They will all know me

“The days are coming, declares the Lord,
    when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
    and with the people of Judah.

It will not be like the covenant
    I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
    to lead them out of Egypt,
because they did not remain faithful to my covenant,
    and I turned away from them,
declares the Lord.

This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel
    after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
    and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.

No longer will they teach their neighbor,
    or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
    from the least of them to the greatest.

For I will forgive their wickedness
    and will remember their sins no more."
Hebrews 8:12

Have a blessed weekend!

photo credit: mugley
 

Leaning, learning, and seeking His comfort

Can you truthfully say you've never felt the need for someone stronger than yourself on whom to lean, for someone wiser than yourself from whom to learn, someone to comfort you in sorrow, to soothe you in sickness, and to make life itself worthwhile?

You have felt this need as you have seen yourself wholly inadequate.  You've reached out for the one unchanging hope that God's love presents

But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.  Psalm 73:28 AMP

You accepted the gift; you became a Christian; you were born again.  And there you were, a baby in the Kingdom of God.  That's as it should be, a new life, a new creature, a new growth.

But look at yourself with eyes that are fair, eyes that are completely honest.  Have you, have I, continued to grow spiritually a little each day, a little each week, or even a little each year?

On Sunday, Lord, I'll worship you, I'll sing your praises true.

I'll shift the burdens off of me and place them all on you.

I'll list my wants, and favors seek, but after that we're through.

So please don't bother me all week; if need be, I'll call on you.

We have a spiritual experience and we see a hand stretched out to us.  We feel the nail holes, we understand the Cross, we admit our inadequacy, and we say, "Oh, yes, Lord, we'll take your hand.  We need it, we want it, we cannot live without it."  And then suddenly we realize that clinging to the other hand of Jesus is all the rest of the world.

But when I considered how to understand this, it was too great an effort for me and too painful.  Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood [for I considered] their end.  Psalm 73:16-17 AMP

Each time we take a step closer to God, our horizon seems to widen and we see new ways in which to grow, new goals to try to reach, new sins that we never before knew we had.  Strangely enough each step leaves us eager and willing to attempt another stretching.  We aren't discouraged over what we see before us, only thrilled and thankful over the newness of life brought about by the small progress already made.

Sometimes I feel ashamed that I've slipped back again, a baby in the Kingdom.  Even then, because I've seen a broader vista, joy and expectancy aren't completely lost.  I'm strangely anxious and ready to try a little meat instead of the milk I've been feeding on.

Just a little at a time, a little more effort in studying His Word, a little more time allotted to conversation with Him, a little more willingness to try His way, and a new step is made.  The meat begins to satisfy.

I began with a crippled soul, turned completely away from God.  Just a little at a time I twist, stretch, pull, until gradually I turn toward Him.  Patiently I seek, ask, try, until one day I know...

I'm turned toward the Light, away from the darkness, with new growth and HOPE!

Image courtesy of midiman

Be my people

"But this is the new contract I will make with them: I will inscribe my laws upon their hearts, so that they shall want to honor me; then they shall truly be my people and I will be their God."  Jeremiah 31:33

I remember trying to write on a rock when I was a child.  It wasn't easy, the surface was too hard and the ink just wouldn't attach to it like porous paper would.

Is my heart too hard for God to write His laws on?  Am I too full of pride for the ink to seep in?

"Father I have sinned against heaven and in thy sight, I am not worthy to be called thy son (daughter)."  Luke 15:9

"I will forgive (your) iniquity, and I will remember (your) sin no more."  Jeremiah 31:34

Let your heart be softened by the events of life, the trials and tribulations.  Don't let circumstances and unforgiveness harden it so God cannot inscribe His Words on it.  They are precious and loving, a message from a Father so full of mercy for His children.

photo credit: Ryk Neethling

We are His children

"See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called His children—think of it—and we really are!  But since most people don’t know God, naturally they don’t understand that we are His children." 1 John 3:1 
 

Christ's mission on earth was to reveal to men that God was not a tyrant or an oppressor, but a heavenly Father, full of love and mercy for His children.  And when we study His divine character with the knowledge of the cross we see mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended with fairness and justice.

Don't we show the same mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended with fairness and justice to our own children?

Do we show it to each other?

God's tenderest care is exercised over us!

 photo credit: h.koppdelaney

Think of your finest possessions as rocks from a stream

Does God need our help?  Even the wisest of us is not really useful to Him.

Does your living right benefit Him?  Does God gain anything if you follow Him?

