Hello and Happy Spring to You All!
Spring this year has come to the desert in a wonderful way. I was outside enjoying the sunshine and a gentle breeze caressed my cheeks. It felt much like when my finger would touch the cheek of my sleeping young son. I felt the kiss of God as He whispered in my ear: At the cross Grace Kissed Law and said "It is finished!" Christ Jesus poured out His life blood as an atoning sacrifice that we might be fully satisfied in God the Father alone. Mercy opened the door to reconciliation between a Holy God and sinful man.
My mind remembered the words: Kiss the Son.. so I have been reading Psalm 2. Please take a few minutes and read all of this Psalm. I am using NIV and study notes from NIV. Peter and John in Acts 4:25 attribute this Psalm to David and it is known to originally be used for the coronation of Davidic kings. Some interesting insights that those from Western or European roots may not understand are found in v. 7-9. This section details the coronation of the Lord's Anointed One, the King. "You are my Son; today I have become your Father." NIV. The study notes shed some light on this. In the Near East the relationship between a great king and one of his subject kings who ruled by his authority and owed him allegiance was expressed not only by the words 'lord' and 'servant', but 'son' and 'father'. Read what God said about David in 2 Samuel 7:5, 14. God calls David both His son and His servant. At this point if you turn to Acts 13:33 and surrounding verses, you will gain some important insights of how Psalm 2:7-9 applies to Jesus' resurrection and future return to rule as King of kings. Of course Jesus is the eternal Son, but the actual change from the shadow of the Old Covenant to the reality of the New Covenant was accomplished by the sinless life, death on the cross and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Resurrection simply is proof that what Jesus had prophesied about His mission was true. He came to save sinners from the wrath of God by offering Himself upon the altar of the cross as the Perfect Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world. Salvation has always been from faith, not from keeping the Law. The Old simply points to the New. At the cross Grace Kissed Law and provision was made for Christ's righteousness to be transferred or imputed to all who would by faith come and repent of their sins and cast themselves on the mercy of God. By faith they would then enter into a new life. Does this mean that Jesus is NOT God? Does this mean that Jesus is some second, lesser God than the Father? No. But to fulfill the plan of God Jesus would enter time, incarnate as a perfect, sinless man and willingly lay aside some of His deity to live as a man, die as a man and then by His own power be raised from the dead. Jesus said that no one took His life-- He willingly laid it down and would by His own power take it up again. No other prophet made such a claim. With the exception of the Old Testament prophets Enoch and Elijah, all men have died or will die. [One future day these men will return and die on earth also.]
Let's move on to v. 12. "Kiss the Son..do Him homage.. Another text note says that the conquering Assyrian kings required that subjects submit to their authority and demonstrate this symbolically by kissing the feet of the king. Kissing of one's feet? But how about Jesus? Did anyone ever do homage to Him by kissing His feet? Does Psalm 2 prophetically point to Him? We will discuss two times Jesus was kissed. The first is found in Luke 7:36-50. NASB.
"Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee's house and reclined {at the table.} And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining {at the table} in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, and standing behind {Him} at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner." And Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he replied, "Say it, Teacher." "A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. "When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?" Simon answered and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more." And He said to him, "You have judged correctly." Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. "You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. "You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. "For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." Then He said to her, "Your sins have been forgiven." Those who were reclining {at the table} with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this {man} who even forgives sins?" And He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
What can we learn from this story? First who are the main characters? Simon, a Pharisee, who had invited Jesus for a meal. Jesus. Unidentified other guests. An unexpected stranger.. or we assume she is not known by the others. A woman 'of the streets'.. but a wealthy one. What happens? This woman had somehow heard about Jesus coming.. but she most certainly was NOT invited to this meal. However, we find her weeping, kneeling at Jesus' feet, and pouring an expensive bottle of perfume over His feet, kissing His feet, weeping uncontrollably. Wow. Quite a scene, huh? Responses noted? Simon seems quite uncomfortable with all of this. Embarrassed no doubt. Annoyed with Jesus for allowing such a scene in front of His guests. But Simon considers only the woman's sinful condition--not his own spiritual condition. Now Jesus, who being God, can see into the heart condition of all persons and even know our thoughts.. he perceived what Simon was thinking but not saying.. Hey if this Jesus knew what KIND OF WOMAN this is.. if He were a prophet--He would never allow her to even touch Him! Yuk.. dirty sinner! I mean she is just a common slut of the streets. Jesus: Note His response.. don't you love it? He did not even reveal He knew what Simon was thinking. Instead Jesus posed a hypothetical situation. At the end He asked Simon.. who do you think would be more grateful? Who would love the moneylender more? Simon was no doubt a shrew businessman. He realized the truth, the one who was forgiven more loved more. Then Jesus drops the bombshell. Hey Simon, you did not even extend the normal and customary hospitality of our culture that is offered even to our enemies! I was travel weary and got no chance to clean up before the meal. But this 'woman'.. she has washed my feet with her tears, anointed them with an expensive perfume, and demonstrated a penitent and contrite heart about her own sins. Kissing my feet is her sign of submission to my authority over her as her King. Her love as expressed in repentance and faith [she truly believed that Jesus had authority as God's Anointed One to forgive sins] results in her sins being paid for.. wiped out. The woman has said nothing in her own defense. She never once said that she had been doing some good things lately.. to try and make up for her 'mistakes'. She saw herself as a HELPLESS SINNER IN NEED OF GOD'S FORGIVENESS.
The Kiss of Contrition and Repentance and Faith.
Verse 50 makes it clear that it was her FAITH that saved her from God's wrath for her sins, not the act of coming and kissing Jesus' feet. No amount of external religious acts of washings or kneeling or prostrating ourselves can ever take care of our sin debt. This woman upon receiving the Word of God: Your sins are forgiven, go in peace-- could indeed depart in peace. Her peace came through the mercy of God in response to her repentance and faith. The response of the other guests: Who is this that even forgives sins? That is my question for you, dear reader. Who indeed is Jesus? How can he claim to forgive sins? Jesus did NOT put the woman under any burden of rules or laws to keep. God is just and all sin must be punished. God made it clear from the time of Adam that sin brings death. Jesus did NOT just say, well such is life. Women mess up sometimes.. Think on these things. Right with God? Is it Earned or Imputed?
Here is an excellent John Piper Message called "Jesus: Equal with God". This explains the second part of the Title of this blog. It will tie in nicely with "Kiss the Son".
Let's take time to look into a contrasting "kiss" that Jesus received. I think most people have heard this story because I have yet to meet someone who has named their son after the main character in this story. This story is recorded in all four Gospels. We will use Mark 14:43-46. NASB "Immediately while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, *came up accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, {who were} from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard." After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, "Rabbi!" and kissed Him. They laid hands on Him and seized Him." Luke's account has Jesus asking Judas: Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?
The Kiss of Betrayal.
