Don't blame the english teacher because you are failing math. Last night I was so excited to get to our "small group" at the church and dive into the scriptures. Unfortunately, for the second week in a row, our Bible's weren't cracked and instead the plan was to cover something else.
Now, you should know that our church is a very biblically focused place, and that it's just strange the way things played out. What's stranger still is that this was the second week in a row that this happened.
It would be so easy to blame the leaders of the group or to quit going because of this, but the fact is, I have a Bible of my very own. So why would I blame someone else for something that I can take responsibility for? So if I need more scripture time, I will just make more scripture time. And there it is.
Don't blame the english teacher because you are failing math.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Prayer and thanksgiving.
Whether it is something we need, or something that would make us feel a little bit more comfortable, we know that if we ask, we may receive.
Prayers for safe travels, extra income, lost souls, people who hurt physically, we pray for all of it.
A couple weeks back I had to make the five hour journey to Cheyenne with three of my sisters' young daughters. When we left the house I noticed that I had 140 miles to empty. With 120 miles between my house and the next city with a gas station I felt comfortable skipping the stop in my town and decided to stop at the station a couple hours away.
As we drove I noticed the number of miles to the next town were very comparable to the miles I had to empty. Had I missed something? Was the high wind causing me to get different gas mileage? Whatever was happening, I prayed consistently for the last 36 miles. Every time the number decreased on my dashboard fuel information, I asked God to help us make it to a gas pump without anyone having to walk or ask for help.
When we finally made it to the nearest pumps we had 6 miles to empty. I thanked God, and we continued on our journey.
Seems strange to me how much time and effort and energy I give my Lord when I am close to 'empty', but when things are going smoothly I rarely thank God with the same passion. 1st Thessalonians 5:17 says, 'Pray without ceasing". Verse 18 says, 'give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.'.
I want to do that. I want to pray all the time, and I pretty much do that now. He has my thoughts most of the time, my constant silent prayer for a variety of people, and situations that I encounter. Unfortunately, there are times when I get to worrying in my prayers, and I end up crying out for help without breaking to see and appreciate the situation I might be having. And sometimes it seems like when that "big" thing has worked out, I forget to do more than give a quick thanks.
I keep thinking of that old praise tune by Amy Grant, 'Sing Your Praise To The Lord'.
Sing your praise to the Lord,
Come on everybody,
Stand up and sing...one more
Hallelujah,
Give your praise to the Lord,
I can never tell you,
Just how much good...that it's
Gonna do ya
Just to sing...anew...
The song your heart first learned to sing when He
First gave His life...to you...
The life goes on and so must the song,
You gotta sing...again...
The song born in your soul when you
First gave your heart...to Him...
Sing His praises, once more
Sing your praise to the Lord,
Come on everybody,
Stand up and sing...one more
Hallelujah,
Give your praise to the Lord,
I can never tell you,
Just how much good...that it's
Gonna do ya
Just to sing...aloud...
The song that someone is dying to hear
Down in the madd'ning crowd...
As you once were before your heard the song,
You gotta let them know...
The truth is a life to shine upon the way,
So maybe they...can go...
Sing His praises, once more
Sing your praise to the Lord,
Come on everybody,
Stand up and sing...one more
Hallelujah,
Give your praise to the Lord,
I can never tell you,
Just how much good...that it's
Gonna do ya
Just to let the name of the Lord...
Be praise, both for now, and evermore,
Praise Him all ye servants,
Give Him praise to the Lord,
Come on everybody,
Stand up and sing...one more
Hallelujah,
Give your praise to the Lord,
I can never tell you,
Just how much good...that it's
Gonna do ya
Just to sing, sing sing...
Come on, sing, sing, sing...
I can hear you now, sing, sing, sing...
We would do well to read the lyrics to this song. It seems we sometimes get carried away with the situation and we forget how He is not here to accommodate us, but we are here to serve Him. I can stand to learn to serve Him better.
Ephesians 5:20 'giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,'
My Lord, my Provider, and my Strength,
I thank you for seeing me through the times when I overreact and worry needlessly. I ask that You will carry me through my struggles and that the next time I will not be anxious, or insecure. I ask that You give me the Light to shine for You. You know my heart Lord, and You alone know all of the things that make me fret. I trust that You will give me wisdom in these situations, and help me to turn to You in everything. Lord, I'm so sorry that sometimes I beg for your help and that in the end I give you nothing more than a simple thanks. You have made so many provisions for me and to not fall to my knees and praise Your Holy Name seems like it would bring You disappointment. Lord, let me be a glad sight to your eyes. Keep me close to You, and please continue the good work You started in me.
