"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2
Did you make a New Year's resolution? Maybe to lose weight, get fit, be better organized, etc. Whatever it might have been, how is it going? I don't know about you, when I make resolutions, I usually start out strong but quickly fall back into the bad habits that make me want to change in the first place.
This year, my first new year as a "saved" christian, I asked God to help me with my resolutions. First, I wanted to consistently spend time in His word, learning as much I as can so I will be ready when called upon for His service. I also asked God to help me rid myself of the need to receive acclamation from others. I have a bad habit of needing to validate myself with other's good opinions. If I don't receive it, I feel less than adequate.
My resolutions might be different than yours. However, whatever the resolution, change can only take place by changing minds. I don't know about you, but I know change doesn't come easy and it is going to take help outside of myself. I spent 42 years forming ungodly habits, change is going to take a lot of help from God and the Holy Spirit within me.
Thank God we have His word to help us and show us how to do it. We need to constantly ask for His help to plant seeds of change. First, I have prayed for Him to reveal my problem, asking Him to clearly show me where I am messing up. Be ready, because when you ask, He is going to show you!! But what a blessing it is to be able to see it so much more clearly than you can on your own.
Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Second, now that God has shown me the areas my thoughts need to be changed, I have asked Him to renew my thinking. To help me to bring every thought captive unto Him. God is teaching me to choose a new way of thinking and giving me strength to deal with and set aside my old nature.
Ephesians 4:22-24 "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Romans 8:5-6 " Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of a sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;"
Next, I have asked God to turn my bad habits into good habits, Godly habits. I have realized I need to feed my thoughts with His word. The more time I spend in the word, the more my thoughts turn to Him. I find myself asking "would God be proud of this thought or that decision?". God wants us to concentrate on things worthy of our time, not the things of this world. Be careful where your mind wanders!
Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
Finally, I have asked God to seal in me His promise. His promise to give me His Holy Spirit that will dwell in me and give me the strength to overcome the thoughts of this world. With His power all things are possible and we can seek the heart of God.
1 Corinthians 2:9-11 " However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him' but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."
1 Corinthians 2:16 " 'For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?' but we have the mind of Christ."
As daunting as changing any of our old habits might be, isn't it awesome to know you have the power of the Spirit on your side. For with the Spirit all things are possible. Submit your habits to the Lord, ask him to help you change, to show you the way to live as He wants you to, in His will. Guess what, He will be so happy to comply!!
Lord, thank you for loving me so much, for being there to help me overcome my bad habits of this world. Continue to strengthen my resolve through your Holy Spirit. Give me the strength to change and do your will - your good, perfect and pleasing will. In Jesus name, Amen.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Jesus - Politically Incorrect, Why?
"'The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,' that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9
I am sure all of you have seen or heard the Brit Hume controversy. In his role as Fox News Contributor, Brit Hume, on national TV said that he felt Tiger Woods should convert to Christianity to find redemption through Jesus Christ. The audacity. How could he dare to utter the name of Jesus on national TV and dare further to suggest that Tiger could find forgiveness in the Lord Jesus Christ!
He has taken a lot of heat and received threatening emails. However, I saw him on Bill O'Reilly stating he was glad he said it and hoped somehow Tiger heard it or someone else got to him with the redemptive message of Jesus Christ.
God Bless you Brit Hume!! I didn't know his story prior to this, but Brit Hume's lost a son to suicide and that tragedy solidified his Christian faith. He has been in the pits and Jesus was his salvation! Who better to minister to Tiger Woods?!
As I watch other things in the media, how they cut off Colt McCoy's interview right before he starts to dare utter the fact that Jesus is his Rock and strength. Why is the world so scared to hear the name of Jesus. When did it get so politically incorrect to publicly state you have been "saved" or "born again"? Why are people so afraid of these things?
Fear comes in not knowing. I was the same way. I used to think people who talked openly about Jesus and being saved or born again where zealots. I was a bit nervous to be around them. I had no idea the bible actually used those terms ("Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13; "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17). I certainly had no knowledge of the absolute grace of God. I used to think if you lived a relatively good life, didn't sin too badly, you would go to heaven.
I believe people find some kind of comfort in that last statement. In their ignorance to the true word of God, they don't have to give up some of their worldly pleasures to have salvation. If they are relatively "nice" people and their sins aren't out there for the world to see, then everything will be OK. Ignorance is bliss. I was like that too.
