders in his ears to "Clean House!" he takes his position as leader of the country.<br />
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Then, in a life changing moment God appears to Solomon and says,<b><i> “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” [<span style="font-size: x-small;">3:5]</span></i></b> Boy, is this ever a loaded proposition. "Whatever you want..." Our minds start to run over all the possibilities. I wonder if Solomon's did too before came upon the correct answer or had God already prepared his heart for this very moment. Whatever the case, when it came down to it he knew what he was going to need to fill his father's footsteps--<br />
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<b><i>“Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”<span style="font-size: x-small;"> [3:6-9]</span></i></b><br />
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A discerning heart and a discerning mind. Out of all the things that can be asked of God these two things perhaps are the most useful. Solomon knew he needed God's wisdom- His heart and His mind- to lead the people entrusted to his care. Good choice considering he could not successfully rule over God's people without God's ways.<br />
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Life whether moving through our own or leading others is a whole lot easier in general when lived according to God's heart and God's mind. Today, none of us every have to wonder what God's mind is about things. We have it written down for us in the Bible and more than one copy can be found in most of our homes as well as on the Internet. And if you <b><i>"have hidden [his] word in [your] heart" <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Psalm 119:11)</span></i></b> and <i><b> "meditate on it day and night"</b></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b> (Joshua 1:8),</b></i> </span><span style="font-size: small;">you will have instant access to it anywhere you go. The Holy Spirit will also reminds of what God has taught you and the ever important action of asking God for his wisdom also works. See, you are never far from a discerning heart and mind.</span><br />
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I can't leave you without mentioning a couple other verses I love about 'asking God'. Jeremiah 33:3 tells us to, <b><i>"‘Call to [Ask] me and I [God] will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."</i></b> and Matthew7:7 says, “<b><i>Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. </i></b><span class="woj"><b><i> For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."</i></b> In the Matthew passage its say,"everyone who poses a question, seeks an answer and knocks for the door of understanding to be opened will receive what they need so we should never hesitate. Yes, when God says, <b><i>“Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”</i></b> it is a loaded proposition. Depending on your request, it could be one whose answer will lead you to the best life possible- one that pursues God, his heart and his mind. Perhaps you should consider Solomon's choice.</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-89274893627372034852012-04-13T14:58:00.000-07:002012-04-13T16:43:22.439-07:00Route 66: I Think I See the Tow Truck!One last thought before, I leave 2 Samuel. Sometimes when you are stuck in a rut, you have to throw it in reverse to get out so that <span class="text_exposed_show">is just what I am doing. We're going to back up to chapter 23 where it says, "Such were the exploits of the three mighty warriors." Don't ya love it! Exploits and mighty men. How exciting is that?<br /> </span><br />
The story is about David hiding out in a cave and his thirst was getting the best of him. He says in his dehydration induced stupor, <strong><em>“Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!”</em></strong> Really? Risk your life for a drink of water?! How about a drink for a well on our side of the front? How about that? But off his mighty men go to serve their king. <br />
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This is a beautiful thing really, how diligent these men were to please David. There may have been a bit of adrenaline rush for these fellows who loved exploits but the outcome would be the same. David would be honored with their service. David would however <strong><em>"refuse to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD"</em></strong> as an offering because he was so totally overwhelmed by how these men could risk their lives for him. <br />
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At what level do you serve your King? As these mighty men ready at any moment to please the Lord? Or do you hold back looking for a way that wouldn't cost you quite so much? The choice is yours. I kind of like the words <em>mighty</em> and <em>exploits</em> so I guess you know what I'll choose. I never want to turn down an opportunity for a great adventure! ;-DUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-49022104771119768092012-04-13T12:31:00.000-07:002012-04-13T12:32:11.500-07:00Route 66: Still Digging Out of 2 SamuelToday, I am that person who when visiting a museum they are found lagging behind the rest of group reading all the info on each display driving everyone who just like to browse crazy. I usually am on the side of the casual observer of exhibits keeping up a quicker pace but I can't move on yet. David's song in 2 Samuel 22 has caught my eye and my imaginings are in overdrive.<br />
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If you were ever in doubt that God has got it covered when it comes to the enemies of your life then you need to take time to read it. It says who God is-a rock, a fortress, a deliverer, a stronghold, a refuge and a savior-and is very descriptive when it tells us just what he is willing to do on our behalf if we choose to allow him to deal with it. Be sure to read this with the most dramatic voice you can muster.<br />
