"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalm 126:2-3
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:13
All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast." Proverbs 15:15
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Proverbs 15:30
I surprised myself last evening. I have been reading a good book this past week, and I on several occasions have found myself laughing as I perused the pages. It made me pause for several reasons. As a writer, I often find myself analyzing as I read, trying to discover what it is that makes it a good book. Sometimes I become so enthralled with the story, that I forget to examine it, because I am so wrapped up in the unfolding drama.
Several weeks ago, I still was in the midst of some very difficult situations. I was experiencing many health issues, as well as feeling overwhelmed by various stresses that I kept encountering. I knew that my health was continuing to deteriorate, because of these various weights that were weighing me down.
That is the main reason I felt God calling me to start this spiritual retreat - to help me get my eyes more focused on Him, instead of my situation. It has at times taken a conscious choice and decision to keep my eyes on Him, even though I was seeing no results. This is often typical of us it seems - to get discouraged when we don't see anything happening. Perhaps because we live in a fast paced society, we expect instant fruit.
But it always takes the seed being planted, water, sunlight, and growth before a bud forms. Then the flower still needs to be pollinated before it can begin to burst forth with fruit. Even the fruit takes a while to fully form and be 'ripe'. I am not yet at the point of seeing fruit, but I have witnessed the potential shining through.
How do I see it? Because I find myself laughing once again, being more joyful, and often discover that I'm humming praise songs or hymns throughout the day. Also, yesterday my husband returned home to tell me of some potentially good news. Even though, I at this point have not seen the actual evidence of it, I trust that God will produce fruit there as well.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Cracked Eggs
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." Ephesians 4:26-27
My youngest son happens to love eggs. Most weeks he asks at least twice, if he can make eggs for breakfast. This morning was no different. But as he was putting the eggs away, the carton slipped and a couple eggs were broken and at least four were cracked. Now, he could have just put the eggs back in the refrigerator and chose not to tell me what happened. But instead, he was up front and honest about the situation.
If he had secretively placed the eggs back in the refrigerator, it wouldn't take very long before they would start to spoil and stink. This made me think about relationships, especially marriage, as we are soon approaching Valentine's Day.
In our day to day relations, we may find some times when we are hurt in a situation. Perhaps our spouse says some unkind words, or did something to hurt your feelings. We get a hairline crack in our shell. Now it may not be noticeable to anybody. Perhaps it can even be covered up with a bandage or you can try to camouflage the crack, to hide this imperfection in our relationship.
But sooner or later if untreated, this crack will continue to weaken our relationship as well as progressively get worse, developing a deeper crack. This is why the Bible stresses the importance of dealing with our relationships on a daily basis....so we do not allow anger and ill feelings to get in the way. When we allow this to happen, it opens the door for Satan to have a foothold in our hearts and in our lives. This verse is one that my husband and I have faithfully followed through the years.
As a prayer warrior for Proverbs 31 Ministry, each week I see evidence of cracks that have been left untreated, and have become huge fissures in relationships - marriages that are falling apart. I can't help but wonder, if they followed the Bible's advice of daily checking on the health status of their marriage, how different would their lives be? Do you have any cracks that you are trying to cover up?
My youngest son happens to love eggs. Most weeks he asks at least twice, if he can make eggs for breakfast. This morning was no different. But as he was putting the eggs away, the carton slipped and a couple eggs were broken and at least four were cracked. Now, he could have just put the eggs back in the refrigerator and chose not to tell me what happened. But instead, he was up front and honest about the situation.
If he had secretively placed the eggs back in the refrigerator, it wouldn't take very long before they would start to spoil and stink. This made me think about relationships, especially marriage, as we are soon approaching Valentine's Day.
In our day to day relations, we may find some times when we are hurt in a situation. Perhaps our spouse says some unkind words, or did something to hurt your feelings. We get a hairline crack in our shell. Now it may not be noticeable to anybody. Perhaps it can even be covered up with a bandage or you can try to camouflage the crack, to hide this imperfection in our relationship.
But sooner or later if untreated, this crack will continue to weaken our relationship as well as progressively get worse, developing a deeper crack. This is why the Bible stresses the importance of dealing with our relationships on a daily basis....so we do not allow anger and ill feelings to get in the way. When we allow this to happen, it opens the door for Satan to have a foothold in our hearts and in our lives. This verse is one that my husband and I have faithfully followed through the years.
As a prayer warrior for Proverbs 31 Ministry, each week I see evidence of cracks that have been left untreated, and have become huge fissures in relationships - marriages that are falling apart. I can't help but wonder, if they followed the Bible's advice of daily checking on the health status of their marriage, how different would their lives be? Do you have any cracks that you are trying to cover up?
