August 31, 2010
I have to admit that I have been putting off writing about this next definition of God because I am at a loss for words. This word that defines God is so hard for me to define in words. It is hard for me to capture it in a picture. I believe that is exactly how God wants it to be. Because God is indefinable, indescribable, unimaginable.
So, today I am going to let God’s Word define what this word means. I am going to dig deep into scripture, and see what God has to say about His character trait. I am going to start with the psalm.
Psalm 7
O LORD my God, I take refuge in you;
save and deliver me from all who pursue me,
or they will tear me like a lion
and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me.
O LORD my God, if I have done this
and there is guilt on my hands-
if I have done evil to him who is at peace with me
or without cause have robbed my foe-
then let my enemy pursue and overtake me;
let him trample my life to the ground
and make me sleep in the dust. Selah
Arise, O LORD, in your anger;
rise up against the rage of my enemies.
Awake, my God; decree justice.
Let the assembled peoples gather around you.
Rule over them from on high;
let the LORD judge the peoples.
Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness,
according to my integrity, O Most High.
O righteous God,
who searches minds and hearts,
bring to an end the violence of the wicked
and make the righteous secure.
My shield is God Most High,
who saves the upright in heart.
God is a righteous judge,
a God who expresses his wrath every day.
If he does not relent,
he will sharpen his sword;
he will bend and string his bow.
He has prepared his deadly weapons;
he makes ready his flaming arrows.
He who is pregnant with evil
and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment.
He who digs a hole and scoops it out
falls into the pit he has made.
The trouble he causes recoils on himself;
his violence comes down on his own head.
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness
and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. (NIV)
God is Righteous!
God has always been righteous. He is righteous. And He will always be righteous. Righteousness can only come from Him.
Psalm 11:7 “For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.”
Psalm 37:39 “The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.”
Psalm 116:5 “The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.”
Psalm 118:20 “This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter.”
Psalm 119:137 “Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right.”
Psalm 129:4 “But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.”
Psalm 145:17 “The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.”
Proverbs 4:18 “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”
Proverbs 10:6 “Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.”
Proverbs 10:11 “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.”
Proverbs 10:25 “When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.”
Proverbs 11:19 “The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.”
Proverbs 15:29 “The Lord is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”
Proverbs 20:7 “The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.”
Ecclesiastes 7:20 “There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.”
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.”
Luke 5:32 “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Romans 1:17 “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."”
Romans 3:10 “As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one;”
James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
1 Peter 3:18 “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit”
1 John 2:1 “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”
Is your picture of righteousness becoming clearer? I believe I have discovered some new things about righteousness and what it means to be righteous.
Righteousness and justice go hand in hand.
Only through salvation from the Lord can we be considered righteous.
The Lord is righteous and just. He dispels any evil or wickedness.
Righteousness leads to life and joy!
Blessings come to those who are righteous.
We are born sinners. We can never become righteous on our own. Only God can deem us righteous through the blood of His Son if we accept Jesus as our Savior.
God is Righteous! God sent His Son, Jesus to be righteousness embodied in the flesh.
I am not righteous on my own. I have known from a very young age that I am a sinner, and I needed a Savior. Thankfully, God provided a way for us sinners to become righteous—through His Son. Now, that I have Jesus in my heart as my Savior, I have a stamp across all my sins that says RIGHTEOUS. I am righteous through Jesus, and I will forever be righteous in His sight.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
God is the Listener!
August 24, 2010
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone where you are pouring your heart out, sharing the most intimate details, and you wait for a response and the person just nods their head and says uh huh?
If you have been there, you know how frustrating that is. Even if it is not a deep conversation, it still gets me when the person you are talking to just doesn’t seem to be listening completely to what you are trying to say.
That type of person is a hearer. They are hearing the words you are saying. They may even be able to repeat some of what you have said if you asked. But, it stops there. They are only hearing instead of listening.
Have you ever been in a conversation where the person is fully engaged in what you are saying, they make comments along the way empathizing with you and your situation, and in response they ask more questions to draw out how you are feeling?
If you have been there, you know how refreshing and energizing a conversation like that can be! You feel valued and appreciated. You feel as though someone understands you and wants to get a clear picture of what it means to live your life. You feel as though a burden has been lifted off your shoulders because you were finally able to share exactly what you were thinking and feeling.
You had someone to listen.
Sometimes, this world seems like it is filled with a bunch of hearers and no listeners. But, there is hope! We have one listener who we can always rely on—God.
Psalm 6
O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger
or discipline me in your wrath.
Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint;
O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony.
My soul is in anguish.
How long, O LORD, how long?
Turn, O LORD, and deliver me;
save me because of your unfailing love.
No one remembers you when he is dead.
Who praises you from the grave?
I am worn out from groaning;
all night long I flood my bed with weeping
and drench my couch with tears.
My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
they fail because of all my foes.
Away from me, all you who do evil,
for the LORD has heard my weeping.
The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the LORD accepts my prayer.
All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed;
they will turn back in sudden disgrace. (NIV)
God is the listener!
In this Psalm, David is pouring out his heart before God. David has sinned and is awaiting God’s discipline. Yet, David is not afraid to say exactly how he is feeling and what he is thinking. And, David says all of this with assurance that God is listening.
God listens to all of us. God listens not only with His ears but also with His heart! So, even when we have sinned and it is tempting to run away and hide and cut off communication with God, He is still listening. Even when we think that we are the only one going through this circumstance, God is listening. Even when we are bursting with joy after the best day of our life, God is there listening and responding in joy right along with us.
What do you have to share with God today? How long has it been since someone truly listened to you? Share your heart with Him today.
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone where you are pouring your heart out, sharing the most intimate details, and you wait for a response and the person just nods their head and says uh huh?
