Psalm 23:3-5
"3 He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
As I've been on this journey or quest to know God, not just know, but REALLY know Him, this scripture has come to make sense. It's always been a favorite of mine, and I wasn't really quite sure why, until now.
To really live free, free of guilt, control or lack of control, fear, pain, addiction, etc, we have to know in our heart just how our heavenly Father feels about us. I mean, not just know in our head, but let the truth make the long 18 inch trek from our head to our heart. I have heard of many people that I knew long ago, that are being gobbled up by addictions, failed relationships, and the list goes on. Being someone who had an addiction 9 years ago, I know now that most of the reason I did what I did, was because of the insecurities I had and I learned early on that the best way to dull the pain is to not feel it. The Lord is really interested in healing the wounds of our past, bringing truth to the lies that we have come into agreement with, so that we can live free. Does that mean we will not face hard times? The truth is, that if we live in a fallen sinful world and bad things happen to good people. Does that mean that God is heartless and uncaring? Absolutely not! I don't have all the answers, but one thing I do know for sure, is that God gave His one and only son, to die a horrible death, to cover our sins, so that He could have a relationship with us and that we would have salvation. That doesn't sound to uncaring to me. I can't say I would give up my child for anyone in this world.
This scripture has allowed me to give up control to my heavenly Father. That I don't have to waste my energy or emotional well being in having the solution to mine or anyone elses issues. That He knows the end of life to the begging of life, Alpha and Omega, and He knows all. It is not our place to carry burdens. He is a loving Father and will never push His will on us, so He will let us carry them. But when we are ready to give our burdens to Him, He is loving enough to take them off our shoulders. Even when we walk through the valley times in life, He is always there, like a Shepard and his sheep. He will protect us, but in the process we need to seek Him so at the end of our valley time journey, no matter how it turns out, we come away with knowing Him more.
Living free, is living in complete faith and trust...are you ready?
Just a thought....
Sunday, July 29, 2007
The Law or Relationship...
I was recently faced with someone who was brought up with the law of God but not much relationship with God, or atleast not that much relationship. Since walking with the Lord 8 years ago or so, I was taught relationship with the Lord. Not that the laws He has set before us aren't important, but it's through relationship that our hearts change and a "want to" attitude comes out.
In the Bible the Pharisees were all about the law. Jesus was not to impressed. I mean, He didn't like the fact that the Pharisees acted like they were without sin. Yeah, right! We all sin, in thought, mind and deeds. That's where the grace of God comes in, and the mercy of our salvation. It seems that those that live by law are judgemental, lack compassion and aren't that great to be around. That's my personal opinion and experience. I just don't think that is how our God wants himself portrayed.
Then you have the other end of the pendulum. God's grace and mercy and forgiveness. You have those that believe that just because we believe in God, and that's it, that were "good to go". That may be true, but the Devil believes in God also, but that doesn't me he is going to heaven. Then there is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and in scripture it says, "anyone who commits blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will be blotted out of the Book of Life".
So I looked up blasphemy :
1 a : the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God b : the act of claiming the attributes of deity
2 : irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable
So this lends itself to some interesting things to ponder. One, are we hung up on the law of the Bible because that's easier to control and to control others, than to entertain the idea that God has laws to protect us, but is far more interested in a relationship with us. Second, isn't it easier to change bad habits with someone/our heavenly Father who is gracious, encouraging and when necessary pointing things out in love? I know it motivates me far more than someone who is judgemental, fault finding and "captain obvious".
I wonder how many marriages would still be together today if spouses did less finger pointing and more encouraging.
Just a thought...
In the Bible the Pharisees were all about the law. Jesus was not to impressed. I mean, He didn't like the fact that the Pharisees acted like they were without sin. Yeah, right! We all sin, in thought, mind and deeds. That's where the grace of God comes in, and the mercy of our salvation. It seems that those that live by law are judgemental, lack compassion and aren't that great to be around. That's my personal opinion and experience. I just don't think that is how our God wants himself portrayed.