It can be very scary to think about shining God's light into every nook and cranny of your soul when you don't know the word of God. Shameful to admit the things you are hiding. It isn't until I actually read His word that all the ignorance, breeding both fear and bliss, was lifted and I understood the awesome grace and redemptive power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21;"For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, 'Anyone who trust in him will never be put to shame.'" Romans 10:10-11
So, we know people are afraid to hear the message of Jesus Christ's saving grace. Their fear comes from not knowing the word of God. We know if we stand up and proclaim His glory we will be ridiculed and admonished just as Mr. Hume was. However, we are also charged to do it. As the "saved" and "born again", we are compelled to proclaim the word of God, to give them the knowledge they lack so they can understand and have a chance at salvation.
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless the are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news'." Romans 10:14-15
"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Examine your heart. Look around. Are there people you know who are living a lie? Who need to hear about the redemptive power of Christ? Will you be brave enough to stand up and declare the name of Jesus, giving them hope for a future, salvation for eternity?
I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you stood up in the name of Jesus only to be ridiculed and put down? Do you think as I have heard so many times "religion is a personal thing"? Share with us your stories and thoughts.
Lord, thank you for sending your Son, Christ Jesus, to take on our sin and pay the final price for our salvation. Thank you for allowing me to be born again through the blood of Jesus. I am saved and not of myself but purely by your Grace. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Give me the strength to stand in a world who is afraid to hear Your message. Help me to proclaim Your word so they too might find peace in knowing we are all made new through You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
I am sure all of you have seen or heard the Brit Hume controversy. In his role as Fox News Contributor, Brit Hume, on national TV said that he felt Tiger Woods should convert to Christianity to find redemption through Jesus Christ. The audacity. How could he dare to utter the name of Jesus on national TV and dare further to suggest that Tiger could find forgiveness in the Lord Jesus Christ!
He has taken a lot of heat and received threatening emails. However, I saw him on Bill O'Reilly stating he was glad he said it and hoped somehow Tiger heard it or someone else got to him with the redemptive message of Jesus Christ.
God Bless you Brit Hume!! I didn't know his story prior to this, but Brit Hume's lost a son to suicide and that tragedy solidified his Christian faith. He has been in the pits and Jesus was his salvation! Who better to minister to Tiger Woods?!
As I watch other things in the media, how they cut off Colt McCoy's interview right before he starts to dare utter the fact that Jesus is his Rock and strength. Why is the world so scared to hear the name of Jesus. When did it get so politically incorrect to publicly state you have been "saved" or "born again"? Why are people so afraid of these things?
Fear comes in not knowing. I was the same way. I used to think people who talked openly about Jesus and being saved or born again where zealots. I was a bit nervous to be around them. I had no idea the bible actually used those terms ("Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13; "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17). I certainly had no knowledge of the absolute grace of God. I used to think if you lived a relatively good life, didn't sin too badly, you would go to heaven.
I believe people find some kind of comfort in that last statement. In their ignorance to the true word of God, they don't have to give up some of their worldly pleasures to have salvation. If they are relatively "nice" people and their sins aren't out there for the world to see, then everything will be OK. Ignorance is bliss. I was like that too.
It can be very scary to think about shining God's light into every nook and cranny of your soul when you don't know the word of God. Shameful to admit the things you are hiding. It isn't until I actually read His word that all the ignorance, breeding both fear and bliss, was lifted and I understood the awesome grace and redemptive power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21;"For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, 'Anyone who trust in him will never be put to shame.'" Romans 10:10-11
So, we know people are afraid to hear the message of Jesus Christ's saving grace. Their fear comes from not knowing the word of God. We know if we stand up and proclaim His glory we will be ridiculed and admonished just as Mr. Hume was. However, we are also charged to do it. As the "saved" and "born again", we are compelled to proclaim the word of God, to give them the knowledge they lack so they can understand and have a chance at salvation.
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless the are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news'." Romans 10:14-15
"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Examine your heart. Look around. Are there people you know who are living a lie? Who need to hear about the redemptive power of Christ? Will you be brave enough to stand up and declare the name of Jesus, giving them hope for a future, salvation for eternity?
I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you stood up in the name of Jesus only to be ridiculed and put down? Do you think as I have heard so many times "religion is a personal thing"? Share with us your stories and thoughts.
Lord, thank you for sending your Son, Christ Jesus, to take on our sin and pay the final price for our salvation. Thank you for allowing me to be born again through the blood of Jesus. I am saved and not of myself but purely by your Grace. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Give me the strength to stand in a world who is afraid to hear Your message. Help me to proclaim Your word so they too might find peace in knowing we are all made new through You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Death in me...Life in You!
"We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. for we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." 2 Corinthians 4: 10-12
If you read my last blog, you know we talked about 2 Corinthians 4. I would ask you go back and read the blog from Jan 7 if you haven't already.
