What I am loving about Christmas this year, as a new follow of Jesus, is knowing that the story doesn't end there. In fact, it would be NOTHING if it were not for the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus to follow. Moving on past the fact that just in Jesus' birth alone, many prophesies from the Old Testament were fulfilled, and we see that in Matthew 2:16-23, when King Herod tried to kill the young boy Jesus by ordering the slauter of all the two year old boys in Bethlehem, Jeremiah 31:15 is fulfilled, "A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more." Thinking on this passage alone. Sorta addresses the question, why does God allow bad things to happen? I can't imagine the killing of innocent 2 year olds. God allows "great morning, weeping" the moms "refuse to be comforted" this is bleak. This is really tough for me to swallow actually. Like everything else in the world, God didn't just allow it to happen, He controls EVERYTHING, cause He is God. It reminds me of how fragile this life is, and how permanent God is. And God has a plan and purpose for everything. That can give us some comfort. Through this, Jesus ends up living in Nazareth, so that fulfills the prophets, "He shall be called a Nazarene." (v. 23)
Lord,
we don't understand your ways sometimes. Show me what I am suppost to do with this.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The tough stuff
Just fininshed watching Lee Stobel's The Case for Faith. Lee askes and tackels the really tough questions of Christian faith. 'How can a good and just God make it so that there is only "one way (ie Jesus)" to salvation?' and 'How can a good God permit evil in the world?"
I recommend this documentary, he does an amazing job, and interviews some interesting people on both sides of the spectrum. In the end of the film he quotes Proverbs 2:2-6
"So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding."
I recommend this documentary, he does an amazing job, and interviews some interesting people on both sides of the spectrum. In the end of the film he quotes Proverbs 2:2-6
"So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding."
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas
Luke 2:4-20 (New International Version, ©2010)
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Lord God,
You were born in such a poor, and humble state, You doffed your glory and honor and came to us. What makes you different from every other child born that night is your saving death and resurrection as a man. I love how God, Your father, chooses the most unexpected places and circumstances to show His glory in a lost and broken world. amen
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.
Lord, Help to to doff my "good works resume" this Christmas and look to you for my everything.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Matthew 2:1-8
Christmas Story Continued.
Matthew 2: 1-8
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet; 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.' Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, 'Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.'"
In looking up the relevance in these verses of the Christmas story. It is interesting to note the historical significance of the characters- King Herod was a influential king of his time. Wanting to be known as "Herod the Great" appointed by Roman authorities and, although he himself was not Jewish, worked very hard to ally himself with the Jewish people. Also interesting to note, the wise men were not Jewish but were looking for a messiah to bring peace to the earth, and their studies led them to the star of David. I like to think that these are the first Gentiles to learn about and follow Jesus-setting the stage for us to show that Jesus, although came to save the Jewish people from their sins, that He is even bigger than that and came for all people of the world. It is an interesting mix of religion, politics, culture, and human emotions that lead the events in the early years of Jesus' life, and along the way, fulfilling the Old Testament prophesy.
Prophesy fulfilled: Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting."
Matthew 2: 1-8
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet; 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.' Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, 'Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.'"
In looking up the relevance in these verses of the Christmas story. It is interesting to note the historical significance of the characters- King Herod was a influential king of his time. Wanting to be known as "Herod the Great" appointed by Roman authorities and, although he himself was not Jewish, worked very hard to ally himself with the Jewish people. Also interesting to note, the wise men were not Jewish but were looking for a messiah to bring peace to the earth, and their studies led them to the star of David. I like to think that these are the first Gentiles to learn about and follow Jesus-setting the stage for us to show that Jesus, although came to save the Jewish people from their sins, that He is even bigger than that and came for all people of the world. It is an interesting mix of religion, politics, culture, and human emotions that lead the events in the early years of Jesus' life, and along the way, fulfilling the Old Testament prophesy.
Prophesy fulfilled: Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting."