Then you have the other end of the pendulum. God's grace and mercy and forgiveness. You have those that believe that just because we believe in God, and that's it, that were "good to go". That may be true, but the Devil believes in God also, but that doesn't me he is going to heaven. Then there is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and in scripture it says, "anyone who commits blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will be blotted out of the Book of Life".
So I looked up blasphemy :
1 a : the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God b : the act of claiming the attributes of deity
2 : irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable
So this lends itself to some interesting things to ponder. One, are we hung up on the law of the Bible because that's easier to control and to control others, than to entertain the idea that God has laws to protect us, but is far more interested in a relationship with us. Second, isn't it easier to change bad habits with someone/our heavenly Father who is gracious, encouraging and when necessary pointing things out in love? I know it motivates me far more than someone who is judgemental, fault finding and "captain obvious".
I wonder how many marriages would still be together today if spouses did less finger pointing and more encouraging.
Just a thought...
Friday, July 13, 2007
A Letter from Christ to you....
My Beautiful One,
I am so happy you have returned to Me; I knew you would. You look just as beautiful as ever, even more so, if that is possible.
How can I describe your beauty? If I compared you to my favorite mare, which is adorned with splendid jewels and golden tassels, a most elegant, valuable, beautiful and outstanding mare-even more then My description would be grossly lacking. You are unaware of the strength of your heart and the beauty I see within you.(Song of Sol.)
Your emotions are lovely to Me. Your cheeks, stained with tears of lovesickness, adorn you with great beauty, (Song of Sol.) On your neck are chains of gold; My divine character is being formed in you. You belong to royalty. You are loyal, true and resolute in your devotion to Me. You may feel weak and unworthy, but you are growing in grace and truth. I see the desire in your heart to please Me and that is beautiful. (Song of Sol.)
My darling, you are already so beautiful, but how much more beautiful you will be in the days to come! My Father, Comforter and I will bestow upon you our richest gifts and greatest virtues. (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) We will make you an extravagant worshipper, for you have been redeemed. You will become a woman of excellence who is fully devoted to Me and We will purify your heart. (Song of Sol.)
I want you to know that you are not a failure-one never fails until one fails to get up. Right now, because of what you have gone through, you view yourself as a sinner who sometimes loves God, but the truth is you are a lover of God who sometimes sins. Your true identity is that of a lover, not a sinner. Just like the lily, you are lovely, fragrant, innocent, pure and clothed in My splendor.
So, rest under the canopy of My love and dream of better days. Sleep well, most beautiful among woman. (Song of Sol.)
Forever Yours,
The Master Shepherd
"The Bride" by Rhonda Calhoun
This letter either makes you uncomforatble, you can't identify with it, or your fine with your heavenly Father speaking to you in that way. This begs the question for both men and women; because even though this letter says woman, men are also the bridegroom; how does this letter make you feel? Do you believe that your Father feels this way about you, or does it seem like He feels this way about everyone but you?
I believe our Father wants us to become intimatley vulnerable with Him. It's only then that He can begin to have a true relationship with us and in turn we can have a Christ like relationship with those is our lives.
Just a thought...
I am so happy you have returned to Me; I knew you would. You look just as beautiful as ever, even more so, if that is possible.
How can I describe your beauty? If I compared you to my favorite mare, which is adorned with splendid jewels and golden tassels, a most elegant, valuable, beautiful and outstanding mare-even more then My description would be grossly lacking. You are unaware of the strength of your heart and the beauty I see within you.(Song of Sol.)
Your emotions are lovely to Me. Your cheeks, stained with tears of lovesickness, adorn you with great beauty, (Song of Sol.) On your neck are chains of gold; My divine character is being formed in you. You belong to royalty. You are loyal, true and resolute in your devotion to Me. You may feel weak and unworthy, but you are growing in grace and truth. I see the desire in your heart to please Me and that is beautiful. (Song of Sol.)