If you have been there, you know how frustrating that is. Even if it is not a deep conversation, it still gets me when the person you are talking to just doesn’t seem to be listening completely to what you are trying to say.
That type of person is a hearer. They are hearing the words you are saying. They may even be able to repeat some of what you have said if you asked. But, it stops there. They are only hearing instead of listening.
Have you ever been in a conversation where the person is fully engaged in what you are saying, they make comments along the way empathizing with you and your situation, and in response they ask more questions to draw out how you are feeling?
If you have been there, you know how refreshing and energizing a conversation like that can be! You feel valued and appreciated. You feel as though someone understands you and wants to get a clear picture of what it means to live your life. You feel as though a burden has been lifted off your shoulders because you were finally able to share exactly what you were thinking and feeling.
You had someone to listen.
Sometimes, this world seems like it is filled with a bunch of hearers and no listeners. But, there is hope! We have one listener who we can always rely on—God.
Psalm 6
O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger
or discipline me in your wrath.
Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint;
O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony.
My soul is in anguish.
How long, O LORD, how long?
Turn, O LORD, and deliver me;
save me because of your unfailing love.
No one remembers you when he is dead.
Who praises you from the grave?
I am worn out from groaning;
all night long I flood my bed with weeping
and drench my couch with tears.
My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
they fail because of all my foes.
Away from me, all you who do evil,
for the LORD has heard my weeping.
The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the LORD accepts my prayer.
All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed;
they will turn back in sudden disgrace. (NIV)
God is the listener!
In this Psalm, David is pouring out his heart before God. David has sinned and is awaiting God’s discipline. Yet, David is not afraid to say exactly how he is feeling and what he is thinking. And, David says all of this with assurance that God is listening.
God listens to all of us. God listens not only with His ears but also with His heart! So, even when we have sinned and it is tempting to run away and hide and cut off communication with God, He is still listening. Even when we think that we are the only one going through this circumstance, God is listening. Even when we are bursting with joy after the best day of our life, God is there listening and responding in joy right along with us.
What do you have to share with God today? How long has it been since someone truly listened to you? Share your heart with Him today.
Monday, August 23, 2010
God is the Bestower of Blessings!
August 23, 2010
Christmas morning has to be one of the most exciting mornings of the year. As a little child, I remember tossing and turning in my bed awake with anticipation. In the morning, I did not know what I would find beneath the Christmas tree. But, I could not stand to wait any longer by the time Christmas Eve rolled around.
Of course, at the beginning of December I had presented my wish list and made sure my parents knew exactly what my requests were. Then, I had to wait and wait and wait to see what gifts would be under the tree that year.
I had no problem asking my parents for exactly what I wanted whether it was a specific Polly Pocket set or a Ballerina Barbie. I knew that in order to get what my heart desired, I needed to be specific and make my request known.
What about my requests with God? Do I ask Him for specific things when I pray? OR Do I pray in generalizations and say the cliché phrases you so often hear in prayers? Am I afraid to ask God for what my heart desires? Do I limit what I ask of Him because I think it is too much or too difficult or too grandiose? When I ask do I believe He will give me what my heart desires? Do I anxiously wait in expectation for what He has in store in response to my prayers?
As I study the Psalms, I find more and more definitions of God. In Psalm 5, I find yet another reassuring definition of God.
Psalm 5
O LORD, hear me as I pray;
pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,
for I pray to no one but you.
Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD.
Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness;
you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked.
Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence,
for you hate all who do evil.
You will destroy those who tell lies.
The LORD detests murderers and deceivers.
Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house;
I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.
Lead me in the right path, O LORD,
or my enemies will conquer me.
Make your way plain for me to follow.
My enemies cannot speak a truthful word.
Their deepest desire is to destroy others.
Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
Their tongues are filled with flattery.
O God, declare them guilty.
Let them be caught in their own traps.
Drive them away because of their many sins,
for they have rebelled against you.
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them sing joyful praises forever.
Spread your protection over them,
that all who love your name may be filled with joy.
For you bless the godly, O LORD;
you surround them with your shield of love. (NLT)
God is the Bestower of Blessings!
In the first three verses, the author of the Psalm, David, writes about praying before God and bringing his requests before the Holy God.
O LORD, hear me as I pray;
pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,
for I pray to no one but you.
Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD.
Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
Notice how David says that he “waits expectantly.” When David prays, he expects God to respond. David pours his whole heart and soul out before God. He complains about his enemies’ constant attack. He laments when he is in hiding. He rejoices when he finds victory in God. He asks for help in the midst of battle. He asks God to do the impossible in his life. And David believes he will receive everything he asks of God.
Why?
Because David believes that God is the Bestower of Blessings. David knows that what God wants for him is even better than what David wants for himself. David knows he serves an all loving God who wants to give you what you request.
So ask away! Present your requests before God. Ask Him for your heart’s desire. And watch Him change your life as He bestows one blessing after another upon you.
Christmas morning has to be one of the most exciting mornings of the year. As a little child, I remember tossing and turning in my bed awake with anticipation. In the morning, I did not know what I would find beneath the Christmas tree. But, I could not stand to wait any longer by the time Christmas Eve rolled around.
Of course, at the beginning of December I had presented my wish list and made sure my parents knew exactly what my requests were. Then, I had to wait and wait and wait to see what gifts would be under the tree that year.
I had no problem asking my parents for exactly what I wanted whether it was a specific Polly Pocket set or a Ballerina Barbie. I knew that in order to get what my heart desired, I needed to be specific and make my request known.