Why does God blame and punish you?  Is it because you worship Him?

No, it is because you sin so much.  You never stop sinning.

Maybe to guarantee loans you took things from people.

Maybe you took a poor man's clothes to make sure he paid you back.

Maybe you failed to give water or food to people who were tired or hungry.

You have a lot of money and possessions, people respect you.

But maybe you sent widows away without giving them anything.

And maybe you took advantage of orphans.

That is why traps are all around you, and sudden trouble makes you afraid.

That is why it is so dark you cannot see, and why a flood covers you.

(Have you convinced yourself...)

God lives in the highest part of heaven and only looks down on the highest stars.

What does God know?  Can He see through the dark clouds to judge us?

Thick clouds hide us from His eyes, so he cannot see us.

You are walking on the old path that evil people walked long ago.

They were destroyed before it was their time to die.

They were washed away by a flood.  They told God, "Leave us alone!"

They said, "God cannot do anything to us!  And it was God who filled our houses with good things."

(No, I would never follow the advice of evil people.)

Now, give yourself to God and make peace with Him.

Do this, and you will get many good things.  Accept His teaching.

Pay attention to what He says.  If you return to God you will be restored.

Remove the evil from your house.  Think of gold as nothing but dirt.  Think of your finest possessions as rocks from a stream.

Let God be your gold!  Let His Words be your pile of silver!

Then you will enjoy God, and will look up to Him.

When you pray, He will hear you.

You will be able to do all that you promised Him.

If you decide to do something, it will be successful.

Your future will be very bright!

When people are brought down and you ask God to help them,

He will rescue those who have been humbled.

Even those who are guilty will be forgiven.

They will be saved because you did what was right.

Job 22 (emphasis added)

photo credit: Wendell

He is in the detail

"I will praise Your name everyday.  I will praise Your name forever and ever.  The Lord is great and deserves all our praise!
No one can fully understand His greatness! 
Each generation will praise You and tell the next generation about the great things You do.  Your majesty and glory are wonderful.  I will tell about Your miracles."  Psalm 145:2-5

A potter starts with a lump of clay, but after he has formed the vessel the greatness is in the detail.

I lived for a time in the deepest of pits.  There was no hope and my sight was blurred by my sins and circumstances.  It was a terrible, lonely time.

How could I forget the detail?

His beautiful sunrises and sunsets.  The magnificence in the mountains, hills, and valleys.  He created all for me and is in them, with me.

You, He is in you!  I read your words, look upon your face, He is in your voice.  Every nook and nuance is a detail of His creating power.  What a glorious discovery!

Do you see it, feel it?  Look beyond the circumstance, the evil, the wrong committed to the detail His loving hand created.  View His wisdom and imagination which lovingly carved out the wonders.

Use the quiet hours of meditation to feel the close communion of God.  His power and majesty is in the detail. 

photo credit: tanakawho

The golden link, Christ

Behold the golden link, Christ, which has come down from heaven, grab it and be drawn upward.

Can you imagine being so close to God, having a connection between our heart to His that separation of it will bring physical pain?

It's a relationship like no other.

To know each others thoughts and feelings without having to utter a word.  A closeness so tangible that breathing in brings the peaceful, beautiful scent of the One we love.

Jesus lost that very connection with God the day he died on the cross.  But three days later the link was reconnected, and Christ made it possible for us to grab hold, link up with Him, and be drawn to heaven.

I was broken, completely shattered.  I felt that separation.  It was so devastating the tears wouldn't stop.  There was no comfort in words spoken to me.  Having fallen and messed up so incredibly, God's love was not getting through to my heart.

Sin will separate us from Him, and knowing He forgives is so powerful.  To repair my shattered soul I needed to accept the forgiveness offered.  It wasn't easy, but eventually strength returned and I was able to grab the golden link.  God is so good and patient, staying with us even when we can't forgive ourselves.

Search for the Lord and for His strength; continually seek Him.  Psalm 105:4

photo credit: tanakawho

Devotion

When I was young, while visiting a neighborhood park with my family, I noticed runners moving around the length of the park.  There was still a chill in the late morning air, but some of the runners were dressed in shorts and tank tops.  They wore the big, bold numbers pinned to their tops signifying them as entrants to a race.

While I watched, I noticed their easy, fluid strides.  They made it look so simple, placing one foot in front of the other, as if to a rhythm only they could hear.  I wanted to join them, but I knew I wasn't prepared to go the distance.

It's the beginning of a new year, time for resolutions.

