How often are we given choices that should we accept them, contradict the Word of God? Though something may look good on the outside, it doesn’t make it’s good for the inside.
I have a friend who loves ice cream, but every time he eats it, it tears his stomach, not good for the inside. I also know that most women would swear that at the mere sight of a chocolate bar they gain five pounds, and that is not good for the outside. You get the gist. Just because we like it doesn’t mean it’s good for us.
To Eve the apple looked becoming so she took a bite, after all if it was going to make her like God why wouldn’t she want it, right? Her price, do I even have to ask? To David, Bathsheba was beautiful, he had to have her, hence he sinned against God and what a price he had to pay, the death of his baby boy! To Judas Iscariot, the ransom was worth betraying his Master. Thirty silver coins, bought the Potter’s Field; and his life!
The book of Matthew tells the dreadful story.
“Then one of the Twelve — the one called Judas Iscariot — went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over…While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him…
When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. ‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’ ‘What is that to us?’ they replied. ‘That's your responsibility.’ So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.” Matt 26:14 -27:5 NIV
Even though what was written had to be fulfilled, I cannot for the life of me fathom what Judas was thinking. In front of him that night was his Friend, his Teacher, the One who loved him like no other, how could he hand him over so easily, and with a kiss mind you?
Ever heard the phrase, the love of money is the root of evil? It’s plain as day in 1 Timothy chapter 6 verse10: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” NIV
When Judas realized what he had done, the Word says he was filled with great regret. He returned the thirty silver coins and then hung himself. That is guilt of the tenth degree. Ouch!
Worldly pleasures most often cause great hardships. Pornography, though pleasing to the eye, devastates a marriage. Unhealthy competition, though it gives a rush, demolishes relationships. Chemical addictions might make a person feel better for a moment, but wipe out a healthy body. Lying covers the truth, but breaks even the deepest trust. A voice raised gets it off your chest, but extinguishes healthy communication. Verbal abuse grants the accuser self-worth, but tears down the spirit of the innocent.
Let’s face it; sin destroys, and it has its consequences. When the commands of God are not honored, the result is crucial. With each sin, comes death.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Ps 119:11 KJV
So how can we be certain we are living a life without compromising The Word of God? Study God’s Word; hide it in your heart, and follow the Golden Rule. Then in the face of sin, God’s Spirit will quicken yours.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
I Pray I Forever Hear His Voice
John 20:1-1720:1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!"
3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9(They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)
10 Then the disciples went back to their homes, 11 but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13 They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"
"They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
15 "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."
16 Jesus said to her, "Mary."
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).
17 Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" NIV
I can only imagine the day I will hear my Jesus call my name out loud. I can't wait till that glorious day when I meet Him face to face! But until then, I will remain His servant. If His plan is for me to lead a group of people to the knowledge of Him, I want to do just that. If His leads me to go to the ends of the earth, I am willing. Whatever He says, I will do. His desires are the ones I long to fulfill. I just pray that I ferever hear His voice.
3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9(They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)
10 Then the disciples went back to their homes, 11 but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13 They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"
"They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
15 "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."
16 Jesus said to her, "Mary."
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).
17 Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" NIV
The other day a friend asked me if we would ever consider being ministers of a church and immediately my reply was "no". My reasoning was that it is entirely too stressful and that Pastors have an extremely rough calling. My answer was a bit selfish and as I repeat the conversation over and over in my mind, I realize that it is not the answer that would be pleasing to my God.
Even though Jesus had told them over and over that He had to fulfil the scriptures, they did not understand. They probably were as we often call it, "in denial" of the fact that He had to suffer and go through much pain and torture. They were heartbroken and now, all the more. When they arrived at the tomb and He was gone they must have been devastated!
They had forgotten all the things He had told them. They had forgotten that He would rise and meet with His Heavenly Father. They had forgotten that He promised to send a Comfortor to them. They had forgotten that He must die in order so they could live.
So of course, at the cross and now at the empty tomb, they were sad and confused. Scripture tells us that while the disciples went back to their homes, Mary remained, crying, aching in the absence of her Lord. His body had been taken and she didn't know by whom.
When Jesus saw her weeping, He confronter her. At first, she did not know who He was. But then...He spoke her name. He told her to go and tell them that He was alive and headed to see His Father in Heaven.