T~
Friday, June 22, 2012
my hearts desire
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the many provisions you have made for me and my family. You have given us so much, and you are able to take it away. While our finances sit in limbo right now and I wonder how we will pay for this house, or that car, or those furnaces, and so on, you continue to amaze me and provide.
Lord, I know the meaning of the word integrity, please let me live it, to the fullest, so that people may see me and think of You. It seems satan attacks from all sides lately, whether it be a single doctors report, or a rant on facebook, Lord, we need your protection. We need you far more than we need comfort, and ease. You are our peace in times of trouble. You alone are our refuge in times of attack. You are strong enough, and love us enough to fight for us so that we don't have to. Please remind me when I am getting so caught up in the negative that I need to turn to you. Sometimes it's just so easy to slip into that same old angry and worried funk. I praise you because you are so generous to give me rest and peace, even when it seems our world is caving in.
I am reminded of some phrases from songs we do with the praise team, "You alone are worthy of our praise", "there is no one like our God, no there is no one like our God", and "You alone are worthy of my praise."
My actions do not always match what is in my heart, but I think sometimes you allow troubles to find me in order that I can see what's in my heart. Father, You already know my heart. You know where I struggle even when I think I have a handle on it all. Forgive me for being so cocky to think I've got it all figured out. Forgive me for thinking that my plan is as sufficient as yours. Forgive me for my anger towards those that insult me, for those that accuse me, and for those that hurt me. You have called me to a new life, please stay with me Lord, alone I am nothing at all.
My heart hurts today because I know so much of what you've said, and I've only applied the parts that were easy enough. Help me to apply your living word to every situation I encounter.
Thank you for this incredible gift of grace. "Sin is broken, you have saved me, it is written, Christ is risen, Jesus you are Lord of all."
Humbly, and with a meekness, eager to receive Your implanted word, I commit all that I am, all that I have, all that I love and fear, to You Lord. In your glorious name, amen.
James chapter 1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the 12 tribes of Dispersion, Greetings.
Count it all joy my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have it's full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God for it, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must suppose he will receive nothing from the Lord; he is a double minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with it's scorching heat and withers the grass, it's flower falls, and it's beauty perishes. So also will the rich made fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown brings death.
Do not be deceived my beloved brothers, every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets, but a doer who acts, he will be blessed by his doing.
If anone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Thank you for the many provisions you have made for me and my family. You have given us so much, and you are able to take it away. While our finances sit in limbo right now and I wonder how we will pay for this house, or that car, or those furnaces, and so on, you continue to amaze me and provide.
Lord, I know the meaning of the word integrity, please let me live it, to the fullest, so that people may see me and think of You. It seems satan attacks from all sides lately, whether it be a single doctors report, or a rant on facebook, Lord, we need your protection. We need you far more than we need comfort, and ease. You are our peace in times of trouble. You alone are our refuge in times of attack. You are strong enough, and love us enough to fight for us so that we don't have to. Please remind me when I am getting so caught up in the negative that I need to turn to you. Sometimes it's just so easy to slip into that same old angry and worried funk. I praise you because you are so generous to give me rest and peace, even when it seems our world is caving in.
I am reminded of some phrases from songs we do with the praise team, "You alone are worthy of our praise", "there is no one like our God, no there is no one like our God", and "You alone are worthy of my praise."
My actions do not always match what is in my heart, but I think sometimes you allow troubles to find me in order that I can see what's in my heart. Father, You already know my heart. You know where I struggle even when I think I have a handle on it all. Forgive me for being so cocky to think I've got it all figured out. Forgive me for thinking that my plan is as sufficient as yours. Forgive me for my anger towards those that insult me, for those that accuse me, and for those that hurt me. You have called me to a new life, please stay with me Lord, alone I am nothing at all.
My heart hurts today because I know so much of what you've said, and I've only applied the parts that were easy enough. Help me to apply your living word to every situation I encounter.
Thank you for this incredible gift of grace. "Sin is broken, you have saved me, it is written, Christ is risen, Jesus you are Lord of all."
Humbly, and with a meekness, eager to receive Your implanted word, I commit all that I am, all that I have, all that I love and fear, to You Lord. In your glorious name, amen.
James chapter 1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the 12 tribes of Dispersion, Greetings.
Count it all joy my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have it's full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God for it, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must suppose he will receive nothing from the Lord; he is a double minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with it's scorching heat and withers the grass, it's flower falls, and it's beauty perishes. So also will the rich made fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown brings death.
Do not be deceived my beloved brothers, every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets, but a doer who acts, he will be blessed by his doing.
If anone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Psalm 86
Psalm 86. A prayer of David.
Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you- you are my God.
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day.
Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O lord, do I lift up my soul.
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer: listen to my plea for grace.
In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me.
There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours.
All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.
For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them.
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant.
Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you- you are my God.
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day.
Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O lord, do I lift up my soul.