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A Christmas Story-Genealogy and the prophesied virgin birth
Matthew 1:17-25
So all the generations from Abraham to Davis are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying; "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel", which is translated, "God with us." Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her until she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
I like Athol Dickson commentary:
http://whatatholwrote.blogspot.com/2007/07/matthew-117-25-miraculous-conceptions.html
Isaiah 7:14 prophesy is fulfilled.
So all the generations from Abraham to Davis are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying; "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel", which is translated, "God with us." Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her until she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
I like Athol Dickson commentary:
http://whatatholwrote.blogspot.com/2007/07/matthew-117-25-miraculous-conceptions.html
Isaiah 7:14 prophesy is fulfilled.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Prayer for the men in my life
Using Isaiah 41:10
I pray that my Dad will fear not, for You, God, are with him. That he be not dismayed for You are his God. I pray that You will strengthen Dad and that You will uphold him with Your righteous right hand.
Using Romans 8:38-39
I pray, God, that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate my brother, Dan, from Your love, God, which is in Christ Jesus his Lord.
Using Deuteronomy 31:6
I pray that Grandaddy will be strong and of good courage and that he does not fear nor is he afraid, for You, the Lord his God, are the One who goes with him. I pray that you will not leave Grandaddy nor forsake him.
Using Colossians 3:12-14
I pray that as the elect of God, holy and beloved, that my husband and I put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering, I pray that we will bear with one another, forgiving one another, if we have a complaint against each other, even as Christ forgave us, so we also must do. But above all these things help us to put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
I pray that my Dad will fear not, for You, God, are with him. That he be not dismayed for You are his God. I pray that You will strengthen Dad and that You will uphold him with Your righteous right hand.
Using Romans 8:38-39
I pray, God, that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate my brother, Dan, from Your love, God, which is in Christ Jesus his Lord.
Using Deuteronomy 31:6
I pray that Grandaddy will be strong and of good courage and that he does not fear nor is he afraid, for You, the Lord his God, are the One who goes with him. I pray that you will not leave Grandaddy nor forsake him.
Using Colossians 3:12-14
I pray that as the elect of God, holy and beloved, that my husband and I put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering, I pray that we will bear with one another, forgiving one another, if we have a complaint against each other, even as Christ forgave us, so we also must do. But above all these things help us to put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Prayer for the men in my life
Matthew 28:20
I pray that my husband remembers Jesus' promise to be with him always, even to the end of the age.
I pray that my husband remembers Jesus' promise to be with him always, even to the end of the age.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
correlation and interpretation John 3:17-18
I just go online to a Bible study website, and look up cross-references to the passage. For John 3:17-18 there were several within the Gospel of John itself: John 6: 29, 57; 10:36; 11:42; 17:8, 21; 20:21. Which is not surprising since John mostly presents Jesus' divinity.
In the OT, Isaiah 53:11 references what Jesus says, "He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities."
Lord,
Thank you for coming to save us and take our sins, You did not come to condemn us, You came to redeem us!
In the OT, Isaiah 53:11 references what Jesus says, "He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities."
Lord,
Thank you for coming to save us and take our sins, You did not come to condemn us, You came to redeem us!
Friday, December 17, 2010
interpret-John 3:17-18
John 3:17-18
<explanation
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,
<contrast <instrumentation
but that the world through Him
<contrast
might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is
<explanation
condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God"
What is the importance of the literary patterns? explanation-"For" and "because" contrast-"but" and instrumentation "through" Jesus-explaining why God sent His Son in the world or more importantly, in contrast, the opposite purpose. So....breaking it down.
Fact: God sent His Son to the world. Why? To condemn the world? Or to save the world? Answer: Save the world. How? Answer: instrument-through Him (who's Him?) God's Son.
2. The next verse is contrast: Believe in Him = not condemned vs. does not believe = condemned already. Why condemned already? Answer: explanation-because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. What is the subject of this statement-"He who believes"and "he has not believed" who is "he"? the world. the other Him who is the object is God's Son.