Jesus clearly identifies His mission and His identity. The Son of Man, a clear reference to the prophetic word of Daniel chapter 7 which foretells the coming Messiah as the God/Man mediator between sinful man and holy God. This is the Kingdom of God Jesus brings! Reconciliation to God and restoration of fellowship between a Holy God and sinful man. Of course Judas Iscariot did not see the Messiah in such a role. Rather, the thief Judas thought only of an earthly Kingdom, an overthrow of the Roman Kingdom and no doubt a good position for himself in this new kingdom. [You may wish to read online the commentary of Matthew Henry about Daniel chapter 7. "Son of Man" is a key identification of Jesus as who He claimed to be, i.e, God's Anointed One.]
How about you dear reader? Which type of "kiss" will you greet Jesus with?
The Kiss of Contrition and Repentance and Faith.
The Kiss of Betrayal.
Will you experience God's mercy, forgiveness and life? Or God's wrath and judgment and eternal separation from God in the place of torment and suffering?
The Father's heart of Love is both just and merciful.
I love you all,
Auntie Ann
Monday, March 15, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Resurrection Power and Reconciliation
We awoke shrouded in fog this morning.
Fog is so wonderful, somewhat mystical-- insulating and shielding from view that which we know to be there..but cannot see clearly.
This message is about seeing clearly.
Revelation. Redemption. Restoration.
The murmuring complaints of the Redeemed are voiced in the Book of Numbers in the Old Testament. The rebellion of Korah and his 250 followers is recorded in chapter 16. Now these 250 were the choice leaders, men of renown. Important men. Their complaint? We are just as 'holy' as you are, Moses and Aaron. We will mediate our own sins. So Moses gave a test to show what God thought of this. The 250 and their leaders were to offer incense to the Lord, using bronze censers. Firepans. Korah was from the tribe of Levi, same as Moses and his brother, Aaron. However, the priesthood functioned only through the line of Aaron. The priest was the mediator between Holy God and sinful Man. Perhaps the Korahites thought they were 'good enough' to mediate between God and Man. Reading further, just minutes after Moses prophesied that the ground would swallow up those who were in agreement with these men, God did just this! Their households, including all of their possessions, went down alive to Sheol. What happened to the 250 men? They became the Lord's burnt offering, so to speak.. Fire came from God and burned them alive. The censers were recovered and kept as a reminder that no layman who was not of the priesthood of Aaron should ever come near to burn incense before the Lord. God was not fully done with His wrath against the sins of the people. The plague killed another 14,700. Only the quick and sacrificial action of Aaron and Moses kept the number this low.
So what should we learn from this story? What should the Jews have learned?
First, God is Holy. God is Sovereign and can decide how He will relate to Sinful Man. These men did not just make a mistake. They were in open rebellion against God.
Second, There must be a mediator to atone for the sins of man against God. This mediator is chosen by God. Not by man. So one religion is not as good as another. Our own good works fall short of what God demands. We can in no way make ourselves right in God's sight.
Third, God is not capricious. He does not change His mind or His overall plan from Eternity Past. Redemption is not an emergency plan thought out after Adam's sin.
Continuing the story: God knows the heart of sinful man. God knew that although the grave diggers would be quite busy for awhile, burying those almost 15,000 dead ones, the people would continue to grumble.
God told Moses to select a man from each of the 12 tribes bring a rod to Aaron. They were to write the name of the tribe on the rod. Now these rods were sticks. Dead wood from a tree that was once alive. But no hint of life in these sticks. In the Bible a rod represents authority.
The 12 rods were to be left near where God would meet with Moses to talk. God told Moses that the rod of the tribe God has chosen to be priestly intercessor would sprout. Of course the people had just learned that it was from the tribe of Levi, specifically Aaron and his sons who would mediate the Covenant God had made with Israel. How would God confirm the Aaronic priesthood?
On the next day Moses went into the tent of the testimony. Can you g
uess what he found? Aaron's rod had sprouted, blossomed and produced mature almonds! The other rods were still dead sticks.WOW.
I puzzled over this message from the Holy Bible. Why the sprouting ? What does this mean? Then I read a commentator who explained that the rod that sprouted, blossomed, and bore fruit.. represented resurrected life. Dead, then alive. Spring time is almost here. The seeds which have lain dormant all winter will soon sprout and grow and produce again in accordance with God's laws of the harvest. But there is still a germ of life in those seeds. They do NOT resurrect from the dead.
This rod had no life.
But it came to life and even bore fruit.
Resurrection and fruitfulness confirmed Priesthood and Mediation.
Aaron's rod points us forward to Another Who would be of a different priesthood. He would be called The Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world. His priesthood would be of a new order. Not of the tribe of Levi, but of the Tribe of Judah, He would be called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. His priesthood would not be limited as was Aaron's who would one day die. This priesthood would be forever.But it came to life and even bore fruit.
Resurrection and fruitfulness confirmed Priesthood and Mediation.
Resurrection life would identify this new priest.
Who is this? We know of course from the Scriptures that this is Yeshua, Jesus, the Messiah. The New Testament book called Hebrews describes Jesus, our Great High Priest, and how He is foretold throughout the Old Testament.But when was this priesthood of Jesus established? After He died on the cross? No, remember God chose and appointed the priests of the Old Testament. They did nothing to earn or merit this. So when was Jesus chosen? Hebrews 5 quotes from Psalms 2 and 110 which Jesus also quoted in Matthew 22. Jesus is a priest forever... His authority came from God.
Jesus was chosen priest from the foundation of the world. Before the fall of man. Revelation 13:8 says this about Him:
...Lamb that was slain [in sacrifice] from the foundation of the world...Amp NT.
So Jesus is not only prophet-- He is priest, sacrificial offering, king and God.
His resurrection validates this truth..
How is Jesus King? The Kingdom of God is within. It is a spiritual kingdom that can only be entered by a new spiritual birth. There must be a mediator who represents us in the presence of God. This can only be Jesus, our Great High Priest. He took upon Himself the full wrath of God against our sins. God judged Jesus for our sins. Jesus became sin Who knew no sin. The great exchange. His righteousness for our rebellion.His resurrection validates this truth..
All who repent [believe that they are indeed helpless sinners in need of someone to rescue them from the power of evil and death and to put them into right relationship with God] and who trust the One who by His substitutionary death secured not only pardon but reconciliation with God on their behalf.. all who are called by God into His kingdom.. they will be called sons of God and live to glorify and honor Him forever.
This new birth happens when we are alive on this earth. After our bodies die, it is too late. After death comes the judgment of God. No amount of good works can lessen the penalty for our sins. Our good deeds at best seem to God as dirty garments. Only those whose robes have been cleansed in the shed blood of Jesus will be allowed into God's holy heaven.
How about you? Are you in a spiritual 'fog'?
Pray and seek God for your salvation--your reconciliation to God. Cry out and do not stop until He hears and has mercy on you. You might cry out the words to this old hymn as a start.. Open my eyes, Lord, I want to see Jesus.. to reach out and touch Him..All who 'touch' Him experience healing of their sin-sick souls. Touch Him by grace through faith. Both grace and faith are gifts of God.
The priesthood of God that leads to eternal life first had to come from above.. then return with the declaration: It is Finished! Christ Jesus triumphantly spoke these words as He laid down His life on the cross. There He conquered Death, which is what keeps us estranged from meaningful relationship with God.