Resolutions are all about you.  What you want to do differently, what you want to change about yourself or your life.  Do you want to lose weight, quit some addiction, or just be a better you?

Accomplishing any resolution takes effort and a bit of suffering.  But if it was really all about you don't you think success would be easier?

Every year it's the same, you start with good intentions but somewhere along the way you struggle.  Then a couple of months into the new year another resolution goes unfulfilled.  Is it because you don't have the self-discipline or desire to complete the task?

Here's a question:  How is your devotion to God?

"We are instructed to turn from Godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.  He gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us His very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds."  Titus 2:12-14 (emphasis added)

In order to go the distance you need to be prepared.  So how do you prepare?  Devotion!  Spend time in God's Word, pray ceaselessly, get to know Jesus like you have never known Him before.  Condition your heart and mind before trying to run that mile.  When you are truly ready to run your body will fall in line. 

You can't do it on your own.

So why not start with spending time with God.  He makes the impossible possible.  Jesus will carry you when you can't take another step.  When the words won't come or you don't know what to do the Holy Spirit will guide you.  God is your Father and He only wants what is best for you.

Devotion, how's that for a resolution?  Have you made any resolutions for the new year?

Photo credit: The Q

"for the Bible tells me so

^"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalms 119:105

photo credit: .:[ Melissa ]:.

What is Christmas really about?

Jo Princess-Warrior is on a little blogging break, but she re-posted an article she wrote last December that I couldn't agree with more.

I remember an argument I had with my father about this very subject.  I was eighteen years old, and he was insistent that my children would be taught his beliefs about Santa.  I thought he was being quite presumptuous about what my children would and/or would not be taught.

He was angry with me, and I was upset with him.  I could not make him understand it would be my decision not to lie to my children about Santa.  I wanted them to focus on the reason for the season and not the hyped up commercialization.  The hurt feelings and separation this created in our relationship wasn't worth it.

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.  1 Corinthians 14:33

The real reason for the disagreement was my contempt for this man, my father, who walked out on us some years before.  He returned that year for reasons of his own, but I could not forgive him.  This disagreement opened the door for my self-righteous judgment of him.  I showed disrespect and animosity because of my pain.  I wanted to put him in his place, and put to rest any idea he may have had that he gave up his right to guide and direct me.  I was not willing to submit to my earthly father.

“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."  Ephesians 6:2-3

Now the world would say I had every reason to not honor my father, but a follower of Christ knows better.  In that moment, that precious squandered moment, I had an opportunity to love like Christ.  To be an example of His grace.  Instead I hurt my father, and deeply

I never had the chance to apologize and ask forgiveness of my father.  I still believe in my convictions, Christmas is not about Santa, the tree, the true date of Christ's birth, or any other controversial issue some would like to make of it.  But Jesus is our Prince of Peace, and He came so we could have peace.

The holiday is about the ultimate gift given to mankind.  Jesus was the gift, and He came to us with a message.  It doesn't need to be crammed down anyone's throat, or argued about until feelings are irrevocably damaged.  Jesus is a gift to be accepted with free will.  As Christians we give glory to God by sharing His message in a peaceful, patient, kind, gentle, and most of all loving way.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

That is the what Christmas is all about.

photo credit: Alesa Dam

Why can't we be friends? Hope!

Maybe it's because of where I'm at in life that I ask this question.  Maybe it's because of the political issues and unrest in our country, or maybe it's just because I was raised in a home of all females and I know what it's like to not have peaceful discord.

Maybe I just want to hope that we can just be friends.

I have three sisters, and we can not be more different.  On outward appearance you can easily identify us as sisters, but once you get to know us the differences are glaring.  We each have different styles, our lives have each taken different roads, and our roles in the family are unique.  Some things we come by quite naturally, but others we've worked hard on.  Good and bad that's where we stand.

Our walks with God are completely different also; our beliefs and understanding of the scriptures, our world views and/or our involvement or conformity to it.  But, with all these differences can we be friends?

Can women of faith, any and/or all faiths, be friends?  Is it too much of a utopian idea for women of different cultures, religious beliefs, or ideals to get along?  Is peace and harmony among us a figment of the imagination, no more attainable than the lion and lamb coexisting without the danger of one being prey?

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High...  Luke 6:35

As images of the '60's type of free love come flooding into my mind, you must know that's not what I'm talking about.  Flower power love is not the kind of love that stands the test of time.  Only God's love can overcome differences.

Is one woman's faith better or more righteous than the next woman's?   Have we diminished God and His love to an idea of religion, or is He mightier than a human mind and it's supposed higher intellect?  Are we able to agree to disagree on some issues to let Jesus and His love shine as an example for everyone?

