I was reading in "go magazine" from Triple A about vacations in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The hotel is the Burj Al Arab, the world's only 7 star hotel. To say "living in the lap of luxury" is an understatement. Part of the closing remarks in the advertisement on You Tube is it is a new wonder of the world and a remarkable tribute to the ability of mankind to reach for greatness and succeed.
However, there is a new building in Dubai that boasts the title of tallest building in the world. It is primarily a residential building that rises 2,684 feet in the air. The next tallest building is in South Korea at 1,650 feet. In the US, the Sears Tower in Chicago is the tallest at 1,450; the World Trade Center that was destroyed on 9/11 was 1,368 feet.
All this reminds me of the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11 and the story of a rich man who loved his riches. Jesus said, "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul." Mark 8:36
Makes me stop and think about the things that are important in my life.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
To Know that I Am God
Long years ago there was a king in Israel named Ahab who was married to a woman named Jezebel. These two were not nice people. In 1 Kings 16, twice God said how evil Ahab was...more than all the kings before him.
And Jezebel...even today the name is used as a derogatory name for any woman who is considered mean and evil. She was so out of God's favor that He said she would be killed and left in the streets to be eaten by dogs.
But in the midst of all this, God chose to give Ahab victory over his enemies, not because he wanted Ahab to feel good about himself but so "you will know that I am the Lord." God is always pursuing us. God did this to help Ahab understand who He is. God also wants me to know Him and to recognize my need for a Savior.
I am not evil like Ahab or Jezebel but I am evil because I am a sinner, unholy, unrighteous and God is holy and righteous. I don't compare myself to Ahab or Jezebel but to God. God pursued me to the point of giving His son to die in my place to pay for my sins, to make me holy and righteous. That thought just overwhelms me. "To know that I am God" means He must come first in EVERYTHING - my relationships, my money, my actions, my thoughts.
And Jezebel...even today the name is used as a derogatory name for any woman who is considered mean and evil. She was so out of God's favor that He said she would be killed and left in the streets to be eaten by dogs.
But in the midst of all this, God chose to give Ahab victory over his enemies, not because he wanted Ahab to feel good about himself but so "you will know that I am the Lord." God is always pursuing us. God did this to help Ahab understand who He is. God also wants me to know Him and to recognize my need for a Savior.
I am not evil like Ahab or Jezebel but I am evil because I am a sinner, unholy, unrighteous and God is holy and righteous. I don't compare myself to Ahab or Jezebel but to God. God pursued me to the point of giving His son to die in my place to pay for my sins, to make me holy and righteous. That thought just overwhelms me. "To know that I am God" means He must come first in EVERYTHING - my relationships, my money, my actions, my thoughts.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Worship Idols...Me?
After God led the children of Israel out of Egypt and into the promised land, they decided they wanted a king like all the nations around them. They rejected God and His leadership for a human king. The first king was Saul, then David and Solomon. After that things really went downhill.
The kingdom divided into Judah and Israel. These relatives who had been through so much together began to fight each other rather than their enemies. Lots of kings came along and for most of them the epitaph was "he did evil in the eyes of the Lord." They made images of silver and gold and wood. They sacrificed their children by burning them alive. They had male and female cult prostitutes. They had "priests" who were not from the priestly line appointed by God.
As I read about these incidents, I thought how could they forget all that God had done? How could they worship idols made by man? Then I recognize myself. Sure, I don't have little Buddhas or other figurines or visit prostitutes or sacrifice my children. But how many times have I sat in front of the TV when I knew I should be diving into God's word? How often have I taken the word of a friend over the word of God when I needed to make a decision? How many times have I forgotten what God has done for me? How often do I dwell on past sins when I know God has forgiven me? How many times have I cheated God - and myself - with false worship? How many times have I done evil in the eyes of the Lord?
Hopefully, those times have been in the minority and mostly in the past because God makes all things new...including me...day by day!
The kingdom divided into Judah and Israel. These relatives who had been through so much together began to fight each other rather than their enemies. Lots of kings came along and for most of them the epitaph was "he did evil in the eyes of the Lord." They made images of silver and gold and wood. They sacrificed their children by burning them alive. They had male and female cult prostitutes. They had "priests" who were not from the priestly line appointed by God.