His resurrection proved that indeed.. IT IS FINISHED..!!
Wouldn't you like to see the finish of your inner turmoil-- your sense that something is wrong or just plain missing in your life?
Come to Jesus.. as a sinner.. come and repent and believe the Good News of the One Who died so you can live. Jesus turn away NO ONE who comes by faith and repentance.Wouldn't you like to see the finish of your inner turmoil-- your sense that something is wrong or just plain missing in your life?
The winds of change are blowing.. respond now to the wind of the Holy Spirit of God.
Begin living Resurrection Life.
I love you all..Auntie Ann
Friday, January 22, 2010
WALK ON
I have been thinking about 'walking' for some months now. In June 2009 my back broke in four places. I have used a 'walker' since that time. I live in a rural area and the last eleven years have enjoyed almost daily 'walks' of over one mile. I miss this so very much.
But I have learned so much about a different use of our word 'walk'. Our 'walk' can refer to our way of living. You may have heard: "A person's walk should match his talk." This means what we say we believe should be demonstrated in how we live. In addition 'walk' can mean 'way' or 'path'. This implies the idea of a destination. A path leads somewhere. Many years ago when I was about age 14 we studied a poem in school changed my life. The poem is "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost. I want to mention only the last stanza.
Mollie Jo and Caleb Cassidy said so well in their song, "Wait On".. To walk with God, no strength is lost, walk on.
But I have learned so much about a different use of our word 'walk'. Our 'walk' can refer to our way of living. You may have heard: "A person's walk should match his talk." This means what we say we believe should be demonstrated in how we live. In addition 'walk' can mean 'way' or 'path'. This implies the idea of a destination. A path leads somewhere. Many years ago when I was about age 14 we studied a poem in school changed my life. The poem is "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost. I want to mention only the last stanza.
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
I am by no means a Robert Frost fan. He and I are miles apart in our worldview. But God used this poem to give me the power to say 'no' to certain things and to stay focused on what would be His will for my life.. a life wholly given over to walk along the path prepared just for me by the One Who loved me enough to die in my place. But we are getting ahead of our story.
At age 14 I wanted to 'walk' with a sense of purpose and perseverance.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
I am by no means a Robert Frost fan. He and I are miles apart in our worldview. But God used this poem to give me the power to say 'no' to certain things and to stay focused on what would be His will for my life.. a life wholly given over to walk along the path prepared just for me by the One Who loved me enough to die in my place. But we are getting ahead of our story.
At age 14 I wanted to 'walk' with a sense of purpose and perseverance.
I had a sense that a life that counts must involve a degree of self denial.
I began to think of the deep questions of life:
Who am I?
Why am I here?
What should I do with my life?
Where do I look to find these answers?
Following my conversion to Christ Jesus by means of grace through faith in Christ Jesus, my 'guidebook' for living became the Bible.
The Bible gives light or understanding to our walk. Psalm 119:105 says God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. How so? Psalm 119:130 explains further. The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. "Unfolding" here means like a door or entrance.
A casual reading of the Scriptures is not sufficient to find the light or understanding we need to live a life that will count in eternity.
Here are just a few references as to how one should walk, according to the Bible.
1. We are to walk according to God's commandments.
2. We are to walk as Jesus walked. How did Jesus walk? He tells us this in John's Gospel. Jesus always did the will of God, the Father. See John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38-40. Jesus expects us to live the same way!
3. We will walk in humility of mind, considering others as more important than ourselves. [see Philippians 2:3-8].
4. We will walk in love. If you love Me, you will obey My commands. John 14. Not the gushy, sentimental, romantic, sensual type of love. Rather the commands of Christ, which begin with "repent". Continue with "you must be born again". How many of Christ's commands do you know of, let alone keep? Ephesians 5:2 tells us what it looks like to 'walk in love'. A careful reading of all of Ephesians 5 will give you great understanding of what walking in love looks like.
5. We are to walk in faith.. not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7.
6. We will walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. Everyone likes the idea of power. But power is about doing what we ought, not what we want. In fact to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit means to walk in the midst of a great war. Not peace. Galatians 5:17 ESV says "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
If there is no struggle in our lives to walk the walk that pleases God, then we are most to be pitied and should be careful to see whether we are indeed in the faith.
7. Romans 6:4 says that we are to walk in newness of life. The old life must be crucified with Christ.
8. We are to walk in forgiveness and reconciliation. Forgiveness is NOT saying : I apologize.
Forgiveness is a promise. Forgiveness is choosing not to hold an offense against another. Forgiveness chooses not to remember and not to bring up this issue again with the other person or anyone else including with our selves. Should our mind begin to think again of the offense we must immediately replace that thought with thankfulness to God that He has chosen to not remember our much greater sins against Him.
9. We will walk in God's ways. Many times God asked this of His chosen people. There were promises of blessings for doing this and punishment for failing to do so. What are His ways? His moral ways as made clear in His commands and shown by Who He is. This includes truth, righteousness, light, purity.
How are we NOT to walk? Psalm 1 says NOT in the counsel of the ungodly. Where do you get your guidance? We are NOT to walk in the imagination of our own hearts and after other gods [Jer. 13:10] or walk in lies. We are not to walk in darkness.
I am not yet at the point of 'boasting' about my infirmities. But I am by God's grace moving in that direction.
My goal is to be fully satisfied with God alone. My goal is God Himself. I am asking God to remove any distractions.
Who am I?
Why am I here?
What should I do with my life?
Where do I look to find these answers?
Following my conversion to Christ Jesus by means of grace through faith in Christ Jesus, my 'guidebook' for living became the Bible.
The Bible gives light or understanding to our walk. Psalm 119:105 says God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. How so? Psalm 119:130 explains further. The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. "Unfolding" here means like a door or entrance.
A casual reading of the Scriptures is not sufficient to find the light or understanding we need to live a life that will count in eternity.
Here are just a few references as to how one should walk, according to the Bible.
1. We are to walk according to God's commandments.
2. We are to walk as Jesus walked. How did Jesus walk? He tells us this in John's Gospel. Jesus always did the will of God, the Father. See John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38-40. Jesus expects us to live the same way!
3. We will walk in humility of mind, considering others as more important than ourselves. [see Philippians 2:3-8].
4. We will walk in love. If you love Me, you will obey My commands. John 14. Not the gushy, sentimental, romantic, sensual type of love. Rather the commands of Christ, which begin with "repent". Continue with "you must be born again". How many of Christ's commands do you know of, let alone keep? Ephesians 5:2 tells us what it looks like to 'walk in love'. A careful reading of all of Ephesians 5 will give you great understanding of what walking in love looks like.
5. We are to walk in faith.. not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7.
6. We will walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. Everyone likes the idea of power. But power is about doing what we ought, not what we want. In fact to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit means to walk in the midst of a great war. Not peace. Galatians 5:17 ESV says "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
If there is no struggle in our lives to walk the walk that pleases God, then we are most to be pitied and should be careful to see whether we are indeed in the faith.
