God has not promised the Believer smooth sailing through life. He has never said that we wouldn't go through trials. What He DID say is that He would get us THROUGH it. We will still experience them, but He is with us the whole way. Guiding us. Protecting us. Teaching us! One of the many scriptures that has stuck with me throughout the years, is Ephesians 6:10-18....putting on the Armor of God.
As you face the day to day challenges of life......DON'T FORGET YOUR ARMOR!!
The Armor of God
"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...." Ephesians 6:10-18
Here is a little explanation that I found on the Armor of God...
Belt of TRUTH: God - the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit
Scripture: "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6) Deut. 4:39; Psalm 23:1; 18:1-3
Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS: The holy and perfect righteousness of Jesus in those who are "born again" and filled with His Spirit
Scripture: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." (Matt. 5:6) Psalm 100:3; Rom. 3:23-24, 6:23; Gal. 2:20-21; Phil. 3:8-10.
Sandals of PEACE: Inner peace and readiness
Scripture: "For He Himself is our peace..." (Eph. 2:14-15)Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14; John 14:27, 16:33, 20:21
Shield of FAITH: Living by faith
Scripture: "I am crucified with Christ:...and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God...." (Gal. 2:20) Rom. 4:18-21; Heb. 11:1; 1 Pet. 1:6-7
Helmet of SALVATION: Salvation through Christ
Scripture: Nor is there salvation in any other..."(Acts 4:12) Each day: Ps. 16, 23; Heb. 1:3-6For eternity: 2 Cor. 4:16-18; 1 Thess. 4:17; 1 John 3:1-3
The victorious Sword of the spirit: GOD'S WORD: God's Word countering spiritual deception and accusations
Scripture: "...the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory...." (John 1:14) Heb. 4:12; Matt. 4:2-11; 1 Pet. 3:15; Ps. 119:110-112
To put on the "full armor"--and enjoy a daily and eternal love-relationship with Jesus Christ, thank Him for what He has shown you in His Word. Know the Scriptures behind your prayer so that your words and faith are grounded in the authority of the Bible. (Some of those verses are listed above.) Then pray through each piece. You can use the following prayer as an outline:
The belt of truth: Thank you, my Lord, for showing me the TRUTH about Yourself, Your plans and Your ways. Thank You for reminding me that You are the only God, the Creator of heaven and earth, the King of the universe, my Father who loves me, and my Shepherd who leads me. You are my wisdom, my counselor, my hope, and my strength. You are everything I need each day!
The breastplate of righteousness: Thank You for showing me the truth about myself -- that on my own I could never be good enough to live in your presence. Thank you for taking my sins to the cross and offering me your perfect, RIGHTEOUS life. Lord, show me any sin that I need to confess right now, so that nothing will hinder me from being filled to overflowing with your Spirit. [Take time for confession] Thank you for forgiving me and for filling me with your RIGHTEOUS life.
The sandals of peace: Thank you for the peace you give me when I trust and follow you. Show me how to help others find that PEACE.
The shield of faith: Thank you for helping me have FAITH in you. I choose to count on everything you have shown me about yourself -- and everything you have promised me in your Word.
The helmet of salvation: Thank you for promising me SALVATION both for today's battles and for all eternity.
The sword of the spirit, the Word of God: Thank you for the scriptures you have given me to memorize. Please show me which you want me to use to cut through deceptions and gain your victory in any battle I may face today.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
TUESDAY'S TOP TEN
TUESDAY'S TOP TEN: I will share a different list of my top tens each week!
Top Ten Reasons to Have HOPE!!