As I read about these incidents, I thought how could they forget all that God had done? How could they worship idols made by man? Then I recognize myself. Sure, I don't have little Buddhas or other figurines or visit prostitutes or sacrifice my children. But how many times have I sat in front of the TV when I knew I should be diving into God's word? How often have I taken the word of a friend over the word of God when I needed to make a decision? How many times have I forgotten what God has done for me? How often do I dwell on past sins when I know God has forgiven me? How many times have I cheated God - and myself - with false worship? How many times have I done evil in the eyes of the Lord?
Hopefully, those times have been in the minority and mostly in the past because God makes all things new...including me...day by day!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Kenya
My pastor and a team of 5 staff members from NewSpring Church recently went to Kenya for 10 days to begin the process of partnership between our church and a community (or communities) in Kenya. He hasn't told us the details yet, but I want to be part of a team at some point.
Missions is not just overseas though. Mission opportunities are all around us. That's one thing I really haven't been involved in lately. I USED to help with Mobile Meals and the Soup Kitchen and a Bible club for kids in a government housing project and Christmas in Action. Not doing any of those things now. I really need to start doing SOMETHING!
That's become a current prayer request...for God to show me how to use my time wisely so I can once again add some things that are bigger than me and helpful to those who perhaps can not help themselves.
Missions is not just overseas though. Mission opportunities are all around us. That's one thing I really haven't been involved in lately. I USED to help with Mobile Meals and the Soup Kitchen and a Bible club for kids in a government housing project and Christmas in Action. Not doing any of those things now. I really need to start doing SOMETHING!
That's become a current prayer request...for God to show me how to use my time wisely so I can once again add some things that are bigger than me and helpful to those who perhaps can not help themselves.
What a Week
This has been one of the longest, hardest weeks I've had in some time. I worked late every night this week at my job. That and some other things has just left me tired!
Maybe I'm ready for some time off. I changed jobs late in 2007 and I didn't qualify for much vacation in 2008. Several of the days I did take off were spent volunteering. I don't consider myself a workaholic but I do believe I am accountable to God for how I use my time on the clock for my employer. I work till the work gets done (I'm salaried so I'm not costing my boss overtime). Lately, there has just been more work than I can do in the allotted hours. Is that job security in tough economic times? We do have a new part time person starting Monday. YEA!
There was a news story today about Blue Zones where people live much longer than normal. There were places in Costa Rica, Italy, Japan and California were people regularly live into their 100's. I want to be one of those people. Besides lots of walking and gardening and biking and wood chopping (all that adds up to exercise which I don't get enough of), they laugh a lot. I don't want to get so bogged down in work or responsibilities that I forget - or get too tired - to laugh. The Bible says a cheerful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22). That's the only medicine I want!
Maybe I'm ready for some time off. I changed jobs late in 2007 and I didn't qualify for much vacation in 2008. Several of the days I did take off were spent volunteering. I don't consider myself a workaholic but I do believe I am accountable to God for how I use my time on the clock for my employer. I work till the work gets done (I'm salaried so I'm not costing my boss overtime). Lately, there has just been more work than I can do in the allotted hours. Is that job security in tough economic times? We do have a new part time person starting Monday. YEA!
There was a news story today about Blue Zones where people live much longer than normal. There were places in Costa Rica, Italy, Japan and California were people regularly live into their 100's. I want to be one of those people. Besides lots of walking and gardening and biking and wood chopping (all that adds up to exercise which I don't get enough of), they laugh a lot. I don't want to get so bogged down in work or responsibilities that I forget - or get too tired - to laugh. The Bible says a cheerful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22). That's the only medicine I want!
Monday, February 16, 2009
How Great Is My God
What is God doing in my life, right now? Sometimes I don't think God is doing anything because nothing spectacular is happening. It grieves me sometimes that I don't find every day spectacular. What is God doing? I wake up in the morning with a roof over my head, food in the fridge, lights with a flip of a switch, heat when it's cold, a/c when it's hot, a washer and dryer, a stove, a shower, a toilet. There are people all over the world, even in America, who would consider it a miracle to have what I have.
Besides all the stuff, I am reasonably healthy...I take a multi-vitamin but no medications. That in itself is pretty spectacular for a 60 year old woman. I have a son and daughter in law who live nearby and 2 grandchildren who are spectacular in their own ways. I have a job, and a car and money to put gas in it. I participate in the greatest church around these parts. I have friends in my home group and my volunteer teams at church and at work.