My darling, you are already so beautiful, but how much more beautiful you will be in the days to come! My Father, Comforter and I will bestow upon you our richest gifts and greatest virtues. (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) We will make you an extravagant worshipper, for you have been redeemed. You will become a woman of excellence who is fully devoted to Me and We will purify your heart. (Song of Sol.)
I want you to know that you are not a failure-one never fails until one fails to get up. Right now, because of what you have gone through, you view yourself as a sinner who sometimes loves God, but the truth is you are a lover of God who sometimes sins. Your true identity is that of a lover, not a sinner. Just like the lily, you are lovely, fragrant, innocent, pure and clothed in My splendor.
So, rest under the canopy of My love and dream of better days. Sleep well, most beautiful among woman. (Song of Sol.)
Forever Yours,
The Master Shepherd
"The Bride" by Rhonda Calhoun
This letter either makes you uncomforatble, you can't identify with it, or your fine with your heavenly Father speaking to you in that way. This begs the question for both men and women; because even though this letter says woman, men are also the bridegroom; how does this letter make you feel? Do you believe that your Father feels this way about you, or does it seem like He feels this way about everyone but you?
I believe our Father wants us to become intimatley vulnerable with Him. It's only then that He can begin to have a true relationship with us and in turn we can have a Christ like relationship with those is our lives.
Just a thought...
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should...
So last year about November the Lord starting showing me something in my life. He gave me this saying, "just because you can, doesn't mean you should". I thought, jeez what does He mean? Slowly He started unfolding this to me and by the end of it all, I was undone.
This is such a multi layered saying that it took awhile to wrap my head around it, but finally I have the head knowledge about it, now I just need to implement it into my life. It seems like I do implement it, and then oops I am back doing the same thing. Your probably wondering what "that" is.
I had many irons in the fire so to speak. I was giving alot of kids a carpool, my niece was living with us, my mothers health wasn't well, PTF, school volunteering, church volunteering, a consulting job on the side,working part time, the kids activities, my dogs exercise....well you get the picture. Some of these things are just part of life, but others were ones that I took on myself. The Lord also asked me, "why are you doing all that your doing?" I went through each item of activity on my list and asked myself, "why am I doing this?" At the end of it, about half of them were, because I know how to do it, it will help out other people and it brings some self worth to me. The Lord said,"but aren't I suppose to bring about your completeness", "shouldn't you ask Me, if I want you to take that on, after all I am the Jehova Jireh (the provider, YOUR provider)and wouldn't I know if you are able to take that on". I was a bit confused. I thought that if we are Christians then shouldn't we offer our help in every way. Then someone said to me, you know, if the Lord isn't telling you to step in and help and you do anyway, you may be stealing the blessing from someone else. I had never thought of it that way. I knew eventually what the Lord was getting to. Impart it was my relationship with Him, but also something in my past that was a wound, and that I somehow came into agreement with the idea that what I did was who I am.
At the end of it all and at the end of the day, I knew what my inner most motivation was. All those things and being needed by people fed me, my pride, made me feel like a good mom and gave me self worth. Yuk! All that fulfilled me for a little bit, but there was always something or someone that "let me down" or "not working out" and in turn, destroyed the self worth I was getting.
After wrestling with myself and the Lord, I realized that those things and people were fleeting but the Lord was where my identity was. That I was the one who Christ died for. I was called a child of God, a queen to the King. He will never leave us, nor forsake us.
I say all this, not to condemn people for helping others or helping where needed. The Lord does call us to help and gives us gifts to use to help others and bring about glory to Him. I think the questions that we need to ask ourselves are this: Is the Lord wanting me to do this, what is my heart motivation in it, am I doing this for accolades for myself or because I am joyful to do that which the Lord has asked me to do? It also brings to light, if my time is being consumed by other things, harmless as they may be, am I missing a great opportunity to partner in something the Lord wants me to?