What about my requests with God? Do I ask Him for specific things when I pray? OR Do I pray in generalizations and say the cliché phrases you so often hear in prayers? Am I afraid to ask God for what my heart desires? Do I limit what I ask of Him because I think it is too much or too difficult or too grandiose? When I ask do I believe He will give me what my heart desires? Do I anxiously wait in expectation for what He has in store in response to my prayers?
As I study the Psalms, I find more and more definitions of God. In Psalm 5, I find yet another reassuring definition of God.
Psalm 5
O LORD, hear me as I pray;
pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,
for I pray to no one but you.
Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD.
Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness;
you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked.
Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence,
for you hate all who do evil.
You will destroy those who tell lies.
The LORD detests murderers and deceivers.
Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house;
I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.
Lead me in the right path, O LORD,
or my enemies will conquer me.
Make your way plain for me to follow.
My enemies cannot speak a truthful word.
Their deepest desire is to destroy others.
Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
Their tongues are filled with flattery.
O God, declare them guilty.
Let them be caught in their own traps.
Drive them away because of their many sins,
for they have rebelled against you.
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them sing joyful praises forever.
Spread your protection over them,
that all who love your name may be filled with joy.
For you bless the godly, O LORD;
you surround them with your shield of love. (NLT)
God is the Bestower of Blessings!
In the first three verses, the author of the Psalm, David, writes about praying before God and bringing his requests before the Holy God.
O LORD, hear me as I pray;
pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,
for I pray to no one but you.
Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD.
Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
Notice how David says that he “waits expectantly.” When David prays, he expects God to respond. David pours his whole heart and soul out before God. He complains about his enemies’ constant attack. He laments when he is in hiding. He rejoices when he finds victory in God. He asks for help in the midst of battle. He asks God to do the impossible in his life. And David believes he will receive everything he asks of God.
Why?
Because David believes that God is the Bestower of Blessings. David knows that what God wants for him is even better than what David wants for himself. David knows he serves an all loving God who wants to give you what you request.
So ask away! Present your requests before God. Ask Him for your heart’s desire. And watch Him change your life as He bestows one blessing after another upon you.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
God is Merciful!
August 18, 2010
More than anything else, day by day, I realize how much I am in need of God’s mercy. The more I read in the Bible. The more I study His commands. The more I pray. The more I seek to understand God’s will. The more I reach my knees in humility. And the more I realize I God’s mercy daily, hourly, by the minute.
Have you ever felt that way? Have you wondered whether God had enough mercy to pour out upon you to cover all you have done? Do you feel undeserving of mercy?
You and I are not alone. David, author of a majority of the Psalms, begged, pleaded, implored, prayed, and requested mercy in numerous Psalms. David and myself have more in common than you may think. David struggled with an identity crisis. I struggle finding my identity in Christ. David made many mistakes with drastic consequences. I have made my fair of mistakes with consequences that affect my future. David knew God was His only answer. I know God is my only way to true joy and contentment. David needed an abundance of God’s mercy. I need a constant showering of His mercy all over my life.
Psalm 4
Answer me when I call to you,
O God who declares me innocent.
Free me from my troubles.
Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
How long will you people ruin my reputation?
How long will you make groundless accusations?
How long will you continue your lies?
Interlude
You can be sure of this:
The LORD set apart the godly for himself.
The LORD will answer when I call to him.
Don’t sin by letting anger control you.
Think about it overnight and remain silent.
Interlude
Offer sacrifices in the right spirit,
and trust the LORD.
Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”
Let your face smile on us, LORD.
You have given me greater joy
than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. (NLT)
God is merciful!
If God is defined by His mercy, how is mercy defined. My Women of Faith Study Bible defines mercy as, “compassion or kindness shown to someone instead of severity, especially to someone who doesn’t deserve it.” Mercy sounds so simple by definition, but mercy has such amazing affects on one’s life.
God’s mercy on us extends beyond any earthly mercy. His mercy on us extends from one outstretched arm of Jesus to the other outstretched arm. God sent His Only Son, Jesus to die on the cross in order to save me and you. Here is where mercy comes in—we didn’t deserve it.
So, in light of a merciful God, am I living my life as though I have been showered with compassion even though I deserve nothing?
More than anything else, day by day, I realize how much I am in need of God’s mercy. The more I read in the Bible. The more I study His commands. The more I pray. The more I seek to understand God’s will. The more I reach my knees in humility. And the more I realize I God’s mercy daily, hourly, by the minute.
Have you ever felt that way? Have you wondered whether God had enough mercy to pour out upon you to cover all you have done? Do you feel undeserving of mercy?
You and I are not alone. David, author of a majority of the Psalms, begged, pleaded, implored, prayed, and requested mercy in numerous Psalms. David and myself have more in common than you may think. David struggled with an identity crisis. I struggle finding my identity in Christ. David made many mistakes with drastic consequences. I have made my fair of mistakes with consequences that affect my future. David knew God was His only answer. I know God is my only way to true joy and contentment. David needed an abundance of God’s mercy. I need a constant showering of His mercy all over my life.
Psalm 4
Answer me when I call to you,
O God who declares me innocent.
Free me from my troubles.
Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
How long will you people ruin my reputation?
How long will you make groundless accusations?
How long will you continue your lies?
Interlude
You can be sure of this:
The LORD set apart the godly for himself.
The LORD will answer when I call to him.
Don’t sin by letting anger control you.
Think about it overnight and remain silent.
Interlude
Offer sacrifices in the right spirit,
and trust the LORD.
Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”
Let your face smile on us, LORD.
You have given me greater joy
than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. (NLT)
God is merciful!
If God is defined by His mercy, how is mercy defined. My Women of Faith Study Bible defines mercy as, “compassion or kindness shown to someone instead of severity, especially to someone who doesn’t deserve it.” Mercy sounds so simple by definition, but mercy has such amazing affects on one’s life.