I don't know about you, but when God wants me to see something, He puts it in front of me over and over until I get it. Right after I was led to this chapter and wrote that blog, I went to my Precept for Life podcast and guess what Kay was preaching....you guessed it 2 Corinthians 4. Oh how I love those "God Moments".
I know now God wanted me to fully understand the lesson I was trying to convey. This chapter is about our ministry. As Christians, we are all called the minister the Gospel. We are called to show the conduct of God, walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are the bond servants of God. It is not about us, it is about Jesus and we are to preach that to everyone.
We are to open our lives to examination by those who are still living in this world. We are to show them that even when we face trials, we have died with Christ but also been raised with Christ. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
We are to speak the Gospel of Jesus, for all things are for the sake of others, to bring them to Christ. "All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 4:13-15)
As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:31 "I die every day - I mean that, brothers - just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord."
In all of this, we are not to lose heart. We are fulfilling the ministry of God, living so the Gospel can be seen, we are bond servants of Christ, death works in us so life can work in others. Through our momentary afflictions, others see the glory of God, and we all get to live forever in the presence of Almighty God.
What an awesome charge and what a mighty reward. We are all charged with the duty of ministry. We are to live with the light of the spirit so others can see the light and come out of darkness. And though our work will be hard and we will have trials, we will be delivered to eternity with God.
I invite you to watch Kay's teachings on this awesome chapter, ss she is much more eloquent than I could ever hope to be. It is well worth the time you will invest.
You can find them at ligthsource.com Precepts for Life - NWC #5 and NWC #6 : Death in us Life in others Parts 1 and 2 (January 6 and 7, 2010) http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/precepts/20100107/
You can also find them on Itunes....Precepts for Life on Lightsource.com.
Also, visit www.prects.org for awesome Inductive Bible Study courses.
If you read my last blog, you know we talked about 2 Corinthians 4. I would ask you go back and read the blog from Jan 7 if you haven't already.
I don't know about you, but when God wants me to see something, He puts it in front of me over and over until I get it. Right after I was led to this chapter and wrote that blog, I went to my Precept for Life podcast and guess what Kay was preaching....you guessed it 2 Corinthians 4. Oh how I love those "God Moments".
I know now God wanted me to fully understand the lesson I was trying to convey. This chapter is about our ministry. As Christians, we are all called the minister the Gospel. We are called to show the conduct of God, walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are the bond servants of God. It is not about us, it is about Jesus and we are to preach that to everyone.
We are to open our lives to examination by those who are still living in this world. We are to show them that even when we face trials, we have died with Christ but also been raised with Christ. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
We are to speak the Gospel of Jesus, for all things are for the sake of others, to bring them to Christ. "All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 4:13-15)
As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:31 "I die every day - I mean that, brothers - just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord."
In all of this, we are not to lose heart. We are fulfilling the ministry of God, living so the Gospel can be seen, we are bond servants of Christ, death works in us so life can work in others. Through our momentary afflictions, others see the glory of God, and we all get to live forever in the presence of Almighty God.
What an awesome charge and what a mighty reward. We are all charged with the duty of ministry. We are to live with the light of the spirit so others can see the light and come out of darkness. And though our work will be hard and we will have trials, we will be delivered to eternity with God.
I invite you to watch Kay's teachings on this awesome chapter, ss she is much more eloquent than I could ever hope to be. It is well worth the time you will invest.
You can find them at ligthsource.com Precepts for Life - NWC #5 and NWC #6 : Death in us Life in others Parts 1 and 2 (January 6 and 7, 2010) http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/precepts/20100107/
You can also find them on Itunes....Precepts for Life on Lightsource.com.
Also, visit www.prects.org for awesome Inductive Bible Study courses.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
God is Good...All the time...a lesson for all of us.
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." -- 2 Corinthians 4: 8-10
I have a friend who is one of the hardest working, kind hearted, strong yet sweet souls I have ever known. She used to work for me. When I first met her she was very young with two small boys. She was always trying to get their dead beat Dad to pay her child support. She struggled daily to meet their needs, working harder than any single young mother I knew.
As time went on, she met a great man who loved her boys, they got married, and she got pregnant. Everything seemed to finally be going her way. A few weeks before she was to deliver their baby, tragedy struck. Her 29 year old husband had a massive stroke and was on the edge of death. While he was fighting for his life in one hospital, she was giving birth to their baby, alone in another. I remember thinking how incredibly unfair it all was and wondering why such a sweet person like her had to go through all this. She, however, always remained strong and I couldn't understand what kept her going.
She had an infant and a husband suffering all the physical conditions of a stroke patient, both needing constant care. She had to return to work to support the family yet still she was strong and positive. I couldn't believe it.