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Torn Curtain
My family and I heard a great sermon this morning by Lon Solomon from McLean Bible Church in Washington D.C. He was talking about the tabernacle during the time of Moses and how there was a thick veil or curtain that separated the Holy of Holies. The High Priest went in once a year to offer atonement for the people of Israel. It was a very sacred place.
Then Jesus came along. When He died on the cross, the curtain in the temple was torn from top to bottom. This act allowed us to have access to the Heavenly Father, without having to have a High Priest to intervene for us. (Well, to some degree - Jesus paid the ultimate price by dying on the cross in our place, allowing Himself to be the High Priest that goes before the throne of God on our account).
Hebrews 4:16 says "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." What a reassurance to be able to have access to the Father, and to know that He cares about our every need. We can boldly approach because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross.
Jesus encouraged us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30. We so often want to handle things on our own. We forget the importance of taking everything to our Heavenly Father. He knows everything about us. He knows what is best for us. He is just waiting for us to hand our burdens over to Him, because He loves us so much and wants to carry our burdens.
How different would our lives be, if instead of getting upset by a situation, we immediately took it in prayer to our Heavenly Father? Sometimes it takes continual releasing the problem back to him, before we learn to really let go and trust Him with it. I pray that I continue to learn this lesson.
Then Jesus came along. When He died on the cross, the curtain in the temple was torn from top to bottom. This act allowed us to have access to the Heavenly Father, without having to have a High Priest to intervene for us. (Well, to some degree - Jesus paid the ultimate price by dying on the cross in our place, allowing Himself to be the High Priest that goes before the throne of God on our account).
Hebrews 4:16 says "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." What a reassurance to be able to have access to the Father, and to know that He cares about our every need. We can boldly approach because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross.
Jesus encouraged us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30. We so often want to handle things on our own. We forget the importance of taking everything to our Heavenly Father. He knows everything about us. He knows what is best for us. He is just waiting for us to hand our burdens over to Him, because He loves us so much and wants to carry our burdens.
How different would our lives be, if instead of getting upset by a situation, we immediately took it in prayer to our Heavenly Father? Sometimes it takes continual releasing the problem back to him, before we learn to really let go and trust Him with it. I pray that I continue to learn this lesson.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Imitating the Father
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:25-27
"Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8: 23-26
In the midst of the snow storm today, there was a flurry of activity at our bird feeders. Sparrows, juncos, cardinals, blue jays and various types of finches were eagerly seeking sustenance. We took great joy in watching them. I thought about the verses in Matthew 6, which says that God provides for these beautiful creatures. They don't need to worry.
Yesterday I listened to a sermon by James MacDonald about trusting God, and not worrying. He pointed out that in the original language the word storm was a seismic, mega storm. Jesus would have known that a storm was coming. But yet, he still chose to get into the boat. He also chose to sleep and trust His Heavenly Father. You could say that He was resting in His Daddy's arms. He knew that He would be taken care of, as well as His disciples.
What a great example for us - to imitate our Heavenly Father, like Jesus did. Choose to walk in His path. Choose not to worry. Choose to trust that He is going to take care of us, even when we aren't sure of the situation and can't see a positive outcome. In the midst of the storm, choose to trust!
"Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8: 23-26
In the midst of the snow storm today, there was a flurry of activity at our bird feeders. Sparrows, juncos, cardinals, blue jays and various types of finches were eagerly seeking sustenance. We took great joy in watching them. I thought about the verses in Matthew 6, which says that God provides for these beautiful creatures. They don't need to worry.
Yesterday I listened to a sermon by James MacDonald about trusting God, and not worrying. He pointed out that in the original language the word storm was a seismic, mega storm. Jesus would have known that a storm was coming. But yet, he still chose to get into the boat. He also chose to sleep and trust His Heavenly Father. You could say that He was resting in His Daddy's arms. He knew that He would be taken care of, as well as His disciples.
What a great example for us - to imitate our Heavenly Father, like Jesus did. Choose to walk in His path. Choose not to worry. Choose to trust that He is going to take care of us, even when we aren't sure of the situation and can't see a positive outcome. In the midst of the storm, choose to trust!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Eager Anticipation
"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11
I noticed a few days ago, that my snowdrops have pushed up above the soil and are just ready to bloom. I brought a few into the house this morning. Some would look at these small white flowers and be eagerly anticipating the beginning of spring.
There are many things that we eagerly anticipate. It could be an upcoming graduation, a wedding, getting a raise, a reunion with a loved one, etc. Today I am excitedly awaiting the snow that is predicted to hit later this afternoon and through tomorrow. The weather reports have predicted anywhere from 10-24 inches for our area. I can hardly wait, because I love the snow. We have nowhere to go this weekend, so the blizzard-like conditions that have been forecasted are not something to be feared.