God’s mercy on us extends beyond any earthly mercy. His mercy on us extends from one outstretched arm of Jesus to the other outstretched arm. God sent His Only Son, Jesus to die on the cross in order to save me and you. Here is where mercy comes in—we didn’t deserve it.
So, in light of a merciful God, am I living my life as though I have been showered with compassion even though I deserve nothing?
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
God is my Shield!
August 17, 2010
Every day I hear about the horrible news around the world. It may be a murder or a robbery or a kidnapping. Even farther away, it could be the death of a soldier defending our freedom or the loss of an innocent child to AIDS. All of these atrocities make me wonder where someone can find protection.
The only true protection comes from the only true God. Today I have discovered yet another definition of my God.
God is my shield!
Someone who needed a shield many, many, many years ago was a man named David. David originally was a shepherd boy, but he grew up to be king. Now, why would a king need protection? After all, he had all the power. Well, David was actually running from his son, Absalom. Absalom was a prideful and arrogant man who schemed to take over his father’s throne and declare himself as king. Absalom gathered a following, and David had no choice but to flee from his vengeful son.
In the midst of all this turmoil, with his world upside down, David wrote the third Psalm. David rested in the fact that he knew God was his shield. He rested in the fact that God would bring him salvation and deliverance. He rested in God alone.
Psalm 3
O LORD, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me,
"God will not deliver him."
But you are a shield around me, O LORD;
you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
To the LORD I cry aloud,
and he answers me from his holy hill.
I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
I will not fear the tens of thousands
drawn up against me on every side.
Arise, O LORD!
Deliver me, O my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.
From the LORD comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people. (NIV)
David declared God as “a shield around me.” David knew his protection came from the Lord. No one else could protect him from the dangers of the world encroaching upon him.
God is a shield around me. God protects me daily. Many days I believe God is protecting me from dangers I have no idea even exist. Sometimes, God’s protection completely takes me away from any danger or hurt or malice. Other times, God’s protection engulfs me in the midst of my worst trials and fears. God’s protection does not promise I will be trouble free. God’s protection promises His shield around me to help me through day by day no matter what I face.
Every day I hear about the horrible news around the world. It may be a murder or a robbery or a kidnapping. Even farther away, it could be the death of a soldier defending our freedom or the loss of an innocent child to AIDS. All of these atrocities make me wonder where someone can find protection.
The only true protection comes from the only true God. Today I have discovered yet another definition of my God.
God is my shield!
Someone who needed a shield many, many, many years ago was a man named David. David originally was a shepherd boy, but he grew up to be king. Now, why would a king need protection? After all, he had all the power. Well, David was actually running from his son, Absalom. Absalom was a prideful and arrogant man who schemed to take over his father’s throne and declare himself as king. Absalom gathered a following, and David had no choice but to flee from his vengeful son.
In the midst of all this turmoil, with his world upside down, David wrote the third Psalm. David rested in the fact that he knew God was his shield. He rested in the fact that God would bring him salvation and deliverance. He rested in God alone.
Psalm 3
O LORD, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me,
"God will not deliver him."
But you are a shield around me, O LORD;
you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
To the LORD I cry aloud,
and he answers me from his holy hill.
I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
I will not fear the tens of thousands
drawn up against me on every side.
Arise, O LORD!
Deliver me, O my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.
From the LORD comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people. (NIV)
David declared God as “a shield around me.” David knew his protection came from the Lord. No one else could protect him from the dangers of the world encroaching upon him.
God is a shield around me. God protects me daily. Many days I believe God is protecting me from dangers I have no idea even exist. Sometimes, God’s protection completely takes me away from any danger or hurt or malice. Other times, God’s protection engulfs me in the midst of my worst trials and fears. God’s protection does not promise I will be trouble free. God’s protection promises His shield around me to help me through day by day no matter what I face.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
God is King!
August 12, 2010
As a child, I had the unique opportunity of living in England for a few years. During our time in England, we traveled to many different places and countries. By far, my favorite trip was anytime we would visit a castle. And that was quite often since England’s landscape is dotted with them.
Walking through the castles sparked my imagination to what it would be like to live in a castle back in the day. After seeing the elaborate furniture and ornate paintings, I was taken with everything royal. In my heart of hearts, I dreamed of being a princess and wearing the beautiful flowing gowns.
Then, I believed it would only ever be a dream.
Until, I became the daughter of a King.
Psalm 2
Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the LORD
and against his Anointed One.
"Let us break their chains," they say,
"and throw off their fetters."
The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
Then he rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
"I have installed my King
on Zion, my holy hill."
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD :
He said to me, "You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.
Ask of me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
You will rule them with an iron scepter;
you will dash them to pieces like pottery."
Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear
and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry
and you be destroyed in your way,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (NIV)
God is my Heavenly Father, and He is King of all kings. I am His daughter; therefore, I am a princess! My dream has come true! I am royalty!
God is King!
Throughout the ages, there have been kings and rulers who have ruled over the nations and the earth. But, no one comes close to the ultimate King—God! At the beginning of this Psalm we hear the plots of the earthly rulers and kings against the Lord. They want nothing to do with Him. They plot and strategize thinking they will win this battle and be free to rule on their own. But, they don’t realize the ultimate King just laughs at their battle plan. Just one flick of His angry finger, and He could demolish every power hungry one. No one has ever or will ever rule like the one true King!
Knowing that I am the daughter of the King gives me great pleasure yet also great responsibility. I am representing my Father, the King through my actions and my words. I must represent Him well. I must serve the King above all others. He holds the scepter, and His opinion of me is the only one that matters. As long as I obey and serve my King, I will have pleased the King as His princess.
As a child, I had the unique opportunity of living in England for a few years. During our time in England, we traveled to many different places and countries. By far, my favorite trip was anytime we would visit a castle. And that was quite often since England’s landscape is dotted with them.