Doing things anonymously is a great way to keep pride in check. Filling the gas tank for your spouse without telling them, sending money anonymously to someone you know needs it, giving to charities without letting them know who it came from...the deeds are endless.
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
"so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:16&18
Just a thought....
This is such a multi layered saying that it took awhile to wrap my head around it, but finally I have the head knowledge about it, now I just need to implement it into my life. It seems like I do implement it, and then oops I am back doing the same thing. Your probably wondering what "that" is.
I had many irons in the fire so to speak. I was giving alot of kids a carpool, my niece was living with us, my mothers health wasn't well, PTF, school volunteering, church volunteering, a consulting job on the side,working part time, the kids activities, my dogs exercise....well you get the picture. Some of these things are just part of life, but others were ones that I took on myself. The Lord also asked me, "why are you doing all that your doing?" I went through each item of activity on my list and asked myself, "why am I doing this?" At the end of it, about half of them were, because I know how to do it, it will help out other people and it brings some self worth to me. The Lord said,"but aren't I suppose to bring about your completeness", "shouldn't you ask Me, if I want you to take that on, after all I am the Jehova Jireh (the provider, YOUR provider)and wouldn't I know if you are able to take that on". I was a bit confused. I thought that if we are Christians then shouldn't we offer our help in every way. Then someone said to me, you know, if the Lord isn't telling you to step in and help and you do anyway, you may be stealing the blessing from someone else. I had never thought of it that way. I knew eventually what the Lord was getting to. Impart it was my relationship with Him, but also something in my past that was a wound, and that I somehow came into agreement with the idea that what I did was who I am.
At the end of it all and at the end of the day, I knew what my inner most motivation was. All those things and being needed by people fed me, my pride, made me feel like a good mom and gave me self worth. Yuk! All that fulfilled me for a little bit, but there was always something or someone that "let me down" or "not working out" and in turn, destroyed the self worth I was getting.
After wrestling with myself and the Lord, I realized that those things and people were fleeting but the Lord was where my identity was. That I was the one who Christ died for. I was called a child of God, a queen to the King. He will never leave us, nor forsake us.
I say all this, not to condemn people for helping others or helping where needed. The Lord does call us to help and gives us gifts to use to help others and bring about glory to Him. I think the questions that we need to ask ourselves are this: Is the Lord wanting me to do this, what is my heart motivation in it, am I doing this for accolades for myself or because I am joyful to do that which the Lord has asked me to do? It also brings to light, if my time is being consumed by other things, harmless as they may be, am I missing a great opportunity to partner in something the Lord wants me to?
Doing things anonymously is a great way to keep pride in check. Filling the gas tank for your spouse without telling them, sending money anonymously to someone you know needs it, giving to charities without letting them know who it came from...the deeds are endless.
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
"so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:16&18
Just a thought....
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Take Refuge and Rejoice in the Lord....
"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you."
This passage has been with me awhile and so here I am to write my thoughts about it. When we are in times of trial and darkness, when we gaze upon our Lord, His word brings truth to our spirit and thus His light will shine on us. Our Jehova Rapha, the Lord who heals, desires to be the balm on our wounds. It's in His love for us that we can lean on Him and His wisdom during times of trial. It's only when we finally give up control and stop operating in our strength that we will move into a closer relationship with our heavenly Father and bring about the healing we all desperately want and need in our past. God loves a willing heart and will return in abundance.
Be glad during our trials, for we have our Heavenly Father to run to. As a parent we all have comforted our children when they are in pain, whether that be a skinned knee or hurt feelings. Even if they could've avoided it and we told them, we still comfort them, and so to does our heavenly daddy. Being grounded in grace,and understanding that God not only loves us but likes us. Not because He has to but He wants to.