As the years went on, she continued to support and love her family. Her husband will likely never work again. She worked very hard and moved up in our company, despite not having the college degree. Things were looking up. She bought a home of her own and was so proud.
Then, our company downsized, she lost her job and her insurance, which as you can guess was much needed given her husbands condition. However, with her usual strength and determination she trudged on and overcame.
She has a new job, a new home and was pregnant again. Things were going well. Two days ago, she lost the baby. I will tell you honestly, when I heard that news, I actually prayed to God and asked "What more can you do to that poor girl? She is the dearest, kindest person I know and you keep heaping it on her. Please give her a rest, can't you find someone who deserves the pain and give it to them!"
Later that night, I was flipping through my bible. I will write things in the margin when I hear or see something that strikes me or explains a verse I don't understand. As I was flipping, I landed on 2 Corinthians 4, and I had written in the margin "deepest suffering defined as "light affliction" - nothing compared to what we WILL receive." Wow, with my friends seemingly unending trials on my mind, God had taken me right to what I needed to see.
I read Chapter 4 which ends as follows....
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." -- 2 Corinthians 4: 17-18
I read that and understood. While we don't always understand God's methods or why he seems to give some people more than most of us could handle, He does have a reason. What we see is our temporary circumstance. What we don't see are the rewards that will come from these circumstances.
As a non-believer, it was always easy to say "If God was really all they say, He would never allow bad things to happen to good people." I actually used to think God didn't have any hand in our living. He just put us her to live out our lives without his interference.
I know now, my friend finds her strength in the Lord and Savior. She has an understanding that all things work for good. Her faith is strong.
I am sure she has struggled with the whys, we all do. But through her faith in God she sets an example for those of us who watch her in sheer amazement. She may not know that her example shines God's light to those of us who watch her overcome, but God does. Her faith has strengthened mine and she is surely storing up treasures in heaven.
Lord, thank you for giving me the opportunity to see your faithfulness at work. While we don't always understand why things happen, through you, we can understand there is an unseen purpose and if we remain faithful, those unseen glories will be revealed to us. Lord, bless my friend and give her the peace of knowing her example touches lives and changes hearts. Bless her and give her peace. Amen
I have a friend who is one of the hardest working, kind hearted, strong yet sweet souls I have ever known. She used to work for me. When I first met her she was very young with two small boys. She was always trying to get their dead beat Dad to pay her child support. She struggled daily to meet their needs, working harder than any single young mother I knew.
As time went on, she met a great man who loved her boys, they got married, and she got pregnant. Everything seemed to finally be going her way. A few weeks before she was to deliver their baby, tragedy struck. Her 29 year old husband had a massive stroke and was on the edge of death. While he was fighting for his life in one hospital, she was giving birth to their baby, alone in another. I remember thinking how incredibly unfair it all was and wondering why such a sweet person like her had to go through all this. She, however, always remained strong and I couldn't understand what kept her going.
She had an infant and a husband suffering all the physical conditions of a stroke patient, both needing constant care. She had to return to work to support the family yet still she was strong and positive. I couldn't believe it.
As the years went on, she continued to support and love her family. Her husband will likely never work again. She worked very hard and moved up in our company, despite not having the college degree. Things were looking up. She bought a home of her own and was so proud.
Then, our company downsized, she lost her job and her insurance, which as you can guess was much needed given her husbands condition. However, with her usual strength and determination she trudged on and overcame.
She has a new job, a new home and was pregnant again. Things were going well. Two days ago, she lost the baby. I will tell you honestly, when I heard that news, I actually prayed to God and asked "What more can you do to that poor girl? She is the dearest, kindest person I know and you keep heaping it on her. Please give her a rest, can't you find someone who deserves the pain and give it to them!"
Later that night, I was flipping through my bible. I will write things in the margin when I hear or see something that strikes me or explains a verse I don't understand. As I was flipping, I landed on 2 Corinthians 4, and I had written in the margin "deepest suffering defined as "light affliction" - nothing compared to what we WILL receive." Wow, with my friends seemingly unending trials on my mind, God had taken me right to what I needed to see.
I read Chapter 4 which ends as follows....
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." -- 2 Corinthians 4: 17-18
I read that and understood. While we don't always understand God's methods or why he seems to give some people more than most of us could handle, He does have a reason. What we see is our temporary circumstance. What we don't see are the rewards that will come from these circumstances.
As a non-believer, it was always easy to say "If God was really all they say, He would never allow bad things to happen to good people." I actually used to think God didn't have any hand in our living. He just put us her to live out our lives without his interference.
I know now, my friend finds her strength in the Lord and Savior. She has an understanding that all things work for good. Her faith is strong.