Walking through the castles sparked my imagination to what it would be like to live in a castle back in the day. After seeing the elaborate furniture and ornate paintings, I was taken with everything royal. In my heart of hearts, I dreamed of being a princess and wearing the beautiful flowing gowns.
Then, I believed it would only ever be a dream.
Until, I became the daughter of a King.
Psalm 2
Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the LORD
and against his Anointed One.
"Let us break their chains," they say,
"and throw off their fetters."
The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
Then he rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
"I have installed my King
on Zion, my holy hill."
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD :
He said to me, "You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.
Ask of me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
You will rule them with an iron scepter;
you will dash them to pieces like pottery."
Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear
and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry
and you be destroyed in your way,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (NIV)
God is my Heavenly Father, and He is King of all kings. I am His daughter; therefore, I am a princess! My dream has come true! I am royalty!
God is King!
Throughout the ages, there have been kings and rulers who have ruled over the nations and the earth. But, no one comes close to the ultimate King—God! At the beginning of this Psalm we hear the plots of the earthly rulers and kings against the Lord. They want nothing to do with Him. They plot and strategize thinking they will win this battle and be free to rule on their own. But, they don’t realize the ultimate King just laughs at their battle plan. Just one flick of His angry finger, and He could demolish every power hungry one. No one has ever or will ever rule like the one true King!
Knowing that I am the daughter of the King gives me great pleasure yet also great responsibility. I am representing my Father, the King through my actions and my words. I must represent Him well. I must serve the King above all others. He holds the scepter, and His opinion of me is the only one that matters. As long as I obey and serve my King, I will have pleased the King as His princess.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
God is Just!
August 11, 2010
During one of the women’s Bible studies I was involved in, one of the leaders encouraged all of us women to study the book of Psalms. She gave us specific instructions to look for definitions or names of God throughout our study. When we know the names of God, we know Him better. And when we know our Maker better, we come to know ourselves better. Our identity is hidden within the identity of Christ!
Here is my idea. If each one of us studies the book of Psalms individually, then we can all come together to build a picture of all the names and definitions of God together. So, today I am beginning in Psalm 1.
Psalm 1
Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish. (NIV)
God is just!
The Psalmist compares the righteous and the wicked in this first psalm. The righteous must make conscious decisions about who to associate with and what to do and how to act. While on the other hand, wickedness reigns free. It does what it pleases and goes where it wants.
We have all been in the middle torn by the two choices. Should I choose the way I know is right? Or should I choose the pathway that is fun and exciting for the time being? Wickedness may look exciting and fulfilling at the time, but it always leads to death. Righteousness usually is more difficult and not always fun, but the way of the right leads to streams of living water which brings life!
To me, Psalm 1 defines God as just. He determines between the righteous and the wicked. He separates those who follow Him and those who don’t. In the end, God will always choose justice. Even though evil and wickedness creep through the world today, God brings victory over all evil. Wickedness will be wiped out with one mighty blow of God’s just hand.
It is easy to see all the injustice in the world today and wonder why God doesn’t conquer it now. But, God is faithful, and He will follow through. His justice will reign. Now it is up to you to decide what side you will be on…
During one of the women’s Bible studies I was involved in, one of the leaders encouraged all of us women to study the book of Psalms. She gave us specific instructions to look for definitions or names of God throughout our study. When we know the names of God, we know Him better. And when we know our Maker better, we come to know ourselves better. Our identity is hidden within the identity of Christ!
Here is my idea. If each one of us studies the book of Psalms individually, then we can all come together to build a picture of all the names and definitions of God together. So, today I am beginning in Psalm 1.
Psalm 1
Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish. (NIV)
God is just!
The Psalmist compares the righteous and the wicked in this first psalm. The righteous must make conscious decisions about who to associate with and what to do and how to act. While on the other hand, wickedness reigns free. It does what it pleases and goes where it wants.
We have all been in the middle torn by the two choices. Should I choose the way I know is right? Or should I choose the pathway that is fun and exciting for the time being? Wickedness may look exciting and fulfilling at the time, but it always leads to death. Righteousness usually is more difficult and not always fun, but the way of the right leads to streams of living water which brings life!
To me, Psalm 1 defines God as just. He determines between the righteous and the wicked. He separates those who follow Him and those who don’t. In the end, God will always choose justice. Even though evil and wickedness creep through the world today, God brings victory over all evil. Wickedness will be wiped out with one mighty blow of God’s just hand.
It is easy to see all the injustice in the world today and wonder why God doesn’t conquer it now. But, God is faithful, and He will follow through. His justice will reign. Now it is up to you to decide what side you will be on…
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Ultimate Director
August 10, 2010
During the month of August, I am directing a play through the Black Hills Community Theatre. As the director, I have been in charge of holding auditions, casting the show, and running rehearsals. During a regular rehearsal, I sit at a table in front of the stage, and I watch the show. When I see something I need to change or something I like, I write down a note about it. At the end of the rehearsal, I share my notes with the actors. I give them my directions.
As a director, it is my job to create an entire story from beginning to middle to end. Sitting out in front, I can see the whole stage. I am able to get a view of the whole picture. Sometimes my directions include moving actors on stage, so they can be seen better. Other times my directions include giving them an idea of how to improve their character or a particular line. Always my directions are meant to make the entire production better!
Just as I direct my actors to help them improve and become better at what they do, I have a director who directs my life. God is my director. God is constantly watching my life and my actions. He is constantly correcting me to make me a better person and a better witness for Him. God’s directions for me are in the Bible. That is why it is so important for me to spend time listening to what God has for me each day.