What are your thoughts?  Do you have hope?

A quest for character

"The highest reward for a (wo)man's toil is not what (s)he gets for it, but rather what (s)he becomes by it." -American Way

"Life is a jungle.  Only the fit survive.  And among the ones who do, those who sense danger and know the techniques of self-defense come through in the best condition." ~ an excerpt from Charles Swindoll's book The Quest for Character.

The publishers state, "The Quest for Character launches you on a lifelong journey - a relentless pursuit of integrity and inner strength.  Swindoll calls you back to life's core issues:  honesty, purity, courage, conviction, compromise, sincerity, determined love, and 'deep-water faith.'  The deep down stuff that determines who you really are."  (emphasis added)

For the next few weeks I'll share what I'm learning from this wonderful book.  My quest for character has been, and will continue to be, to find understanding and wisdom while living in this treacherous jungle. 

 "Listen, my son (daughter), and be wise, and set your heart on the right path"  Proverbs 23:19

It's a simple practiced act...

I reach into the box for the expected bill or advertisement, but there's another envelope that grabs my attention.  It's business sized, addressed in pencil.  Handwriting unmistakable, the name in the upper left-hand corner confirms the undeniable.

Time stands still...  beating heart races...  hands shake... breathing becomes labored.  Overwhelming fear takes hold...

But, wait!

Closing now moist eyes, I take a deep calming breath.

It's a simple practiced act.

“...the righteous will live by faith.”  Galatians 3:11

In the safety of home, opening the envelope slowly with monumental effort.  Words are slowly and methodically read.  The fear and discomfort try to make their way to a heart once broken and torn.

Prayer slips from lips gone dry from anxiety and pain.

It's a simple practiced act.

 "...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings."  Hebrews 10:22

Fear sneaks in to pierce unsuspectingly, sometimes it emerges full force.  But, it's a simple practiced act of faith that will overcome it's deadly intent.

"For we live by faith, not by sight."  2 Corinthians 5:7

Putting trauma from the past away is as simple as placing it in the Father's hands.  Gaining strength to say no more to domestic violence takes faith.

Faith, it's a simple practiced act!

Photo credit

A passion to stand on the Rock

I'm a fallible human with a heart for giving.  It's not in my nature to receive or take.  I offer my cup to those who are hurting, in pain, or need to be uplifted.  It's a passion of mine to help wipe tears away, put a smile on an unhappy face, and shine the Light for all to see His goodness and grace.  I give until there isn't much left in my cup to share.

Then...  the quiet comes and Jesus is there with me.  He fills my cup.  Memories of hurts and struggles flood in to remind me of how much I have truly been blessed.  I'm given more opportunities to share my cup.  The Light is renewed and strength restored.

I work every day, not always for monetary gain, but the blessings are overflowing.  God, the ultimate giver, supplies all my needs.  He restores that which has been given.  He makes bright the dark places. 

My passion is to move past myself, point to Him, and be a shining example of His love and kindness.  He could have let me perish in my sinful nature, but instead He came in human form, suffered for me.  He gave me hope and a new life.

My passion is to write the words He puts in my heart.  I desire to give to others and trust in Him to supply my needs... to fill my cup.  My passion is to stand strong on that Rock and shine with a love so undeserving, so unmistakable as to draw others to Him.

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,  in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."  Colossians 2:2-3

photo credit: tricky (rick harrison)

I choose forgiveness

Talking with my sister reveals a mother I didn't know.  A mother who was always there, available to care for skinned knees and able to create a home.

I only know an angry, bitter mother.  A mother who held tight to possessions because people had always failed her.

I only hear from my mother how my grandparents, aunt, uncle, and father abandoned and/or mistreated her.  Everything was their fault.  Her decision to take no responsibility for her life and actions has given me an understanding of how unforgiveness can hurt someone.

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”  Mark 11:25-26

I make the choice to forgive the teachings of bad habits from my mother.  I choose not to be bitter about having a mother who wasn't there to care and cook for me...  to be the mother I needed...  for holding "things" tighter than she did me.  

Did she know her habits would become my own?  Will I hold on to the anger, resentment, and possessions passing down to my son the lessons I was taught?

Just as I choose to rid my home of more clutter today, I choose to forgive as I have been forgiven.  I choose to teach my son the lesson of forgiveness.