7. Romans 6:4 says that we are to walk in newness of life. The old life must be crucified with Christ.
8. We are to walk in forgiveness and reconciliation. Forgiveness is NOT saying : I apologize.
Forgiveness is a promise. Forgiveness is choosing not to hold an offense against another. Forgiveness chooses not to remember and not to bring up this issue again with the other person or anyone else including with our selves. Should our mind begin to think again of the offense we must immediately replace that thought with thankfulness to God that He has chosen to not remember our much greater sins against Him.
9. We will walk in God's ways. Many times God asked this of His chosen people. There were promises of blessings for doing this and punishment for failing to do so. What are His ways? His moral ways as made clear in His commands and shown by Who He is. This includes truth, righteousness, light, purity.
How are we NOT to walk? Psalm 1 says NOT in the counsel of the ungodly. Where do you get your guidance? We are NOT to walk in the imagination of our own hearts and after other gods [Jer. 13:10] or walk in lies. We are not to walk in darkness.
But what happens when we feel we simply cannot walk another step? We are weary of body, mind or soul. Downtrodden and despairing. We are to look upward. We are to "walk on." Suffering is a prism through which we see life is quite a different way.
Paul prayed three times for relief from a 'thorn' in the flesh. God's answer:“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV. I am not yet at the point of 'boasting' about my infirmities. But I am by God's grace moving in that direction.
My goal is to be fully satisfied with God alone. My goal is God Himself. I am asking God to remove any distractions.
Mollie Jo and Caleb Cassidy said so well in their song, "Wait On".. To walk with God, no strength is lost, walk on.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Seasons of Life
I trust your new year is going well. Today marks the seventh anniversary of when my mother died. She left a great legacy for me. I would like to share some memories plus give you a link where you can read the pdf of a little book I wrote after her death. The title is Teaching Observation Skills.. Steps to Servanthood.
Our family is listening to a tape book called The Power of Communication by Kenneth Erickson. This is my husband, son and myself. Of course it was my idea to have each of us listen to the book. Smile. So why a book about communication? Don't we enjoy Google, Facebook, My Space, Twitter, G Mail, Skype, Cell phones, Instant Messenger.. whew, I know I have left some out.
So to clarify, let's define 'communication' as this book does. Communication only occurs when the one attempting to communicate what is in his/her mind is understood by the listener. So this is not the same as transfer of information. Big smile.
I have experienced in my relatively short life time an incredible growth of information technology that has changed the world. I can talk to a man in Algeria who speaks only French and use Google translator tool and have a fairly successful 'conversation'. I speak very little French. He speaks no English.
I can see a video of someone knocking down the Pope.
I can see a satellite picture of the home where I live even showing our old cars parked outside.
But somewhat troubling to me is with this growth in IT, there has been a real decline in the quality and quantity of communication. Dialogue is almost non-existent. Whatever happened to the 'front porch' of the 1950s? Why don't most people read much? 'Think' even less?
With the information glut surrounding each of us, how do we choose who to listen to or watch on you tube or the other myriads of visual and verbal recordings or live broadcasts via internet? Why do so many people continue to forward messages that are not even true and they don't take time to check out the implications of sending on lies?
Whatever happened to 'real' relationships? Or soon will the world be 'virtual'?
So am I saying throw away your computer and veg out in your lawn chair or front porch chaise? No of course not.
But it is time to seriously think about how short life is.. and what we will say to the One who asks for an account of every word we spoke and every deed done in the body.
It is also time to re-evaluate how well we communicate.
What part of 'communication' is not working so well.. I think it is the listening part. We are too busy or too proud to put in the effort to spend enough time or to be honest enough to truly make sure the listener will understand us. Maybe we don't want to be understood. Maybe we are afraid of the growing of a relationship that accompanies open and honest communication. Sharing information isn't safe. Communication can cause us to look deep within and maybe not like what we see.
As to Who is trying to communicate with us and why.. look up! Psalm 19 states that the heavens declare the glory of God; their expanse declares His works. What is God saying? Is nature the ONLY way He communicates?
God has spoken in the last times through His Son, Jesus Christ. You can read this in the New Testament book of Hebrews. This book also tells us it is a good idea to listen to what He says. Reading the Bible is the best way to open up dialogue and communication with God. Here is a great website where you can do all sorts of Bible study, listen on audio, have your own Bible reading schedule. I encourage you to pick a method, commit time to reading the Bible and see what God is saying to YOU this year! You will not be bored or disappointed.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/index.cfm
Next time we will discuss communication more in detail. Write me back and let me know your thoughts on this subject. I hope you start with listening and dialoguing with the One who Loved you enough to die in your place so you could enjoy communing with Him forever.
http://www.lighthouseenterprises.us/bulbs/TOS.pdf
Our family is listening to a tape book called The Power of Communication by Kenneth Erickson. This is my husband, son and myself. Of course it was my idea to have each of us listen to the book. Smile. So why a book about communication? Don't we enjoy Google, Facebook, My Space, Twitter, G Mail, Skype, Cell phones, Instant Messenger.. whew, I know I have left some out.
So to clarify, let's define 'communication' as this book does. Communication only occurs when the one attempting to communicate what is in his/her mind is understood by the listener. So this is not the same as transfer of information. Big smile.
I have experienced in my relatively short life time an incredible growth of information technology that has changed the world. I can talk to a man in Algeria who speaks only French and use Google translator tool and have a fairly successful 'conversation'. I speak very little French. He speaks no English.
I can see a video of someone knocking down the Pope.
I can see a satellite picture of the home where I live even showing our old cars parked outside.
But somewhat troubling to me is with this growth in IT, there has been a real decline in the quality and quantity of communication. Dialogue is almost non-existent. Whatever happened to the 'front porch' of the 1950s? Why don't most people read much? 'Think' even less?
With the information glut surrounding each of us, how do we choose who to listen to or watch on you tube or the other myriads of visual and verbal recordings or live broadcasts via internet? Why do so many people continue to forward messages that are not even true and they don't take time to check out the implications of sending on lies?
Whatever happened to 'real' relationships? Or soon will the world be 'virtual'?
So am I saying throw away your computer and veg out in your lawn chair or front porch chaise? No of course not.
But it is time to seriously think about how short life is.. and what we will say to the One who asks for an account of every word we spoke and every deed done in the body.
It is also time to re-evaluate how well we communicate.
What part of 'communication' is not working so well.. I think it is the listening part. We are too busy or too proud to put in the effort to spend enough time or to be honest enough to truly make sure the listener will understand us. Maybe we don't want to be understood. Maybe we are afraid of the growing of a relationship that accompanies open and honest communication. Sharing information isn't safe. Communication can cause us to look deep within and maybe not like what we see.
As to Who is trying to communicate with us and why.. look up! Psalm 19 states that the heavens declare the glory of God; their expanse declares His works. What is God saying? Is nature the ONLY way He communicates?
