I am struggling w/alot this morning......if I really believed what I read would I, continue to struggle? I think so and ....
...so today just resting in the struggling...it's leading me to more and stronger beliefs....more and stronger feelings of being loved...more and stronger desires to love and forgive......
Titus 2: 11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
I need GRACE... in receiving, actually receiving it..... I give it more freely..who knew this was how it worked and didn't tell me....;)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Jonah 1-4; 2 Timothy 2
Go to You Tube and search PS 22
Watch those kids......the freedom......their faces.....
Today I want to live in that freedom....I want that for you too.
Watch those kids......the freedom......their faces.....
Today I want to live in that freedom....I want that for you too.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Joel 1 - 3; 2 Timothy 1
I twittered this morning....trying not 2think 2much, not 2feel 2much, 2 rest in the confusion....days like this only one place to go....
So I'm here in all the confusion praying to hear You and in the hearing, listen and follow....I know You already know my confusion.....but dang today I feel very confused.....
Paul sounds pretty lonely here.....2 Timothy 1: 1-2 I, Paul, am on special assignment for Christ, carrying out God's plan laid out in the Message of Life by Jesus. I write this to you, Timothy, the son I love so much. All the best from our God and Christ be yours! To Be Bold with God's Gifts
3-4 Every time I say your name in prayer—which is practically all the time—I thank God for you, the God I worship with my whole life in the tradition of my ancestors. I miss you a lot, especially when I remember that last tearful good-bye, and I look forward to a joy-packed reunion.
5-7 That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
8-10 So don't be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.
11-12 This is the Message I've been set apart to proclaim as preacher, emissary, and teacher. It's also the cause of all this trouble I'm in. But I have no regrets. I couldn't be more sure of my ground—the One I've trusted in can take care of what he's trusted me to do right to the end.
13-14 So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It's as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us.
15-18 I'm sure you know by now that everyone in the province of Asia deserted me, even Phygelus and Hermogenes. But God bless Onesiphorus and his family! Many's the time I've been refreshed in that house. And he wasn't embarrassed a bit that I was in jail. The first thing he did when he got to Rome was look me up. May God on the Last Day treat him as well as he treated me. And then there was all the help he provided in Ephesus—but you know that better than I.
So I'm here in all the confusion praying to hear You and in the hearing, listen and follow....I know You already know my confusion.....but dang today I feel very confused.....
Paul sounds pretty lonely here.....2 Timothy 1: 1-2 I, Paul, am on special assignment for Christ, carrying out God's plan laid out in the Message of Life by Jesus. I write this to you, Timothy, the son I love so much. All the best from our God and Christ be yours! To Be Bold with God's Gifts
3-4 Every time I say your name in prayer—which is practically all the time—I thank God for you, the God I worship with my whole life in the tradition of my ancestors. I miss you a lot, especially when I remember that last tearful good-bye, and I look forward to a joy-packed reunion.
5-7 That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
8-10 So don't be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.
11-12 This is the Message I've been set apart to proclaim as preacher, emissary, and teacher. It's also the cause of all this trouble I'm in. But I have no regrets. I couldn't be more sure of my ground—the One I've trusted in can take care of what he's trusted me to do right to the end.
13-14 So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It's as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us.
15-18 I'm sure you know by now that everyone in the province of Asia deserted me, even Phygelus and Hermogenes. But God bless Onesiphorus and his family! Many's the time I've been refreshed in that house. And he wasn't embarrassed a bit that I was in jail. The first thing he did when he got to Rome was look me up. May God on the Last Day treat him as well as he treated me. And then there was all the help he provided in Ephesus—but you know that better than I.
In Soul Care by Larry Crabb he says in lesson 6 that...'We're foolish people. Every child begins life w/a natural inclination to pursue personal satisfacton as their number 1 agenda and to find that satisfaction in some source other than God. Now again, I want you to recall there's nothing wrong biblically with desiring satisfaction. I'm not condemning our desire for satisfaction. The Bible doesn't condemn it. In Jeremiah 2, God looks at His people and He says, "You're thirsty people who are going to the wrong place to satisfy your thirst." He never condemns the thirst. The thirst is legitimate. The thirst is what when embraced, drives us to God. When we see what we really long for, then we go to God. Primarily to relieve our thirst? No. Primarily for Him, which is the process relieves our thirst. What God condemns is not the thirst but going to the wrong places to satisfy the thirst.....'
I think today I am really very THIRSTY.....
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
2 Kings 11 - 12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6
1 Timothy 6: 17-19 Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.
20-21And oh, my dear Timothy, guard the treasure you were given! Guard it with your life. Avoid the talk-show religion and the practiced confusion of the so-called experts. People caught up in a lot of talk can miss the whole point of faith.
Overwhelming grace keep you!
really what I journaled about this morning , what Dan and I talked about, what I am wrestling w/God about is how people hate prophets and about how sometimes when I point peole to God I feel like a prophet....and for someone who worries alot about people liking her....this is a battle...one I want to keep fighting because You are the only answer...a journey seeking Christ, following, seeking to follow Christ is the only answer.....but it is a battle.
It has to BE ABOUT YOU...if I try to advise ...hell I ain't go nuthin to advise, but if I do try I become something that gets in the way of their going to where they need to go....I've done it...I have an amazing friend and I am her go to gal not Jesus....I don't know how it happened and I try now to point her to You but ...but I'm scared to lose her now....scared to have her think I'm just this weird Jesus girl/woman...so I kind of point her to you but mostly I advise and I am scared to death of where she is now because I got in the way....so THAT'S what I'm wrestling with Him about today...