I'm linking up today:

God's will be done

"I am the way and the truth and the life."  John 14:6

There are times when I wish the way was as clearly marked as this.  There aren't any doubts or questions about going the right way or doing the right thing.  It makes the decision process so much easier.  Now that the doors are open for me to make decisions regarding only my son and myself I find that I'm burdened with fear and indecision.  Where do I go?  What do I do?

Fear is a normal feeling, but I have learned to use it to grow stronger in faith and not let it overwhelm me.  My God is mightier than any emotion.  Turning fear against itself has been an amazing exercise for my faith.  Sure many times throughout the day fear has tried to overwhelm me, but it is not a feeling I cannot overcome.

Making the right decisions is a little harder for me.  I write down the pros and cons, weigh the benefits against the consequences, but I still want to make the right choices.  Before my son was born it was much easier living with the consequences.  What also makes this more difficult is when there isn't much time to make a decision.  The choice must be made now.

Yesterday, while listening to my pastor speak about Hezekiah, he also mentioned prayer.  I'm sorry to say I missed the rest of the sermon because my mind wouldn't let go of what he said.  I started questioning my prayer time.  Prayer is a major component in my life, and since reading Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer my time in prayer each morning has become a much more humble experience.

The message I received was that prayer is not a way of bargaining with or testing God.  I have known for years not to go to God asking that He do something for me and I will do something for Him.  I also know His love will never fail me.  But, have I been bargaining with Him about the decisions I need to make?

Then I remembered The Lord's prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen

Is there a need for any other prayer?  Doesn't that answer all questions about the choices I need to make?  May God's will be done!

He is greater than the pain

Nobody ever asks God to, "Bring it on!"  Instead we hit our knees and pray for His help in times of trouble.  And, when things are going well we move through the days not always remembering to give thanks.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.  James 1:12

I was asked recently by a friend how I keep smiling, laughing, and seeing the good things in life with all the stress and heavy burden I'm carrying right now.  Life is tough for me, but there is plenty of reasons to praise God and be thankful.

The nights are long, but I am able to work on a project that is filling me with hope.  The days are long, but I get to spend them with my son, learning right along with him.  I fall behind on the laundry, but we have been blessed with plenty of clothes.  The dishes pile up, but we have food to eat.  And though prices at the grocery store are getting higher every day, I have learned plenty of cooking tricks to feed my family quite well on what my sister calls "gourmet food."  {Cabbage.. gourmet???}

God has truly blessed me and my family.  How can I possibly not praise Him and give Him the glory for everything.  Is my suffering so much more than His was?  What He did for me, and you, can never compare to the hardest day of any of our lives.  I am continually in awe of His love.

"Life brings pain, but if that's what it takes to praise You, Jesus, bring the Rain." If it means people will ask me how I do it, and I can tell them, "Only through Him!!!"  "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!"

 

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  Romans 5:3-4

Has "love" lost its potency?

This is the last week of May.  Which means we're headed ever closer to the middle of the year.  The half way mark.  The time of year I tend to glance back and wonder is it up or down hill from here.  Is the glass half full, or half empty?


Reclaim!  That is the word I chose for 2011.  Reclaiming my dependence on God in all areas of my life.

"So give yourselves completely to God.  Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you.  Come near to God, and God will come near to you.  You sinners, clean sin out of your lives.  You who are trying to follow God and the world at the same time, make your thinking pure."  James 4:7-8

Walking with Christ is not always easy.  There are questions that don't seem to get answered.  Human emotions take over.  Frustration and anger build up, and they don't bring out the best in any of us.

"You who are trying to follow God and the world at the same time, make your thinking pure."

God is love!   I've heard, and said this hundreds of times.  But, I've also said, "I love french fries.  I love those jeans... shoes... flowers."

If "God is love" shouldn't we be less flippant in our usage of the word love?

Jesus knew love.  He experienced it, was a living example of it.  Has love lost its potency?

I saw this video some time ago, and have been wanting to share it with you.  The timing just never seemed right.  Where I am now, with the questions and waiting for God and His guidance, it seems like the moment is here.  It has helped me hold tight to my desire to Reclaim my dependence on God.


This video also reminded me that Jesus loves the messy and imperfect.  "He is jealous for me.  Loves like a hurricane.  I am the tree, bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy."

"Despite what we are, He wants to be a part of our lives."  He would do it all again for us!  Carry the cross, endure the pain, die for us.  This song has always meant a lot to me, but the story behind it filled me with so much hope.

Love has not lost its potency for me.  How about you?

The other side of the fence

Are you gazing at that fence wishing you were on the other side?