10. You are NOT Alone!
In the dark. During the times in your life that you feel no one is there. You're lonely. But, you are not alone. He is always with us. He never leaves. Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Friends may fail you. Family may disappoint you. But Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Call out His name....He hears you! John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
9. God is in Control!
When you are weary. When you have no hope or peace. When things seem so very out of control....give it over to Him. He is still on the Throne. He is still capable. He is IN CONTROL! Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you;do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
8. You Can Trust God's Heart!
When trials arise, and circumstances in life are less than favorable, I don’t doubt how tempting it is to question God’s heart of love. We just want to know that someone truly cares, is looking out for our best interest, and has good in store for us. We want to know the reasons behind His allowances, as if in the “knowing,” We will somehow feel more in control and at ease about our future. Yet, as Charles Spurgeon says, “When we cannot trace God’s hand, we must trust His heart.” His heart is good. He wants the very best for us. He knows the perfect timing. We need only trust Him! Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
7. The Lord is your Protector!
"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...." Ephesians 6:10-18 God's armor brings victory because it is far more than a protective covering. It is the very life of Jesus Christ Himself. "Put on the armor," wrote Paul in his letter to the Romans, "...clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:12-14) When you do, He becomes your hiding place and your shelter in the storm -- just as He was to David. Hidden in Him, you can count on His victory, for He not only covers you as a shield, He also fills you with His life.
6. God is Faithful!
God is faithful to believers. He blesses us, keeps us from evil, helps us grow, and become prosperous. Trust in Him and remember His faithfulness at all times. He's there and He's your greatest ally. 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
5. God Is Powerful!
When we face adversities & trials in life that we think are overwhelming, we only need to bring it to Him. As it says in His Word, NOTHING is too difficult for Him! Remember WHO you are talking to when you go before Him in prayer! You are talking to the CREATOR of the Universe!!! Bring all your cares to Him...He can handle it! :)
“‘Ah Lord GOD! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee’”
4. God will bring you comfort
" God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 " I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart ! I have overcome the world ! " John 16:33 " Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28 How many times have we all needed the strength of the Lord. How many times have we needed His refuge, & to rest in His arms for a while? I know I have, many many times. He has always been there too...with open arms. Lay your burdens at His feet.
3. You Are Loved!
Even when you don't feel worthy. When you don't feel lovable. The Lord still loves you! He loved you so much that He sent His only son to earth to die on a cross for your sins! Imagine that! Just ponder it for a moment! That's INCREDIBLE, selfless LOVE! John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
2. You can have Eternal Life!!
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Through the graciousness of God and His infinite love, God is offering the greatest gift ever eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. All we need to do is accept His free gift of Salvation! Just ask Him into your life & heart...He is waiting!
1. The Victory is already WON!
Praise GOD! Jesus was not defeated that day at Calvary! Satan had his moment of gloating only to be defeated the moment Jesus rose out of the tomb! Death was not the end. . .but only the beginning of what would be the most glorious victory for all! John 11:25 says, “. . .I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” As believers we do not have to be afraid of death! We know we have an eternal home in Heaven with the Savior. He has gone to prepare a place for us. His promises are true and eternal. As the Apostle Paul stated, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
Top Ten Reasons to Have HOPE!!
10. You are NOT Alone!
In the dark. During the times in your life that you feel no one is there. You're lonely. But, you are not alone. He is always with us. He never leaves. Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Friends may fail you. Family may disappoint you. But Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Call out His name....He hears you! John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
9. God is in Control!
When you are weary. When you have no hope or peace. When things seem so very out of control....give it over to Him. He is still on the Throne. He is still capable. He is IN CONTROL! Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you;do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
8. You Can Trust God's Heart!
When trials arise, and circumstances in life are less than favorable, I don’t doubt how tempting it is to question God’s heart of love. We just want to know that someone truly cares, is looking out for our best interest, and has good in store for us. We want to know the reasons behind His allowances, as if in the “knowing,” We will somehow feel more in control and at ease about our future. Yet, as Charles Spurgeon says, “When we cannot trace God’s hand, we must trust His heart.” His heart is good. He wants the very best for us. He knows the perfect timing. We need only trust Him! Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
7. The Lord is your Protector!
"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...." Ephesians 6:10-18 God's armor brings victory because it is far more than a protective covering. It is the very life of Jesus Christ Himself. "Put on the armor," wrote Paul in his letter to the Romans, "...clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:12-14) When you do, He becomes your hiding place and your shelter in the storm -- just as He was to David. Hidden in Him, you can count on His victory, for He not only covers you as a shield, He also fills you with His life.