When I drive home from work in the evenings, I sometimes see the most beautiful sunsets where the sky is orange and yellow and blue-black. I hear the birds in the morning outside my kitchen window. I see bunnies hopping across the back yard. On top of all that, He allows me opportunities to speak His name and His love and His goodness and His salvation into the lives of people I meet.
I am blessed beyond measure! God fills my life with love and joy, peace and contentment, laughter and song. Sounds like maybe I've never shed any tears or felt any hurt or disappointment. Not true at all. I'm twice divorced, had a full term baby still born, had cancer, closed a family business, been fired from a job, my dad, mom and brother all died within a period of 18 months, had more bad relationships than anyone should have, lived in the pit of hell for 17 years. But...my God is greater than all my sins, He is greater than all my problems. He is the God of 2nd chances. He longs for me to rest in His arms. He wants me to know how much He loves me and cares for me and will provide for me. How great is my God!
Besides all the stuff, I am reasonably healthy...I take a multi-vitamin but no medications. That in itself is pretty spectacular for a 60 year old woman. I have a son and daughter in law who live nearby and 2 grandchildren who are spectacular in their own ways. I have a job, and a car and money to put gas in it. I participate in the greatest church around these parts. I have friends in my home group and my volunteer teams at church and at work.
When I drive home from work in the evenings, I sometimes see the most beautiful sunsets where the sky is orange and yellow and blue-black. I hear the birds in the morning outside my kitchen window. I see bunnies hopping across the back yard. On top of all that, He allows me opportunities to speak His name and His love and His goodness and His salvation into the lives of people I meet.
I am blessed beyond measure! God fills my life with love and joy, peace and contentment, laughter and song. Sounds like maybe I've never shed any tears or felt any hurt or disappointment. Not true at all. I'm twice divorced, had a full term baby still born, had cancer, closed a family business, been fired from a job, my dad, mom and brother all died within a period of 18 months, had more bad relationships than anyone should have, lived in the pit of hell for 17 years. But...my God is greater than all my sins, He is greater than all my problems. He is the God of 2nd chances. He longs for me to rest in His arms. He wants me to know how much He loves me and cares for me and will provide for me. How great is my God!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
America
My 9 year grandson has been hearing all the stuff about the economy and how people are out of jobs and how tight money is and all that goes with the recession we are in. Yesterday, he was asking me what is so great about living in America when things are so terrible.
Maybe he is not old enough to hear this at school or maybe it's just that we - the adults in his life - have a tendency to complain about life rather than celebrate it. So I was able to talk to him about the freedom we have: how we vote and the government leadership can change without guns; how we can go to any church - or not go at all - without fear of arrest or harassment; how we can live anywhere we want - we can move at will; how we can work where we want, study what we want in college, choose our career. And he said so?
Nathan has never been to another country or studied the history of other countries. He does not yet know that those things we take so much for granted are not available to everyone in the world.
I am so grateful to be an American; that is one of the greatest blessings in my life from God. I want my grandchildren to be proud and grateful to live in this wonderful country. Of course America is not perfect but I really believe it is the best there is on this planet.
Maybe he is not old enough to hear this at school or maybe it's just that we - the adults in his life - have a tendency to complain about life rather than celebrate it. So I was able to talk to him about the freedom we have: how we vote and the government leadership can change without guns; how we can go to any church - or not go at all - without fear of arrest or harassment; how we can live anywhere we want - we can move at will; how we can work where we want, study what we want in college, choose our career. And he said so?
Nathan has never been to another country or studied the history of other countries. He does not yet know that those things we take so much for granted are not available to everyone in the world.
I am so grateful to be an American; that is one of the greatest blessings in my life from God. I want my grandchildren to be proud and grateful to live in this wonderful country. Of course America is not perfect but I really believe it is the best there is on this planet.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Lord You Are...
There's a chorus from the 80's that's been running through my head lately.
Lord, You are more precious than silver;
Lord, You are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds;
Nothing I desire compares to You.
I don't know why this chorus surfaced in my brain. Perhaps it's because I have friends who just lost their precious little granddaughter who turned one year old on Christmas day. Earlier this week, the parents found the child dead in her crib when they got up to get ready for the day.
