Never a Dull Moment

2011-05-14T20:19:00.011-04:00

"DO NOT GIVE WAY TO FEAR"

" Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear." ~~ 1 Peter 3:6

Peter writes here to exhort the women to not be overly focused on their outward appearance, but to prepare themselves spiritually. This Word stood out to me in response to the recent conversations on one of my message boards. One member expressed this concern: "I'm too worried about what others will think of me". Where does this anxiety come from? It is our human desire to feel accepted and a belonging with others. There comes a time, however, that we, as believers must understand that we are not part of this world. We may live in it for a time, but we do not have to conform to its ways. When we face anxiety like this, we must seek HIM and HIS will for us. We have been called out to live our lives SET APART: HOLY before HIM and others.

When we fully understand our heritage through HIM, we can allow HIM to take all our fears and anxieties. Therefore, we have nothing to worry about. Our Messiah told us we may have to be separated, even from family, through our faith. But, we have a much bigger inheritance through Him! I believe we are coming into times when we will be tried and we will have to answer to where we stand: either with HIM or with the world. Even in the seemingly insignificant things, like wearing covering or modest dress, we are standing on our convictions and taking action regarding our beliefs.

Yes, many will argue that it's not that important. That HE knows the condition of our hearts and that's all that matters and that we are covered by grace and mercy through Him. And that it is not by works that we are "saved". NO question that our Savior did that work for us, and through our profession of faith, we are saved! Yet, throughout scripture, we are also given instruction for living lives in obedience to HIM, and not giving ourselves over to the world and evil.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
~~ Romans 12:1-2

Why is what we wear important? I mean what’s the big deal about covering? Well, I thought about all the ways HE has changed me and given me strength to be courageous for HIM. The belonging I have in HIM!
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." ~~1 Peter 2:9

In fully realizing our TRUE identity, through HIM, comes PEACE, LOVE and in understanding this love we cast out ALL fear! You can read in the second chapter of Acts and see how the Spirit transformed the man who was called "Simon" in the gospels into the strong and powerful "foundation of the church", the man "Peter". It's an incredible witness to SEE this change from the man who denied knowing Messiah three times to one who was willing, even unto death, to boldly witness to the truth of WHO HE is! (Read Acts 2:14-41)

What is our witness? How shall we walk in our daily lives to witness to those who haven't heard or fully realized HIM? Are we willing to live today fully devoted to HIM? Sometimes I feel as though many believers today are filled with fear. They are afraid of not being liked, or not accepted by others. Or they are afraid of offending others or being considered "radical" or even "crazy". We put our faith in its neat, little compartment, which we only open on the day we choose for worship, or church attendance. Then we go right back to the world and the rest of our living, having shut the box up for another week. We certainly don't want to mix the two or bring any apologetics or "religion" to our weekly duties!

Our witness requires more than lip service or the obligatory motions we make because "I was raised that way". I believe HE is calling us all to go deeper with HIM. To submit our EVERY waking hour to HIM, not just through weekly observances and rituals. It's knowing that our every BREATH depends upon HIM and HE becomes as important to us as the very air we breath! And when we can completely give ourselves and everything about our lives over to HIM, HE rewards us with "perfect peace" and casts away ALL our fears through HIS love! We can speak HIS word with confidence no matter the day or hour!

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
~~ 2 Timothy 1:7

I want to encourage you all to go deeper with HIM. Allow yourselves to be completely given over to HIS will for you and your daily lives. If this submission includes making the decision to cover, that is wonderful for you! Rejoice in this as your opportunity to make an outward sign of your heart which has become HIS heart within! And speak boldly when asked about how HE has changed your life and heart! Speak of HIS love and do all you can to spread that love to all you meet. When we can all do this, imagine how HIS glory will be revealed in the darkness of the world!

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ."
~~ Colossians 2:6-8
With much love to all my sisters in the faith!

2010-08-20T21:50:00.005-04:00

FOCUS IS EVERYTHING!