I am sure she has struggled with the whys, we all do. But through her faith in God she sets an example for those of us who watch her in sheer amazement. She may not know that her example shines God's light to those of us who watch her overcome, but God does. Her faith has strengthened mine and she is surely storing up treasures in heaven.
Lord, thank you for giving me the opportunity to see your faithfulness at work. While we don't always understand why things happen, through you, we can understand there is an unseen purpose and if we remain faithful, those unseen glories will be revealed to us. Lord, bless my friend and give her the peace of knowing her example touches lives and changes hearts. Bless her and give her peace. Amen
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Biggest Loser
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40: 29-31
My favorite TV show started a new season last night....The Biggest Loser. I will admit, I am addicted to this show and I generally go through several Kleenex in the two hours it is on. The stories, struggles, everything these people face always amazes me. They are people who are crying out for help, putting themselves out their for the world to see, in hopes of changing their lives.
Last night, they arrived at the ranch, eleven couples, and were immediately taken to the gym for a challenge. They had to ride stationary bikes the equivalent distance of a marathon (26.2 miles) and the two teams that came in last were going home!! These people who were leading obese, sedentary lives, are thrown immediately into a grueling physical challenge the outcome of which meant staying and being sent home immediately. Can you imagine the fear and doubt they must have felt?
The remaining nine teams then spent their first week at the Ranch. Trainers Jillian and Bob working them harder than they had ever worked in their lives, getting right in their face exposing all their insecurity and fear. All of this, knowing at the end of the one of them would not measure up and be sent home.
These people who have never believed in themselves, who have been pushed down and ridiculed by those around them, would have to stand ready to get on the scale. Each knowing the scale doesn't lie....it is the mirror to their soul...Have they conquered the fear and self doubt? Have they overcome? Did they do enough to stay and continue their journey?
Last night, most of them lost an enormous amount of weight in the first week, 15, 20, 30 Ibs!! As they cried their tears of joy I cried with them and for the first time, as I sat their totally engrossed in their struggle, I finally related. I finally really truly got it. I am just like these contestants.
Now any of you who know me out there, hang on and hear me out. For those of you who don't, I am one of the fortunate few who is blessed with good genes. I can eat just about anything, work out very little and still wear a size 4. So, me saying I can relate to the contestants of the Biggest Loser sounds a bit crazy.
However, last night it finally hit me. I have been on my own Biggest Loser Ranch for the past six months, slowly getting rid of all my excess weight, my lonely messed up sinful past. God and the bible has been my Jillian and Bob, putting it all right in my face, forcing me to admit to things I didn't want to and wasn't proud of. Learning to flex my spiritual muscles and learn a whole new way of life and finally standing on that scale to see how I measure up.
None of us are very different. Sure we come in all shapes, sizes, colors, genders, but we all face our own demons. We all have excess weight to shed. We all have to face a scale at some point in our life. The scale to our soul. The question is, will we have enough courage to face what we see, to take up the challenge of really changing our lives. Will we submit to God's will and change our destiny forever?
What I call my "salvation" chapter in the bible is Psalm 118. The first time I picked up my bible after crying out to the Lord for help, I turned to that Psalm, which spoke directly to me and where I was in my life. The verse that came to mind last night was from that passage....
"I was pushed back and about the fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song he has become my salvation." - Psalm 118:13-14
As I watched those people fight to change their lives, I realized we are all in the same boat. We all have to fight the pressures of this world everyday, exercising our relationship with God. We have to stay focused and keep our eye on the prize....eternal life with our Lord and Savior.
Lord, thank you for giving me the strength to meet the challenges of today. Thank you for being my strong tower, for not letting me fall. Keep me strong and energized, ready to meet each challenge that may come my way, with you by my side. Amen.
My favorite TV show started a new season last night....The Biggest Loser. I will admit, I am addicted to this show and I generally go through several Kleenex in the two hours it is on. The stories, struggles, everything these people face always amazes me. They are people who are crying out for help, putting themselves out their for the world to see, in hopes of changing their lives.
Last night, they arrived at the ranch, eleven couples, and were immediately taken to the gym for a challenge. They had to ride stationary bikes the equivalent distance of a marathon (26.2 miles) and the two teams that came in last were going home!! These people who were leading obese, sedentary lives, are thrown immediately into a grueling physical challenge the outcome of which meant staying and being sent home immediately. Can you imagine the fear and doubt they must have felt?
The remaining nine teams then spent their first week at the Ranch. Trainers Jillian and Bob working them harder than they had ever worked in their lives, getting right in their face exposing all their insecurity and fear. All of this, knowing at the end of the one of them would not measure up and be sent home.