What anguish fills the heart over the loss of a child! I have been praying for these friends of mine. Only Jesus can comfort in a time like this. Only Jesus can give them peace. Only Jesus can dry their tears. Only Jesus can help them sleep at night. This makes no sense to the human mind. Only Jesus knows the answers to the "Why?"
In the Bible we have the story of Job. He was a man blessed by God with children and lots of possessions; he was one of the richest men of his day. In one day, he lost everything including all his children. Job's response was "...the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, may the name of the Lord be praised."
How difficult that can be; to praise the name of the Lord no matter what. For me, I want nothing more than Jesus. I pray that God fills my heart each day with the desire to know Him more, to follow Him more closely, to do what He says 'cause nothing I desire in this world -and that includes family and friends as well as stuff - can compare with having a deep, personal relationship with Jesus.
Lord, You are more precious than silver;
Lord, You are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds;
Nothing I desire compares to You.
I don't know why this chorus surfaced in my brain. Perhaps it's because I have friends who just lost their precious little granddaughter who turned one year old on Christmas day. Earlier this week, the parents found the child dead in her crib when they got up to get ready for the day.
What anguish fills the heart over the loss of a child! I have been praying for these friends of mine. Only Jesus can comfort in a time like this. Only Jesus can give them peace. Only Jesus can dry their tears. Only Jesus can help them sleep at night. This makes no sense to the human mind. Only Jesus knows the answers to the "Why?"
In the Bible we have the story of Job. He was a man blessed by God with children and lots of possessions; he was one of the richest men of his day. In one day, he lost everything including all his children. Job's response was "...the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, may the name of the Lord be praised."
How difficult that can be; to praise the name of the Lord no matter what. For me, I want nothing more than Jesus. I pray that God fills my heart each day with the desire to know Him more, to follow Him more closely, to do what He says 'cause nothing I desire in this world -and that includes family and friends as well as stuff - can compare with having a deep, personal relationship with Jesus.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
A Man after God's Heart
God called David a man after His own heart. How did David get the be that close to God? Over and over when he had decisions to make the Bible tells us that David "inquired of the Lord".
David had been told, was actually anointed as the next king of Israel. Saul, the current king, tried for years to kill David. David had to live among his enemies, pretend insanity and fight and fight and fight. One thing he refused to do was hurry his ascension to the throne. Twice he was so close to Saul - and Saul didn't know he was close - that he easily could have killed King Saul, but he didn't. He wanted to wait on God's timing. He didn't want to take matters into his own hands.
How many times do I rush to do something without praying it through, without inquiring of the Lord? How often do I take matters into my own hands rather than giving God time to work everything out His way? My desire is to have a heart like God's and to do that I need to read and study His word and I need to pray fervently for God to show me His plans and His timing for me. Be ready to "jump" as soon as God says jump - just don't do it when I say jump.
David had been told, was actually anointed as the next king of Israel. Saul, the current king, tried for years to kill David. David had to live among his enemies, pretend insanity and fight and fight and fight. One thing he refused to do was hurry his ascension to the throne. Twice he was so close to Saul - and Saul didn't know he was close - that he easily could have killed King Saul, but he didn't. He wanted to wait on God's timing. He didn't want to take matters into his own hands.
How many times do I rush to do something without praying it through, without inquiring of the Lord? How often do I take matters into my own hands rather than giving God time to work everything out His way? My desire is to have a heart like God's and to do that I need to read and study His word and I need to pray fervently for God to show me His plans and His timing for me. Be ready to "jump" as soon as God says jump - just don't do it when I say jump.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sacrifice vs Obedience
Some things I read in the Bible are just hard to grasp. One of those is God telling Israel to kill all the men, women, children, infants, sheep, oxen, camels, etc when they fought against their enemies. God had given the command over and over since the time of Moses - do not let the people live, do not marry them, do not worship their gods. God knew that these evil people who burned their children alive as sacrifice to their gods would turn the hearts of the Israelites away from Him. God also knew that those left alive would one day seek revenge on those who had taken their families and land and livestock. Many a battle has been fought over lesser things.
God actually took the kingdom away from King Saul because he did not kill Agag, king of the Amalekites and because he kept the best of the livestock. Saul's problem was he claimed he had obeyed when he actually had not. When he was caught with the king and the animals, he blamed the people for taking them and in a way blamed God. Saul claimed they kept them so they could offer sacrifices to God.