What a moment that must have been for Mary, to hear her Master's voice and see, face to face, Her risen Savior. Jesus called her by name and sent her to tell the world!I can only imagine the day I will hear my Jesus call my name out loud. I can't wait till that glorious day when I meet Him face to face! But until then, I will remain His servant. If His plan is for me to lead a group of people to the knowledge of Him, I want to do just that. If His leads me to go to the ends of the earth, I am willing. Whatever He says, I will do. His desires are the ones I long to fulfill. I just pray that I ferever hear His voice.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
He Puts the Dance in Our Feet and a Song on Our Lips
Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
God never ceases to amaze me. The other morning I woke up early, probably around 4:30 (for some of you that may not be too early but for me it is). I was troubled by so many things and I could not go back to sleep. So, I just laid there thinking. I had a dream about going to grammas birthday party. Our eldest son was around six years of age and it was just the two of us. We were driving in an unfamiliar town, looking for a street I’d never been on. It was a bit overwhelming for me especially since I don’t like going to unfamiliar places. We got lost and asked someone for directions and finally made it to the party. Everyone there was dressed as if it was the year 1950. Their waists were tiny! They were all just minding their own business and paying no attention to my son and me. It was weird. I don’t know what actually woke me from the dream but needless to say I’m glad something did. I don’t think I ever saw grandma, which was probably just as well. I want to hold the memory of her the way I last saw her, when she still knew who I was. Following that dream I found myself in my “worry zone.” My mind was racing and it wouldn’t stop!
Finally, when I was through with the chaos; I got up and clicked on my computer. I guess I was just looking for something to take my mind off of my cares. I checked my e-mail and I had received a message from a friend. It was the prayer of St Theresa. Here is how it read:
St. Theresa’s Prayer
“May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing that you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of you.”
I’d never heard this prayer before but at that moment it spoke big to me. I was worrying about things I have no control of. I allowed myself to lose sleep over circumstances that only God could handle. Why? Haven’t I learned by now that He who spins the earth is the very one that can turn every situation around, should He choose to?
I decided to look up St Theresa’s Prayer on the internet and see when it was written and to whom. I actually had a hard time finding what I was looking for. Instead, what I did find were several opinions from people who found fault rather than good in these beautiful words. Some stating that it was not of her and that it didn’t sound like a prayer at all, but rather a “wishful thinking new age meditation.”
Regardless, of what others think, God used that Prayer to calm my fears and lead me once again to a place of total trust in Him. My friend’s e-mail brought me to my knees in the mighty presence of My Lord and Savior. It reminded me that no matter what I face, I am to be content as Phil 4:11-13 states.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” NIV
It also reminded me that in every circumstance, I am to praise Him, no matter what. He alone is working everything out for my good because I am His daughter; whom He has called to do His perfect will.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Rom 8:28 NIV
So I say thank you to my dear friend who listened to her heart and sent me those words of encouragement. God knew I needed them.
He knows where we are at all times. When we lose our way, He gently lifts us out of our pit and places us back on His “peace track.” As He lovingly calms our fears, He puts love in our heart, dance in our feet and praises on our lips.
God never ceases to amaze me. The other morning I woke up early, probably around 4:30 (for some of you that may not be too early but for me it is). I was troubled by so many things and I could not go back to sleep. So, I just laid there thinking. I had a dream about going to grammas birthday party. Our eldest son was around six years of age and it was just the two of us. We were driving in an unfamiliar town, looking for a street I’d never been on. It was a bit overwhelming for me especially since I don’t like going to unfamiliar places. We got lost and asked someone for directions and finally made it to the party. Everyone there was dressed as if it was the year 1950. Their waists were tiny! They were all just minding their own business and paying no attention to my son and me. It was weird. I don’t know what actually woke me from the dream but needless to say I’m glad something did. I don’t think I ever saw grandma, which was probably just as well. I want to hold the memory of her the way I last saw her, when she still knew who I was. Following that dream I found myself in my “worry zone.” My mind was racing and it wouldn’t stop!
Finally, when I was through with the chaos; I got up and clicked on my computer. I guess I was just looking for something to take my mind off of my cares. I checked my e-mail and I had received a message from a friend. It was the prayer of St Theresa. Here is how it read:
St. Theresa’s Prayer
“May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing that you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of you.”
I’d never heard this prayer before but at that moment it spoke big to me. I was worrying about things I have no control of. I allowed myself to lose sleep over circumstances that only God could handle. Why? Haven’t I learned by now that He who spins the earth is the very one that can turn every situation around, should He choose to?
I decided to look up St Theresa’s Prayer on the internet and see when it was written and to whom. I actually had a hard time finding what I was looking for. Instead, what I did find were several opinions from people who found fault rather than good in these beautiful words. Some stating that it was not of her and that it didn’t sound like a prayer at all, but rather a “wishful thinking new age meditation.”
Regardless, of what others think, God used that Prayer to calm my fears and lead me once again to a place of total trust in Him. My friend’s e-mail brought me to my knees in the mighty presence of My Lord and Savior. It reminded me that no matter what I face, I am to be content as Phil 4:11-13 states.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” NIV
It also reminded me that in every circumstance, I am to praise Him, no matter what. He alone is working everything out for my good because I am His daughter; whom He has called to do His perfect will.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Rom 8:28 NIV
So I say thank you to my dear friend who listened to her heart and sent me those words of encouragement. God knew I needed them.
He knows where we are at all times. When we lose our way, He gently lifts us out of our pit and places us back on His “peace track.” As He lovingly calms our fears, He puts love in our heart, dance in our feet and praises on our lips.
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