These people who have never believed in themselves, who have been pushed down and ridiculed by those around them, would have to stand ready to get on the scale. Each knowing the scale doesn't lie....it is the mirror to their soul...Have they conquered the fear and self doubt? Have they overcome? Did they do enough to stay and continue their journey?
Last night, most of them lost an enormous amount of weight in the first week, 15, 20, 30 Ibs!! As they cried their tears of joy I cried with them and for the first time, as I sat their totally engrossed in their struggle, I finally related. I finally really truly got it. I am just like these contestants.
Now any of you who know me out there, hang on and hear me out. For those of you who don't, I am one of the fortunate few who is blessed with good genes. I can eat just about anything, work out very little and still wear a size 4. So, me saying I can relate to the contestants of the Biggest Loser sounds a bit crazy.
However, last night it finally hit me. I have been on my own Biggest Loser Ranch for the past six months, slowly getting rid of all my excess weight, my lonely messed up sinful past. God and the bible has been my Jillian and Bob, putting it all right in my face, forcing me to admit to things I didn't want to and wasn't proud of. Learning to flex my spiritual muscles and learn a whole new way of life and finally standing on that scale to see how I measure up.
None of us are very different. Sure we come in all shapes, sizes, colors, genders, but we all face our own demons. We all have excess weight to shed. We all have to face a scale at some point in our life. The scale to our soul. The question is, will we have enough courage to face what we see, to take up the challenge of really changing our lives. Will we submit to God's will and change our destiny forever?
What I call my "salvation" chapter in the bible is Psalm 118. The first time I picked up my bible after crying out to the Lord for help, I turned to that Psalm, which spoke directly to me and where I was in my life. The verse that came to mind last night was from that passage....
"I was pushed back and about the fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song he has become my salvation." - Psalm 118:13-14
As I watched those people fight to change their lives, I realized we are all in the same boat. We all have to fight the pressures of this world everyday, exercising our relationship with God. We have to stay focused and keep our eye on the prize....eternal life with our Lord and Savior.
Lord, thank you for giving me the strength to meet the challenges of today. Thank you for being my strong tower, for not letting me fall. Keep me strong and energized, ready to meet each challenge that may come my way, with you by my side. Amen.
Monday, January 4, 2010
God's Vision for Our Life
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2
As you know, this last year, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I have been born anew through Jesus. "I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20). Isn't it awesome, me who was so mired down in sin, has been born new in Christ through nothing other than his almighty Grace.
I also know that God wants me to work for his good. My life is no longer my own but His to do His will. I am to offer myself as a sacrifice. But what does that mean? Where do I start? How do I go about my daily life and live for God?
I find myself consistently praying for God to show me what it is He wants me to do, how He wants to use my life. I am so ready, so eager, I just need His vision for my life. Where do I start Lord, I am ready to go!!
He has given me direction and guidance but I have felt like it is all too slow. I am ready now, fill me up Lord and send me out!! However, in the past few weeks, God has been making it very clear to me that I need to slow down and take this one step at a time.
I have come to understand that God does have a vision for my life, for all or our lives and He wants us to actively ask for that vision. As he tells Jeremiah in Chapter 33, verses 2-3, "This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it - the Lord is his name: 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'"
God does give His vision to those who ask. However, you must first learn to ask from a place of selflessness. God won't give us great and mighty things if we seek them for ourselves or our own good. God wants us to have a passion for delighting in Him. "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4). Many times the things we think we want to do are more for ourselves than for God.
In asking for my vision, I need to understand that most of God's bidding doesn't happen quickly. He requires us to be patient and stand firm making sure our ways are right and true and the vision can be properly fulfilled. "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him:" (Psalm 37:7); "Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14). This is very hard for me. I feel like I need to be doing something right now, since I was 42 when I was saved, because half my life is already gone. However, God has shown me repeatedly it is more important to slow down, learn, and grow in Him, than to proceed with reckless abandon.
God's vision for our life does not come cheaply. Many times it will require great sacrifice. I believe God gives us our vision more slowly to make sure we are fully prepared to do His will, not ours. We don't get choice A, B, and C. This isn't "Let's Make a Deal." God has a plan for all of our lives and He will reveal it if we ask. But we need to be prepared to accept it, even though it might be hard and a bit scary.
"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:7-8)
Even though I know God has plans for me, I know I need to wait for Him to guide me at every step. I will continue to ask Him to show me everyday, but I will patiently wait for my right next step to be revealed, learning everything I can in the job He gives me today. For the Lord will trust us with the big things, once we have proven we can be faithful with the small tasks.
