As I was packing the other day, my dog began to whimper. He followed me around, getting under foot constantly. I had many things to do, and one of them was preparing a better spot for him to ride in. You see, with four children and all our things, usually, the dog gets stuck down at the feet of two of the children when we travel. But, knowing that many trips were coming up, I wanted to prepare a better place for him. He rides well, obeys when we tell him to lie back down, and I wanted to ease his discomfort while also rewarding his good behavior. But, his whimpering was about to drive me mad. He was so concerned about getting left behind that he didn’t notice all the things that I was doing concerning him… bringing his dog dishes, gathering his leash and his brush, removing a seat, placing a blanket, etc. Even once he got to run outside and jump into the van, he ignored all the extra work I put into making a better place for him. He would not go into his new spot for anything. It took almost 14 hours of driving before he realized that not only would he still be coming with us if he moved to this new place, but that he would be more comfortable in the new place, too.
We are so like that dog of mine. We ask God for something, whimper and moan and groan while He is preparing things, and then we don’t even move into the new and better place He has prepared until He has had to show us a few dozen times that it truly is better.
God will never leave us behind. He is preparing a wonderful place for each of us, not only in heaven but also here on earth. He is listening, He is loving, He is patient (thankfully) during our whimpering. Most of all, His abundance of grace and mercy and love will never cease to bring us into better and better places.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Passing through the storm
Lightning flashes, immediately followed by the crashing sound of thunder. Rain in sheets, wave upon wave upon wave pound down around. We have a purpose; we have to journey on. We could choose to stop and sit through the entirety of the storm, wishing that everything would just blow over, but there is another storm coming, and time is of the essence. What do we do? We slow down, yes, because safety necessitates it, and we pray that God will lead us through. He does; as the storm rages on, we travel, in God’s hands, safely through to the other side where the sun shines brightly and everything sparkles with the remaining drops of rain. Had we stopped, we would still be sitting in the midst of the chaos, and we wouldn’t have achieved our purpose at the end of the journey.
Travel on, follow workers, travel on; God is holding you safe.
Travel on, follow workers, travel on; God is holding you safe.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
July 4th
IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
…
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
…
July 4th… freedom… freedom from tyranny, freedom from persecution, freedom from abuses.
The reason those freedoms have worked so long in the USA is simply Jesus Christ. We live in a country that was built upon the blood, sweat, and tears of our ancestors… people who knew what it meant to be treated as if they were less than human but knew through the saving blood of Jesus that they were, indeed, worthy. It was with the Creator standing behind them that they dared to stand before a mighty king and his military force.
Celebrate the freedoms of our country today, but remember the Creator of those freedoms every day of the year.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
…
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
…
July 4th… freedom… freedom from tyranny, freedom from persecution, freedom from abuses.
The reason those freedoms have worked so long in the USA is simply Jesus Christ. We live in a country that was built upon the blood, sweat, and tears of our ancestors… people who knew what it meant to be treated as if they were less than human but knew through the saving blood of Jesus that they were, indeed, worthy. It was with the Creator standing behind them that they dared to stand before a mighty king and his military force.
Celebrate the freedoms of our country today, but remember the Creator of those freedoms every day of the year.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Teen Years
Question: “I’m wondering how the teenage years will go.”
Answer: “It'll be beautiful—though probably more like white water rafting than boating on a quiet lake.”
What an image and what a positive outlook on what would otherwise be viewed as a time of drudgery and pain. Of course, we all know that there will be times of difficulty and pain, but I am so inspired by this view.
If we only focus on the rocks, we will miss the beauty that surrounds us. This goes not just for the teen years, but for every day of our lives. Embrace the adventure and enjoy the ride.
Answer: “It'll be beautiful—though probably more like white water rafting than boating on a quiet lake.”
What an image and what a positive outlook on what would otherwise be viewed as a time of drudgery and pain. Of course, we all know that there will be times of difficulty and pain, but I am so inspired by this view.
If we only focus on the rocks, we will miss the beauty that surrounds us. This goes not just for the teen years, but for every day of our lives. Embrace the adventure and enjoy the ride.