Sometimes my actors are too involved in remembering lines and the action taking place on stage to realize that there is something that needs to be fixed. That is where I come in. I can see the whole picture. I know the whole story. I know where the play is headed. And my directions to the actors help them to adjust and correct something they may not even see themselves.
The same goes for God as my director. God knows the whole story of my life. He knows what happened in my past. He knows what is happening in my present. And He even knows what will happen in my future. He knows how everything ends. So, with the end in mind, He can better direct me in the way I should go and the decisions I should make along the way.
I give my direction to my actors, but it is up to them to put it into practice. They can choose not to take my direction. I cannot force them to move to a certain spot on stage or deliver a line a certain way. I can only give them the direction; they choose whether or not to follow my direction. Knowing that my direction will make the play better and themselves better actors, most of them take the directions and make the necessary changes.
But, in life, it is sometimes hard to take God’s direction. A lot of times, it doesn’t make sense. Other times, it is hard or difficult to do what God asks. The thing I have to constantly remind myself of is that God is directing me for my benefit. He is working everything out for my good and His glory. When I remember how much my director loves me, then it is easier to follow His direction no matter what He asks.
Here is some direction from the ultimate Director Himself.
Proverbs 23:19 says, “Listen, my son, and be wise, And direct your heart in the way.” (NASB)
Jeremiah 10:23 says, “I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.” (NIV)
2 Thessalonians 3:5 says, “May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.” (NASB)
Psalm 119:35 says, “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.” (NIV)
Psalm 119:133 says, “Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.” (NIV)
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (NKJV)
During the month of August, I am directing a play through the Black Hills Community Theatre. As the director, I have been in charge of holding auditions, casting the show, and running rehearsals. During a regular rehearsal, I sit at a table in front of the stage, and I watch the show. When I see something I need to change or something I like, I write down a note about it. At the end of the rehearsal, I share my notes with the actors. I give them my directions.
As a director, it is my job to create an entire story from beginning to middle to end. Sitting out in front, I can see the whole stage. I am able to get a view of the whole picture. Sometimes my directions include moving actors on stage, so they can be seen better. Other times my directions include giving them an idea of how to improve their character or a particular line. Always my directions are meant to make the entire production better!
Just as I direct my actors to help them improve and become better at what they do, I have a director who directs my life. God is my director. God is constantly watching my life and my actions. He is constantly correcting me to make me a better person and a better witness for Him. God’s directions for me are in the Bible. That is why it is so important for me to spend time listening to what God has for me each day.
Sometimes my actors are too involved in remembering lines and the action taking place on stage to realize that there is something that needs to be fixed. That is where I come in. I can see the whole picture. I know the whole story. I know where the play is headed. And my directions to the actors help them to adjust and correct something they may not even see themselves.
The same goes for God as my director. God knows the whole story of my life. He knows what happened in my past. He knows what is happening in my present. And He even knows what will happen in my future. He knows how everything ends. So, with the end in mind, He can better direct me in the way I should go and the decisions I should make along the way.
I give my direction to my actors, but it is up to them to put it into practice. They can choose not to take my direction. I cannot force them to move to a certain spot on stage or deliver a line a certain way. I can only give them the direction; they choose whether or not to follow my direction. Knowing that my direction will make the play better and themselves better actors, most of them take the directions and make the necessary changes.
But, in life, it is sometimes hard to take God’s direction. A lot of times, it doesn’t make sense. Other times, it is hard or difficult to do what God asks. The thing I have to constantly remind myself of is that God is directing me for my benefit. He is working everything out for my good and His glory. When I remember how much my director loves me, then it is easier to follow His direction no matter what He asks.
Here is some direction from the ultimate Director Himself.
Proverbs 23:19 says, “Listen, my son, and be wise, And direct your heart in the way.” (NASB)
Jeremiah 10:23 says, “I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.” (NIV)
2 Thessalonians 3:5 says, “May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.” (NASB)
Psalm 119:35 says, “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.” (NIV)
Psalm 119:133 says, “Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.” (NIV)
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (NKJV)
Monday, August 9, 2010
Within Reach
August 9, 2010
Breathe in and out. Feel the air rushing into your lungs filling them up with life. Breathe in and out. Blink. Blink again. Sit still and just feel your eyelids opening and closing within seconds. Beat, beat, beat. Hear your heart beating pumping life giving blood throughout your body. Be still and just be for a moment.
There is a God who created you. He created your body to breathe and blink and beat. This God is real. He is not somewhere out there; He is near, right in front of you. God is living. He is moving. And His evidence is within you. God, who created the heavens and the earth, loves you. He wants to grasp your hand. But, first you must reach out to Him.
Not everybody knows this God. God may not have been defined for you. You may have questions about this unknown God. The Athenians worshipped many gods. They had temples erected to numerous gods. But, they also had a god without a name. A god they couldn’t seem to define—An Unknown God.
When Paul came to Athens to preach the gospel, Paul noticed the mention of this Unknown God. Little did the Athenians know, but this Unknown God actually had a name. And Paul came to introduce God to them.
Acts 17:22-28 says, “Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.
"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'” (NIV)
Paul gave the Athenians a picture of the one true God. A god who they hadn’t been able to define finally became clearer and more real to them. The Athenians were searching whether they knew it or not. They were searching for a God who could actually fill the void in their heart. A God to whom they could direct all of their worship.
My favorite verse in this passage is verse 27 which says, “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” God did not arrive in Athens when Paul came to preach among the people. God was always there. God was among the Athenians. He was within reach in case any one reached out for Him. He was right in front of them all the time. What they were looking for was there all the time.
I love how the Message puts this passage. “So Paul took his stand in the open space at the Areopagus and laid it out for them. "It is plain to see that you Athenians take your religion seriously. When I arrived here the other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines I came across. And then I found one inscribed, to the god nobody knows. I'm here to introduce you to this God so you can worship intelligently, know who you're dealing with.