I know sometimes I do.  Do you wonder how and why other bloggers are successful?  Do you see their followers and wish you had more?  Sometimes I feel that way too.

Do you feel the need to buy the latest, greatest homeschool curriculum because everyone else is raving about it?  Are you thinking your furniture, car, house, clothing, are not good enough or big enough?  Is your house not as clean as the next persons?

Envy and jealousy are deadly in the life of a Christian.

"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."  Proverbs 14:30

Envy is a disease that disturbs the mind and consumes the body.  It exists in almost everyone.  Some can even become physically ill because of it.

"Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?"  Proverbs 27:4

Envy is relentless in its pursuit of the heart.  It works continually, taking no holiday.  It is hatred without a cure.  It blurs our vision of truth, and prevents us from living our life truly in Him.  It takes our eyes from the blessings of His glory, and disengages the thankful heart.  It stops love in it's tracks.

"But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.  Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."  James 3:14-16

We must learn to control this deadly weapon ~ Envy.  How?  Pray sincerely for the one whom you are envious.  Live a mature and victorious life in Christ striving to be more of what God wants you to be ~ Women of Noble Character!

Do you remember this one?

I Am Thankful For...

...the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

...the taxes I pay because it means that I am employed.

...the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.

...my shadow who watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.

...a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means that I have a home.

...the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking.

...all the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech.

...my huge heating bill because it means that I am warm.

...the lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means I can hear.

...the piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby.

...the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I'm alive.

...weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been productive.

Family Circle - November 1999

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways

Since my last post seems to be lost in Blogger oblivion I wanted to share this post.  It has been a subject heavy on my heart for some time, but the words haven't come to express myself properly.  Jessica wrote it perfectly.

Some subjects are difficult, but they need to be discussed.  When I read Jessica's post I felt the love and heart-felt yearning of a true Christian woman of noble character.  I tend to shy away from controversy on my blog, not wanting to upset readers.  I believe everyone has a right to their opinion.  But, when one proclaims the desire to live a Christ-like existence there is no absence of controversy.

Humans are drawn to discourse.  This paragraph from Jessica's post states perfectly what I have been wanting to share, and how we are "more cruel than generous" in our discourse:

"We in the Christian faith have become known more for our outright rejection of others and each other, our stubborn refusal to discuss with openness and our lack of generosity. We eat our own. We expect others to grant to us a common courtesy we ourselves are not willing to give. Patience. Support. Thoughtful word. Silent listening. Embracing each other as human beings first whether we agree or disagree. We are called to love. To love God. To love fellow man. We wonder why we are ineffective and powerless... We have come so far down the road of needing to be right that we miss the fact that we are all wrong."

If you look at anything too simply you tend to miss the point.  God is complex.  The Bible is complex.  Humans are so multifaceted that to dismiss anyone, their ideas, feelings, or beliefs, is the epitome of dismissing God.  Did He not create us all in His image?

If we look at anything too closely we become judgmental critics.  Holding ourselves in higher esteem than those who truly get the meaning of "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind." Deuteronomy 5:6

I consider myself an imperfect, non-denominational Christian.  My walk is with and for Christ.  He alone judges me, and I alone will stand before Him to answer for my thoughts, words, and deeds.  If you were to ask me my religious affiliation I would probably say I tend to follow more of a Baptist faith.  I am not one to agree blindly with any doctrine though, so consider me open to the Holy Spirit and more spiritual than religious.

I also hold the Bible as the full authority and truth in my life.  I strive to follow the laws given by God in the scriptures.  I do not see it as a book full of stories, half truths, or myths.  It is the Holy Word of God, and in it is the only truth we need. 

I pray that I learn to not turn my face from God.  That I learn to love my fellow man, and grab the chance to minister to the broken and homeless.  That as a woman of noble character I don't hide my talent under a bushel, nor hide my light for all men.  I will cling tighter to Jesus, but I will also search for Him more closely in the eyes and hearts of everyone I meet.  Love will endure!

Let me finish with the scripture I am meditating on this week:  Isaiah 55

 ¹ “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;
and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.

² Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.

³ Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.

⁴ See, I have made him a witness to the peoples,
   a ruler and commander of the peoples.

⁵ Surely you will summon nations you know not,
   and nations you do not know will come running to you,
because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel,
   for he has endowed you with splendor.”

 ⁶ Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

⁷ Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them,
   and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

 ⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.

⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

¹⁰ As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish,
   so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
   It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

¹² You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

¹³ Instead of the thorn bush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the LORD’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.”