Friday, March 6, 2009
The secret of the LORD
While reading in the Book of Psalms this morning, I was touched by Psalm 25:14.
The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him,And He will make them know His covenant.
My devotional Bible is the New American Standard Bible. The term ‘secret’ had other translations listed—counsel or intimacy. Obviously, the term intimacy caught my attention. I began thinking about how our relationship with the Lord can only be truly intimate when we fear (respect) Him.
When we have a friend who only calls when she needs something or who is always telling our secrets, we begin to lose respect for that person. We find it hard to trust her, we might begin distancing ourselves from her, and, ultimately, the friendship may fail altogether. Why? Because of a lack of respect. When our spouse has an affair or spends the family money on things that are selfish or wasteful, we will have many issues to work through, but, ultimately, until true respect is built again, the relationship will suffer greatly.
Just as in earthly relationships, true intimacy with God is only achieved when a deep, abiding respect is a fundamental part of growing the relationship. As we respect the Lord—building intimacy with our loving Father, he reveals His covenant to us.
What is His covenant? Literally, it is the covenant He made with Abraham, but also it is the covenant He makes with every believer that He will reveal Himself, making known to us what is the teaching we should follow and the path we should take in life. (John 7:17)
My friends, do you respect the Lord and desire to follow His ways? If you know Him, then the desire is in you. Call out to Him, ask Him to show you what His desire is for you, and let Him know that you care. Just like in any budding relationship or relationship that has faltered, there will be missteps, but God wants simply to hold your hand and be with you as you live this earthly life. He wants to help point out the pitfalls and make sure you don’t miss the abundant treasures hidden (sometimes in plain sight).
The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him,And He will make them know His covenant.
My devotional Bible is the New American Standard Bible. The term ‘secret’ had other translations listed—counsel or intimacy. Obviously, the term intimacy caught my attention. I began thinking about how our relationship with the Lord can only be truly intimate when we fear (respect) Him.
When we have a friend who only calls when she needs something or who is always telling our secrets, we begin to lose respect for that person. We find it hard to trust her, we might begin distancing ourselves from her, and, ultimately, the friendship may fail altogether. Why? Because of a lack of respect. When our spouse has an affair or spends the family money on things that are selfish or wasteful, we will have many issues to work through, but, ultimately, until true respect is built again, the relationship will suffer greatly.
Just as in earthly relationships, true intimacy with God is only achieved when a deep, abiding respect is a fundamental part of growing the relationship. As we respect the Lord—building intimacy with our loving Father, he reveals His covenant to us.
What is His covenant? Literally, it is the covenant He made with Abraham, but also it is the covenant He makes with every believer that He will reveal Himself, making known to us what is the teaching we should follow and the path we should take in life. (John 7:17)
My friends, do you respect the Lord and desire to follow His ways? If you know Him, then the desire is in you. Call out to Him, ask Him to show you what His desire is for you, and let Him know that you care. Just like in any budding relationship or relationship that has faltered, there will be missteps, but God wants simply to hold your hand and be with you as you live this earthly life. He wants to help point out the pitfalls and make sure you don’t miss the abundant treasures hidden (sometimes in plain sight).
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Comfort During Troubling Times
Often when we feel down, we pull into our shells, and we forget to go to God’s Word. We remember Him and cry out to Him, but often we simply don’t grab our Bibles and let God’s Living Word renew us. Here’s a psalm to bring you comfort.
Psalm 77
1 I cried out to God for help;
I cried out to God to hear me.
2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
at night I stretched out untiring hands
and my soul refused to be comforted.
3 I remembered you, O God, and I groaned;
I mused, and my spirit grew faint. Selah
4 You kept my eyes from closing;
I was too troubled to speak.
5 I thought about the former days,
the years of long ago;
6 I remembered my songs in the night.
My heart mused and my spirit inquired:
7 "Will the Lord reject forever?
Will he never show his favor again?
8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
Has his promise failed for all time?
9 Has God forgotten to be merciful?
Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" Selah
10 Then I thought, "To this I will appeal:
the years of the right hand of the Most High."
11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
12 I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds.
13 Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is so great as our God?