He --> believes --> in Him = not condemned
He ---> not believe --> condemned already WHY? did not believe in the only Son of God. Why did the Son of God come to the world? To save it.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Before we can bear fruit, we must know the vine
I forget sometimes that Jesus tells us to "abide" in Him. He wants us to know Him, and then we can bear fruit. I think I fall into wanting to skip getting to know Jesus and go straight to trying to bear fruit part!! Jesus even says, "the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine" (John 15:4)
studying
John 3:17-18
<explanation
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,
<contrast <instrumentation
but that the world through Him
<contrast
might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is
<explanation
condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God"
background: Jesus is talking to a Pharisee, Nicodemus, after he came to Jesus and was asking who He was stating that Jesus has performed signs and had been teaching-in the chapers before He had gathered His chosen apostles, had turned water into wine, and corrected the merchants for doing business at the temple. John the baptized is not in prison yet, still preparing the way for Jesus. So, He is answering/responding to Nicodemus' questions and the disciples are around.
will have to do more tomorrow.
studying
John 3:17-18
<explanation
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,
<contrast <instrumentation
but that the world through Him
<contrast
might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is
<explanation
condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God"
background: Jesus is talking to a Pharisee, Nicodemus, after he came to Jesus and was asking who He was stating that Jesus has performed signs and had been teaching-in the chapers before He had gathered His chosen apostles, had turned water into wine, and corrected the merchants for doing business at the temple. John the baptized is not in prison yet, still preparing the way for Jesus. So, He is answering/responding to Nicodemus' questions and the disciples are around.
will have to do more tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
my story
Luke 7:36-38; 47-50
"Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee's house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. ... (Jesus said) Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. Then He said to her, Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.""
thank you for your forgiveness and love, Lord
"Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee's house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. ... (Jesus said) Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. Then He said to her, Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.""
thank you for your forgiveness and love, Lord
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Boldness
(Much of this I got from the book The Ultimate Checklist for Life. my husband is a patent and trademark lawyer, so gotta give the right people credit, yesterdays "wisdom" discussion also from this book)
Sometimes I feel that the world portrays Christians as 1 of 2 different stereotypes. The first, is weak people without their own thoughts or reason. Passive. The second, stereotype is the judgmental, self-righteous, and narrow minded.
Neither one of these is what God intends for us. I will address the first today.
Hebrews 10:35 says, "Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you!"
We are to be God's warriors, and remember this is not a bully, or you will fall into the second stereotype. We are to love with a servant's heart, loving and caring for others not intimidating others or bossing them around. All the while knowing who we are as a child of God. This is especially important to remember when things get difficult and we face oppositions.
2 Timothy 1:7 says, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
Acts 2:26 "I saw God before me for all time. Nothing can shake me; he's right by my side. I'm glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I've pitched my tent in the land of hope."
I will:
See myself as a godly warrior and not as a religious wimp.
Believe that I was created in the image of the almighty God.
Recognize God as the source of my strength.
Approach each day looking for opportunities to win rather than looking for ways to simply survive.
Align myself with other women and men who are living courageous lives for God.
Keep hope at the front of my mind at all times, expecting to be victorious through God's strength.
Sometimes I feel that the world portrays Christians as 1 of 2 different stereotypes. The first, is weak people without their own thoughts or reason. Passive. The second, stereotype is the judgmental, self-righteous, and narrow minded.
Neither one of these is what God intends for us. I will address the first today.
Hebrews 10:35 says, "Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you!"
We are to be God's warriors, and remember this is not a bully, or you will fall into the second stereotype. We are to love with a servant's heart, loving and caring for others not intimidating others or bossing them around. All the while knowing who we are as a child of God. This is especially important to remember when things get difficult and we face oppositions.
2 Timothy 1:7 says, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
Acts 2:26 "I saw God before me for all time. Nothing can shake me; he's right by my side. I'm glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I've pitched my tent in the land of hope."
I will:
See myself as a godly warrior and not as a religious wimp.
Believe that I was created in the image of the almighty God.
Recognize God as the source of my strength.
Approach each day looking for opportunities to win rather than looking for ways to simply survive.