Overwhelming grace keep you!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
2 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 22 & 23; 1 Timothy 5
good enough vs Spirit Alive.....
Can I choose today Spirit Alive and move that direction? And if I do what the heck will happen....like a fat person getting fatter because of what we eat can I feed here and become softer/fatter?? I keep thinking on this analogy or metaphor whatever the heck it is. A person becomes heavier with the volume of what they eat....a person seeking Christ becomes softer with the volume of what they consume in His word?
It seems that way to me.....is it true tho??
Is softness an end goal??
It seems to me the only way I learn.... so I have to pursue Him in order to become soft in order to learn......what do I do then w/what I learn?
How readily do I apply it to my life........am I capable to apply it or is that a Spirit thing???
Another muddy day I guess which of course keeps me seeking You and Your love......
1 Timothy 5: 24-25 The sins of some people are blatant and march them right into court. The sins of others don't show up until much later. The same with good deeds. Some you see right off, but none are hidden forever.
In the softness I see more and more my own sin...seeing it hurts and yet seeing it leads me to a repentance I've never known before....a sadness in which the only hope is Jesus.....so Spirit Alive leads me to Jesus.....hmmmm.....
Can I choose today Spirit Alive and move that direction? And if I do what the heck will happen....like a fat person getting fatter because of what we eat can I feed here and become softer/fatter?? I keep thinking on this analogy or metaphor whatever the heck it is. A person becomes heavier with the volume of what they eat....a person seeking Christ becomes softer with the volume of what they consume in His word?
It seems that way to me.....is it true tho??
Is softness an end goal??
It seems to me the only way I learn.... so I have to pursue Him in order to become soft in order to learn......what do I do then w/what I learn?
How readily do I apply it to my life........am I capable to apply it or is that a Spirit thing???
Another muddy day I guess which of course keeps me seeking You and Your love......
1 Timothy 5: 24-25 The sins of some people are blatant and march them right into court. The sins of others don't show up until much later. The same with good deeds. Some you see right off, but none are hidden forever.
In the softness I see more and more my own sin...seeing it hurts and yet seeing it leads me to a repentance I've never known before....a sadness in which the only hope is Jesus.....so Spirit Alive leads me to Jesus.....hmmmm.....
Monday, June 22, 2009
2 Kings 8 - 9; 2 Chronicles 21; 1 Timothy 4
Part of a discussion...well right now witnessing a discussion on our 'depravity'....our being born with it... Being, having been raised Catholic I thot that part of me was washed away in my infant baptism...
and now in thinking about my Grandbabies being born w/that so inate in their being it startles me, doesn't alarm me or make me doubt or...it just startles me into thinking deeply..... The value of the discussion and yet in my inability to verbally process I stay out of it and read and ponder and grapple w/truths I never knew or maybe hadn't applied??.....
Scared to death of 'church' or maybe that's religion....and yet came to Christ because of what my church does...I know I came to Christ because I was chosen it's just that my church helped me to understand that....but I quickly became about my church and not about Him, that came later.....
What do you do with ....?
What do you do w/ a childhood where religion was present but not You?
What do you do w/a religion that for all intents and purposes in my family was Sunday only? And then....and then you meet this God who desires all of you......how do you discuss w/ a family in different stages on the journey about this amazing God who wants every part of you.........when you can't even engage w/fellow soujourners about it.......makes me sad and that sadness keeps me grappling and wrestling and hopefull even in the hopelessness of it.....
I am a sinner saved by Grace filled even still w/an evil selfish spirit of entitlement. The root of which is so deep w/tendrils in every part of my life....thot process....my heart...I'm scared of how very deep my comfort goes...how scared I am to make another uncomfortable.....how far those tendrils reach....GRACE fits here....
1 Timothy 4: 6-10 You've been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you'll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.
11-14 Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.
15-16 Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.
I hope so you know....I really do hope so. Make me softer and yet tougher Father to handle whatever it is I am supposed to do.....fearfully boldly praying to live a life of RISK , scared to death to pray it but more scared not to......praying to in the RISK remember and follow where You lead.
and now in thinking about my Grandbabies being born w/that so inate in their being it startles me, doesn't alarm me or make me doubt or...it just startles me into thinking deeply..... The value of the discussion and yet in my inability to verbally process I stay out of it and read and ponder and grapple w/truths I never knew or maybe hadn't applied??.....
Scared to death of 'church' or maybe that's religion....and yet came to Christ because of what my church does...I know I came to Christ because I was chosen it's just that my church helped me to understand that....but I quickly became about my church and not about Him, that came later.....
What do you do with ....?
What do you do w/ a childhood where religion was present but not You?
What do you do w/a religion that for all intents and purposes in my family was Sunday only? And then....and then you meet this God who desires all of you......how do you discuss w/ a family in different stages on the journey about this amazing God who wants every part of you.........when you can't even engage w/fellow soujourners about it.......makes me sad and that sadness keeps me grappling and wrestling and hopefull even in the hopelessness of it.....
I am a sinner saved by Grace filled even still w/an evil selfish spirit of entitlement. The root of which is so deep w/tendrils in every part of my life....thot process....my heart...I'm scared of how very deep my comfort goes...how scared I am to make another uncomfortable.....how far those tendrils reach....GRACE fits here....
1 Timothy 4: 6-10 You've been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you'll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.
11-14 Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.
15-16 Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.