God has spoken in the last times through His Son, Jesus Christ. You can read this in the New Testament book of Hebrews. This book also tells us it is a good idea to listen to what He says. Reading the Bible is the best way to open up dialogue and communication with God. Here is a great website where you can do all sorts of Bible study, listen on audio, have your own Bible reading schedule. I encourage you to pick a method, commit time to reading the Bible and see what God is saying to YOU this year! You will not be bored or disappointed.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/index.cfm
Next time we will discuss communication more in detail. Write me back and let me know your thoughts on this subject. I hope you start with listening and dialoguing with the One who Loved you enough to die in your place so you could enjoy communing with Him forever.
http://www.lighthouseenterprises.us/bulbs/TOS.pdf
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Breakfast by the Sea New Beginnings 2010
We read in John 21:1
"After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way." NASB
We have been talking about Observation. "Seeing". The word "manifest" in this verse means more than 'to appear'. Manifest has the idea of to make known what has been hidden or unknown; to become known, to be plainly recognized, thoroughly understood--who and what one is.
Let's look more closely at this story and how it relates to starting a new year.
Who? Peter and some of the disciples; Jesus
Where? sea of Galilee [Tiberias]; beach along Sea
When? following an all night fishing trip, early morning
What? Breakfast by the sea
Why? To help us understand relationship between 'being' and 'doing' from God's perspective
This story happens during the 40 days Jesus remained on earth after his death and resurrection from the dead. It was Peter who had persuaded some of the other disciples of Jesus to go fishing that night. Peter had answered Jesus' question, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” [see Matthew chapter 16]. When Jesus called Simon to be his disciple, He gave him the name 'Peter' which means 'rock'. Jesus then declared that the 'rock' is the foundational truth that Jesus is the Son of God. The Holy Spirit had revealed this truth to Peter. The Kingdom of God was in their midst.
However now we see Peter is perhaps confused from the recent happenings. Jesus, the Messiah, had NOT liberated the Jews from the hated Roman rule. Yes, Jesus had died the shameful death of the worst criminal on the cross. Now Jesus was alive again, resurrected from the dead. But for what purpose? Why had He come and died?
Before and during the arrest and trial of Jesus, Peter had denied three times that he even knew Jesus. What shame filled Peter's heart at this memory. Perhaps a trip to the Sea would wash away this sense of shame at his betrayal of the One Peter had one time boldly declared: "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You." [Matthew 26:35 NASB]
Or perhaps Peter thought to the days ahead.. A man needed to provide for his family. Best to go back to the work he knew and was reasonably successful at doing.
Peter recalled an earlier manifestation of Jesus to His disciples, where He shows the scars from His crucifixion that He wears on His new resurrected Body. Jesus gives this message in John 20:21: "As the Father has sent me [Jesus], I am sending you." NIV.
On this fishing trip, Peter realizes there was to be no overthrow of the hated Romans. Jesus would return to heaven and how ever was Peter to 'follow' Jesus? Sent to do what? Peter could envision following a living leader who would set things right. But what was His Kingdom and what part could Peter play in building the Kingdom where there is no visible King?
After a discouraging night of catching no fish, suddenly the seven men in the boat heard a stranger from shore call out to them: "Friends, haven't you any fish?" [John 21:5 NIV]. They yelled back, "NO."
What happened next was incredible. "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." said the Stranger. When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, realized this was the Lord. Peter immediately jumped into the sea and swam to shore. The others brought in the boat and the big catch of fish.
They found Jesus broiling some fish. He had brought along some bread. They all knew it was Jesus without asking. Jesus asked them to bring some of their recent miraculous catch to cook. Next Jesus fixed their breakfast.
I think Peter and the others must have been astounded to see Jesus there on the shore. After breakfast Jesus began speaking to Peter. He asks a most interesting question:
"Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
Do I love Jesus more than 'these'? What does 'these' mean? This 153 fish caught in one night was a small fortune to Peter. Love Jesus more than pursuits of material success? His friends and old ways of life? His career as a fisherman? Peter had implied that even though the others might desert Jesus before His death, Peter had boldly declared - NOT ME. I am more loyal to my beliefs than my friends. Perhaps Jesus was asking Peter if still thought he was better than the other disciples in light of the fact of Peter's thrice denial of even knowing Christ Jesus.
We need to look into the Amplified New Testament to study Jesus' question and Peter's response. John 21:15-17
15When they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [others do--with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You [that I have deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Feed My lambs.
Peter, do you love Me more than these? Are you willing to give up your profession and follow me and live in poverty and even as a fugitive, when you could be a respectable fisherman? You could live where others in your family and village would be proud of what you were doing. Safe.
"After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way." NASB
We have been talking about Observation. "Seeing". The word "manifest" in this verse means more than 'to appear'. Manifest has the idea of to make known what has been hidden or unknown; to become known, to be plainly recognized, thoroughly understood--who and what one is.
Let's look more closely at this story and how it relates to starting a new year.
Who? Peter and some of the disciples; Jesus
Where? sea of Galilee [Tiberias]; beach along Sea
When? following an all night fishing trip, early morning
What? Breakfast by the sea
Why? To help us understand relationship between 'being' and 'doing' from God's perspective
This story happens during the 40 days Jesus remained on earth after his death and resurrection from the dead. It was Peter who had persuaded some of the other disciples of Jesus to go fishing that night. Peter had answered Jesus' question, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” [see Matthew chapter 16]. When Jesus called Simon to be his disciple, He gave him the name 'Peter' which means 'rock'. Jesus then declared that the 'rock' is the foundational truth that Jesus is the Son of God. The Holy Spirit had revealed this truth to Peter. The Kingdom of God was in their midst.
However now we see Peter is perhaps confused from the recent happenings. Jesus, the Messiah, had NOT liberated the Jews from the hated Roman rule. Yes, Jesus had died the shameful death of the worst criminal on the cross. Now Jesus was alive again, resurrected from the dead. But for what purpose? Why had He come and died?
Before and during the arrest and trial of Jesus, Peter had denied three times that he even knew Jesus. What shame filled Peter's heart at this memory. Perhaps a trip to the Sea would wash away this sense of shame at his betrayal of the One Peter had one time boldly declared: "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You." [Matthew 26:35 NASB]
Or perhaps Peter thought to the days ahead.. A man needed to provide for his family. Best to go back to the work he knew and was reasonably successful at doing.
Peter recalled an earlier manifestation of Jesus to His disciples, where He shows the scars from His crucifixion that He wears on His new resurrected Body. Jesus gives this message in John 20:21: "As the Father has sent me [Jesus], I am sending you." NIV.
On this fishing trip, Peter realizes there was to be no overthrow of the hated Romans. Jesus would return to heaven and how ever was Peter to 'follow' Jesus? Sent to do what? Peter could envision following a living leader who would set things right. But what was His Kingdom and what part could Peter play in building the Kingdom where there is no visible King?
After a discouraging night of catching no fish, suddenly the seven men in the boat heard a stranger from shore call out to them: "Friends, haven't you any fish?" [John 21:5 NIV]. They yelled back, "NO."
What happened next was incredible. "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." said the Stranger. When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, realized this was the Lord. Peter immediately jumped into the sea and swam to shore. The others brought in the boat and the big catch of fish.