Align myself with other women and men who are living courageous lives for God.
Keep hope at the front of my mind at all times, expecting to be victorious through God's strength.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Wisdom
Proverbs have all kinds of wise suggestions from God for our life.
Proverbs 3:13-14 says, "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom. Blessed is the one who gains understanding. Wisdom pays better than silver does. She earns more than gold does."
Find a proverb that has personal meaning for you, write it down, and post it where you'll see it daily. Mine is Proverb 15:33 "The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility."
Some goals for wisdom:
1. When it comes to wisdom, I will examine my own heart more than I examine the hearts of others.
2. Expect God to bless me with the wisdom that I seek.
3. Regard wisdom as a priceless treasure, worthy of possessing.
Proverbs 3:13-14 says, "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom. Blessed is the one who gains understanding. Wisdom pays better than silver does. She earns more than gold does."
Find a proverb that has personal meaning for you, write it down, and post it where you'll see it daily. Mine is Proverb 15:33 "The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility."
Some goals for wisdom:
1. When it comes to wisdom, I will examine my own heart more than I examine the hearts of others.
2. Expect God to bless me with the wisdom that I seek.
3. Regard wisdom as a priceless treasure, worthy of possessing.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (digging in)
2 Timothy 3:16-17
"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."
Another translation "inspiration of God" - "God-breathed" This may have been better to study at the beginning of the Challenge, considering I am working to be in the Word everyday this month. (Which, honestly, I just love!) But, its a good core truth to remember. As follows from my Bible study.
Because the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the uniquely inspired revelation of God and the standard of truth in all matters of faith and practice, a portion of each day should be set aside to read, study and meditate on God's Word. The Bible is to the spirit what food is to the body.
I like the last part especially. It reminds me of those SAT word comparisons.
Bible is to your spirit as food is to you body. or Bible --> spirit as food--> Body. It is life giving and life sustaining. Without it, you cannot grow.
I like the intrinsic questions this verse answers.
How, as a man (woman) of God may I be complete? How can I be equipped for good works? Answer, through Scripture, all the Scripture. Notice to that, this is for followers of God. Remembering that we first fall in love with God and His love and grace for us as we fall down on our knees sorry for our sin, then we can really use the Scriptures for the good works and instruction, reproof, correction, and doctrine. Because as men and women of God, thats what we want to do-be made complete and be equipped for the good works ahead of us God prepared.
"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."
Another translation "inspiration of God" - "God-breathed" This may have been better to study at the beginning of the Challenge, considering I am working to be in the Word everyday this month. (Which, honestly, I just love!) But, its a good core truth to remember. As follows from my Bible study.
Because the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the uniquely inspired revelation of God and the standard of truth in all matters of faith and practice, a portion of each day should be set aside to read, study and meditate on God's Word. The Bible is to the spirit what food is to the body.
I like the last part especially. It reminds me of those SAT word comparisons.
Bible is to your spirit as food is to you body. or Bible --> spirit as food--> Body. It is life giving and life sustaining. Without it, you cannot grow.
I like the intrinsic questions this verse answers.
How, as a man (woman) of God may I be complete? How can I be equipped for good works? Answer, through Scripture, all the Scripture. Notice to that, this is for followers of God. Remembering that we first fall in love with God and His love and grace for us as we fall down on our knees sorry for our sin, then we can really use the Scriptures for the good works and instruction, reproof, correction, and doctrine. Because as men and women of God, thats what we want to do-be made complete and be equipped for the good works ahead of us God prepared.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Treasuring ourselves
I think I am like most people when I admit that I struggle with self-doubt. I know also that I tend to take on the hurts, feelings, and pain of others onto myself and I always ask myself, "How could this be my fault?" And I do not mean this in a rhetorical, sarcastic manner, I mean I really try hard to see things as something wrong with me, so that I can try to go about working on fixing it. I am reading the book Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. I highly recommend it for anyone and everyone going through issues similar to mine, or even other common problems we face such as addictions or depression. OR if you feel like those around you are being unfair. Its just a all around great book.