I hope so you know....I really do hope so. Make me softer and yet tougher Father to handle whatever it is I am supposed to do.....fearfully boldly praying to live a life of RISK , scared to death to pray it but more scared not to......praying to in the RISK remember and follow where You lead.
Friday, June 19, 2009
2 Kings 1 - 3; Psalm 82; 1 Timothy 1
Dan is on his way to the mountains..... His BD gift this year was a Mountain Hike w/his guys. Son Jared and SIL Paul, future SIL Juno, brother in law and a couple of his brothers.....I am so excited for him . for them...I mean this guy is serious fun.
My husband is the best traveling companion, the best company those guys are going to be blessed. I may be a bit prejudiced but seriously my man and his journey are seriously alot of ......anyway just praying for all of them on this trip.
Had a great breakfast this morning a reconnecting of sorts. I don't know how or why I lose connections....maybe connections are too important to me? I think being a relational person I give up easily ...sometimes...other times I am like a dog w/a proverbial bone, relentless in expecting them to be something to and for me they can't...but sometimes the reconnection is about Him and them and those times I leave feeling really blessed. It felt that way this morning and can only hope she felt some of the same.....
I sometimes wish I could be like Paul so confident...or maybe he was just confident in what he was saying and that's all the confidence I need to have??
My husband is the best traveling companion, the best company those guys are going to be blessed. I may be a bit prejudiced but seriously my man and his journey are seriously alot of ......anyway just praying for all of them on this trip.
Had a great breakfast this morning a reconnecting of sorts. I don't know how or why I lose connections....maybe connections are too important to me? I think being a relational person I give up easily ...sometimes...other times I am like a dog w/a proverbial bone, relentless in expecting them to be something to and for me they can't...but sometimes the reconnection is about Him and them and those times I leave feeling really blessed. It felt that way this morning and can only hope she felt some of the same.....
I sometimes wish I could be like Paul so confident...or maybe he was just confident in what he was saying and that's all the confidence I need to have??
Thursday, June 18, 2009
1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18 & 19; Colossians 4
Spirit Alive vs. Good Enough
Leading your heart......??
Authenticity vs Vulnerability.....??
Authenticity is either a Value or an Event....??
oh and ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH aieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
There THAT'S what's rolling around in there this morning Father, what I bring to the table this morning....and yet You still say COME.....:)
aaaahhhhh
1 Kings 22 and 2 Chron 18.......400 Prophets saying YES and one says NO.....says No and gets punched in the nose, well, Chronicles says slapped in the face..who you gonna believe you know?? the point is.......guess who was right??
and then to hear.....Colossians 4: 5-6 Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.
it's not about BEING explored it's about EXPLORING others....when authentically speaking I would kind of like to BE explored.....but I guess when you talk all the time who thinks you have anything else to say.....I've done that my whole life drained the very life out of people in wanting to BE heard and understood. And now I come here and dump and process and hope and pray that YOU are developing in me a GENUINE curiousity about others....bringing out the best in THEM.......I think I suck most of the time but those times when I am hearing YOU and saying NO in the midst of YES's.....maybe...until then like Larry Crabb says I guess it's just messy and I am blessed to be amongst people trying to be Spirit Alive too...done with Good Enough or trying to be.....
Leading your heart......??
Authenticity vs Vulnerability.....??
Authenticity is either a Value or an Event....??
oh and ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH aieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
There THAT'S what's rolling around in there this morning Father, what I bring to the table this morning....and yet You still say COME.....:)
aaaahhhhh
1 Kings 22 and 2 Chron 18.......400 Prophets saying YES and one says NO.....says No and gets punched in the nose, well, Chronicles says slapped in the face..who you gonna believe you know?? the point is.......guess who was right??
and then to hear.....Colossians 4: 5-6 Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.
it's not about BEING explored it's about EXPLORING others....when authentically speaking I would kind of like to BE explored.....but I guess when you talk all the time who thinks you have anything else to say.....I've done that my whole life drained the very life out of people in wanting to BE heard and understood. And now I come here and dump and process and hope and pray that YOU are developing in me a GENUINE curiousity about others....bringing out the best in THEM.......I think I suck most of the time but those times when I am hearing YOU and saying NO in the midst of YES's.....maybe...until then like Larry Crabb says I guess it's just messy and I am blessed to be amongst people trying to be Spirit Alive too...done with Good Enough or trying to be.....
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
1 Kings 20; - 21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3
Woke up w/the words Spirit Alive.....
Larry Crabb talking about Good Enough vs. Spirit Alive Christianity....
Reading Kings are there no more prophets, REAL prophets?
No 'if's ' w/ a prophet ~ only 'when'...
and when ____________ happens THEN you will know I am God....
Prophets and a 'strong sense of the fear of God' ~ both gone??
Faith in Jesus Christ Spirit ALIVE Christians....if all Christians were Spirit Alive ??? How does that happen? and then you hear....'just live it yourself'......
And then I read the heading and the verses....
HE IS YOUR LIFE 1
Col. 3:1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.
Larry Crabb talking about Good Enough vs. Spirit Alive Christianity....
Reading Kings are there no more prophets, REAL prophets?
No 'if's ' w/ a prophet ~ only 'when'...
and when ____________ happens THEN you will know I am God....
Prophets and a 'strong sense of the fear of God' ~ both gone??
Faith in Jesus Christ Spirit ALIVE Christians....if all Christians were Spirit Alive ??? How does that happen? and then you hear....'just live it yourself'......