6. God is Faithful!
God is faithful to believers. He blesses us, keeps us from evil, helps us grow, and become prosperous. Trust in Him and remember His faithfulness at all times. He's there and He's your greatest ally. 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
5. God Is Powerful!
When we face adversities & trials in life that we think are overwhelming, we only need to bring it to Him. As it says in His Word, NOTHING is too difficult for Him! Remember WHO you are talking to when you go before Him in prayer! You are talking to the CREATOR of the Universe!!! Bring all your cares to Him...He can handle it! :)
“‘Ah Lord GOD! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee’”
4. God will bring you comfort
" God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 " I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart ! I have overcome the world ! " John 16:33 " Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28 How many times have we all needed the strength of the Lord. How many times have we needed His refuge, & to rest in His arms for a while? I know I have, many many times. He has always been there too...with open arms. Lay your burdens at His feet.
3. You Are Loved!
Even when you don't feel worthy. When you don't feel lovable. The Lord still loves you! He loved you so much that He sent His only son to earth to die on a cross for your sins! Imagine that! Just ponder it for a moment! That's INCREDIBLE, selfless LOVE! John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
2. You can have Eternal Life!!
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Through the graciousness of God and His infinite love, God is offering the greatest gift ever eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. All we need to do is accept His free gift of Salvation! Just ask Him into your life & heart...He is waiting!
1. The Victory is already WON!
Praise GOD! Jesus was not defeated that day at Calvary! Satan had his moment of gloating only to be defeated the moment Jesus rose out of the tomb! Death was not the end. . .but only the beginning of what would be the most glorious victory for all! John 11:25 says, “. . .I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” As believers we do not have to be afraid of death! We know we have an eternal home in Heaven with the Savior. He has gone to prepare a place for us. His promises are true and eternal. As the Apostle Paul stated, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
Monday, April 25, 2011
MINDFUL MONDAY
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
~ Jeremiah 29:11 ~
Hope. It's a powerful word. Some may not have any. Sad, but true. I don't think that I would've had any hope, if it were not for the Lord & the promise of the verse above. This hope has gotten me through some tough times in my life.
I accepted Christ when I was 7 yrs old at the kitchen table of my childhood home. I was blessed to have my mother be the one to lead me to Jesus. I grew up in a Christian home, went to church 3 times a week, & even graduated from a Christian school. I married my best friend & the love of my life whom I met at church. We've been married today for 19 yrs! Did I have a perfect life? Reading that, you might think so. But, no, I had trials. I had ups and downs.
One of the most difficult times in my life was going through the heartache of infertility. Do you think that a girl in her mid-twenties who has just had her 2nd miscarriage in a year due to an ectopic pregnancy and emergency surgery & is told that she most likely will not be able to conceive, has any hope?? I was scared & defeated. I felt worthless and alone. The one thing in the world that I had wanted to be since I was a kid was a mom. I felt horrible as a woman that I could not give my husband a child. It as a dark place to be. I was terribly depressed for a long time. Hope? Oh no....not much.
We went through a few infertility procedures after visiting specialists. There were glimmers of hope...only to be shattered later. We were finally told that the only 'hope' was IVF. Not only could we not afford it, but after prayer & discussion, we felt it wasn't for us. I had always had adoption in the back of my mind, but Brian wasn't on board yet. So, we did nothing. I was losing all hope of ever becoming a mommy. Then I came accross an online support group for Christian women who had infertility issues. The group was called "Waiting on God's Timing". This group of ladies were a lifeline. I was able to laugh, cry, pray with, and support them & they did the same for me! It was around that time, that someone in the group posted the verse "Jeremiah 29:11.
