2 Tim. 1: 3-14 These scriptures are about witnessing. They tell us God gives us the spirit of power, love, self-discipline to witness.
While on the cruise ship we were at the rail whale watching. The lady next to me and I started visiting. she was from New York, NY. she told me in November she would be taking a trip to Egypt and was nervous about going. I told her that my brother had made the trip recently and was so excited to find Egypt is now over 30% Christian. She looked at me and said, I am a Jew.
Now I had two choices: Be ashamed or not ashamed. I silently prayed asking God to help me know what to say. I simply said, "You can be sure that at least 30% of the people truly believed in God". She smiled at me and we continued visiting.
I believe God gave me an opportunity to plant a seed of Christ in my conversation with this new friend.
Monday, September 14, 2009
God Knows You
Ps. 139: 1-2 "Lord you have examined me and you know me. You know everything I do; from far away you understand all my thoughts."
On cattle farms, calves are separated from their moms to be inoculated. The cows mill around outside of an enclosure while the calves mill around inside the pen. How can they be sorted and matched with their moms. Through all the confusion they recognized each other through sound and by scent.
Now think about all the prayers lifted up in a single moment. So many people, so many cares, so many words to tell God. God hears each prayer, whether spoken, silent, eloquent, halting, desperate or ecstatic. God hears each prayer separately and knows each person's need.
God picks each of you out of the crowd. God knows every hair on your head, your voice, your scent. God rejoices over you and longs to be in a relationship with you. God knows you and walks with you.
On cattle farms, calves are separated from their moms to be inoculated. The cows mill around outside of an enclosure while the calves mill around inside the pen. How can they be sorted and matched with their moms. Through all the confusion they recognized each other through sound and by scent.
Now think about all the prayers lifted up in a single moment. So many people, so many cares, so many words to tell God. God hears each prayer, whether spoken, silent, eloquent, halting, desperate or ecstatic. God hears each prayer separately and knows each person's need.
God picks each of you out of the crowd. God knows every hair on your head, your voice, your scent. God rejoices over you and longs to be in a relationship with you. God knows you and walks with you.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
A Mystery!
Why do bad things happen? Over a long period of time theologians and philosopher's have tried to figure out why there is suffering, why bad things happen to good people.
Some think it is a consequence of sin. Gal. 6: 7 "Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow." Some believe it is a test of faith, as the case of Job. The Bible tells us that at times suffering can be a learning experience and God is our teacher - Heb. 5: 8 and 12: 7-11.
Through life's experiences I have come to believe that it just part of living in this out of sync world. Instead of asking why maybe we should ask God what can we learn from these experiences. Through it all, we need to remember God's promise - Rom. 8: 35-39 . . . ."nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus".
With this assurance we can look to the future. After all this world is not our home. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Ps. 46: 1
Some think it is a consequence of sin. Gal. 6: 7 "Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow." Some believe it is a test of faith, as the case of Job. The Bible tells us that at times suffering can be a learning experience and God is our teacher - Heb. 5: 8 and 12: 7-11.
Through life's experiences I have come to believe that it just part of living in this out of sync world. Instead of asking why maybe we should ask God what can we learn from these experiences. Through it all, we need to remember God's promise - Rom. 8: 35-39 . . . ."nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus".
With this assurance we can look to the future. After all this world is not our home. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Ps. 46: 1
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Rely On God
Mark 9:24 .......... help my unbelief.
We think we can rely on our ability to reason. but when you feel overwhelmed by doubt and confusion remember there are things you just can't figure out. Faith is believing in something beyond our limited powers of reason. When you struggle with unbelief and doubt, rely on Jesus; unconditional love, grace and mercy.
Grace is not a puzzle to be solved but a gift to be embraced. Diane Chambers - Upper Room
We think we can rely on our ability to reason. but when you feel overwhelmed by doubt and confusion remember there are things you just can't figure out. Faith is believing in something beyond our limited powers of reason. When you struggle with unbelief and doubt, rely on Jesus; unconditional love, grace and mercy.
Grace is not a puzzle to be solved but a gift to be embraced. Diane Chambers - Upper Room
Monday, August 17, 2009
Let God Restore
Ps. 23:3 "He restores my soul."
Dec. 28, 2001 began a chain reaction in my life. My father died. In June my mother was diagnosed with cancer and died July 6, 2002. Three weeks later my uncle, my mom's brother, died. In April 14,2003 our son, 39 years old, was admitted in a hospital for test. On April 17 we received a phone call that our great nephew, 22 year old, had been killed in a car wreck. On April 18 we found out our son had cancer. He died June 25, 2003. In 1 1/2 years. 5 people I care deeply for had gone to heaven before me.