And then I read the heading and the verses....
HE IS YOUR LIFE 1
Col. 3:1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.
3-4Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
12-14So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
I wanna scream I CAN'T and yet this pull to 'try'
not caring who sees me trying knowing that You do...
and if it happens...oh Boy...it IS totally YOU...because I'm still screaming I CAN'T...
committed tho to the rest of my life trying.....
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
1 Kings 17 - 19; Colossians 2
'Honesty is such a lonely word'.......why is that?
because I am basically dishonest.....and trying very hard to BE honest......and maybe I've been dishonest so long I don't even KNOW honesty???
and when it's not your natural bent it's just hard and can FEEL lonely.....
and yet when I 'try it' I am usually surprised....
prayed the last year or so to live in RISK and THIS is it????
crap
Not that I can identify ....but I would have quit after the first try..... 1 Kings 17: 21-23 Three times he stretched himself out full-length on the boy, praying with all his might, "God, my God, put breath back into this boy's body!" God listened to Elijah's prayer and put breath back into his body—he was alive! Elijah picked the boy up, carried him downstairs from the loft, and gave him to his mother. "Here's your son," said Elijah, "alive!"
gutsy
1 Kings 18: 21 Elijah challenged the people: "How long are you going to sit on the fence? If God is the real God, follow him; if it's Baal, follow him. Make up your minds!"
Nobody said a word; nobody made a move.
praying.....yes I am praying......all of us
Colossians 2: 2-4 I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else. And we've been shown the mystery! I'm telling you this because I don't want anyone leading you off on some wild-goose chase, after other so-called mysteries, or "the Secret."
'JUST DO IT '
5 I'm a long way off, true, and you may never lay eyes on me, but believe me, I'm on your side, right beside you. I am delighted to hear of the careful and orderly ways you conduct your affairs, and impressed with the solid substance of your faith in Christ.
6-7My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.
Using always using the Bible to speak to me.....Thanks
now to simply do it......following wherever it is YOU lead.
Sing it Billy.......
because I am basically dishonest.....and trying very hard to BE honest......and maybe I've been dishonest so long I don't even KNOW honesty???
and when it's not your natural bent it's just hard and can FEEL lonely.....
and yet when I 'try it' I am usually surprised....
prayed the last year or so to live in RISK and THIS is it????
crap
Not that I can identify ....but I would have quit after the first try..... 1 Kings 17: 21-23 Three times he stretched himself out full-length on the boy, praying with all his might, "God, my God, put breath back into this boy's body!" God listened to Elijah's prayer and put breath back into his body—he was alive! Elijah picked the boy up, carried him downstairs from the loft, and gave him to his mother. "Here's your son," said Elijah, "alive!"
gutsy
1 Kings 18: 21 Elijah challenged the people: "How long are you going to sit on the fence? If God is the real God, follow him; if it's Baal, follow him. Make up your minds!"
Nobody said a word; nobody made a move.
praying.....yes I am praying......all of us
Colossians 2: 2-4 I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else. And we've been shown the mystery! I'm telling you this because I don't want anyone leading you off on some wild-goose chase, after other so-called mysteries, or "the Secret."
'JUST DO IT '
5 I'm a long way off, true, and you may never lay eyes on me, but believe me, I'm on your side, right beside you. I am delighted to hear of the careful and orderly ways you conduct your affairs, and impressed with the solid substance of your faith in Christ.
6-7My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.
Using always using the Bible to speak to me.....Thanks
now to simply do it......following wherever it is YOU lead.
Sing it Billy.......
If you search for tenderness it isn't hard to find.
You can have the love you need to live.
But if you look for truthfulness
You might just as well be blind.
It always seems to be so hard to give.
Honesty is such a lonely word.
Everyone is so untrue.
Honesty is hardly ever heard.
And mostly what I need from you.
I can always find someone to say they sympathize.
If I wear my heart out on my sleeve.
But I don't want some pretty face to tell me pretty lies.
All I want is someone to believe.
Honesty is such a lonely word.
Everyone is so untrue.
Honesty is hardly ever heard.
And mostly what I need from you.
I can find a lover. I can find a friend.
I can have security until the bitter end.
Anyone can comfort me with promises again.
I know, I know.
When I'm deep inside of me don't be too concerned.
I won't ask for nothin' while I'm gone.
But when I want sincerity tell me where else can I turn.
Because you're the one I depend upon.
Honesty is such a lonely word.
Everyone is so untrue.
Honesty is hardly ever heard.
And mostly what I need from you.
You can have the love you need to live.
But if you look for truthfulness
You might just as well be blind.
It always seems to be so hard to give.
Honesty is such a lonely word.
Everyone is so untrue.
Honesty is hardly ever heard.
And mostly what I need from you.
I can always find someone to say they sympathize.
If I wear my heart out on my sleeve.
But I don't want some pretty face to tell me pretty lies.
All I want is someone to believe.
Honesty is such a lonely word.
Everyone is so untrue.
Honesty is hardly ever heard.
And mostly what I need from you.
I can find a lover. I can find a friend.
I can have security until the bitter end.
Anyone can comfort me with promises again.
I know, I know.
When I'm deep inside of me don't be too concerned.
I won't ask for nothin' while I'm gone.
But when I want sincerity tell me where else can I turn.
Because you're the one I depend upon.
Honesty is such a lonely word.
Everyone is so untrue.
Honesty is hardly ever heard.
And mostly what I need from you.