"Lord, You know the desires of my heart, You know I want to know what it is You have planned for me and I can be impatient in waiting for Your direction. Thank you for reminding me this is Your plan, not mine. Help me to remain steadfast in Your word, learning with each new task I am given and not always looking for the next. I do want to do Your will, I just need to be reminded to slow down and wait for You. Amen."
As you know, this last year, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I have been born anew through Jesus. "I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20). Isn't it awesome, me who was so mired down in sin, has been born new in Christ through nothing other than his almighty Grace.
I also know that God wants me to work for his good. My life is no longer my own but His to do His will. I am to offer myself as a sacrifice. But what does that mean? Where do I start? How do I go about my daily life and live for God?
I find myself consistently praying for God to show me what it is He wants me to do, how He wants to use my life. I am so ready, so eager, I just need His vision for my life. Where do I start Lord, I am ready to go!!
He has given me direction and guidance but I have felt like it is all too slow. I am ready now, fill me up Lord and send me out!! However, in the past few weeks, God has been making it very clear to me that I need to slow down and take this one step at a time.
I have come to understand that God does have a vision for my life, for all or our lives and He wants us to actively ask for that vision. As he tells Jeremiah in Chapter 33, verses 2-3, "This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it - the Lord is his name: 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'"
God does give His vision to those who ask. However, you must first learn to ask from a place of selflessness. God won't give us great and mighty things if we seek them for ourselves or our own good. God wants us to have a passion for delighting in Him. "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4). Many times the things we think we want to do are more for ourselves than for God.
In asking for my vision, I need to understand that most of God's bidding doesn't happen quickly. He requires us to be patient and stand firm making sure our ways are right and true and the vision can be properly fulfilled. "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him:" (Psalm 37:7); "Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14). This is very hard for me. I feel like I need to be doing something right now, since I was 42 when I was saved, because half my life is already gone. However, God has shown me repeatedly it is more important to slow down, learn, and grow in Him, than to proceed with reckless abandon.
God's vision for our life does not come cheaply. Many times it will require great sacrifice. I believe God gives us our vision more slowly to make sure we are fully prepared to do His will, not ours. We don't get choice A, B, and C. This isn't "Let's Make a Deal." God has a plan for all of our lives and He will reveal it if we ask. But we need to be prepared to accept it, even though it might be hard and a bit scary.
"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:7-8)
Even though I know God has plans for me, I know I need to wait for Him to guide me at every step. I will continue to ask Him to show me everyday, but I will patiently wait for my right next step to be revealed, learning everything I can in the job He gives me today. For the Lord will trust us with the big things, once we have proven we can be faithful with the small tasks.
"Lord, You know the desires of my heart, You know I want to know what it is You have planned for me and I can be impatient in waiting for Your direction. Thank you for reminding me this is Your plan, not mine. Help me to remain steadfast in Your word, learning with each new task I am given and not always looking for the next. I do want to do Your will, I just need to be reminded to slow down and wait for You. Amen."
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Alone...never again
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." -- Romans 8:37-39
It would surprise most people who have known me to hear me say I have always been a very lonely individual. For as long as I can remember, I have had a loneliness in my heart that nothing could overcome.
As a very young child, I played outside of my house from early morning until dark. When I was old enough to start spending the night out, I would, as much as possible. I would never have anyone to my house to spend the night. As I have mentioned, my Father was Bi-Polar and an alcoholic. I never knew when he would go off on a rampage...screaming, violence...so I made sure not to invite people to my house and I tried to escape as much as possible.
After my Father left, when I was a teenager, I still spent most of my time trying to escape my house. My Mother, God rest her soul, worked very hard to support us, but she also spent a good bit of her energy in bitter regret of what her life had become. I couldn't stand being there and seeing it. I can remember spending weekends away with friends and then upon my return home feeling an overwhelming suffocating loneliness. It was palpable. Oh how I hated that feeling.
When I grew up, I became a leader in everything I did. I wanted respect and love from people. I thought if I could establish myself as a leader, I could get the admiration I longed for.
In my first marriage, I remember feeling like my husband just couldn't love me enough. No matter what I did, I never felt really truly loved. I left him because I wasn't happy, and I couldn't logically explain why.
I spent the next ten years looking for a love I just couldn't seem to find. I found myself in very destructive relationships, did things I am extremely ashamed of, all on the quest for someone to love me.
I threw myself into a career where I excelled so I could garner admiration. Neglecting my family in my attempt to feel something I always knew was missing.
I finally found myself married to a wonderful man but still feeling incredibly alone. I couldn't understand. I should have been so happy but I wasn't. The loneliness that had been with me from my earliest remembrances wouldn't let go. What was wrong with me?