"The key to successfully climbing mountains doesn't actually have to do with the difficulty of the mountain or the skill of the climber. It's about the One who made both mountain & climber. God is bigger than our biggest problem and God is not limited by our weaknesses. If we focus on God instead of our troubles and shortcomings, we can do whatever it is God has called us to do." --Kari Myers

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" -- Matthew 14:25-31

Isn't is amazing how many times we lose our focus? This world has so many distractions! When you're striving to attain something powerful or amazing in your walk with Him, do you seem to find that you are suddenly plagued by circumstances or situations which take your focus from your goal? I know I do! And looking back upon it, I am always struck by how easily I seem to relinquish my thoughts to that which is futile or really outside of my control. I want to remain focused upon my Heavenly Father: concentrated upon His promises for me. But, somehow, I allow myself to get distracted by all the cares and concerns of the world, just like Peter, who lost his sight of our Lord being distracted by the wind and waves.

It is especially difficult to remain focused upon Him when our particular storm is hurtful. It seems all we can think about is how much that person or situation has hurt us. We spend all our time thinking about how we feel, or asking ourselves why, or how others can be so callous and uncaring. If we allow our thoughts to be overwhelmed with the pain we experienced, or the anger and resentment we might feel, we clog our spirit and stop the flow of His love and mercy towards us, and our ability to give that to others. Too much time in this state and that seed of resentment becomes unforgiveness, sometimes held even against ourselves. Then, instead of allowing ourselves to walk on water with Him, we spend our spiritual life swimming through mud, struggling to reach Him and the peace He has promised us.

I found my focus was lost or redirected by the hurt felt by another person. I have a hard time accepting that people would take advantage of someone disabled or lacking healthy discernment. I experienced this in the past week: someone I care about was sorely mislead and robbed. Most would say "Well, he should have known better!" But he was lured into the hoax by his loneliness and a deep desire for love in his life. Although he may have had a nagging that all was not as it seemed, his dream took over and he decided to live in the fantasy he'd created instead. Seeing his hurt when he was made to realize that his dream would never come true was painful for me. It brought me completely down to the level of the perpetrator, in that I lost sight of my Heavenly Father. My every waking moment was consumed with the problem, thinking of ways to get back or at least get some justice out of the situation for several days. How many times have we lost sight of Him in an attempt to fight the battle that He promised to fight for us?

Or we lose sight of Him when we are set upon by our own fears and doubts. Doubting our abilities and talents: the talents the He gifted us with, we seem unable to give of ourselves, or set out on that climb to a higher place. Even though He promises us a life improved or a dream realized, we fear falling or maybe failing. Are you struggling with fears or unforgiveness towards yourself or others? Do you feel as though you're swimming through mud in your spiritual walk? Do you feel as though those dreams or goals you want to accomplish are being stalled because you have lost your focus?

I like what Brother Lawrence relayed on this subject through his conversations back in the 17th century in France. It was noted that, "In times as troubled as today, Brother Lawrence, discovered, then followed, a pure and uncomplicated way to walk continually in God's presence."*(1) He learned the joy of a pure, contemplative life and lived it to the fullest.
Here is what he said on the subject of focus:
"We should feed and nourish our soul with high notions of God which would yield us great joy in being devoted to Him.

He said we ought to quicken and enliven our faith. It was lamentable we had so little. Instead of taking faith for the rule of their conduct, men amused themselves with trivial devotions which changed daily. He said that faith was sufficient to bring us to a high degree of perfection. We ought to give ourselves up to God with regard both to things temporal and spiritual and seek our satisfaction only in the fulfilling of His will. Whether God led us by suffering or by consolation all would be equal to a soul truly resigned.

He said we need fidelity in those disruptions in the ebb and flow of prayer when God tries our love to Him. This was the time for a complete act of resignation, whereof one act alone could greatly promote our spiritual advancement.