Monday, June 15, 2009
1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 15& 16; Colossians 1
1 Kings 16: 25-26 But as far as God was concerned, Omri lived an evil life—set new records in evil. He walked in the footsteps of Jeroboam son of Nebat, who not only sinned but dragged Israel into his sins, making God angry—such an empty-headed, empty-hearted life!
2 Chron. 15: 1-6 Then Azariah son of Obed, moved by the Spirit of God, went out to meet Asa. He said, "Listen carefully, Asa, and listen Judah and Benjamin: God will stick with you as long as you stick with him. If you look for him he will let himself be found; but if you leave him he'll leave you. For a long time Israel didn't have the real God, nor did they have the help of priest or teacher or book. But when they were in trouble and got serious, and decided to seek God, the God of Israel, God let himself be found. At that time it was a dog-eat-dog world; life was constantly up for grabs—no one, regardless of country, knew what the next day might bring. Nation battered nation, city pummeled city. God let loose every kind of trouble among them.
Who's in my foxhole, who's in yours?
That question is just so prevalent in my mind since my son asking us, well, telling us how they use the metaphor (or is it analogy) w/his football boys.
Then this weekend we said Good bye to our Small Group and were sent off w/so much love and encouragement and challenge.....watched a baby Christian, brand new believer respectfully question a jaded cynical wounded believer it was a beautiful thing to watch AFTER they listened to each other...that the baby saw the wounds before the wounded older believer made me sad and yet left me wondering why / how she lost her eyes being as she has known Him for so much longer...........we watched Defiance.....and drove to Iowa and had amazing conversations about Spiritual things...oh yeah and Friday watched an incredible Larry Crabb video w/ a room full of Small Group leaders at various stages of God hunger and passion....
Small Group leaders I am coaching...I am called to inspire....to challenge.....and not sure if they'd want me or I them in a foxhole in a battle???......wondering how to become that person, if I'm supposed to want to or care if they want me........wondering how to help others see their lives as 'empty headed and empty hearted', how to not myself live that way......wondering how to help them become passionate God hungry followers of Christ and if that's right or just my take on it...?? Wondering AGAIN how to call people to lives of FREEDOM when I live so bound....Colossians 1: 21-23 You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God's side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don't walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message—just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message.
To live in Your circumstances 'responsively obedient' to You.....till then, wondering.
2 Chron. 15: 1-6 Then Azariah son of Obed, moved by the Spirit of God, went out to meet Asa. He said, "Listen carefully, Asa, and listen Judah and Benjamin: God will stick with you as long as you stick with him. If you look for him he will let himself be found; but if you leave him he'll leave you. For a long time Israel didn't have the real God, nor did they have the help of priest or teacher or book. But when they were in trouble and got serious, and decided to seek God, the God of Israel, God let himself be found. At that time it was a dog-eat-dog world; life was constantly up for grabs—no one, regardless of country, knew what the next day might bring. Nation battered nation, city pummeled city. God let loose every kind of trouble among them.
Who's in my foxhole, who's in yours?
That question is just so prevalent in my mind since my son asking us, well, telling us how they use the metaphor (or is it analogy) w/his football boys.
Then this weekend we said Good bye to our Small Group and were sent off w/so much love and encouragement and challenge.....watched a baby Christian, brand new believer respectfully question a jaded cynical wounded believer it was a beautiful thing to watch AFTER they listened to each other...that the baby saw the wounds before the wounded older believer made me sad and yet left me wondering why / how she lost her eyes being as she has known Him for so much longer...........we watched Defiance.....and drove to Iowa and had amazing conversations about Spiritual things...oh yeah and Friday watched an incredible Larry Crabb video w/ a room full of Small Group leaders at various stages of God hunger and passion....
Small Group leaders I am coaching...I am called to inspire....to challenge.....and not sure if they'd want me or I them in a foxhole in a battle???......wondering how to become that person, if I'm supposed to want to or care if they want me........wondering how to help others see their lives as 'empty headed and empty hearted', how to not myself live that way......wondering how to help them become passionate God hungry followers of Christ and if that's right or just my take on it...?? Wondering AGAIN how to call people to lives of FREEDOM when I live so bound....Colossians 1: 21-23 You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God's side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don't walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message—just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message.
To live in Your circumstances 'responsively obedient' to You.....till then, wondering.
Friday, June 12, 2009
1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10 &11; Philippians 2
You know...when you watch this (next link is the one that works for some reason) he's even chasing his son....I'm not sure God chases me but dang He wants me, doesn't need me to ...wants me to chase after Him....
I don't know.... to think of You as this father....I think I needed it this morning...
What an amazing God....sent His son for a failure like me ....and you....and I just don't live like I get that......I need help today not gonna get to the finish line without You.....help me to stay limping across.....
I hear the elders...I hear Paul I just am not always as 'responsively obedient' to....nah I'm just scared of not knowing what it looks like.
I don't know.... to think of You as this father....I think I needed it this morning...
What an amazing God....sent His son for a failure like me ....and you....and I just don't live like I get that......I need help today not gonna get to the finish line without You.....help me to stay limping across.....
I hear the elders...I hear Paul I just am not always as 'responsively obedient' to....nah I'm just scared of not knowing what it looks like.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Jonah 3; Phil. 1
Eric twittered this morning " i am a fish out water -- God, reveal Your Kingdom to me today." putting words to the feelings after a meeting w/ a friend this morning...I don't know how to do 'this'........but You say 'stay the course'......so...this morning praying You help me stay in 'it' when all I want to do is run........