God's response was swift and one I need always to remember: "Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed better than the fat of rams." (1 Samuel 15:22)
Maybe today I don't offer burnt offerings but I do offer my time and money and energy and talent. Do I sometimes think just doing or giving is better than having a heart fully devoted to God? Is doing better than obeying a word He speaks into my heart? God says NO! He wants my obedience in ALL things more than he wants my service in anything.
God actually took the kingdom away from King Saul because he did not kill Agag, king of the Amalekites and because he kept the best of the livestock. Saul's problem was he claimed he had obeyed when he actually had not. When he was caught with the king and the animals, he blamed the people for taking them and in a way blamed God. Saul claimed they kept them so they could offer sacrifices to God.
God's response was swift and one I need always to remember: "Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed better than the fat of rams." (1 Samuel 15:22)
Maybe today I don't offer burnt offerings but I do offer my time and money and energy and talent. Do I sometimes think just doing or giving is better than having a heart fully devoted to God? Is doing better than obeying a word He speaks into my heart? God says NO! He wants my obedience in ALL things more than he wants my service in anything.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Fear of the Lord
What does it mean to live in "fear of the Lord"? Does it mean I should be afraid of God? Yes and no. In Luke 12:4-5, Jesus is speaking and He says, "I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!" Only God has authority to cast into hell and that can strike real fear in a person.
But in the very next verses, Luke 12:6-7, Jesus says, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." So that brings great comfort. God knows me so intimately He even knows how many hairs are on my head. Wow!
This seems to be such a contradiction - do I fear Him or not? If I don't have a personal relationship with Jesus, I should be a afraid of the Creator of the universe, the One who holds the power of life and death and the One who can cast an unrepentant sinner into hell. As a Christ follower, I have no fear of death or hell but I should stand in awe of God as the Living God; the holy, all powerful, all knowing God who gave His son for my sins. Fear as afraid or fear as awe - both are true. Depends on my relationship with Him.
But in the very next verses, Luke 12:6-7, Jesus says, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." So that brings great comfort. God knows me so intimately He even knows how many hairs are on my head. Wow!
This seems to be such a contradiction - do I fear Him or not? If I don't have a personal relationship with Jesus, I should be a afraid of the Creator of the universe, the One who holds the power of life and death and the One who can cast an unrepentant sinner into hell. As a Christ follower, I have no fear of death or hell but I should stand in awe of God as the Living God; the holy, all powerful, all knowing God who gave His son for my sins. Fear as afraid or fear as awe - both are true. Depends on my relationship with Him.
Reading God's Word
I love to read. I have 100's of books...novels, history, Christian living, devotionals...all sorts of things. Lately, though, I've been reading the Bible more than anything. I have 8 different translations of the Bible with an additional 2 or 3 different New Testament translations. Over the years I have read the Bible through in 5 or 6 of these translations. I'm reading the English Standard Version now. It's a more literal word for word translation and a little tougher to understand at times.
I'm currently reading in First Samuel. Some verses that really made me think are 1 Samuel 1:11,20,22; 2:2. In these verses Hannah made a vow to the Lord. If He would grant her a son, she would give him back to the Lord. God did give her a son and she did give him back to the Lord - taking Samuel to the temple to live as soon as he was weaned. Have I ever made a vow to God - do this thing for me and I will...? Ecclesiastes 5:5 says it is better not to vow than to vow and not pay.
In 1 Samuel 2:12, Eli's sons are called worthless men; they did not know the Lord. What difference did this make? They were the priests! Only God sees men's hearts and only God truly knows who is His, but I should never make assumptions that because someone is in church, even actively serving that he/she knows God. I have a responsibility to initiate conversations about my relationship with Jesus so that people will talk about their relationship - or recognize that they don't have one.
"...for those who honor me I will honor..." 1 Samuel 2:30. God is speaking in the context of Eli's worthless sons and His stripping of the priesthood from Eli's family. But I think this also speaks to those who are Christ followers. If we attempt to make a name for ourselves, God will not honor that. We do not honor ourselves by our service or our piety or our worship. ALL THE HONOR belongs to God and He will honor those He chooses.