It's in the journey that we find ourselves in reliance upon the Alpha and Omega, the all knowing Genesis 1 God. He loves when we walk in faith, and trust that He has our best interest at heart. So rejoice in Him. That He is always trying to find ways for us to know Him more, to be in more relationship with Him, even when we put Him on the back burner. Let's step out in faith, and leave our agendas aside for once, what do we have to lose?
Just a thought....
"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 40:31
This passage has been with me awhile and so here I am to write my thoughts about it. When we are in times of trial and darkness, when we gaze upon our Lord, His word brings truth to our spirit and thus His light will shine on us. Our Jehova Rapha, the Lord who heals, desires to be the balm on our wounds. It's in His love for us that we can lean on Him and His wisdom during times of trial. It's only when we finally give up control and stop operating in our strength that we will move into a closer relationship with our heavenly Father and bring about the healing we all desperately want and need in our past. God loves a willing heart and will return in abundance.
Be glad during our trials, for we have our Heavenly Father to run to. As a parent we all have comforted our children when they are in pain, whether that be a skinned knee or hurt feelings. Even if they could've avoided it and we told them, we still comfort them, and so to does our heavenly daddy. Being grounded in grace,and understanding that God not only loves us but likes us. Not because He has to but He wants to.
It's in the journey that we find ourselves in reliance upon the Alpha and Omega, the all knowing Genesis 1 God. He loves when we walk in faith, and trust that He has our best interest at heart. So rejoice in Him. That He is always trying to find ways for us to know Him more, to be in more relationship with Him, even when we put Him on the back burner. Let's step out in faith, and leave our agendas aside for once, what do we have to lose?
Just a thought....
"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 40:31
Friday, June 29, 2007
For the Cause or Self?...
So I happen to catch this commercial or promo for a big concert for "climate concern", via television, web but also people will be attending this, lots of people. I find this absolutely ironic that people who are concerned for our changing climate would put on such an event that would use a ton of resources such as electricity, money and let's not forget the emissions that people driving there will be letting off. Just a question, since when is AL Gore an environmental expert and why is everyone willing to take what he has to say as the whole truth? He made a film, big deal. Since when is a film the whole truth, and not someones perception. Both sides can make great arguments.
I am all for keeping our world clean and being good stewards of our resources. I just thinks it's arrogant for us to think we know, for absolute that certain things are hurting our earth or to be absolute about anything concerning the earth. It's a bit like carbon dating, which by the way has flaws. Although the theory of radiocarbon dating is interesting, there are several inherent problems with the process. The first of these problems is the fact that the original ratio of carbon and radioactive carbon is unknown. The second problem is that the possibility of contamination of the sample over time is quite high. The older the sample the higher the probability of contamination. What this means is that using carbon dating to date very old samples is really quite impractical given our current level of knowledge and technological capabilities. So to are the arguments about car emissions. Why? A gallon of gasoline turns into 20 pounds of CO2. Average car drives 15,000 miles a year and gets 30 mpg (my estimates, might be a little high on the mpg estimate)15,000 miles /30mpg = 500 gallons of gasoline a year * 20 pounds = 10,000 lbs of CO2 a year. A cow produces up to 90kg of methane a year. Methane is over 20 times more effective in trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide 90 kg * 2.2 lb/kg = 200 lbs of methane * 20 = 4,000 lbs of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases. A car emits 2.5 times as much greenhouse gases as a cow. Amazing that a cow emits that much and yet gets very little talk in terms of environment impact.
Let's talk about those individuals putting these concerts on, and going on talk shows etc. I think we all know there is a need to get our use under control, if for nothing else, just to stop being so wasteful and self gratifying. I am all for going as natural, chemically free as possible, and trying to limit the amount of damage to our earth. If you want to make a difference, change the way you live and others will see and make changes. It's cheaper and it hold true credibility versus concerts and all the hype. But what is their real motive? If they really want to help, how about putting some of the millions they make and giving it ANONYMOUSLY to the cause or for further studies to use a more natural approach to energy or gas. I guess I don't see all of the people that stand up for these causes changing their lifestyles to support that which they say they support.