I can't do it 'right' I may never do it right but i have to keep on doing it ....Phillipians 1: 22-26 As long as I'm alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I'd choose. Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better. But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here. So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again. We'll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.
27-30 Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people's trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they're up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God. There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There's also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting. You're involved in the same kind of struggle you saw me go through, on which you are now getting an updated report in this letter.
Somedays tho....the going home sounds soooooo good. Just feeling like it's harder than it should be with the people I want it, thot it would be easier with........
and then...then I read people like Mark Batterson his 2 latest posts touch me deeply..... "I have a simple definition of success: do the best you can with what you have where you are. If you are faithful right here and right now, then one day you might get to Spain. You might not. But you will be the kind of person God can use anywhere anytime! "
I can't do it 'right' I may never do it right but i have to keep on doing it ....Phillipians 1: 22-26 As long as I'm alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I'd choose. Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better. But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here. So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again. We'll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.
27-30 Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people's trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they're up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God. There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There's also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting. You're involved in the same kind of struggle you saw me go through, on which you are now getting an updated report in this letter.
Somedays tho....the going home sounds soooooo good. Just feeling like it's harder than it should be with the people I want it, thot it would be easier with........
and then...then I read people like Mark Batterson his 2 latest posts touch me deeply..... "I have a simple definition of success: do the best you can with what you have where you are. If you are faithful right here and right now, then one day you might get to Spain. You might not. But you will be the kind of person God can use anywhere anytime! "
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Song of Songs 1-4; Ephesians 6
The ULTIMATE vision letter You sent to us.......
Eph. 6:12-18 This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
THANKS and this guy.....match what he says, what he really lays out there to YOUR vision .....you know...what if....what if we all were doing whatever it takes to BE GLOWEY...what could HE DO in that softness?????
Eph. 6:12-18 This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
THANKS and this guy.....match what he says, what he really lays out there to YOUR vision .....you know...what if....what if we all were doing whatever it takes to BE GLOWEY...what could HE DO in that softness?????
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Ecclesiastes 10 -12; Psalm 94; Ephesians 5
What if I'm wrong
what if I'm right
the confusion still reigns with a quiet resolution of 'whatever'..... I know what I think I know.....is what I 'think' I know making me softer?
why is that the be all, end all in my mind??
I don't know but it is.....I want to protect and I want to BE protected.......
Ecc. 12: 12-13 But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There's no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you're no good for anything else. The last and final word is this:
Fear God.
Do what he tells you.
14 And that's it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it's good or evil.
Before this he talks about enjoying God in our youth....I didn't....I didn't know, avoided knowing because I thot the knowing killed enjoyment.....what a load of crap....I have a daughter trapped by this thinking.....her creativity bound in her avoidance of Him and His direction....what I showed her breaks my heart.....what I modeled to her makes me so sad.....a life lived in GRACE, drenched and enjoying she didn't see.....
Eph. 5: 1-2 Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.
alot more there but for this morning in the softness taking this.....to be soft and love extravagantly.....please Help me Father....please.
what if I'm right
the confusion still reigns with a quiet resolution of 'whatever'..... I know what I think I know.....is what I 'think' I know making me softer?
why is that the be all, end all in my mind??
I don't know but it is.....I want to protect and I want to BE protected.......
Ecc. 12: 12-13 But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There's no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you're no good for anything else. The last and final word is this:
Fear God.
Do what he tells you.
14 And that's it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it's good or evil.
Before this he talks about enjoying God in our youth....I didn't....I didn't know, avoided knowing because I thot the knowing killed enjoyment.....what a load of crap....I have a daughter trapped by this thinking.....her creativity bound in her avoidance of Him and His direction....what I showed her breaks my heart.....what I modeled to her makes me so sad.....a life lived in GRACE, drenched and enjoying she didn't see.....
Eph. 5: 1-2 Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.
alot more there but for this morning in the softness taking this.....to be soft and love extravagantly.....please Help me Father....please.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Ecc. 7-9; Eph 4
The readings today
Reading Soul Care by Larry Crabb
Reading Falling For God by Gary Moon
head in YOUR hands forgiven and loved
follow
soul to soul
as much as is in my control
forgiven and loved
follow
forgiving and loving
Reading Soul Care by Larry Crabb
Reading Falling For God by Gary Moon
head in YOUR hands forgiven and loved
follow
soul to soul
as much as is in my control
forgiven and loved
follow
forgiving and loving
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Ecclesiastes 4- 6; Psalm 18; Ephesians 3
Small Group last nite our last one....and it was fun. I called a guy an ASS and he hugged me afterwards?? I meant it too and he meant the hug.....just more confusion for me I guess. And finished up a day filled w/confusion....maybe .....maybe it's all a part of the journey, being, living in a certain amount of confusion? Sure does keep you seeking you know.......sure does keep me honest and beings that not nor ever been my first bent it all takes some getting used to.
This Ecc. 4: 13-16 A poor youngster with some wisdom is better off than an old but foolish king who doesn't know which end is up. I saw a youth just like this start with nothing and go from rags to riches, and I saw everyone rally to the rule of this young successor to the king. Even so, the excitement died quickly, the throngs of people soon lost interest. Can't you see it's only smoke? And spitting into the wind?
makes me think of this....and then the way Los breaks it down.....I am a poor finisher....I am too afraid to look like the first guy dancing all alone.....are we all called to START a movement?? I think if that movement is to be the first one to follow Christ then yes...but seriously we're not the first ones.....so what am I afraid of?