THERE WAS THE HOPE!!! How had I missed it?? God was always there for me. He had always had a plan, I just needed to put all of my hope & trust in Him to complete it!!
I started to pray for Brian's heart to be opened to adoption. It took about 2 years, but the Lord opened his heart....and opened it WIDE!! We began to visit agencies & get our portfolio ready. Within a few months,we had our homestudy done & were on the waiting list. A month later, we received a call about a 4 yr old little boy that needed a home. We met Dakota an instantly fell in love! His adoption was finalized later that year! The Lord had completed His plan .... or had He?
We had pretty much give up all Hope on ever having an infant. (you'd think we had learned the first time!) We live in a very tiny home...only 2 bedrooms. In order to ever adopt again, the child would have to be a boy (legally) since they would have to share a bedroom. Also, it is very rare that you get an infant through Foster Care, unless you are a foster parent (which we weren't). We did not want to go through a private agency either and spend $20 - 30k on an infant. But, through all of those obstacles......the Lord new my heart ...He new my desire.
2 yrs after adopting Dakota, we received a phone call that his birthmom had another baby. It was a BOY. The state had taken the baby. Not only was this a baby, but a boy, AND Dakota's biological brother!! Talk about a BLESSING!! We applied for our foster care license and moved Nickolas in when he was 4 months old. His adoption was finalized by the time he was 1 and a half!! I got my baby!!! I never thought that I would be a mommy. But, the Lord had a plan for me....and now I have 2 beautiful boys!!
When I look back at all of the heartache that I went through in order to get to where I am today....I see His divine hand in and through it all. He was working...He was building my faith...My HOPE in Him!!
When all looks grim. When all you can see is your circumstances & your pain. Remember....He has a plan. Not a plan to hurt you or to harm you, but A HOPE for your future!!!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
THANKFUL THURSDAY
Today is "Thankful Thursday"! Today I am thankful for .....
LOVE!
Monday Brian and I celebrate 19 years of marriage! How can I put into words how very thankful I am for him & our marriage? The Lord brought me to the one man in the world that would be my very best friend, my support system, my rock and the love of my life. I am so very proud of Brian and the man that he has become over the years! He has seen so many adversities, but has always remained strong and true to himself! He is a great father to our 2 boys and they love him dearly. He is their hero.....and mine! <3 LOVE YOU B!!
Of course this weekend we celebrate the GREATEST love of all!! The Father's love. God sent his son to earth to live and then to die for us. Born to die. That's incredible love! Can you imagine? Sending your only son to his death? That's unselfish love....Redeeming Love!! Jesus was born to die on Calvary....He was wounded so that we could have LIFE! Jesus shed His blood on the cross....in that moment all sin was forgiven. All we need to do is ask. Simple? Yes. Amazing? You betcha! But, that's my Lord! That's AMAZING LOVE!!
But, wait....there's more! 'He did more?'
Oh YES!! It's why we as Christians celebrate Easter!!
'You mean it has nothing to do with eggs & candy and a little bunny hopping around?'
NOPE!! It's soooooo much more!!!
He didn't just die on the cross for our sins! That's incredible & wonderful, but it would be sad if it ended there, right? Why do we rejoice, you ask?
HE ROSE AGAIN!!!!!!
That's right!!! 3 days later....after all of the weeping & moaning, came REJOICING!! He did what no other prophet, king, or 'god' could ever do! He proved that He is the Messiah! The ONE TRUE GOD!! THE GREAT I AM!! JESUS...THE SAVIOR OF ALL! He paid the penalty for our sins and rose again so that we could live eternally with Him in Heaven one day!
Now THAT's love!
EVERLASTING LOVE....I am so thankful for it! Are you?
LOVE!
