35 The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God—Luke 1:35 I want to be overshadowed, overwhelmed, overtaken with the Spirit of God, just as Mary was. Oswald Chambers puts it "What was true of the Virgin Mary in the history of the Son of God’s birth on earth is true of every saint. God’s Son is born into me through the direct act of God; then I as His child must exercise the right of a child— the right of always being face to face with my Father through prayer." Will I allow my spirit the pleasure to be in my Father's house, to be about my father's business, to be face to face with my Father through prayer? Or will I deny my Father His child and allow my flesh to crowd my time, confuse my mind, and control my life? they found Him in the temple . . . . And He said to them, ’. . . “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” —Luke 2:46, 49 (emphasis added) Jesus was dumbfounded that his parents didn't know where He would be. It seems as though it wasn't a second thought to Him. He felt the pull from His Father and He went searching, in His Father's house. Am I as willing to drop my agenda when the Lord begins to pull me, or do I put Him on hold until its convenient, or until I ask permission from others? Whose permission to you need but the Lords? The Lord has been drawing me to search Him out in the early mornings, but I have put him on snooze. By the time I do get up, the house is awake and the day is full and I find myself distracted. My Pastor, Mark Swee, spoke recently about the giants that stand in our way of God's promised land. He spoke of a giant named Og, and quoted Deut 3:11, which gave the dimensions of his bed. He went on to say, "the only thing between Israel and the promised land was a king sized bed." Well, in my case its a queen sized bed, but I got the hint. Its easy to let life crowd us, confuse us, and control us, but we must fight the impulse of our flesh to ask others, or to put too much human common sense into things. I suppose it would have been nice for Jesus to tell His parents where He was going, but the point is, that Jesus was about His Father's buisness, He was face to face in prayer with His Father and so heavily lead by the Spirit of God that at the same very instance He felt the Lord leading, He was already going. |
Monday, August 8, 2011
Queen Size Giant
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Searching for Understanding
I don't understand, I won't understand this side of Heaven. If I understood I would have no need to search for answers, I would have no need for God. In my doubt, my disbelief, my confusion I search, I listen, I ask God, and I inevitably come closer to Him. I may not receive answers to my questions, but I will find comfort and peace.
When Job spent a year crying out to God, asking for Him to answer why he was afflicted, God spoke. But He didn't answer Job's questions. Instead God reminded Job who He was, and that was enough for him. That should be enough for us. We will still question and doubt, but if we turn our doubts to our Father, He will comfort us, He will bring clarity and wisdom. Not usually in the ways we expect, but He will be present and He will bring His presence. That will be enough for me.
When Job spent a year crying out to God, asking for Him to answer why he was afflicted, God spoke. But He didn't answer Job's questions. Instead God reminded Job who He was, and that was enough for him. That should be enough for us. We will still question and doubt, but if we turn our doubts to our Father, He will comfort us, He will bring clarity and wisdom. Not usually in the ways we expect, but He will be present and He will bring His presence. That will be enough for me.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Hope through the Mundane
So much of my time feels wasted. I feel like I could do so much more for God if I only had more time to work with. I rarely have time to just sit with Him, and to marvel at His beauty, fix my spirit upon Him. I find myself longing to be in His presence, and upset when my days become busier then I'd like, leaving little time left for peace with my Father.
So instead of the quiet worship I crave, I end up bombarded by the ordinary. My days are filled with the same thing as every other mother on the globe. I’m looking for ways to get my kids to eat their vegetables, get my kids to respect me, save money on groceries, have a better marriage, these are all things every human wants; you can find solutions to all these through “earthly avenues”. So how is my mission as a mom any different than the worlds?
There is hope in my ordinary, because nothing is ordinary when you are doing it for God. Matthew 10:42 says: And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
Everything I do is an opportunity for worship, an opportunity for my spirit to connect with His, as long as I am doing it unto the Lord. That is what sets me apart from the world; it’s the nature of the worker, the intent of my spirit that makes all the difference.
It is critical that I maintain my time with God; this encourages my spirit to continue on this journey. Quiet times with God are easy to see as worship, and so much easier to feel His presence; but it is imperative that I see every moment of my life as an opportunity to bless others, to move in the spirit, and at the same time, bless the Lord. If I’m blessing the Lord, it is worship.
So instead of the quiet worship I crave, I end up bombarded by the ordinary. My days are filled with the same thing as every other mother on the globe. I’m looking for ways to get my kids to eat their vegetables, get my kids to respect me, save money on groceries, have a better marriage, these are all things every human wants; you can find solutions to all these through “earthly avenues”. So how is my mission as a mom any different than the worlds?