This Ecc. 4: 13-16 A poor youngster with some wisdom is better off than an old but foolish king who doesn't know which end is up. I saw a youth just like this start with nothing and go from rags to riches, and I saw everyone rally to the rule of this young successor to the king. Even so, the excitement died quickly, the throngs of people soon lost interest. Can't you see it's only smoke? And spitting into the wind?
makes me think of this....and then the way Los breaks it down.....I am a poor finisher....I am too afraid to look like the first guy dancing all alone.....are we all called to START a movement?? I think if that movement is to be the first one to follow Christ then yes...but seriously we're not the first ones.....so what am I afraid of?
Friday, June 5, 2009
Proverbs 30 & 31; Psalm 33; Ephesians 1
Dan and I are connected to You and believe that in and thru that connection we are better connected to each other....then why this morning am I feeling disconnected from my husband? I'm sure it's me the stuff that hides in me....the stuff that hides in him...the stuff that only You can see.........and You...You love us and pull us closer to YOU and in that yield, that allowing myself to BE loved I become more loving...I hope so Father I hope so Jesus..I hope so....because this morning while the yield is becoming more natural the doubts seem to be ever more present....
And then I read Eph. 1: 11-12 It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
13-14 It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
15-19 That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!
20-23 All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.
And then I read Eph. 1: 11-12 It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
13-14 It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
15-19 That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!
20-23 All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.
So the yield, the belief motivates thru these moments of disconnect and doubt.....there isn't as much time as we used to think and yet there is all the time in the world IF I trust You with it...
Today is my parents 55th Anniversary......I hope it is a good one filled w/You. I hope and pray Your love carries them through.
And now a friend's husband has been laid off and after she's been off for month's following her own diagnosis of MS...not doubting...not making it about me.....just wondering out loud...how can we as followers of You help each other.....seems an easy thing to offer a place to live wondering how easy it is to accept.......? Prayers all around for us to do what You call us to do and to do it responsively to Your voice saying to do it.......
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Proverbs 28 - 29; Psalm 60; Romans 16
Doing a Larry Crabb study called Soul Care 201....it's amazing. Of course I think so because he is saying we're here for 'relationships'. Now even tho I suck at them, it is a desire of mine to learn how to ....how to....he says we are made to be in relationships...he says...'the deepest longings for significance and security going on inside of my clients are needs that God actually intended to meet through a community of believers' and Bill Hybels says that 'The local church is the hope of the world.'....what if they're both right? (I know I said all this last week,it's where I am. Wanting it, believing it...sucking at it)
That's one that I can't just run over....great harm in seemingly harmless ways....how do I look at that?
Proverbs 29: 1 For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn,
There'll come a day when life tumbles in and they break,
but by then it'll be too late to help them.
And then this one I am simply THANK YOU..........stumbling ever stumbling into and over Your grace....I don't break, won't break...learning to bend and praying for .....for them to not wait too long to accept what You offer.....for me to be someone who shows them the way doesn't seemingly harmlessly ...get in the way.
Romans 16: 25-26 All of our praise rises to the One who is strong enough to make you strong, exactly as preached in Jesus Christ, precisely as revealed in the mystery kept secret for so long but now an open book through the prophetic Scriptures. All the nations of the world can now know the truth and be brought into obedient belief, carrying out the orders of God, who got all this started, down to the very last letter.
27 All our praise is focused through Jesus on this incomparably wise God! Yes!
Proverbs 28: 21 Playing favorites is always a bad thing;
you can do great harm in seemingly harmless ways.
That's one that I can't just run over....great harm in seemingly harmless ways....how do I look at that?
Proverbs 29: 1 For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn,
There'll come a day when life tumbles in and they break,
but by then it'll be too late to help them.
And then this one I am simply THANK YOU..........stumbling ever stumbling into and over Your grace....I don't break, won't break...learning to bend and praying for .....for them to not wait too long to accept what You offer.....for me to be someone who shows them the way doesn't seemingly harmlessly ...get in the way.
Romans 16: 25-26 All of our praise rises to the One who is strong enough to make you strong, exactly as preached in Jesus Christ, precisely as revealed in the mystery kept secret for so long but now an open book through the prophetic Scriptures. All the nations of the world can now know the truth and be brought into obedient belief, carrying out the orders of God, who got all this started, down to the very last letter.
27 All our praise is focused through Jesus on this incomparably wise God! Yes!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Proverbs 25-27; Romans 15
http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/2009/06/552-judging-pop-culture-as-if-were.html
"God loves love, and His ability to repair it will forever exceed our ability to deserve it."
This had me bawling this morning I've been critical of Kate and Jon and this guy…dang he writes in such a ‘hurts so good’ sort of way IF and WHEN you / we are soft enough to read it…what an amazing God we have, too bad all He has to represent Him to others is a bunch of broken people you know~
"God loves love, and His ability to repair it will forever exceed our ability to deserve it."