Monday Brian and I celebrate 19 years of marriage! How can I put into words how very thankful I am for him & our marriage? The Lord brought me to the one man in the world that would be my very best friend, my support system, my rock and the love of my life. I am so very proud of Brian and the man that he has become over the years! He has seen so many adversities, but has always remained strong and true to himself! He is a great father to our 2 boys and they love him dearly. He is their hero.....and mine! <3 LOVE YOU B!!
Of course this weekend we celebrate the GREATEST love of all!! The Father's love. God sent his son to earth to live and then to die for us. Born to die. That's incredible love! Can you imagine? Sending your only son to his death? That's unselfish love....Redeeming Love!! Jesus was born to die on Calvary....He was wounded so that we could have LIFE! Jesus shed His blood on the cross....in that moment all sin was forgiven. All we need to do is ask. Simple? Yes. Amazing? You betcha! But, that's my Lord! That's AMAZING LOVE!!
But, wait....there's more! 'He did more?'
Oh YES!! It's why we as Christians celebrate Easter!!
'You mean it has nothing to do with eggs & candy and a little bunny hopping around?'
NOPE!! It's soooooo much more!!!
He didn't just die on the cross for our sins! That's incredible & wonderful, but it would be sad if it ended there, right? Why do we rejoice, you ask?
HE ROSE AGAIN!!!!!!
That's right!!! 3 days later....after all of the weeping & moaning, came REJOICING!! He did what no other prophet, king, or 'god' could ever do! He proved that He is the Messiah! The ONE TRUE GOD!! THE GREAT I AM!! JESUS...THE SAVIOR OF ALL! He paid the penalty for our sins and rose again so that we could live eternally with Him in Heaven one day!
Now THAT's love!
EVERLASTING LOVE....I am so thankful for it! Are you?
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Word & Worship Wednesday
Good Morning! Today is Word Worship Wednesday! I think I am going to like this day! On Wednesday's I will be sharing some of my favorite scriptures & worship songs :)
This weekend we celebrate the death & resurrection of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. I thought, in light of this, I would share a word & worship song that went along with that. I hope you enjoy!! Have a BLESSED EASTER!!
"People walked by...and shook their heads, saying, 'You said you could destroy the Temple and build it again in three days. So save yourself! Come down from that cross, if you are really the Son of God!'" Matthew 27:39-40
One would think the disciples would suspect something, but they don't. Corner them and probe their knowledge. They don't know. The only thing they know for sure is that his eyes seem more focused--he seems determined.....about what they aren't sure.
Tell them that before Friday's dawn they will abandon their only hope, and they won't believe you. Tell them that Thursday night holds betrayal and denial, and they will scoff.
"Not us," they will boast.
For them this week is like any other. The disciples give no clue.
And most importantly, Jesus gives no clue. His water doesn't become wine. His donkey doesn't speak. The dead stay in the graves and those blind on Monday are still blind on Friday.
You'd think the heavens would be opened. You'd think trumpets would be sounding. You'd think angels would be summoning all the people of the world to Jerusalem to witness the event. You'd think that God himself would descend to bless his Son.
But he doesn't. He leaves the extraordinary moment draped in the ordinary. The predictable week. A week of tasks, meals, and crying babies.
A week which may be a lot like yours. Doubtful that anything spectacular has happened in your week. No great news, no horrible news. No earthquakes. No windfalls. Just a typical week of chores and children and checkout stands.
It was for the people of Jerusalem. On the edge of history's most remarkable hour was one of history's unremarkable weeks. God is in their city and most miss him.
Jesus could have used the spectacular to get their attention. Why didn't he? Why didn't he stun them with a loop-a-dee-loop or a double back-flip off the temple? When they demanded, "Crucify him!" why didn't he make their noses grow? Why is the miraculous part of Christ quiet this week? Why doesn't he do something spectacular?
No angelic shield protected his back from the whip. No holy helmet shielded his brow from the thorny crown. God crawled neck deep into the mire of humanity, plunged into the darkest cave of death, and emerged---ALIVE!