I guess my point is, if people truly have a heart to better things, they usually do it without looking for a pat on the back, for acknowledgment or for that matter the need for millions to know, " they support this cause". There are many ways to get out information to everyone to get them informed. It also isn't necessary to let them know who it's from. If the true intention is to get people educated, than educate. If the motive is to also elevate yourself I think that becomes evidently clear, as in this case. Just my opinion.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Just a thought...
I am all for keeping our world clean and being good stewards of our resources. I just thinks it's arrogant for us to think we know, for absolute that certain things are hurting our earth or to be absolute about anything concerning the earth. It's a bit like carbon dating, which by the way has flaws. Although the theory of radiocarbon dating is interesting, there are several inherent problems with the process. The first of these problems is the fact that the original ratio of carbon and radioactive carbon is unknown. The second problem is that the possibility of contamination of the sample over time is quite high. The older the sample the higher the probability of contamination. What this means is that using carbon dating to date very old samples is really quite impractical given our current level of knowledge and technological capabilities. So to are the arguments about car emissions. Why? A gallon of gasoline turns into 20 pounds of CO2. Average car drives 15,000 miles a year and gets 30 mpg (my estimates, might be a little high on the mpg estimate)15,000 miles /30mpg = 500 gallons of gasoline a year * 20 pounds = 10,000 lbs of CO2 a year. A cow produces up to 90kg of methane a year. Methane is over 20 times more effective in trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide 90 kg * 2.2 lb/kg = 200 lbs of methane * 20 = 4,000 lbs of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases. A car emits 2.5 times as much greenhouse gases as a cow. Amazing that a cow emits that much and yet gets very little talk in terms of environment impact.
Let's talk about those individuals putting these concerts on, and going on talk shows etc. I think we all know there is a need to get our use under control, if for nothing else, just to stop being so wasteful and self gratifying. I am all for going as natural, chemically free as possible, and trying to limit the amount of damage to our earth. If you want to make a difference, change the way you live and others will see and make changes. It's cheaper and it hold true credibility versus concerts and all the hype. But what is their real motive? If they really want to help, how about putting some of the millions they make and giving it ANONYMOUSLY to the cause or for further studies to use a more natural approach to energy or gas. I guess I don't see all of the people that stand up for these causes changing their lifestyles to support that which they say they support.
I guess my point is, if people truly have a heart to better things, they usually do it without looking for a pat on the back, for acknowledgment or for that matter the need for millions to know, " they support this cause". There are many ways to get out information to everyone to get them informed. It also isn't necessary to let them know who it's from. If the true intention is to get people educated, than educate. If the motive is to also elevate yourself I think that becomes evidently clear, as in this case. Just my opinion.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Just a thought...
Making your past a present reality
When I think back, my mind takes me back to a time when things seemed a lot simpler. Why does the past always seem less rushed, less materialistic, less everything but rich in memories? Maybe it's because we were young and lived with our own perception of what the world was. I mean when I was 5 years old my biggest concern was playing with Barbie dolls. When I became a teenager I was consumed with being an adult, making my own decisions and getting out on my own. Now that I'm on my own and have been for 18 years +, I long for the days of the less paced lifestyle. The time to sit and day dream of what the future holds. To put it plainly; just have a relaxed spirit. A spirit that can sit, think and ponder without the distraction of my mind rushing to the grocery list, the kids activities and let's not forget the guilt trips we take ourselves on daily.I say all this not in sadness, but in a posture of wanting to obtain this lifestyle again. Not to live in a memory, but to put my foot down and say, "No more!", I will not concede to what the world deems a successful person. The commercial that is and will be forever embedded in my brain is the one that shows a linen closet with neatly folded towels and then the camera pans out to a beautiful outside seashore and it says,"your kids won't remember the neatly folded towels in the linen closet..."
Just a thought...
Just a thought...
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