14 You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.
15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
16 The waters saw you, O God,
the waters saw you and writhed;
the very depths were convulsed.
17 The clouds poured down water,
the skies resounded with thunder;
your arrows flashed back and forth.
18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
your lightning lit up the world;
the earth trembled and quaked.
19 Your path led through the sea,
your way through the mighty waters,
though your footprints were not seen.
20 You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Just as this psalmist remembers what God has done, we need to remember the numerous times that God was faithful in our past and hold onto the truth that He is faithful now, and we will be able to see it down the road.
Psalm 77
1 I cried out to God for help;
I cried out to God to hear me.
2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
at night I stretched out untiring hands
and my soul refused to be comforted.
3 I remembered you, O God, and I groaned;
I mused, and my spirit grew faint. Selah
4 You kept my eyes from closing;
I was too troubled to speak.
5 I thought about the former days,
the years of long ago;
6 I remembered my songs in the night.
My heart mused and my spirit inquired:
7 "Will the Lord reject forever?
Will he never show his favor again?
8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
Has his promise failed for all time?
9 Has God forgotten to be merciful?
Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" Selah
10 Then I thought, "To this I will appeal:
the years of the right hand of the Most High."
11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
12 I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds.
13 Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is so great as our God?
14 You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.
15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
16 The waters saw you, O God,
the waters saw you and writhed;
the very depths were convulsed.
17 The clouds poured down water,
the skies resounded with thunder;
your arrows flashed back and forth.
18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
your lightning lit up the world;
the earth trembled and quaked.
19 Your path led through the sea,
your way through the mighty waters,
though your footprints were not seen.
20 You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Just as this psalmist remembers what God has done, we need to remember the numerous times that God was faithful in our past and hold onto the truth that He is faithful now, and we will be able to see it down the road.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The Death of a Parent
The death of a parent can unleash so many memories that we have long since forgotten. When we think of the times we wronged our parent, the times that he wronged us, and all the numerous times forgiveness was not granted, we can feel like we are falling into a pit of utter despair, with no way of every correcting the situation.
Yet, with God’s love and guidance, we can climb out of that pit and realize that although we cannot tell our parent any longer that we forgive them or ask forgiveness from them, we can forgive their memory and ourselves. Forgiveness allows us to be free from the burden of unresolved hurts. The Lord does not want us to be buried with our passing parent, buried under the relentless pain and frustration of unforgiveness. He wants us to honor our parent’s memory by clinging to Him and the hope that these past situations can be used for our good. They can help us value our own children more, they can help us cherish every moment that we have with those around us, and they can help see the unspoken pain in another’s eyes and reach out in love and hope and acceptance.
My dear friend, hold tight to God’s TRUTH, not what your flesh is telling you in times of despair or what Satan would want you to believe. You are a precious child of God who is of infinite worth – no one could ever replace you in the lives of your spouse, your children, your family, and your friends. The grieving process is hard, and you must allow yourself time to feel your loss and your emotions; God says that there is a time for that (Ecc 3:4). But, remember… Fight, with God, to stay out of the pit. Live life on purpose!
Yet, with God’s love and guidance, we can climb out of that pit and realize that although we cannot tell our parent any longer that we forgive them or ask forgiveness from them, we can forgive their memory and ourselves. Forgiveness allows us to be free from the burden of unresolved hurts. The Lord does not want us to be buried with our passing parent, buried under the relentless pain and frustration of unforgiveness. He wants us to honor our parent’s memory by clinging to Him and the hope that these past situations can be used for our good. They can help us value our own children more, they can help us cherish every moment that we have with those around us, and they can help see the unspoken pain in another’s eyes and reach out in love and hope and acceptance.
My dear friend, hold tight to God’s TRUTH, not what your flesh is telling you in times of despair or what Satan would want you to believe. You are a precious child of God who is of infinite worth – no one could ever replace you in the lives of your spouse, your children, your family, and your friends. The grieving process is hard, and you must allow yourself time to feel your loss and your emotions; God says that there is a time for that (Ecc 3:4). But, remember… Fight, with God, to stay out of the pit. Live life on purpose!
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