He said that as far as the miseries and sins he heard of daily in the world, he was so far from wondering at them, that, on the contrary, he was surprised there were not more, considering the malice sinners were capable of. For his part, he prayed for them; but knowing that God could remedy the mischief they did when He pleased, he gave himself no further trouble." *(2)

How do we get back to where we want to be? Prayer! He gave me my answer today through those subtle ways He has of speaking to us, IF we are really hearing Him. First, I read the devotion which came in the mail for my client to her early this morning. This was a powerful thought, which I felt compelled to post to my Facebook page when I read it. Then it got me thinking all day about how easily I lost focus this week, drawn into the current storm. Then, as I was driving home this evening, I heard a wonderful song on an old CD. I've probably heard it at least a dozen times, but He spoke to my spirit through it today! I REALLY heard it! And it's the key, the prayer of surrender for our lost souls, our lack of focus and our overwhelming fears. I'll close with the words. Here is an excellent video of the song, performed by Bryan Duncan.
Strollin' On The Water (Bryan Duncan)

Mark's Christian Resources | MySpace Video

Here's the lyrics, written by Bryan Duncan and what might be our prayer each and every day, and most especially when we have lost our focus!

Open up my eyes, I pray
Lord, for just a little glimpse of you
That's all I need, it's all I've ever needed
To see beyond myself, beyond this tiny, little world
All your hands have made
With beauty and strength alone
I can see you comin' to me now
Oh, like a shimmerin' light
Shimmerin' light on an open sea
Barefoot on the water
Laughin' at the ocean
Like you were old friends
Callin' out my name
Saying join me now

Help me cut these bonds where I keep my spirit tied
All safe and dry
Safe and dry, but so afraid
Let me come to you
Let me run to you
With my heart still beating
Beating in my throat
With my sweaty palms and mouth so dry
Shakin' 'til I can't stand still

All I'm askin' is to let me cross
That great divide between you and I
Only you can take me there
So take me there, yeah!

Strollin' on the water
High over every care
Strollin' on the water
Sinking no longer
Let me rise above the high tide
I can do it, I'll do it, yeah
I know that you said, "follow me"

"Just let the water flow, let it go,
oh, keep your eyes on me, feel alive
Try turning circles, yeah
Bend your knees and wave your hands up high,
You feel the wind in your hair,
With your eyes closed,
Take a breath of fresh air,
Feel the mist on your toes,
Look where we are!"

Strollin' on the water
High over every care
Strollin' on the water
Sinking no longer
Let me rise above the high tide
I can do it, I'll do it yeah,
I know where my strength comes from."

Just follow Him and keep your eyes on the prize!

* Passages taken from "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence
(1) Editor's Preface
(2) First Conversation

2007-11-10T04:34:00.000-05:00

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." --Hebrews 12:11--

Hard to believe it's been over a year since I had any contributions to make to this blog. And so much has happened since then! There have been some tough lessons learned, strife and testing. All the while, there was a lot of painful experiences to travel through. This Word now touches my heart to the core, because I have chaffed under His discipline over this year. Now, looking back, I'm thankful for the watchfulness of His love, the eternity of His mercy, and the abundance of His blessings in my life and spirit.

The journey of discovery is far from complete, but I have a peace about traveling this road today which I'm sure comes from His Spirit. Learning every day to let go of myself, my struggle and strife and give it up to His control is the key. I'm not completely there yet in developing this habit, I am getting better at it. Creating in me a discipline of total surrender to Him is a slow and steady climb. There's a reward at the end of the effort, though. It's the rest in His tender arms and knowing that His strength keeps me going. There has also been the discovery of daily miracles of providence; proof of my Jehovah Girah, "My Provider" tending to all of our needs! This helps us arrive at a place of constant praise for all He has done and continues to do in our lives!

Even though my journey over these past months required me to let go of dreams and expectations, I am learning to accept that He has bigger things in store for me than I could ever dream or hope. There is nothing easy about losing relationships, either through divorce or death. There can be comfort in the loss when we choose to believe that He will make right what has been wrong. Another promise His Word speaks of:

"All things work together for good for those that love the Lord

and are called according to His righteousness"

These are the words to help soothe our hearts and minds when strife meets our path. These words and the evidence of His hand in our lives, even in the worst of times, will light our way to bring us home to rest in Him and His peace. Praise Him!