A quote from the book is this: "Remember, love and limits are the only clear boundaries. If you react, you have lost your boundaries. "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man without self-control (Proverbs 25:28)."
The only way we can truely do this is to know that we are fully loved and accepted by God. "We love because He first loved us"(1 John 4:19). This is not a selfish concept, but a necessary one.
A quote from the book is this: "Remember, love and limits are the only clear boundaries. If you react, you have lost your boundaries. "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man without self-control (Proverbs 25:28)."
The only way we can truely do this is to know that we are fully loved and accepted by God. "We love because He first loved us"(1 John 4:19). This is not a selfish concept, but a necessary one.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Loving the context in the words
In studying 2 Tim 3, I was just looking around at the surrounding chapters and verses and came upon this:
2 Timothy 2:15
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
This is so encouraging. Jesus died once and for all so that we can boldly come before God and tell Him "Jesus died for my sins, therefore; I am not ashamed before you!" I can love God with my whole heart, mind, body without fear. He did all the work for me, now I live in gratefulness of Him. But this is an instruction to be diligent (adj. marked by or done with persevering, painstaking effort and care) we can fall into traps of thinking we need to add something to earn grace. "Approved" is past tense, meaning it is done. Jesus said on the cross, "It is finished." And the veil was torn! We are worthy!! I am just amazed sometimes.
Gotta go to work now!
2 Timothy 2:15
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
This is so encouraging. Jesus died once and for all so that we can boldly come before God and tell Him "Jesus died for my sins, therefore; I am not ashamed before you!" I can love God with my whole heart, mind, body without fear. He did all the work for me, now I live in gratefulness of Him. But this is an instruction to be diligent (adj. marked by or done with persevering, painstaking effort and care) we can fall into traps of thinking we need to add something to earn grace. "Approved" is past tense, meaning it is done. Jesus said on the cross, "It is finished." And the veil was torn! We are worthy!! I am just amazed sometimes.
Gotta go to work now!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
2 Timothy 3
Group A: (v. 1-8, 9, and 13) "men who are lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self control, brutal, despisers of good, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. They deny godliness as power. They resist the truth (v. 8) They will progress no further. Evil ways grow worse and worse.
Group B: (verses 10-12 and 14-17) Carefully following my doctrine, manner of love, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions. All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Know the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (v. 15) 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, throroughly equipped for every good work. (v. 16-17)
will have to continue tomorrow.
Lord, Be with me and my family members today as we honor and bury Grandpa Red.
Group B: (verses 10-12 and 14-17) Carefully following my doctrine, manner of love, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions. All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Know the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (v. 15) 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, throroughly equipped for every good work. (v. 16-17)
will have to continue tomorrow.
Lord, Be with me and my family members today as we honor and bury Grandpa Red.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Psalm 119:1-16
Attempting to complete the assigned reading for Bible study.
My part:
1. v. 2 and 10 seek with whole heart.
2. v. 4 keep diligently
3. v. 7 Praise
4. v. 11 hidden in my heart
5. v. 15 meditate and contemplate
6. v. 16 delight
God's part/promise:
1. v. 1 and 2 Blessed
2. v. 6 will not be ashamed
3. v. 8 not forsaken
4. v. 11 will not sin against You
5. v. 12 teaches us
6. v. 9 cleanse us
see below for study
My part:
1. v. 2 and 10 seek with whole heart.
2. v. 4 keep diligently
3. v. 7 Praise
4. v. 11 hidden in my heart
5. v. 15 meditate and contemplate
6. v. 16 delight
God's part/promise:
1. v. 1 and 2 Blessed
2. v. 6 will not be ashamed
3. v. 8 not forsaken
4. v. 11 will not sin against You
5. v. 12 teaches us
6. v. 9 cleanse us
see below for study
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Rest in Peace Grandpa Red
My Grandpa Red died rather suddenly yesterday afternoon while volunteering at the State School in Gainesville, TX. He collapsed and went into a coma, and died at the Denton Hospital only hours later. He will be missed by my Grandma Vicki, wife of 42 years, his 11 step children and his children. His (26 I believe, someone correct me if I am wrong on this) grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. His funeral may be this Thursday, but that is not certain yet. I remember sitting on his lap when I was about 5 on his favorite chair watching TV with other grandchildren around.