There is hope in my ordinary, because nothing is ordinary when you are doing it for God. Matthew 10:42 says: And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
Everything I do is an opportunity for worship, an opportunity for my spirit to connect with His, as long as I am doing it unto the Lord. That is what sets me apart from the world; it’s the nature of the worker, the intent of my spirit that makes all the difference.
It is critical that I maintain my time with God; this encourages my spirit to continue on this journey. Quiet times with God are easy to see as worship, and so much easier to feel His presence; but it is imperative that I see every moment of my life as an opportunity to bless others, to move in the spirit, and at the same time, bless the Lord. If I’m blessing the Lord, it is worship.
If we spend our lives working for others, solely the members of our families, or even for ourselves, we will find ourselves empty, and worn ragged. Working only for the gratification of men will leave little satisfaction from your efforts. The true sacrifice of our work and service will never be entirely noticed by anyone apart from God. It is crucial that we work unto the Lord, and not unto men.
Colossians whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters
As our spirits become more sensitive to His voice, it will be possible for us to take the Holy Spirit with us and go out into our world, using every opportunity to bless others; even if all we are doing is laundry, mopping floors, smiling at the cashier (even while my kids are screaming), or wiping a nose. We need to see every aspect of our lives as ministry opportunities and not just our acts of worship in "church" or in our private time with God. We need know that every action we take is not for anyone else, or even ourselves, it’s for our Father. We need this mindset for the sake of ourselves, our sanity, and our spirit. Our positions, as mothers, are essential in the Kingdom; and should never be perceived as ordinary.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Balancing Act
I've never been very graceful. Me and my family often found humor in the simple act of me walking through a doorway. It must be my depth perception or something, because that simple act seemed like the hardest task for me. Doorways were usually accompanied with bruises, or at the very least a faint "ouch."
For me, mothering is not much different. I'm not very graceful at this balancing act either. By the end of the day, I've usually acquired a bump or bruise. These are sometimes physical, I do have boys, but more often are emotional hurts, and most definitely a knock on my own pride.
If you are a mother you've most likely read a book, or 10, hoping for an "idiots guide to mothering." -The be all guide to everything- Since the hospital doesn't send one home, and the stork must have ran out of them long ago, we are left to find our own instructions for these little ones. From the moment the belly shows countless, friends, family, and perfect strangers are in line, ready to tell us the best information, all from experience. Unfortunately most of it is completely conflicting, and based on their specific situation.
For instance, I've ready before not to end your sentence with "okay?" This is just a way to ask your child permission for the command you've just given. -Got it!- I will now end my sentences with "understand?" But then recently I read that you should end your sentence with "okay?" This will let your child feel like they are in control of some situations. Is your head spinning yet? Mine is!
Over the last 8 years, I have found more than one of these instances. Can you see how I'm so bruised? I'm being tossed and turned, thrown from one idea to the next. Experts keep telling me to use time out as punishment, time away from you is no fun. Wait! Don't use time out as punishment, use it as a way to calm down. Huh?!?!?!?!
I spend lots of time confused, changing my game plan, no consistency, my kids have no idea what mom they will wake up to in the morning. This is no good for any of us. Really, all I'm hoping for is someone to step in and do all this dirty work for me. Any chance of any of you will come over between 5 and 10 times a day to take care of this? I'll pay you in baked goods. I didn't think so.
But there is a solution. Its the best book out there. I rarely think to look there. I'm not sure why. Its the most widely read, most widely circulated book to date. The Bible. No, really. There is TONS of parenting advice in there. Ever read Proverbs, or Philippians? They may not give specific strategies, but "a gentle answer turns away wrath" is pretty good advice. Then there is one more thing I do not use nearly enough. The Holy Spirit. Do I ask God to speak to me when I'm in a bind, or do I pick up "How to Have a New Kid by Friday?" Its a great book, but Dr. Leaman, no matter how much school he's had, will never know Jack personally. But guess what, God made Jack, He made me Jack's mother, and I bet He knows how both of us work best.
This is not the easy answer, or nearly as convenient as paying my friends in brownies to come and discipline my kids, but nothing about parenting is convenient. Even fun takes work, ever been on vacation? But if I'm willing to put the time in now, take the time to listen to God when I'm having troubles, tomorrow will likely be more enjoyable.
For me, mothering is not much different. I'm not very graceful at this balancing act either. By the end of the day, I've usually acquired a bump or bruise. These are sometimes physical, I do have boys, but more often are emotional hurts, and most definitely a knock on my own pride.