They found Jesus broiling some fish. He had brought along some bread. They all knew it was Jesus without asking. Jesus asked them to bring some of their recent miraculous catch to cook. Next Jesus fixed their breakfast.
I think Peter and the others must have been astounded to see Jesus there on the shore. After breakfast Jesus began speaking to Peter. He asks a most interesting question:
"Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
Do I love Jesus more than 'these'? What does 'these' mean? This 153 fish caught in one night was a small fortune to Peter. Love Jesus more than pursuits of material success? His friends and old ways of life? His career as a fisherman? Peter had implied that even though the others might desert Jesus before His death, Peter had boldly declared - NOT ME. I am more loyal to my beliefs than my friends. Perhaps Jesus was asking Peter if still thought he was better than the other disciples in light of the fact of Peter's thrice denial of even knowing Christ Jesus.
We need to look into the Amplified New Testament to study Jesus' question and Peter's response. John 21:15-17
15When they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [others do--with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You [that I have deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Feed My lambs.
16Again He said to him the second time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Shepherd (tend) My sheep.
17He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, instinctive, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]? Peter was grieved (was saddened and hurt) that He should ask him the third time, Do you love Me? And he said to Him, Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep.
Three times Peter had denied knowing Jesus. Three times Jesus asks Peter if Peter loves Jesus as Peter claims to love God the Father. Then Jesus gives Peter an opportunity for a new 'career path.'
Peter, do you love Me more than these? Are you willing to give up your profession and follow me and live in poverty and even as a fugitive, when you could be a respectable fisherman? You could live where others in your family and village would be proud of what you were doing. Safe.
Lest Peter not understand Jesus' commission to become a partner with Jesus in the Kingdom work of Jesus, He continues:
18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” NLT.
Peter learns a lot from that Breakfast by the Sea with Jesus. He not only learns, but He is a changed man. Jesus gives Peter a 'second chance'. Jesus fills Peter with a sense of how great the Father's love. Peter truly has seen the Lord. Peter no longer boasts about his love for Jesus nor that he is better than his friends. Instead Peter sees that he really does love Jesus and he needs Jesus. Even the life of a servant is acceptable as long as Jesus is the Master.
At this unforgettable breakfast on the beach, questions were finally answered and commitments were made. Peter's Moment of Truth resulted in him never turning back to the old life 'before Christ'. Peter was gloriously restored into perfect fellowship with the Son and the Father.
Peter was restored to 'being'.. Being right with God. Peter had done nothing to earn or deserve the forgiveness and reconciliation Jesus brought to the breakfast meal.
Then Peter came into realization and empowerment of 'doing'. Peter saw the truth of Philippians 2:13 in his life. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. NLT
How about you this new year?
Are you facing your Moment of Truth? Who and What is Jesus Christ to you?
Are you feeling a tug on your heartstrings to call this Jesus 'Master', 'King'? Do you long for deeper meaning and purpose in life? Are you thirsting and hungering to know How Great the Father's Love for YOU?
Mrs. B.
thanks and appreciation for the insights into John 21 I received from reading He Satisfies My Soul by Dr. Paul Brand.
Painting: The Appearance at the Sea of Tiberias by William Hole
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
New Year Goals? Consider "Observation Skills"
I hope I did not leave you behind somewhere on a dusty country road yesterday. Lest you think I view life as mostly passively sitting in a car watching the scenery go by, let me build upon what we last shared. We established that in our lives, someone is responsible for the direction we travel. In my case in the early years, my dad, who was wise and trustworthy was 'behind the wheel'.
However, this pleasurable time on the Sunday afternoon trip was one of intense learning and shaping of how I one day would assume responsibility over my own life. First, I would remember that in life I would not need to travel alone. I could have companions. My mom and brother and sister most often were also in the car. Next I realized that both from a perspective of safety and pleasure certain skills were needed.
A vital skill was what I call "Observation".
Both my mom and dad contributed to my keen sense of observation of things around me. I learned to 'see', 'hear', 'smell', 'taste' and 'feel'.
At birth the baby begins to learn about the 'outside' world as well as about himself. Did you ever see one of those gizmos attached to a crib that was suspended above the baby.. just out of reach of the fingers, but close enough for the baby's eyes to observe? It moved in a circle and often played music. There was color, design, shape, and absolute fascination for the baby. It seemed to provide entertainment and keep the baby quiet for a long time. I think the English word is "mobile". Only recently did I read that at birth there are essential underdeveloped neurological connections in the young baby. The brains sees. The eyes simply communicate messages to the brain, which interprets those messages as what we call "sight". The mobile provides not only fun for the baby, but apparently later in life the child and young adult will be able to visually process information that would not be possible without this type of visual training.
So on these country outings sometimes we would learn to notice. Take note of. Color. Smells. Perspective. Same/different. Size. Purpose. Let me give a simple example. Farms have houses and out buildings. Fields and animals. Water sources. Machinery needed on the farm. So I learned that people lived in the house, animals in the barn along with stored grain and farm machinery. Ponds often provided water. Barns and houses often needed painting or repairs. Seasons provided change of how everything looked on the farm. This is level one learning.
Level two required a closer look. Animals came in male and female. A horse or mule pulled a plow or wagon. It worked to help provide what the family needed. The human used the animal to turn dirt and seed into food and income for the family and provide for the animals he owned. Chickens provided food [eggs] as well as environmental control [ate bugs that would destroy the veggies in the garden]. Dogs and cats generally were considered part of the workings of the farm, not primarily as 'pets'. Cats kept the rodent population in check. This was very important to help preserve the harvest of both grain and root type veggies. Dogs were used to herd animals, keep away predators or mean humans. Function related to type. Horses pull plows or wagons; they do not eat rats or mice.
Level three. I realized that on the farm there was an order of authority. This is a level that requires more than the physiological seeing. Humans exercised dominion over both the land and the animals. Both the land and animals existed to serve the man. But there was a higher authority. God gave the rain and sunshine and life to the man, animals and plants. So the proper order of authority was God first, then humans, then the animals, plants, and soil of earth. Within the family an order mirrored the God who created all things. The family was husband, wife, and any children God gave them. The husband was the God appointed provider and protector for the home. Serving her husband, at his side, not under his feet, was his wife who honored her husband by living to complete what God saw was lacking in the man.
She was to respect his decisions even when she did not agree. She lovingly submitted to his 'final say so' in decisions he needed to make. She also was the nurturer of life. In her body the seed of the man would unite with her seed and the child of this union would be loved and welcomed as part of the family. The wife by nature is a nurturer, a lover of beauty and art and color and harmony. She provides a place where her husband can safely entrust his dreams and visions for his family and the dominion God has given him. The wife joyfully embraced her duties and responsibilities over the dominion God had given her. Children are a blessing from God. They are to obey and honor their earthly father and mother that things go well for them and they have a long life.
Level four: I learned about God's design. Design is the purpose for which God, the creator of all things, made everything. Why am I here? What is the big picture? Did God make a world in complete harmony with Himself? How is God's creation supposed to relate to the One Who sits in the heavens and who dwells in light unapproachable? Exactly how does my relationship to the One Who created all things fit in with my day to day living?