Even when he came out, he didn't show off. He just walked out. Mary thought he was a gardener. Thomas had to have hands-on (or hands-in) proof. Jesus still ate, he still talked, he still broke bread with the Emmaus-bound disciples.
Do you see the point?
God calls us in a real world. He doesn't communicate by performing tricks. He doesn't communicate by stacking stars in the heavens or reincarnating grandparents from the grave. He's not going to speak to you through voices in a cornfield or a litte fat man in a land called Oz. There is about as much power in the plastic Jesus that's on your dashboard as there is in the Styrofoam dice on your rearview mirror.
It doesn't make a lick of difference if you are an Aquarius or a Capricorn or if you were born the day Kennedy was shot. God's not a trickster. He's not a genie. He's not a magician or a good luck charm or the man upstairs. He is, instead, the Creator of the universe who is right here in the thick of our day-to-day world who speaks to you more through cooing babies and hungry bellies than he ever will through horoscopes, zodiac papers, or weeping Madonnas.
If you get some supernatural vision or hear some strange voice in the night, don't get too carried away. It could be God or it could be indigestion, and you don't want to misinterpet one for the other.
Nor do you want to miss the impossible by looking for the incredible God speaks in our world. We just have to learn to hear him.
Listen for Him amidst the ordinary.
Need affirmation of His care? Let the daily sunrise proclaim His loyalty.
Could you use an example of His power? Spend an evening reading how your body works.
Wondering if his Word is reliable? Make a list of the fulfilled prophecies in the Bible and promises in your life.
In the final week those who demanded miracles got none and missed the one. They missed the moment in which a grave for the dead became the throne of a king.
Don't make their mistake.
(From "And The Angels Were Silent" by Max Lucado)
This weekend we celebrate the death & resurrection of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. I thought, in light of this, I would share a word & worship song that went along with that. I hope you enjoy!! Have a BLESSED EASTER!!
"People walked by...and shook their heads, saying, 'You said you could destroy the Temple and build it again in three days. So save yourself! Come down from that cross, if you are really the Son of God!'" Matthew 27:39-40
One would think the disciples would suspect something, but they don't. Corner them and probe their knowledge. They don't know. The only thing they know for sure is that his eyes seem more focused--he seems determined.....about what they aren't sure.
Tell them that before Friday's dawn they will abandon their only hope, and they won't believe you. Tell them that Thursday night holds betrayal and denial, and they will scoff.
"Not us," they will boast.
For them this week is like any other. The disciples give no clue.
And most importantly, Jesus gives no clue. His water doesn't become wine. His donkey doesn't speak. The dead stay in the graves and those blind on Monday are still blind on Friday.
You'd think the heavens would be opened. You'd think trumpets would be sounding. You'd think angels would be summoning all the people of the world to Jerusalem to witness the event. You'd think that God himself would descend to bless his Son.
But he doesn't. He leaves the extraordinary moment draped in the ordinary. The predictable week. A week of tasks, meals, and crying babies.
A week which may be a lot like yours. Doubtful that anything spectacular has happened in your week. No great news, no horrible news. No earthquakes. No windfalls. Just a typical week of chores and children and checkout stands.
It was for the people of Jerusalem. On the edge of history's most remarkable hour was one of history's unremarkable weeks. God is in their city and most miss him.
Jesus could have used the spectacular to get their attention. Why didn't he? Why didn't he stun them with a loop-a-dee-loop or a double back-flip off the temple? When they demanded, "Crucify him!" why didn't he make their noses grow? Why is the miraculous part of Christ quiet this week? Why doesn't he do something spectacular?
No angelic shield protected his back from the whip. No holy helmet shielded his brow from the thorny crown. God crawled neck deep into the mire of humanity, plunged into the darkest cave of death, and emerged---ALIVE!