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer: listen to my plea for grace.
In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me.
There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours.
All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.
For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them.
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant.
Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Christianity.
Did you know that early in Mahatma Ghandi's life he considered converting to Christianity? Yep, it's true. Unfortunately, this is what he had to say about it, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
Christianity is defined as the state of being Christ like. How sad that we as a whole have become so arrogant in our OWN doctrines that we have forgotten truly what was intended for the Christian. So many people say that they are Christians, while their actions are merely to try to make Christianity as accommodating and simple for their life as possible. Jesus never came to earth to show how easy it was and how he would glorify himself. He came to show how rewarding it would be to glorify God.
I think we all need to step it up a bit. Being Christ-like, that is the task, not making Christ seem more like us, not making God work for our redemption, but rather accepting and living with Christ's redemption.
What are your thoughts on how we as a whole can change this worldly opinion of Christianity?
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Womans Work
It is just so easy sometimes to get so caught up in everything you want to do in a day that we forget how important it is to first serve the Lord before we serve ourselves. I am realizing that in my service to Him my first obligation is to help and support my husband with what he wants to do. My job as his wife is to be his helpmate, his supporter and biggest fan, even when he's not really my favorite.
The bible tells us to "love our neighbors as ourself" (Matthew 22:39)
It is true that my husband is my closest neighbor. I love that.
Sometimes he aggravates me to no end, and it takes a consistent study of God's word, God's will, God's grace, and constant prayer that makes it possible to overlook the irritations and instead do what God made me to do~ glorify Him.
Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
The whole gist of it is that we were born into a sinful selfish world, and it's a shame that some of us are okay with settling for that, but if you want to please your Creator, and do as He intends, you must first start with the renewal of your mind. Everyday, not once a week ~ on Sundays, while the community watches ~ we should be lifting our praise and honor to heaven. As a wife and mother, I see my ministry and purpose to glorify my husband, so that he can better glorify God the way he was intended.
Ephesians 5:22-24 "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands."
Sounds like we as wives have the hardest job, but God knows our husbands, and we will be blessed in our service to them.
Here are some scriptures that are an encouragement to me, and a focal point when I get into that selfish funk that I sometimes find myself in.
Psalm 94:19,22
When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul...But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.
1st Peter 5:6,7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
1st Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Don't get discouraged just because things are going according to your plan, just remember that your plan can't possibly include all the glory and all of the grace that God's plan intends for you. Keep your chin up, stop whining about your husband and love Him like it is a commandment from God (because it is).
The bible tells us to "love our neighbors as ourself" (Matthew 22:39)
It is true that my husband is my closest neighbor. I love that.
Sometimes he aggravates me to no end, and it takes a consistent study of God's word, God's will, God's grace, and constant prayer that makes it possible to overlook the irritations and instead do what God made me to do~ glorify Him.
Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
The whole gist of it is that we were born into a sinful selfish world, and it's a shame that some of us are okay with settling for that, but if you want to please your Creator, and do as He intends, you must first start with the renewal of your mind. Everyday, not once a week ~ on Sundays, while the community watches ~ we should be lifting our praise and honor to heaven. As a wife and mother, I see my ministry and purpose to glorify my husband, so that he can better glorify God the way he was intended.
Ephesians 5:22-24 "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands."
Sounds like we as wives have the hardest job, but God knows our husbands, and we will be blessed in our service to them.
Here are some scriptures that are an encouragement to me, and a focal point when I get into that selfish funk that I sometimes find myself in.
Psalm 94:19,22
When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul...But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.
1st Peter 5:6,7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
1st Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Don't get discouraged just because things are going according to your plan, just remember that your plan can't possibly include all the glory and all of the grace that God's plan intends for you. Keep your chin up, stop whining about your husband and love Him like it is a commandment from God (because it is).
Friday, April 6, 2012
It's Friday, but Sunday's coming. Just thought I'd start with something witty, but my brain isn't really with it today.
Proverbs 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
So, I've been striving with much might to become this woman for this reward in particular. I would love to hear that my family has taken notice. Hmmmm.
Sometimes I would like to hear less about everyone's favorite wife and mother at my church from my husband and kids, and instead see that they recognize that what I'm doing is also good, maybe not AS good, but good nonetheless.
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:14
I guess I stick with it, and put myself away, AGAIN, and see what course this all takes.
Proverbs 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
So, I've been striving with much might to become this woman for this reward in particular. I would love to hear that my family has taken notice. Hmmmm.
Sometimes I would like to hear less about everyone's favorite wife and mother at my church from my husband and kids, and instead see that they recognize that what I'm doing is also good, maybe not AS good, but good nonetheless.
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:14
I guess I stick with it, and put myself away, AGAIN, and see what course this all takes.
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