Our next post will delve deeper into Level four observation. This will give you much to think about as you are perhaps formulating some goals for 2010. Interested in becoming a better person? Becoming a bit more concerned about the others around you? I think you will enjoy tomorrow's post. I will write it with my own life in mind.
Mrs. B.
Photos:
(c) realityimaging uk
However, this pleasurable time on the Sunday afternoon trip was one of intense learning and shaping of how I one day would assume responsibility over my own life. First, I would remember that in life I would not need to travel alone. I could have companions. My mom and brother and sister most often were also in the car. Next I realized that both from a perspective of safety and pleasure certain skills were needed.
A vital skill was what I call "Observation".
Both my mom and dad contributed to my keen sense of observation of things around me. I learned to 'see', 'hear', 'smell', 'taste' and 'feel'.
At birth the baby begins to learn about the 'outside' world as well as about himself. Did you ever see one of those gizmos attached to a crib that was suspended above the baby.. just out of reach of the fingers, but close enough for the baby's eyes to observe? It moved in a circle and often played music. There was color, design, shape, and absolute fascination for the baby. It seemed to provide entertainment and keep the baby quiet for a long time. I think the English word is "mobile". Only recently did I read that at birth there are essential underdeveloped neurological connections in the young baby. The brains sees. The eyes simply communicate messages to the brain, which interprets those messages as what we call "sight". The mobile provides not only fun for the baby, but apparently later in life the child and young adult will be able to visually process information that would not be possible without this type of visual training.
So on these country outings sometimes we would learn to notice. Take note of. Color. Smells. Perspective. Same/different. Size. Purpose. Let me give a simple example. Farms have houses and out buildings. Fields and animals. Water sources. Machinery needed on the farm. So I learned that people lived in the house, animals in the barn along with stored grain and farm machinery. Ponds often provided water. Barns and houses often needed painting or repairs. Seasons provided change of how everything looked on the farm. This is level one learning.
Level two required a closer look. Animals came in male and female. A horse or mule pulled a plow or wagon. It worked to help provide what the family needed. The human used the animal to turn dirt and seed into food and income for the family and provide for the animals he owned. Chickens provided food [eggs] as well as environmental control [ate bugs that would destroy the veggies in the garden]. Dogs and cats generally were considered part of the workings of the farm, not primarily as 'pets'. Cats kept the rodent population in check. This was very important to help preserve the harvest of both grain and root type veggies. Dogs were used to herd animals, keep away predators or mean humans. Function related to type. Horses pull plows or wagons; they do not eat rats or mice.
Level three. I realized that on the farm there was an order of authority. This is a level that requires more than the physiological seeing. Humans exercised dominion over both the land and the animals. Both the land and animals existed to serve the man. But there was a higher authority. God gave the rain and sunshine and life to the man, animals and plants. So the proper order of authority was God first, then humans, then the animals, plants, and soil of earth. Within the family an order mirrored the God who created all things. The family was husband, wife, and any children God gave them. The husband was the God appointed provider and protector for the home. Serving her husband, at his side, not under his feet, was his wife who honored her husband by living to complete what God saw was lacking in the man.
She was to respect his decisions even when she did not agree. She lovingly submitted to his 'final say so' in decisions he needed to make. She also was the nurturer of life. In her body the seed of the man would unite with her seed and the child of this union would be loved and welcomed as part of the family. The wife by nature is a nurturer, a lover of beauty and art and color and harmony. She provides a place where her husband can safely entrust his dreams and visions for his family and the dominion God has given him. The wife joyfully embraced her duties and responsibilities over the dominion God had given her. Children are a blessing from God. They are to obey and honor their earthly father and mother that things go well for them and they have a long life. Level four: I learned about God's design. Design is the purpose for which God, the creator of all things, made everything. Why am I here? What is the big picture? Did God make a world in complete harmony with Himself? How is God's creation supposed to relate to the One Who sits in the heavens and who dwells in light unapproachable? Exactly how does my relationship to the One Who created all things fit in with my day to day living?
Our next post will delve deeper into Level four observation. This will give you much to think about as you are perhaps formulating some goals for 2010. Interested in becoming a better person? Becoming a bit more concerned about the others around you? I think you will enjoy tomorrow's post. I will write it with my own life in mind.
Mrs. B.
Photos:
(c) realityimaging uk
Monday, December 28, 2009
Looking Ahead: 2010 Country Roads, Sunday Afternoons, GPS
As we look forward to entering 2010, many of us will want to chart a course and reach some new goals. As I reminisced today I remembered some times when my dad would take us out on Sunday afternoons for a drive in the car. Many times this was out some country road. We would just drive along, turn when we reached a fork in the road, continue on until it was time to head home. It was delightful seeing the sights and smelling the smells of the country. I was totally disoriented by so many turns, but Dad always got us home.
In many ways "life" reminds me of these trips into the country. Now we did not have a map or a GPS device in our car or anything like this. I guess we had the sun on a sunny day, but no compass or other instrument with which to navigate or chart our course. Our destination was "home". Home, that place where we would clean up, have a nice meal my mom prepared and talk over the things we had seen and experienced along the way.
I was never fearful that we would not reach home. I trusted Dad. He was my daddy. I was his daughter. Of course he would get me to a safe and happy place.
Many of you know that I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I have turned myself over to Him and He is the One who is guiding me to my final destination. I would like to share how exactly this has been working out the last thirty some years. First, we don't travel in the dark. I used to live in the kingdom of darkness. My final destination was not going to be a nice place like home. I was charting my own course and certainly did not consult God about His plan for my life. But in His mercy, my blind eyes were opened and I saw Grace and Truth. I knew from the Law of Moses, written on my heart, that I had done bad things. Things that I was ashamed of. But I had no idea how to change for the better. I tried to change myself. That failed. Then one day the Word of God reached my heart and I realized that Christ Jesus had died on the cross to take the penalty for all my sins. And to give me grace [grace is the desire and power to do God's will] and truth. Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled God's Holy requirements found in the Law. He did that so I would not need to. Good thing, since no man can be right in God's eyes. No matter how hard we try. God counts what Jesus did as though I had also fully obeyed God's Holy Laws.
God also extended grace that covered all my past, present,and future wrong doings or sins. God accepted the willing sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ, put to death on a cross, as 'payment' in full for my sin debt. In addition, I repented.. had a change of mind regarding who God is, who I am and God's remedy for my helpless condition of rebellion and hatred toward God. This repentance was also a gift from God by way of His grace.
So how is life different in my new kingdom? I now sit in the heavenlies with Christ Jesus. I am in the kingdom of light. Even though I live in the body on planet earth, I am also born into a new kingdom. One of truth and love and grace and mercy. One that I am so happy to tell others about. It is called the Kingdom of God. I trust God, my heavenly Father to get me to His Home. He has given me His Guidebook, the Holy Bible. His Spirit is like headlights of a car along a dark road, illuminating passages in the Book that show me the Way. Sometimes I am not always sure of exactly where I am.. God has numbered my days and until He determines it is time to turn toward Home, I continue on His planned path on earth.