If you are a mother you've most likely read a book, or 10, hoping for an "idiots guide to mothering." -The be all guide to everything- Since the hospital doesn't send one home, and the stork must have ran out of them long ago, we are left to find our own instructions for these little ones. From the moment the belly shows countless, friends, family, and perfect strangers are in line, ready to tell us the best information, all from experience. Unfortunately most of it is completely conflicting, and based on their specific situation.
For instance, I've ready before not to end your sentence with "okay?" This is just a way to ask your child permission for the command you've just given. -Got it!- I will now end my sentences with "understand?" But then recently I read that you should end your sentence with "okay?" This will let your child feel like they are in control of some situations. Is your head spinning yet? Mine is!
Over the last 8 years, I have found more than one of these instances. Can you see how I'm so bruised? I'm being tossed and turned, thrown from one idea to the next. Experts keep telling me to use time out as punishment, time away from you is no fun. Wait! Don't use time out as punishment, use it as a way to calm down. Huh?!?!?!?!
I spend lots of time confused, changing my game plan, no consistency, my kids have no idea what mom they will wake up to in the morning. This is no good for any of us. Really, all I'm hoping for is someone to step in and do all this dirty work for me. Any chance of any of you will come over between 5 and 10 times a day to take care of this? I'll pay you in baked goods. I didn't think so.
But there is a solution. Its the best book out there. I rarely think to look there. I'm not sure why. Its the most widely read, most widely circulated book to date. The Bible. No, really. There is TONS of parenting advice in there. Ever read Proverbs, or Philippians? They may not give specific strategies, but "a gentle answer turns away wrath" is pretty good advice. Then there is one more thing I do not use nearly enough. The Holy Spirit. Do I ask God to speak to me when I'm in a bind, or do I pick up "How to Have a New Kid by Friday?" Its a great book, but Dr. Leaman, no matter how much school he's had, will never know Jack personally. But guess what, God made Jack, He made me Jack's mother, and I bet He knows how both of us work best.
This is not the easy answer, or nearly as convenient as paying my friends in brownies to come and discipline my kids, but nothing about parenting is convenient. Even fun takes work, ever been on vacation? But if I'm willing to put the time in now, take the time to listen to God when I'm having troubles, tomorrow will likely be more enjoyable.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Unmerited Favor
As I have written before, I am always searching for patience in hopes of being a better mother and all around more passionate follower of Jesus. As I was reading a devotional by Oswald Chambers it suddenly hit me, patience is really nothing more than extending grace towards others. The kind of grace that God renews everyday. That is completely simplifying it, but sometimes all I need to do is give a little unmerited favor.
Grace is defined in many ways, but the one that hit me most was a "temporary exemption" or reprieve(delayed punishment, or to give relief or deliverance for a time). Oswald Chambers writes "It is not a question of praying and asking God to help you; it is taking the grace of God now. We make prayer the preparation for work, it is never that in the Bible. Prayer is the exercise of drawing on the grace of God" I'm not sure why I never stopped to think about it, but if God is continually extending grace towards me, why am I so shy about extending it towards others, my kids in particular.
Do any of us really deserve anything we have, do we deserve any reaction that we receive from our Heavenly Father? The Lord has bestowed everything on us and relates to us solely by grace. Our very breath continues because He forgives us, loves us past the ends of time, and has delayed and even completely paid for our punishment himself. We have received the ultimate deliverance for all times. I want to not only pray that the Lord will help me to be more patience in each circumstance that is right in front of me, but I want to be able to act out in the grace that He has already shown me and gives freely to me everyday.
2 Corinthians 6:1-10
1 And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain— 2 for He says,
“AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU,
AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU.”
Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION”— 3 giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited, 4 but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, 5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, 6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, 7 in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, 8 by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; 9 as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death, 10 as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things.
Grace is defined in many ways, but the one that hit me most was a "temporary exemption" or reprieve(delayed punishment, or to give relief or deliverance for a time). Oswald Chambers writes "It is not a question of praying and asking God to help you; it is taking the grace of God now. We make prayer the preparation for work, it is never that in the Bible. Prayer is the exercise of drawing on the grace of God" I'm not sure why I never stopped to think about it, but if God is continually extending grace towards me, why am I so shy about extending it towards others, my kids in particular.
Do any of us really deserve anything we have, do we deserve any reaction that we receive from our Heavenly Father? The Lord has bestowed everything on us and relates to us solely by grace. Our very breath continues because He forgives us, loves us past the ends of time, and has delayed and even completely paid for our punishment himself. We have received the ultimate deliverance for all times. I want to not only pray that the Lord will help me to be more patience in each circumstance that is right in front of me, but I want to be able to act out in the grace that He has already shown me and gives freely to me everyday.
2 Corinthians 6:1-10
1 And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain— 2 for He says,
“AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU,
AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU.”
Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION”— 3 giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited, 4 but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, 5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, 6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, 7 in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, 8 by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; 9 as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death, 10 as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Patience in Self-Control
A few days back I read in an insert from Oswald Chambers in which he said he felt sorry for anyone who didn't have something in his life that he didn't want there. There are often times when I wonder what good ever comes from irritations, suffering, stretching, or walking though the refining fire; whatever you want to call it. But, in the end, there is always joy, freedom, and fruit. Right?
So then, if we are pretty sure there is victory and reward at the end of a trial, why are so many afraid to pray for patience? I doubt there is no lack of prayers about joy, gentleness, or love, but maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it’s all the fruits of the spirit we’re absolutely terrified to pray for. I’ve heard over and over to never pray for patience, but if it’s a fruit of the spirit, shouldn’t I be endlessly searching for it? Isn’t that my goal, for these traits to be my impulse, to be my first reaction?
I believe when we earnestly seek God for something, and genuinely want to put in the effort, He will reward us and we will produce the fruit of the spirit that we yearn for. Yes, I said effort. This is likely why we are so afraid to pray for these characteristics, because God doesn’t just wave a wand and change us. There is always a choice of action on our part. It’s like learning anything, until we live in the Matrix. We have to learn through trial and error, there is no easy download tool in this program, not yet anyway.
This all stems out of a drive to be the best mother I can be. Some days I see myself with so little self control and patience, and I know there is really nothing else I need. How can I not pray for God to help me in this area? No doubt I will have ample opportunity to put the fruits into practice, and I will most likely endure times of intense discomfort, but each interaction with my children, and any human in general, will be an opportunity to grow. I have to believe on the other side there is victory. I want to be the calm in the end, and not a whirling dervish who can't even control what comes out of my mouth.
So then, if we are pretty sure there is victory and reward at the end of a trial, why are so many afraid to pray for patience? I doubt there is no lack of prayers about joy, gentleness, or love, but maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it’s all the fruits of the spirit we’re absolutely terrified to pray for. I’ve heard over and over to never pray for patience, but if it’s a fruit of the spirit, shouldn’t I be endlessly searching for it? Isn’t that my goal, for these traits to be my impulse, to be my first reaction?
Proverbs 29:11 Fools give full vent to their rage,
but the wise bring calm in the end.
Gal. 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.but the wise bring calm in the end.
I believe when we earnestly seek God for something, and genuinely want to put in the effort, He will reward us and we will produce the fruit of the spirit that we yearn for. Yes, I said effort. This is likely why we are so afraid to pray for these characteristics, because God doesn’t just wave a wand and change us. There is always a choice of action on our part. It’s like learning anything, until we live in the Matrix. We have to learn through trial and error, there is no easy download tool in this program, not yet anyway.
This all stems out of a drive to be the best mother I can be. Some days I see myself with so little self control and patience, and I know there is really nothing else I need. How can I not pray for God to help me in this area? No doubt I will have ample opportunity to put the fruits into practice, and I will most likely endure times of intense discomfort, but each interaction with my children, and any human in general, will be an opportunity to grow. I have to believe on the other side there is victory. I want to be the calm in the end, and not a whirling dervish who can't even control what comes out of my mouth.
Monday, May 2, 2011
My Take on All of This
The is no doubt countless blogs, facebook posts, and twitter updates going out today praising the efforts of American intelligence, and the American Military, it is all well deserved. Surely there will be varying opinion for every response and emotion, all over the spectrum; from joy in justice, to sorrow in a lost soul -no one can tell you your feelings are wrong. Let us also not forget who destines the last breath of every being, and the one who gifts us discernment and wisdom to put every play into action. Every knowledge is a gift from God. There are things He keeps hidden until the right time. I fully believe America had every capability to take Osama Bin Laden much sooner, but for reasons that escape me, and I'm not privy to, it was not time until now.
I rejoice in the justice that has been served to so many of the hurting Americans, and victims around the world, who have suffered at the hands of this devious man. Yet in the same moment, I do not rejoice in another soul that has met Hell, there is no rejoicing in the fact that my enemy has suffered, but instead I rejoice that no more will suffer by my enemies hands.
I rejoice in the justice that has been served to so many of the hurting Americans, and victims around the world, who have suffered at the hands of this devious man. Yet in the same moment, I do not rejoice in another soul that has met Hell, there is no rejoicing in the fact that my enemy has suffered, but instead I rejoice that no more will suffer by my enemies hands.
Psalm 50:6
And the heavens proclaim his righteousness,
for he is a God of justice.
And the heavens proclaim his righteousness,
for he is a God of justice.
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