This had me bawling this morning I've been critical of Kate and Jon and this guy…dang he writes in such a ‘hurts so good’ sort of way IF and WHEN you / we are soft enough to read it…what an amazing God we have, too bad all He has to represent Him to others is a bunch of broken people you know~
and yet this verse gives me comfort this morning Ro. 15:7-13 7-13So reach out and welcome one another to God's glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! Jesus, staying true to God's purposes, reached out in a special way to the Jewish insiders so that the old ancestral promises would come true for them. As a result, the non-Jewish outsiders have been able to experience mercy and to show appreciation to God. Just think of all the Scriptures that will come true in what we do! For instance: Then I'll join outsiders in a hymn-sing; I'll sing to your name! And this one: Outsiders and insiders, rejoice together! And again: People of all nations, celebrate God! All colors and races, give hearty praise! And Isaiah's word: There's the root of our ancestor Jesse, breaking through the earth and growing tree tall, Tall enough for everyone everywhere to see and take hope! Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!
match that with : 17-21 Looking back over what has been accomplished and what I have observed, I must say I am most pleased—in the context of Jesus, I'd even say proud, but only in that context. I have no interest in giving you a chatty account of my adventures, only the wondrously powerful and transformingly present words and deeds of Christ in me that triggered a believing response among the outsiders. In such ways I have trailblazed a preaching of the Message of Jesus all the way from Jerusalem far into northwestern Greece. This has all been pioneer work, bringing the Message only into those places where Jesus was not yet known and worshiped. My text has been, Those who were never told of him—they'll see him! Those who've never heard of him—they'll get the message!
So silent and deeply sink down into these and follow where You lead.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Proverbs 22-24; Romans 14
Proverb 24: 11-12 Rescue the perishing;
don't hesitate to step in and help.If you say,
"Hey, that's none of my business,"
will that get you off the hook?Someone is watching you closely, you know—
Someone not impressed with weak excuses.
This attraction to marriages in 'crisis', this desire to point them only and simply to YOU....it is of YOU then...?
24:26 An honest answer
is like a warm hug.
The key is answer.....WAIT to be asked.....
And then Romans 14:1...The whole problem with me and C's.. we're always 'jumping all over' each other..
"STOP! Seek more to understand than to be understood"
Whoa Father, You know that hurts.....how hard that is.....how much I need to BE understood....how much I...ahhhh I get it....I need YOU to be in relationship .....hmmm I get it now.....why is it so hard to keep....??? I make it about me all the time don't I?? I make everything about me....talking to someone else last nite about all this...why would I think...???
Romans 14:9 That's why Jesus lived and died and then lived again: so that he could be our Master across the entire range of life and death, and free us from the petty tyrannies of each other.
Not just my fault ~ self contempt
Not just their fault ~ other contempt
In having contempt for contempt ....
leaning back into Your love....
YOUR love and seeking to understand them.....
free them from the tyranny of needing to understand me....
Please Please HELP me Father...please. I can't do this, any of it without You.....
don't hesitate to step in and help.If you say,
"Hey, that's none of my business,"
will that get you off the hook?Someone is watching you closely, you know—
Someone not impressed with weak excuses.
This attraction to marriages in 'crisis', this desire to point them only and simply to YOU....it is of YOU then...?
24:26 An honest answer
is like a warm hug.
The key is answer.....WAIT to be asked.....
And then Romans 14:1...The whole problem with me and C's.. we're always 'jumping all over' each other..
"STOP! Seek more to understand than to be understood"
Whoa Father, You know that hurts.....how hard that is.....how much I need to BE understood....how much I...ahhhh I get it....I need YOU to be in relationship .....hmmm I get it now.....why is it so hard to keep....??? I make it about me all the time don't I?? I make everything about me....talking to someone else last nite about all this...why would I think...???
Romans 14:9 That's why Jesus lived and died and then lived again: so that he could be our Master across the entire range of life and death, and free us from the petty tyrannies of each other.
Not just my fault ~ self contempt
Not just their fault ~ other contempt
In having contempt for contempt ....
leaning back into Your love....
YOUR love and seeking to understand them.....
free them from the tyranny of needing to understand me....
Please Please HELP me Father...please. I can't do this, any of it without You.....
Monday, June 1, 2009
Proverbs 19-21; Romans 13
Proverb 21: 26 Sinners are always wanting what they don't have;
the God-loyal are always giving what they do have.
I am so very tired today.....just tired and impatient. Just noticing alot of impatience in me today. Wanting patience.....
God loyal giving....I think I am pretty stingy w/everything.....
just some stuff I'm thinking on....my daughter wants me to run a 5K w/her this fall...she thinks I could do it.....that has resonated with me...her thinking I 'could'...
I wonder if we told people what they 'could' do instead of what they 'should' do if we would inspire them more than make them feel guilty or shamed or....I don't know maybe it's just me I get all weird when I'm told what I should do...I get all freaked out and my immediate reply is "I can't"....... And on the flip side of that I think I probably feel judgemental when I am telling them something that I think they 'should' be doing.....so maybe it's simply me.....but I am thinking on it and hearing her say I could has me kind of curious....and maybe excited.....although that sounds really risky...
the God-loyal are always giving what they do have.
I am so very tired today.....just tired and impatient. Just noticing alot of impatience in me today. Wanting patience.....
God loyal giving....I think I am pretty stingy w/everything.....
just some stuff I'm thinking on....my daughter wants me to run a 5K w/her this fall...she thinks I could do it.....that has resonated with me...her thinking I 'could'...
I wonder if we told people what they 'could' do instead of what they 'should' do if we would inspire them more than make them feel guilty or shamed or....I don't know maybe it's just me I get all weird when I'm told what I should do...I get all freaked out and my immediate reply is "I can't"....... And on the flip side of that I think I probably feel judgemental when I am telling them something that I think they 'should' be doing.....so maybe it's simply me.....but I am thinking on it and hearing her say I could has me kind of curious....and maybe excited.....although that sounds really risky...
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