My little snowdrops will soon be buried in a thick blanket of snow. Even though they will be covered, that promise of spring eventually coming will still lie beneath the surface. Just like I can't see any snow falling as I write this, I anticipate that it soon will be here and that I will again see the beauty of it.
I thought of this as I was driving home from taking my son to work this morning. There are many things that we eagerly anticipate and look forward to happening in our lives. For some it may be the excitement of watching the Super Bowl this coming Sunday. Our enjoyment is often over temporal things that will not last very long.
How much better would it be if we choose to eagerly anticipate our time with the Lord each day, to bask in His presence? What if we were excited about attending church, and couldn't wait to get there. Or we were more anxious to tell someone about a new spiritual truth that we just learned, instead of talking about the weather. How much different would our Christian walk be, if we choose to walk in the path of each day eagerly looking forward to our time together with our Heavenly Father?
Some food for thought as you go about your day. Ask yourself, "When was the last time that I eagerly anticipated my time with God?" What can you do to change that?
I noticed a few days ago, that my snowdrops have pushed up above the soil and are just ready to bloom. I brought a few into the house this morning. Some would look at these small white flowers and be eagerly anticipating the beginning of spring.
There are many things that we eagerly anticipate. It could be an upcoming graduation, a wedding, getting a raise, a reunion with a loved one, etc. Today I am excitedly awaiting the snow that is predicted to hit later this afternoon and through tomorrow. The weather reports have predicted anywhere from 10-24 inches for our area. I can hardly wait, because I love the snow. We have nowhere to go this weekend, so the blizzard-like conditions that have been forecasted are not something to be feared.
My little snowdrops will soon be buried in a thick blanket of snow. Even though they will be covered, that promise of spring eventually coming will still lie beneath the surface. Just like I can't see any snow falling as I write this, I anticipate that it soon will be here and that I will again see the beauty of it.
I thought of this as I was driving home from taking my son to work this morning. There are many things that we eagerly anticipate and look forward to happening in our lives. For some it may be the excitement of watching the Super Bowl this coming Sunday. Our enjoyment is often over temporal things that will not last very long.
How much better would it be if we choose to eagerly anticipate our time with the Lord each day, to bask in His presence? What if we were excited about attending church, and couldn't wait to get there. Or we were more anxious to tell someone about a new spiritual truth that we just learned, instead of talking about the weather. How much different would our Christian walk be, if we choose to walk in the path of each day eagerly looking forward to our time together with our Heavenly Father?
Some food for thought as you go about your day. Ask yourself, "When was the last time that I eagerly anticipated my time with God?" What can you do to change that?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Words
"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water." James 3:9-12
Being a writer, I happen to enjoy words, which is probably a good thing! :) Some words are just fun to pronounce and say - like plethora, ostentatious and hyperbole. I often do better to put my thoughts down on paper instead of speaking them. I feel I can better convey through the written word what is on my heart. When I go to talk, I always seem to fall short of what I had hoped to say.
In my devotional today it said, "As we communicate with other people, our words show what's in our heart. The words we speak can be a balm for the weary, healing for the hurting, and comfort for the sad; or our words can dig into people's lives and leave ugly wounds and scars that take lots of effort to repair."*
This thought has been on my heart today. I have been contemplating my friend that said that every day she has my name written on her calendar so she remembers to pray for me. That means so very much to me. Even more meaningful is the words of Isaiah 49:15-16, "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." What a tremendous thing to know that my name is engraved on God's hand. He will never forget me!
When faced with difficult challenges and situations we need to be careful in how we respond. I try and remember to utter a quick prayer before responding, and ask God to guide my words and tongue. I'm not always successful, but strive to be. Today I happened to make a right choice. I can't help but wonder if I was able to be gentle, because of my choosing to focus on God this past week or so.
One thing I struggle with is that I usually do not respond verbally, but often hold things inside. I have been this way since I was a little girl. Perhaps it's part of not wanting to make waves. I am not one to confront, even when it tears me up in the process. I feel that part of my health issues have been from internalizing the various stresses that I have experienced this past year. I'm in the process of learning when I need to speak up and say something, and also when I just need to choose to give the situation over to the Lord and trust Him to work. It isn't always easy, and I am still in the process of finding the answers.
I take hope in these words of Jesus, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Matthew 14:27
*Beside the Still Waters January/February 2010 (Volume 15, Issue 1) - February 4, 2010 written by John Lehman
Being a writer, I happen to enjoy words, which is probably a good thing! :) Some words are just fun to pronounce and say - like plethora, ostentatious and hyperbole. I often do better to put my thoughts down on paper instead of speaking them. I feel I can better convey through the written word what is on my heart. When I go to talk, I always seem to fall short of what I had hoped to say.