I'm currently reading in First Samuel. Some verses that really made me think are 1 Samuel 1:11,20,22; 2:2. In these verses Hannah made a vow to the Lord. If He would grant her a son, she would give him back to the Lord. God did give her a son and she did give him back to the Lord - taking Samuel to the temple to live as soon as he was weaned. Have I ever made a vow to God - do this thing for me and I will...? Ecclesiastes 5:5 says it is better not to vow than to vow and not pay.
In 1 Samuel 2:12, Eli's sons are called worthless men; they did not know the Lord. What difference did this make? They were the priests! Only God sees men's hearts and only God truly knows who is His, but I should never make assumptions that because someone is in church, even actively serving that he/she knows God. I have a responsibility to initiate conversations about my relationship with Jesus so that people will talk about their relationship - or recognize that they don't have one.
"...for those who honor me I will honor..." 1 Samuel 2:30. God is speaking in the context of Eli's worthless sons and His stripping of the priesthood from Eli's family. But I think this also speaks to those who are Christ followers. If we attempt to make a name for ourselves, God will not honor that. We do not honor ourselves by our service or our piety or our worship. ALL THE HONOR belongs to God and He will honor those He chooses.
Right in Their Own Eyes
In the book of Judges there are 2 verses that say the same thing and sum up all the problems the people of Israel had. Judges 17:6 and 21:25...all the people did what seemed right in their own eyes.
That is still the problem with most people, especially those who are far from God. It amazes me sometimes with all the advances we've made in the last 3000 years our hearts have not changed at all. We still want to do what seems right in our on eyes. In fact, the Bible says that the thoughts of man's heart is only evil all the time. Even as Christ follower I struggle with the evil thoughts, desires and intent of my heart.
Just as it was for the Israelites who needed to devote themselves wholly to the Lord, so we today need to give our hearts to Jesus so He can take that hard lump of stone we call a heart and turn it into a heart that is soft and pliable in His hands. Only Jesus can turn our hearts and eyes and minds away from our own selfish desires and turn them toward the pursuit of the holiness of God.
That is still the problem with most people, especially those who are far from God. It amazes me sometimes with all the advances we've made in the last 3000 years our hearts have not changed at all. We still want to do what seems right in our on eyes. In fact, the Bible says that the thoughts of man's heart is only evil all the time. Even as Christ follower I struggle with the evil thoughts, desires and intent of my heart.
Just as it was for the Israelites who needed to devote themselves wholly to the Lord, so we today need to give our hearts to Jesus so He can take that hard lump of stone we call a heart and turn it into a heart that is soft and pliable in His hands. Only Jesus can turn our hearts and eyes and minds away from our own selfish desires and turn them toward the pursuit of the holiness of God.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Convenience
Tonight I actually cooked dinner for a change and it was very good. But because I am single and often in a rush and not always home at mealtime, I have a tendency to eat fast food or to buy convenience food at the grocery. I'm not so into convenience that I buy my eggs already boiled and peeled but they are there in the store for purchase. I do buy already diced potatoes and onions. Mary B or Miss Sue or whatever her name is makes much better biscuits than I do so I buy hers in the freezer section and whole baked chickens from the deli and already peeled and sliced fruit from the produce section.
Is there anything wrong with this? No, it really fills a need for the woman (or man) on the go who doesn't have time to peel and chop and mix and bake. Only problem comes when I want convenience in EVERY area of life. You know, take a pill to lose weight. No cutting back on food or participating in any exercise...just pop a pill.
That can also carry over to my spiritual life. Maybe I don't want to wrestle with God over the issues I'm dealing with or for my lost family or friends. Maybe I don't want to dig into God's word to discover His truth to live by. Maybe I just want to show up at church once a week and think that's all I need. For me that is NOT all I need and I do put aside time just about every day to spend time reading God's word and praying for my family, my friends, my church, those who are far from God, the president and anyone else that comes to mind.
I think we, as a people, as a culture, have it too easy sometimes. Flip a switch and we have light or heat. Quick stop at the store and we have dinner. Turn on the TV or the computer and we are connected to people and events around the world. I like the convenience that being American in the 21st century provides. But I also want to be sure that I understand that some things are worth whatever effort it takes to achieve them. The most important of those for me is my relationship with the living God through His son Jesus Christ. Like any relationship, it takes time and commitment. No convenience shopping for that!
Is there anything wrong with this? No, it really fills a need for the woman (or man) on the go who doesn't have time to peel and chop and mix and bake. Only problem comes when I want convenience in EVERY area of life. You know, take a pill to lose weight. No cutting back on food or participating in any exercise...just pop a pill.