Even when he came out, he didn't show off. He just walked out. Mary thought he was a gardener. Thomas had to have hands-on (or hands-in) proof. Jesus still ate, he still talked, he still broke bread with the Emmaus-bound disciples.
Do you see the point?
God calls us in a real world. He doesn't communicate by performing tricks. He doesn't communicate by stacking stars in the heavens or reincarnating grandparents from the grave. He's not going to speak to you through voices in a cornfield or a litte fat man in a land called Oz. There is about as much power in the plastic Jesus that's on your dashboard as there is in the Styrofoam dice on your rearview mirror.
It doesn't make a lick of difference if you are an Aquarius or a Capricorn or if you were born the day Kennedy was shot. God's not a trickster. He's not a genie. He's not a magician or a good luck charm or the man upstairs. He is, instead, the Creator of the universe who is right here in the thick of our day-to-day world who speaks to you more through cooing babies and hungry bellies than he ever will through horoscopes, zodiac papers, or weeping Madonnas.
If you get some supernatural vision or hear some strange voice in the night, don't get too carried away. It could be God or it could be indigestion, and you don't want to misinterpet one for the other.
Nor do you want to miss the impossible by looking for the incredible God speaks in our world. We just have to learn to hear him.
Listen for Him amidst the ordinary.
Need affirmation of His care? Let the daily sunrise proclaim His loyalty.
Could you use an example of His power? Spend an evening reading how your body works.
Wondering if his Word is reliable? Make a list of the fulfilled prophecies in the Bible and promises in your life.
In the final week those who demanded miracles got none and missed the one. They missed the moment in which a grave for the dead became the throne of a king.
Don't make their mistake.
(From "And The Angels Were Silent" by Max Lucado)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
I'm Baaaaack!!!
So, today I decided to start (or I guess it would be re-start!) a blog. It's just going to be a general blog to update everyone on the blessings and blunders of the Brown family as we beebopp through life! Hopefully there will be more blessings than blunders, but hey, it's the blunders that increase the faith, make you laugh, and make it all worth reading, right?? :)
I am going to going to have a theme for each day of the week. Here are the themes:
SANCTIFIED SUNDAY: I will discuss little nuggets from our Sunday Word & Worship at church!
MINDFUL MONDAY: I will share some random thoughts, quotes and inspiration. A different topic each week.
TUESDAY'S TOP TEN: I will share a different list of my top tens each week!
WORD AND WORSHIP WEDNESDAY: I will share my favorite scripture &/or worship music for the week, hoping to encourage & lighten your load!
THANKFUL THURSDAY: Gratitude creates it’s own attitude. It can give you a new perspective, a new focus. I am going to use this day as my opportunity to see those things. Please join me.
FAMILY OF FOUR FRIDAY: Updates on the Brown family of four!
SATURDAY SMILE: It may be a post about things that made me smile throughout the week, something I did to make someone else smile, or a joke, video, photo or post that I think will make YOU smile. As long as it relates to smiling, it qualifies for Saturday Smile!
I am going to going to have a theme for each day of the week. Here are the themes:
SANCTIFIED SUNDAY: I will discuss little nuggets from our Sunday Word & Worship at church!
MINDFUL MONDAY: I will share some random thoughts, quotes and inspiration. A different topic each week.
TUESDAY'S TOP TEN: I will share a different list of my top tens each week!
WORD AND WORSHIP WEDNESDAY: I will share my favorite scripture &/or worship music for the week, hoping to encourage & lighten your load!
THANKFUL THURSDAY: Gratitude creates it’s own attitude. It can give you a new perspective, a new focus. I am going to use this day as my opportunity to see those things. Please join me.
FAMILY OF FOUR FRIDAY: Updates on the Brown family of four!
SATURDAY SMILE: It may be a post about things that made me smile throughout the week, something I did to make someone else smile, or a joke, video, photo or post that I think will make YOU smile. As long as it relates to smiling, it qualifies for Saturday Smile!
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