"The God who made the world and everything in it, this Master of sky and land, doesn't live in custom-made shrines or need the human race to run errands for him, as if he couldn't take care of himself. He makes the creatures; the creatures don't make him. Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; he's near. We live and move in him, can't get away from him! One of your poets said it well: 'We're the God-created.' Well, if we are the God-created, it doesn't make a lot of sense to think we could hire a sculptor to chisel a god out of stone for us, does it?” (The Message)
“God doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He’s not remote; he’s near.” All along the Athenians were practicing religion while God was waiting for them to reach out for the truth. They had fabricated these elaborate gods out of gold and silver and stone, yet they were false. They had no truth or power. They were man made. Finally, their eyes were opened, and they saw the truth in the midst of all the lies.
All they had to do was reach out for the truth. It was within reach. It was not hiding. God is not an elusive mystery that cannot be solved. God is the only truth that needs to be sought with your heart.
What gods do you have surrounding you? Is there something taking place of the truth? Do you really know that what you believe is truth? Have you sought after truth with your full heart and an open mind?
If you still feel empty and broken, unfulfilled and longing, you are missing the truth. You are missing God. But, the good news is that God is within reach. He is not hiding from you. He is simply patiently waiting for you to reach out and clasp His hands. He will never force you. He simply waits for your reach, and it never fails that He is there when you reach out.
Breathe in and out. Feel the air rushing into your lungs filling them up with life. Breathe in and out. Blink. Blink again. Sit still and just feel your eyelids opening and closing within seconds. Beat, beat, beat. Hear your heart beating pumping life giving blood throughout your body. Be still and just be for a moment.
There is a God who created you. He created your body to breathe and blink and beat. This God is real. He is not somewhere out there; He is near, right in front of you. God is living. He is moving. And His evidence is within you. God, who created the heavens and the earth, loves you. He wants to grasp your hand. But, first you must reach out to Him.
Not everybody knows this God. God may not have been defined for you. You may have questions about this unknown God. The Athenians worshipped many gods. They had temples erected to numerous gods. But, they also had a god without a name. A god they couldn’t seem to define—An Unknown God.
When Paul came to Athens to preach the gospel, Paul noticed the mention of this Unknown God. Little did the Athenians know, but this Unknown God actually had a name. And Paul came to introduce God to them.
Acts 17:22-28 says, “Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.
"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'” (NIV)
Paul gave the Athenians a picture of the one true God. A god who they hadn’t been able to define finally became clearer and more real to them. The Athenians were searching whether they knew it or not. They were searching for a God who could actually fill the void in their heart. A God to whom they could direct all of their worship.
My favorite verse in this passage is verse 27 which says, “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” God did not arrive in Athens when Paul came to preach among the people. God was always there. God was among the Athenians. He was within reach in case any one reached out for Him. He was right in front of them all the time. What they were looking for was there all the time.
I love how the Message puts this passage. “So Paul took his stand in the open space at the Areopagus and laid it out for them. "It is plain to see that you Athenians take your religion seriously. When I arrived here the other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines I came across. And then I found one inscribed, to the god nobody knows. I'm here to introduce you to this God so you can worship intelligently, know who you're dealing with.
"The God who made the world and everything in it, this Master of sky and land, doesn't live in custom-made shrines or need the human race to run errands for him, as if he couldn't take care of himself. He makes the creatures; the creatures don't make him. Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; he's near. We live and move in him, can't get away from him! One of your poets said it well: 'We're the God-created.' Well, if we are the God-created, it doesn't make a lot of sense to think we could hire a sculptor to chisel a god out of stone for us, does it?” (The Message)
“God doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He’s not remote; he’s near.” All along the Athenians were practicing religion while God was waiting for them to reach out for the truth. They had fabricated these elaborate gods out of gold and silver and stone, yet they were false. They had no truth or power. They were man made. Finally, their eyes were opened, and they saw the truth in the midst of all the lies.
All they had to do was reach out for the truth. It was within reach. It was not hiding. God is not an elusive mystery that cannot be solved. God is the only truth that needs to be sought with your heart.
What gods do you have surrounding you? Is there something taking place of the truth? Do you really know that what you believe is truth? Have you sought after truth with your full heart and an open mind?
If you still feel empty and broken, unfulfilled and longing, you are missing the truth. You are missing God. But, the good news is that God is within reach. He is not hiding from you. He is simply patiently waiting for you to reach out and clasp His hands. He will never force you. He simply waits for your reach, and it never fails that He is there when you reach out.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Prison Break
August 6, 2010
Do you ever read the Bible and ponder the stories? Do you ask yourself if these people were real or if they really were just characters?
Sometimes the stories I read are so unbelievable and so amazing that I cannot comprehend how a real person could do what is written down in each account. Take for example, the story of Paul and Silas in prison.
Acts 16:16-40 says, “Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.
When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice."
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"
The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.
When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: "Release those men." The jailer told Paul, "The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace."
But Paul said to the officers: "They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out."
The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left.” (NIV)
This story cannot be real! How could anyone sing hymns after being flogged and thrown into jail? How could anyone stay in prison after being released from his shackles? How could anyone share the gospel with the person keeping them in bondage? There is just no way!
Oh there is a way! In fact, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. (John 14:6) The way is Jesus!
Sometimes, I am amazed at the strength of character of the people in the Bible. I am awed by their faith and their perseverance. I wonder how they were able to live so fully for Christ. And there is only one answer—Jesus! They all had Jesus in their lives, and He was the One who pulled them through, who provided their strength, and who wrote their life changing stories.