That can also carry over to my spiritual life. Maybe I don't want to wrestle with God over the issues I'm dealing with or for my lost family or friends. Maybe I don't want to dig into God's word to discover His truth to live by. Maybe I just want to show up at church once a week and think that's all I need. For me that is NOT all I need and I do put aside time just about every day to spend time reading God's word and praying for my family, my friends, my church, those who are far from God, the president and anyone else that comes to mind.
I think we, as a people, as a culture, have it too easy sometimes. Flip a switch and we have light or heat. Quick stop at the store and we have dinner. Turn on the TV or the computer and we are connected to people and events around the world. I like the convenience that being American in the 21st century provides. But I also want to be sure that I understand that some things are worth whatever effort it takes to achieve them. The most important of those for me is my relationship with the living God through His son Jesus Christ. Like any relationship, it takes time and commitment. No convenience shopping for that!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The Next Generation
As I was reading in the book of Judges, after Joshua died and the leaders after him died, a new generation came along that didn't know the Lord or the works He had done for Israel.
Hmmm...sounds like somebody dropped the ball in teaching their little ones about the faithfulness of God. Makes me contemplate whether or not I am doing a good job of talking to my grandchildren about God's faithfulness in my life - and theirs. As we look at the stars or a sunset or a rainbow, do I talk to them about the creativeness of our God, the majesty of His creation? Do I help them to understand why we worship God and do not worship the things He has made? Do I help them learn that everything we have, home, health, food, jobs, even our stuff is because of the blessing of God. This is my responsibility, the responsibility of the family, not the church.
When the children of Israel forgot about the Lord, they began to worship false gods and God allowed them to become slaves to various people. When they would cry out in their bondage and suffering, God always came through to rescue them. For many years they would live in peace, then they would abandon the Lord again and the cycle would be repeated. I don't want that for my generation, or the next, although we may be in the beginnings of that type of cycle now. Just a thought.
Hmmm...sounds like somebody dropped the ball in teaching their little ones about the faithfulness of God. Makes me contemplate whether or not I am doing a good job of talking to my grandchildren about God's faithfulness in my life - and theirs. As we look at the stars or a sunset or a rainbow, do I talk to them about the creativeness of our God, the majesty of His creation? Do I help them to understand why we worship God and do not worship the things He has made? Do I help them learn that everything we have, home, health, food, jobs, even our stuff is because of the blessing of God. This is my responsibility, the responsibility of the family, not the church.
When the children of Israel forgot about the Lord, they began to worship false gods and God allowed them to become slaves to various people. When they would cry out in their bondage and suffering, God always came through to rescue them. For many years they would live in peace, then they would abandon the Lord again and the cycle would be repeated. I don't want that for my generation, or the next, although we may be in the beginnings of that type of cycle now. Just a thought.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Crossing the Jordan
As Joshua led the people of Israel in the conquest of the Promised Land, one of the things they had to do was cross the Jordan River. God told the priests to take the ark and head for the river. When the feet of the priests went into the water, then God would stop it from flowing. There is an aside, a parenthesis, that the Jordan overflows its banks during the harvest. So I can surmise that this was no calm, slow moving creek or stream but an actual river at flood stage.
Joshua, the priests and the people were obedient so they went across the Jordan and proceeded to defeat 32 kings and take possession of their lands. Do I have the faith to cross my Jordans? When God says Go, do I? Do I expect God to make every thing clear and take away every obstacle before I am willing to venture out? God didn't work that way with the Israelites and I doubt He will work that way with me.
God will not ask me to do anything that He will not equip me to do. He will not ask me to go anyplace that He will not go with me. But that doesn't mean it will always be easy or safe but God expects me to be obedient anyway...all so He gets the glory.
Joshua, the priests and the people were obedient so they went across the Jordan and proceeded to defeat 32 kings and take possession of their lands. Do I have the faith to cross my Jordans? When God says Go, do I? Do I expect God to make every thing clear and take away every obstacle before I am willing to venture out? God didn't work that way with the Israelites and I doubt He will work that way with me.
God will not ask me to do anything that He will not equip me to do. He will not ask me to go anyplace that He will not go with me. But that doesn't mean it will always be easy or safe but God expects me to be obedient anyway...all so He gets the glory.
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