As I grow older I am so excited to note that some of the early country roads are getting connected with the current road we travel. Of course God saw the connection all along. A road that was designed to mature me into conformity with the Character of Jesus Christ.
One example is how 25 years ago I had a dream. In this dream I saw a woman and boy on their knees. They were praying. Asking God for food. Just basic needs. Bread. And I woke up. Wide awake. I had been asking God if He would answer a prayer. I wanted to know if there was a certain nation I should pray about that had not heard much about the Kingdom of Light. I thought the people looked Chinese. But I asked God if China was the right country, then please tell me the name of the province. I knew very little about China! This is many years before Wikipedia or Google Search or even personal computers! And China had not been "open" to the West for very many years. I heard in my head the word that sounded like "henan".. much to my surprise there actually was a henan..as well as hunan.. so I began to pray for China. God gave me a great love for the nation and the people. Resources became available where I could learn more about the 450 plus people groups who called China "home". I continued daily searches in
God's Book to find His Way of Truth. His Word provided not only 'food' for my spirit, but also correction and training in the right ways of God. It would do no good to have a desire to see good things happen, if I did not learn to wait and do what God wanted His Way and His Timing.
At this point I did not know a single Chinese person. Then several years ago, God opened a way for me to meet over Skype a young woman who lived in Hong Kong. How very exciting. God did a marvelous work of grace in her life and in spite of the fact that I speak no Chinese and she speaks limited English, she is a sister in Christ Jesus. The story does not stop. Father just kept taking new turns on that country road. I am involved with other Chinese women over skype, encouraging them in micro enterprise. I desire to see the rural Chinese women be able to keep their hand craft knowledge and young women stay in the home or near by until they marry. I have the privilege of praying with them as they seek out the Father's planned journey for their lives. Our God is incredible.
If you are looking for a change in 2010.. you are not so happy on your current road in life..
Consider Jesus Christ. If you have any questions about what I am saying please contact me.
I am not talking about religious stuff. I find religion very boring and harmful.
To whom will you look for direction and purpose in life? Will you reach life's end with a pile of regrets.. or with the excitement of a life spent well..
Christ Jesus pleased the Father always while on earth. How so? He always did only what He saw the Father doing. He submitted His will to be under the will of God the Father.
If you are a fellow pilgrim on His Way, keep looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith walk. Ask for and receive His grace to press on. Take time to say a kind word to fellow travelers.
Simply trusting..
Mrs. B.
In many ways "life" reminds me of these trips into the country. Now we did not have a map or a GPS device in our car or anything like this. I guess we had the sun on a sunny day, but no compass or other instrument with which to navigate or chart our course. Our destination was "home". Home, that place where we would clean up, have a nice meal my mom prepared and talk over the things we had seen and experienced along the way.
I was never fearful that we would not reach home. I trusted Dad. He was my daddy. I was his daughter. Of course he would get me to a safe and happy place.
Many of you know that I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I have turned myself over to Him and He is the One who is guiding me to my final destination. I would like to share how exactly this has been working out the last thirty some years. First, we don't travel in the dark. I used to live in the kingdom of darkness. My final destination was not going to be a nice place like home. I was charting my own course and certainly did not consult God about His plan for my life. But in His mercy, my blind eyes were opened and I saw Grace and Truth. I knew from the Law of Moses, written on my heart, that I had done bad things. Things that I was ashamed of. But I had no idea how to change for the better. I tried to change myself. That failed. Then one day the Word of God reached my heart and I realized that Christ Jesus had died on the cross to take the penalty for all my sins. And to give me grace [grace is the desire and power to do God's will] and truth. Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled God's Holy requirements found in the Law. He did that so I would not need to. Good thing, since no man can be right in God's eyes. No matter how hard we try. God counts what Jesus did as though I had also fully obeyed God's Holy Laws.
God also extended grace that covered all my past, present,and future wrong doings or sins. God accepted the willing sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ, put to death on a cross, as 'payment' in full for my sin debt. In addition, I repented.. had a change of mind regarding who God is, who I am and God's remedy for my helpless condition of rebellion and hatred toward God. This repentance was also a gift from God by way of His grace.
So how is life different in my new kingdom? I now sit in the heavenlies with Christ Jesus. I am in the kingdom of light. Even though I live in the body on planet earth, I am also born into a new kingdom. One of truth and love and grace and mercy. One that I am so happy to tell others about. It is called the Kingdom of God. I trust God, my heavenly Father to get me to His Home. He has given me His Guidebook, the Holy Bible. His Spirit is like headlights of a car along a dark road, illuminating passages in the Book that show me the Way. Sometimes I am not always sure of exactly where I am.. God has numbered my days and until He determines it is time to turn toward Home, I continue on His planned path on earth.
As I grow older I am so excited to note that some of the early country roads are getting connected with the current road we travel. Of course God saw the connection all along. A road that was designed to mature me into conformity with the Character of Jesus Christ.
One example is how 25 years ago I had a dream. In this dream I saw a woman and boy on their knees. They were praying. Asking God for food. Just basic needs. Bread. And I woke up. Wide awake. I had been asking God if He would answer a prayer. I wanted to know if there was a certain nation I should pray about that had not heard much about the Kingdom of Light. I thought the people looked Chinese. But I asked God if China was the right country, then please tell me the name of the province. I knew very little about China! This is many years before Wikipedia or Google Search or even personal computers! And China had not been "open" to the West for very many years. I heard in my head the word that sounded like "henan".. much to my surprise there actually was a henan..as well as hunan.. so I began to pray for China. God gave me a great love for the nation and the people. Resources became available where I could learn more about the 450 plus people groups who called China "home". I continued daily searches in
God's Book to find His Way of Truth. His Word provided not only 'food' for my spirit, but also correction and training in the right ways of God. It would do no good to have a desire to see good things happen, if I did not learn to wait and do what God wanted His Way and His Timing.
At this point I did not know a single Chinese person. Then several years ago, God opened a way for me to meet over Skype a young woman who lived in Hong Kong. How very exciting. God did a marvelous work of grace in her life and in spite of the fact that I speak no Chinese and she speaks limited English, she is a sister in Christ Jesus. The story does not stop. Father just kept taking new turns on that country road. I am involved with other Chinese women over skype, encouraging them in micro enterprise. I desire to see the rural Chinese women be able to keep their hand craft knowledge and young women stay in the home or near by until they marry. I have the privilege of praying with them as they seek out the Father's planned journey for their lives. Our God is incredible.
If you are looking for a change in 2010.. you are not so happy on your current road in life..
Consider Jesus Christ. If you have any questions about what I am saying please contact me.
I am not talking about religious stuff. I find religion very boring and harmful.
To whom will you look for direction and purpose in life? Will you reach life's end with a pile of regrets.. or with the excitement of a life spent well..
Christ Jesus pleased the Father always while on earth. How so? He always did only what He saw the Father doing. He submitted His will to be under the will of God the Father.
If you are a fellow pilgrim on His Way, keep looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith walk. Ask for and receive His grace to press on. Take time to say a kind word to fellow travelers.
Simply trusting..
Mrs. B.
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