When I read this account of how Paul and Silas were thrown into jail, I automatically question what I would do if I were in their situation. Now, I hope to never be thrown into prison. If I were, I wonder if I really would sing hymns after just being flogged. I wonder if I would be focused solely on God rather than wallowing in my desperate situation.
Isn’t that so true? When times get tough, we automatically look in toward ourselves, rather than looking up toward God. I know I get so caught up in the bad happening to me, I fail to see what others may be going through. It becomes all about me. How ironic! Because at my lowest point, when I need Jesus the most, I turn from Him and try to rely on myself and my power. Instead of looking to Him and taking the focus off of myself.
And there is the difference. These characters are not just people on a page; they are real. They lived and walked on this same earth. They had good days and bad. But, the difference between myself and them is where they turned when things weren’t going the way they were supposed to go. They turned to Jesus! And amazing miracles happened!
The same can happen in my life. I just have to retrain my way of thinking. Instead of thinking about the difficult situation I am facing, I need to think about the all powerful, all knowing God that is ready to face my situation for me. Once I believe that God will handle every battle that comes my way, I can become a bright light for Him. Just like Paul and Silas.
Do you ever read the Bible and ponder the stories? Do you ask yourself if these people were real or if they really were just characters?
Sometimes the stories I read are so unbelievable and so amazing that I cannot comprehend how a real person could do what is written down in each account. Take for example, the story of Paul and Silas in prison.
Acts 16:16-40 says, “Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.
When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice."
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"
The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.
When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: "Release those men." The jailer told Paul, "The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace."
But Paul said to the officers: "They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out."
The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left.” (NIV)
This story cannot be real! How could anyone sing hymns after being flogged and thrown into jail? How could anyone stay in prison after being released from his shackles? How could anyone share the gospel with the person keeping them in bondage? There is just no way!
Oh there is a way! In fact, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. (John 14:6) The way is Jesus!
Sometimes, I am amazed at the strength of character of the people in the Bible. I am awed by their faith and their perseverance. I wonder how they were able to live so fully for Christ. And there is only one answer—Jesus! They all had Jesus in their lives, and He was the One who pulled them through, who provided their strength, and who wrote their life changing stories.
When I read this account of how Paul and Silas were thrown into jail, I automatically question what I would do if I were in their situation. Now, I hope to never be thrown into prison. If I were, I wonder if I really would sing hymns after just being flogged. I wonder if I would be focused solely on God rather than wallowing in my desperate situation.
Isn’t that so true? When times get tough, we automatically look in toward ourselves, rather than looking up toward God. I know I get so caught up in the bad happening to me, I fail to see what others may be going through. It becomes all about me. How ironic! Because at my lowest point, when I need Jesus the most, I turn from Him and try to rely on myself and my power. Instead of looking to Him and taking the focus off of myself.
And there is the difference. These characters are not just people on a page; they are real. They lived and walked on this same earth. They had good days and bad. But, the difference between myself and them is where they turned when things weren’t going the way they were supposed to go. They turned to Jesus! And amazing miracles happened!
The same can happen in my life. I just have to retrain my way of thinking. Instead of thinking about the difficult situation I am facing, I need to think about the all powerful, all knowing God that is ready to face my situation for me. Once I believe that God will handle every battle that comes my way, I can become a bright light for Him. Just like Paul and Silas.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
My Soul Thirsts
This week I have been dogsitting for some friends of ours. Sophie, our golden puppy, has been nonstop since she has a new playmate. Miles, our friend's dog, is older and tries to find any place to hide from Sophie's sharp puppy teeth. They have been quite a handful together...but, I have found one thing that will calm both of them down.
Every morning, I take them on a run with me around our neighborhood. By the time we return home, the dogs are panting like crazy. As soon as they get into the house they lap up as much water as they can. Sophie even plops down right by her water bowl and rests her head on the edge so all she has to do is stick out her tongue to get a little water.
I find myself just as desperate for water as the dogs. When I feel that cool water touch my lips and run down my throat, I finally feel satisfied. It is almost as though I might die if I did not get my thirst quenched.
Besides thirsting for water, my soul thirsts for the living water of the living God.
Psalm 42:1-2 says, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." (NIV)
We are all deer panting for streams of living water. Sometimes, the problem is, we try to quench our thirst in anything except the streams of living water. I have found myself feeling empty and searching for purpose and meaning at times. During those times, I look to what I need to accomplish or gaining people's approval or placing all my needs on my husband. Instead, I need to look to the only One who can quench my thirst fully--God.
Just like a Coke or a beer never satisfy your thirst for water, any other replacements for God will never satisfy my need for the one true God.
Are you thirsting for something? Is there any empty spot in your heart? Does it seem like there must be more than this? You are not alone. Everyone is created with a specific thirst in their heart for God. But, not everyone chooses to quench their thirst in God.
What will ultimately quench your thirst?
Every morning, I take them on a run with me around our neighborhood. By the time we return home, the dogs are panting like crazy. As soon as they get into the house they lap up as much water as they can. Sophie even plops down right by her water bowl and rests her head on the edge so all she has to do is stick out her tongue to get a little water.
I find myself just as desperate for water as the dogs. When I feel that cool water touch my lips and run down my throat, I finally feel satisfied. It is almost as though I might die if I did not get my thirst quenched.
Besides thirsting for water, my soul thirsts for the living water of the living God.
Psalm 42:1-2 says, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." (NIV)
Just like a Coke or a beer never satisfy your thirst for water, any other replacements for God will never satisfy my need for the one true God.
Are you thirsting for something? Is there any empty spot in your heart? Does it seem like there must be more than this? You are not alone. Everyone is created with a specific thirst in their heart for God. But, not everyone chooses to quench their thirst in God.
What will ultimately quench your thirst?
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