Finally, one August morning, I was so desperately alone I was physically hyperventilating. I had taken two Xanac and could get no relief. I had called my sister on the phone, crying hysterically but not able to tell her what was wrong. I hung the phone up and right then, not knowing what else to do or where else to turn, I hit my knees and cried out to God.
I listed out every bad thing I had done, and like I said, that list was long and shameful. I told him I had no idea what I was doing nor did I think I deserved forgiveness, but I asked him to please take away the pain in my heart, the all consuming loneliness. I begged for peace.
God met me right there. He told me to get up look on my computer and he found someone to help me. In one click, I found Kay Arthur and her Precepts for Life. She was doing a bible study on the Holy Spirit!! I watched everyone episode.
God showed me clearly in the days and months that followed exactly what I was missing. It was His love my heart was aching for. We were made to love and be loved by God. Without that relationship we whither and die.
I can now say the empty space in my heart has been filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit. I know with absolute certainty I will never be alone again. I will never suffer those feelings again. For God so loved me, He gave His Son to die for me (Jn 3:16). All those awful things I had done in search for love were forgiven. I was born anew in Christ.
Sure I will face hardship and disappointments, but God will be right there with me. I now walk with Jesus everyday. I have a newfound purpose in life. I am complete!!
I know God will use all of my life experiences for His good. My experiences, as shameful as they might be, can be used to help others who are feeling that same loneliness. My New Year's resolution is to tell my story and reach out to those who need to find the peace and love only God can give them. For I understand first hand what it feels like to be consumed with loneliness.
"And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -- Romans 8:28
It would surprise most people who have known me to hear me say I have always been a very lonely individual. For as long as I can remember, I have had a loneliness in my heart that nothing could overcome.
As a very young child, I played outside of my house from early morning until dark. When I was old enough to start spending the night out, I would, as much as possible. I would never have anyone to my house to spend the night. As I have mentioned, my Father was Bi-Polar and an alcoholic. I never knew when he would go off on a rampage...screaming, violence...so I made sure not to invite people to my house and I tried to escape as much as possible.
After my Father left, when I was a teenager, I still spent most of my time trying to escape my house. My Mother, God rest her soul, worked very hard to support us, but she also spent a good bit of her energy in bitter regret of what her life had become. I couldn't stand being there and seeing it. I can remember spending weekends away with friends and then upon my return home feeling an overwhelming suffocating loneliness. It was palpable. Oh how I hated that feeling.
When I grew up, I became a leader in everything I did. I wanted respect and love from people. I thought if I could establish myself as a leader, I could get the admiration I longed for.
In my first marriage, I remember feeling like my husband just couldn't love me enough. No matter what I did, I never felt really truly loved. I left him because I wasn't happy, and I couldn't logically explain why.
I spent the next ten years looking for a love I just couldn't seem to find. I found myself in very destructive relationships, did things I am extremely ashamed of, all on the quest for someone to love me.
I threw myself into a career where I excelled so I could garner admiration. Neglecting my family in my attempt to feel something I always knew was missing.
I finally found myself married to a wonderful man but still feeling incredibly alone. I couldn't understand. I should have been so happy but I wasn't. The loneliness that had been with me from my earliest remembrances wouldn't let go. What was wrong with me?
Finally, one August morning, I was so desperately alone I was physically hyperventilating. I had taken two Xanac and could get no relief. I had called my sister on the phone, crying hysterically but not able to tell her what was wrong. I hung the phone up and right then, not knowing what else to do or where else to turn, I hit my knees and cried out to God.
I listed out every bad thing I had done, and like I said, that list was long and shameful. I told him I had no idea what I was doing nor did I think I deserved forgiveness, but I asked him to please take away the pain in my heart, the all consuming loneliness. I begged for peace.
God met me right there. He told me to get up look on my computer and he found someone to help me. In one click, I found Kay Arthur and her Precepts for Life. She was doing a bible study on the Holy Spirit!! I watched everyone episode.
God showed me clearly in the days and months that followed exactly what I was missing. It was His love my heart was aching for. We were made to love and be loved by God. Without that relationship we whither and die.
I can now say the empty space in my heart has been filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit. I know with absolute certainty I will never be alone again. I will never suffer those feelings again. For God so loved me, He gave His Son to die for me (Jn 3:16). All those awful things I had done in search for love were forgiven. I was born anew in Christ.
Sure I will face hardship and disappointments, but God will be right there with me. I now walk with Jesus everyday. I have a newfound purpose in life. I am complete!!
I know God will use all of my life experiences for His good. My experiences, as shameful as they might be, can be used to help others who are feeling that same loneliness. My New Year's resolution is to tell my story and reach out to those who need to find the peace and love only God can give them. For I understand first hand what it feels like to be consumed with loneliness.
"And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -- Romans 8:28
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