Through it all I read, and recited Ps. 23. As Marie Schockey said when writing about the loss of her son; "To have gone through this trial and experienced the 'valley of the shadow of death' and come out on the other side unchanged - that would be the real tragedy."
God gives us choices. We can be bitter and withdraw from the Lord or we can choose to draw near him. Yes, we hurt, but we need to allow God to comfort us, teach us and use what we have learned to help others as they walk through the journey of grief.
People say we need to get our lives back to normal. Normal is only a state of mind. Earth is temporary but eternity is permanent. God spoke to me through the fictional book - "Wish You Well". He told me my purpose is to love all I can for as long as I can and be grateful for the time we had together.
Don't put off today thinking you will have the same opportunities tomorrow. Cherish each moment of each day. Tell others you love them and care about them.
Dec. 28, 2001 began a chain reaction in my life. My father died. In June my mother was diagnosed with cancer and died July 6, 2002. Three weeks later my uncle, my mom's brother, died. In April 14,2003 our son, 39 years old, was admitted in a hospital for test. On April 17 we received a phone call that our great nephew, 22 year old, had been killed in a car wreck. On April 18 we found out our son had cancer. He died June 25, 2003. In 1 1/2 years. 5 people I care deeply for had gone to heaven before me.
Through it all I read, and recited Ps. 23. As Marie Schockey said when writing about the loss of her son; "To have gone through this trial and experienced the 'valley of the shadow of death' and come out on the other side unchanged - that would be the real tragedy."
God gives us choices. We can be bitter and withdraw from the Lord or we can choose to draw near him. Yes, we hurt, but we need to allow God to comfort us, teach us and use what we have learned to help others as they walk through the journey of grief.
People say we need to get our lives back to normal. Normal is only a state of mind. Earth is temporary but eternity is permanent. God spoke to me through the fictional book - "Wish You Well". He told me my purpose is to love all I can for as long as I can and be grateful for the time we had together.
Don't put off today thinking you will have the same opportunities tomorrow. Cherish each moment of each day. Tell others you love them and care about them.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Be Still
Phil. 4:19 - "My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus"
Do you believe God will meet our needs for each day? Do you believe he speaks to you? I do! One day when I was doing my devotionals, all three said the same thing,. Be Still they told me. Don't be so busy, slow down, be still, don't be preoccupied, listen and rest in God's arms. I knew He was speaking to me because I was feeling so over whelmed.
God speaks to us through things we read, through friends, a smile from a stranger, an encounter that helps us with individual needs and problems. We need to look around, be aware of God's presence - Holy Spirit - and we can see God's hand at work.
Do you believe God will meet our needs for each day? Do you believe he speaks to you? I do! One day when I was doing my devotionals, all three said the same thing,. Be Still they told me. Don't be so busy, slow down, be still, don't be preoccupied, listen and rest in God's arms. I knew He was speaking to me because I was feeling so over whelmed.
God speaks to us through things we read, through friends, a smile from a stranger, an encounter that helps us with individual needs and problems. We need to look around, be aware of God's presence - Holy Spirit - and we can see God's hand at work.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Be Still
John 14: 27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Our lives are so busy. Always on the go. Constant rushing, talking on the phone, being on the computer, loosing our focus on what is important. Should our lives be like this, never a quiet moment.
Jesus knew it was important to withdraw from the crowds to gain strength for his task and peace for His soul. He knew that he needed time spent with God, listening and talking so He could continue the work He came to do. We are no different. We need quiet time with our heavenly Father listening for His direction, to rest in His arms, finding peace and stillness in our busy lives.
Ask God to help you come before him with a quiet heart, free of schedules and routines, to not be preoccupied and to keep your focus on Him so you can listen for His voice.
Our lives are so busy. Always on the go. Constant rushing, talking on the phone, being on the computer, loosing our focus on what is important. Should our lives be like this, never a quiet moment.
Jesus knew it was important to withdraw from the crowds to gain strength for his task and peace for His soul. He knew that he needed time spent with God, listening and talking so He could continue the work He came to do. We are no different. We need quiet time with our heavenly Father listening for His direction, to rest in His arms, finding peace and stillness in our busy lives.
Ask God to help you come before him with a quiet heart, free of schedules and routines, to not be preoccupied and to keep your focus on Him so you can listen for His voice.
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