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<strong><em>“In my distress I called to the LORD; <br /> I called out to my God. <br />From his temple he heard my voice; <br /> my cry came to his ears. <br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-8611">8</sup> The earth trembled and quaked, <br /> the foundations of the heavens<sup> </sup>shook; <br /> they trembled because he was angry. <br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-8612">9</sup>smoke rose from his nostrils;<br /> consuming fire came from his mouth,<br /> burning coals blazed out of it. <br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-8613">10</sup> He parted the heavens and came down; <br /> dark clouds were under his feet. <br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-8614">11</sup> He mounted the cherubim and flew; <br /> he soared on the wings of the wind. <br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-8615">12</sup> He made darkness his canopy around him— <br /> the dark<sup> </sup>rain clouds of the sky. <br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-8616">13</sup> Out of the brightness of his presence <br /> bolts of lightning blazed forth. <br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-8617">14</sup> The LORD thundered from heaven; <br /> the voice of the Most High resounded. <br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-8618">15</sup> He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy, <br /> with great bolts of lightning he routed them. <br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-8619">16</sup> The valleys of the sea were exposed <br /> and the foundations of the earth laid bare <br />at the rebuke of the LORD, <br /> at the blast of breath from his nostrils.</em></strong> <br />
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What a picture. Have you ever imagined such power is being exerted toward those things that are laying havoc in your life. Many times we picture people as our enemies but the truth is it sin that wages war with our spirits and our lives. Look at how God responds when call out for help against that which hurts us the most. He is on it with both barrels seeking to annihilate our opposition. It is explosive and powerful and the best part is He wins!<br />
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Then-<br />
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<strong><em> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-8620">17</sup> “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; <br /> he drew me out of deep waters. <br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-8621">18</sup> He rescued me from my powerful enemy, <br /> from my foes, who were too strong for me. <br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-8622">19</sup> They confronted me in the day of my disaster, <br /> but the LORD was my support. <br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-8623">20</sup> He brought me out into a spacious place; <br /> he rescued me because he delighted in me.</em></strong> <br />
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Did you see that? The reason he confronted the enemy? Out of delight for me. Wow. That brings tears to my eyes.<br />
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Some synonyms to <em>delighted</em> are blissful, glad, gratified, happy, joyful, pleased, tickled and satisfied. Tickled is what I feel each time I see my grandchildren learn a new skill or grasp a lesson that will help them in life. It IS very satisfying wouldn't you say?<br />
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I think the key here is, what we decide to do when we are overwhelmed with sin. Do we ignore the battle raging around us? Do we hide the sin for fear the Lord will be displeased, sweeping it under the rug or making excuses? Or do we say, <strong><em>“In my distress I called to the LORD?"[<span style="font-size: x-small;">vs. 4]</span></em></strong> Is that what delights him? Our call for help? Verse 28 holds the answer. <strong><em>"You [God] save the humble."</em></strong> Yes, our acknowledgement of his power to rescue us gets his attention and his favor.<br />
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And trusting him with our lives is an act of righteous. We see evidence of this in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans-<br />
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<strong><em>"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed ... Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead." Romans 4:18-24</em></strong></div>
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Again with the "Wow, did you see that?" <br />
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<strong><em>"The words 'it was credited to him' were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness"</em></strong> for our belief in him. [vs. 24] If your still not convinced, Hebrews 11 has a long list of flawed people who had much in their lives to be ashamed of yet they were seen by God as righteous because they chose to put their faith-trust-belief in him.<br />
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The rest of the song tells of God's actions toward the righteous. My favorite part-"He sets me free from my enemies." If you are struggling against the enemy of sin today perhaps its time to call on the Lord who will <strong>"soar on the wings of the wind" with smoke raising from his nostrils shooting his arrows and scattering your oppressor.</strong> Choose to let God rescue you from the thing you seem so powerless against. Trust the Lord. He gives great victories.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-65377713233041299882012-04-13T09:47:00.003-07:002012-04-13T09:47:40.672-07:00Oops!For all who read this morning's post before it was complete, my apologies. Please visit again and receive the fully updated version.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299905708481566521.post-20637031967296478072012-04-13T06:21:00.001-07:002012-04-13T09:56:34.749-07:00Route 66: Stuck Somewhere in 2 SamuelEarlier this week I had a lovely evening with my youngest granddaughter, Hero. She about a year old and the spitting image (why do the call it that?) of her mother. It is so much fun to watch her stiff-legged steps as she attempts to maneuver from place to the other with her new found skill of walking. She is so like her mother at the age not only in looks but she resembles her spirit as well- sweet, giggly and vivacious. The time I spend with Hero not only is enjoyable because of this precious little child and her antics but I also get to remember her mother's childhood because she so closely carries her likeness.<br />