In my devotional today it said, "As we communicate with other people, our words show what's in our heart. The words we speak can be a balm for the weary, healing for the hurting, and comfort for the sad; or our words can dig into people's lives and leave ugly wounds and scars that take lots of effort to repair."*
This thought has been on my heart today. I have been contemplating my friend that said that every day she has my name written on her calendar so she remembers to pray for me. That means so very much to me. Even more meaningful is the words of Isaiah 49:15-16, "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." What a tremendous thing to know that my name is engraved on God's hand. He will never forget me!
When faced with difficult challenges and situations we need to be careful in how we respond. I try and remember to utter a quick prayer before responding, and ask God to guide my words and tongue. I'm not always successful, but strive to be. Today I happened to make a right choice. I can't help but wonder if I was able to be gentle, because of my choosing to focus on God this past week or so.
One thing I struggle with is that I usually do not respond verbally, but often hold things inside. I have been this way since I was a little girl. Perhaps it's part of not wanting to make waves. I am not one to confront, even when it tears me up in the process. I feel that part of my health issues have been from internalizing the various stresses that I have experienced this past year. I'm in the process of learning when I need to speak up and say something, and also when I just need to choose to give the situation over to the Lord and trust Him to work. It isn't always easy, and I am still in the process of finding the answers.
I take hope in these words of Jesus, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Matthew 14:27
*Beside the Still Waters January/February 2010 (Volume 15, Issue 1) - February 4, 2010 written by John Lehman
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Resting in My Daddy's Arms
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Yesterday as I my husband and I drove to our son's swim meet, it was just beginning to snow. By the time we came out from the meet several hours later, it was continuing to fall. Snow always brings joy to my heart whenever I see it. The roads were getting quite slippery by the time we made it safely home.
Today I was to drive my son to work at a Christian camp - about 35 minutes away from us. Because of the roads, my husband didn't want me to drive, but instead to postpone his working to another day this week. Fortunately our schedule, and the camps is pretty flexible, and we were able to do that. So instead of having to get up early and be stressed with driving in the snow, I was able to sleep in and catch up on some sleep.
I did an unheard of thing (at least for us) - my son and I have decided to take a snow day. He wanted to be able to have some time to play in it. At almost sixteen years of age, I realize that it won't be long before he no longer has this desire. So I took advantage of the time, to give him a break. He chose to do a few of his subjects that require reading, but for the most part we are just relaxing today.
As I have been going through my spiritual retreat, I am realizing the importance of having time to just rest in the Lord's presence. In today's society, there always is a long 'to do' list awaiting our time and attention. We often live in constant motion. We rarely take time to just rest.
I have been keeping a journal as I go through this journey and I have entitled it, "Resting in My Daddy's Arms". It is a reminder to me of setting time apart to come into the Lord's presence. To crawl up in His arms like a little child does with their parent, and just rest in His comfort, peace and security. He has many things He desires to show and teach me. He is just waiting for me (and you) to crawl up in His arms and rest in Him.
Yesterday as I my husband and I drove to our son's swim meet, it was just beginning to snow. By the time we came out from the meet several hours later, it was continuing to fall. Snow always brings joy to my heart whenever I see it. The roads were getting quite slippery by the time we made it safely home.
Today I was to drive my son to work at a Christian camp - about 35 minutes away from us. Because of the roads, my husband didn't want me to drive, but instead to postpone his working to another day this week. Fortunately our schedule, and the camps is pretty flexible, and we were able to do that. So instead of having to get up early and be stressed with driving in the snow, I was able to sleep in and catch up on some sleep.
I did an unheard of thing (at least for us) - my son and I have decided to take a snow day. He wanted to be able to have some time to play in it. At almost sixteen years of age, I realize that it won't be long before he no longer has this desire. So I took advantage of the time, to give him a break. He chose to do a few of his subjects that require reading, but for the most part we are just relaxing today.
As I have been going through my spiritual retreat, I am realizing the importance of having time to just rest in the Lord's presence. In today's society, there always is a long 'to do' list awaiting our time and attention. We often live in constant motion. We rarely take time to just rest.
I have been keeping a journal as I go through this journey and I have entitled it, "Resting in My Daddy's Arms". It is a reminder to me of setting time apart to come into the Lord's presence. To crawl up in His arms like a little child does with their parent, and just rest in His comfort, peace and security. He has many things He desires to show and teach me. He is just waiting for me (and you) to crawl up in His arms and rest in Him.
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