2006-09-24T01:30:00.000-04:00

"See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" Matthew 6:28-30

Bill has a garden growing in the back yard. He's planted tomatoes, which are now almost like trees, and have tons of tomatoes. One is about the size of his fist. He got a squash plant from our friends, but when the fruit started growing out round, he though maybe it was a watermelon plant. Then he found that there are round zucchini plants. We also have beans, which he planted late and we're finally harvesting some which went into the potato soup I made tonight.

We bought some marigold plants on sale at wal-mart and they look great in bright yellow. In between the rows of marigold, he planted seeds that he thought were marigold. The plants are now over three feet high and most definitely not marigolds! They have buds on them now and are going to flower any day. I'm disappointed because we may have a frost tonight and I hope it doesn't hurt them before they have a chance to bloom. I've been so anxious to see just what kind of flower they are. I need to remember HIS words to us and have faith that God will clothe the plants in slendor soon.

This week I had to answer to earthly "powers that be" about how we're making our ends meet. It is so hard to put on paper the fact that many times we are completely supported by the grace of God. When you actually put it in black and white (hopefully no red there!), I see that daily we have much to rejoice for. While the world considers us well below the poverty level, I see myself as so rich in blessing every day.

Perhaps we need another perspective or definition of "wealth" in our busy, materialistic world. In Christ's day, they thought of wealth as ownership of property, livestock, fine garments, and a large family. Things have changed since then in that our family and offspring are no longer considered by society as a sign of a "wealthy" person. I think this is sad, because it is our children who will become our legacy. And He, in His wisdom, gives a divine appointment to take up the occupation of rearing children.

Since our society has allowed individuals to take control of their reproduction, large families have are now considered a burden. Additionally, those who "choose" to have more children are put down in the minds of most as irresponsible. Or, in the case of poor families who rely on state support, our society calls them "leaches"; feeding off our government support programs and having more children in order to profit from tax payers.

Today's Rocky Mtn News had point/counterpoint commentaries about the amendment on the ballot next month to raise our minimum wage. The article against really made me think. I began to imagine a world in which our wage was determined by our dependents, rather than by our education or experience. Would people put off having a family to complete 10 yrs of school and obtain a medical degree if they knew that once employed they would only be paid the standard wage for one person? Would I be able to find an employer willing to hire me who would have to pay me the wage assigned to an adult with four children at home? It's an interesting theory.

The good news is that God knows what He's appointed me to do, and who to care for. And in His time and wisdom, He always provides just what I need, when I need it to complete the work He's given me to do. I don't have to worry about the world's ways, knowing that God will "assign my wage" for me to accomplish His tasks. One of those tasks is that while I'm in the process of explaining our provision to those who are in darkness, may God also give me opportunity to glorify Him and be a witness to His goodness.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19

2006-09-19T18:23:00.000-04:00

Wow! What a wonderful place this "world wide web"! Within minutes anyone with the desire can become a "published" author!

I'm just thrilled to be able to share with the world that which clutters my mind. I hope you may find it not "dull". My daily mind-set seems to me full of excitement. Although, too, there are times when I wish for a bit less chaos. I suppose it's in the chaos that we can begin to appreciate quiet and steady times. When we long for them; seek them out, perhaps we can find a respite from the storm. Even if that rest is only in words like, "Come unto me....", or "...and the peace that passes understanding keep your hearts and minds....".

During your chaotic times, what keeps your spirit calm in the storm? I would love to begin a meditation of the subject. How do we really know the "peace that passes understanding"? How is this obtained?

"For our light and momentary troubles

are achieving for us an eternal glory that

far outweighs them all."

2 Corinthians 4:17

I hope this blog will not just be my own little "soapbox" in cyberville. I would love to hear from friends, mentors, family and anyone with an idea who is willing to share. It's such a thrill to me to be connected in this way with the inner thoughts of so many others. Perhaps this "moment" of excitement can also be a moment that brings encouragement to struggling souls or those with something to encourage. Overall, my goal is for my blog to bless others.

I hope this can be a blessing to you and, if you decide to share, you can be a blessing those who read.