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In 2 Samuel 6, we see another idea about "bearing one's image" only this will not have such a pleasant outcome although a strong reminder of who God is will be in apparent before it is all over. David has decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant home to his city and he is going to do it in grand fashion. He has called up thirty thousand troops and a marching band to accompany him along the way. This procession will have everything! Can you just imagine it? And no parade is complete without a Grand Marshall and who will fit the bill but the Lord Almighty Himself. What's more, the delivery of the Ark will be stepped up a notch and they will add a 'float' to the celebration. It will be fantastic!<br />
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Right up to the fatal mistake, that is. One man, Uzzah will reach out and do the unthinkable. He would touch the Ark with his hand and that would be the last straw for God and he would keep his word as he always does. Death would be God's response to Uzzah for the disregard of God's Law. Harsh, you say? Yes, it is but should not have come as a surprise.<br />
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You see, rules for transporting God from place to place were laid out in detail in the 'handbook' of the Law and Uzzah would have or in any case, should have known the regulation. He was the Lord's representative after all, the keeper of the Law, and the example of spiritual attitude of obedience others should follow including the king. Yet, here he was changing the law up a bit to fit some extenuating circumstance. The Ark should have been transported by the priests, lifted up to their shoulders by poles that were threaded through rings that were attached to its corners. To me this is a picture of God glorified and the priest's submission as they carried him. Somehow the oxcart just doesn't portray that same feeling.<br />
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We do not really know for why David and/or the priests decided that the ark would ride rather than be carried but we do know God would not subjected to change by the priests and his answer would devastate a family and a king who so wished the Lord would reside within his city. The parade of celebration was over and a funeral march of sorrow would be put in its place.<br />
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Such a sad state of affairs. David's plan was to bring God closer, to celebrate and honor Him, in a way that seemed right at least in his estimation so how could it go so wrong? His intentions were good after all. What made this such a big deal? The problem was that God is not one who will be changed to fit our sensibilities. He has standards and they are not up for discussion. They are what make him who he is after all-Faithful and True-so we can depend on him. That's why it was important that God's agents, the priests, should carry him according to his instructions and not try to make him compromise with what they wanted. They represented him.<br />
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For each of us it is equally important to be mindful of how we carry God's image into the world. Is it an accurate portrayal of who God really is or has he been pushed and pulled it out of shape to fit your desires? Think about it. Have you asked God to go outside his word with you on something because you have a special set of circumstances? If you have you are running the risk of giving those around you a false impression of who God is. The truth is, as seen in this story, He'll have none of it. He doesn't work that way. He will not be manipulated. And for those who try to make him fit into their schemes, they like will find themselves like those in Israel on that terrible day devastated and full of sorrow. If we are to take on the task of carrying God, be his image bearers, we need to conform to him and his ways. That's what life is all about after entrusting it to God, learning to live it the <strong>his</strong> way. We need to become his 'spitting image'. <br />
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So we are back to that. Let me shed some light on that saying. The English phase-<em>spitting image</em>-comes from <em>'spit and image'</em> which was a shortened version of <em>'spirit and image'</em>. Ah ha... Now, we get it and that is just what we need when we carry God into the world. Just as my granddaughter looks so like her mother, our friends and our families and the world at large must see that God is our strongest feature. We need his spirit and his image to reside in our being as we take our rightful position, lifting him up for all the world to behold his glory.<br />
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<em> "<strong>Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; </strong></em><em><strong>I will glorify your name forever."</strong></em></div>
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<em><strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;">-Psalm 86:11-12</span></strong></em></div>
<em><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></strong></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0