I am blessed with an amazing and loving family. For all of us mourning at this time, take comfort in the Lord for He is good.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.
Lord,
Thank you for the life of Elmo Self, my Grandpa Red, thank you for your saving grace though Jesus alone. Amen.
I am blessed with an amazing and loving family. For all of us mourning at this time, take comfort in the Lord for He is good.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.
Lord,
Thank you for the life of Elmo Self, my Grandpa Red, thank you for your saving grace though Jesus alone. Amen.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Cast all your cares on Him
1 Peter 5:7
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
This is a command, not a request or a suggestion. This is not God saying, "Oh, if you want, you can tell me about your problems." NO. Before this is said in the verses beforehand. v. 5 "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." If you think about it, we are going to dump our issues somewhere, I know I will get on the phone and tell my mom or husband or maybe a co-worker about my grievances of the day. Or I may internalize problems which leads to self-loathing. But God does not want that for us, it benefits us to actively cast our worries onto Him, because then He gives us grace.
Lord,
I am worried sometimes about the stress my husband is under with work. You tell us in Psalm 55:22 "Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." take his burdens, Lord, and sustain him. Take the burden of my worries. sustain me Lord. We love you.
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
This is a command, not a request or a suggestion. This is not God saying, "Oh, if you want, you can tell me about your problems." NO. Before this is said in the verses beforehand. v. 5 "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." If you think about it, we are going to dump our issues somewhere, I know I will get on the phone and tell my mom or husband or maybe a co-worker about my grievances of the day. Or I may internalize problems which leads to self-loathing. But God does not want that for us, it benefits us to actively cast our worries onto Him, because then He gives us grace.
Lord,
I am worried sometimes about the stress my husband is under with work. You tell us in Psalm 55:22 "Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." take his burdens, Lord, and sustain him. Take the burden of my worries. sustain me Lord. We love you.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
To finish the Race
Today was such an amazing day! I had the opportunity to cheer on my sister-in-law as she completed the half marathon in the White Rock Race today. It made me think how my faith is like a marathon, not a sprint. Although right now, I feel like a toddler, learning new words and passages everyday; I know that as I grow and mature in my faith God's word will become deeper and deeper a part of who I am. I know that as I grow and change and face trials and happy times and sadnesses, God is always the same, always good.
The verse I thought of today was this:
Acts 20:24
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
Another really good one is this:
1 Corinthians 9:24
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it."
God wants us to run to him with all our might, to win the prize which is in Him.
Lord God,
Thank you for the task you have set before me, I want to get to You. I know if I run to You, Lord, you will welcome me with open arms. amen.
The verse I thought of today was this:
Acts 20:24
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
Another really good one is this:
1 Corinthians 9:24
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it."
God wants us to run to him with all our might, to win the prize which is in Him.
Lord God,
Thank you for the task you have set before me, I want to get to You. I know if I run to You, Lord, you will welcome me with open arms. amen.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Romans Chapter 3:10, and 23-24, and 27-28
There are some really tough facts to swallow written in the Bible, telling us about what our faith in Jesus means. Many of it not so pleasant. But at the same time, necessary and then comforting and wonderful.
Romans 3:10
"There is none righteous, no, not one."
wait, none??? Think of the nicest, sweetest, most godly person you know. Then read this again. Think of yourself, then read this again. Think of someone you may see or pass by on the street, and read this again. So, we are all in the same boat, nobody ahead of anyone else.
Romans 3: 23-24
"for all have sinned and all fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
God is perfect, and I am imperfect, so the only way I can be in His presence is through Christ.
Romans 3:27-28
"Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law."
Goes along with yesterday's Ephesians 2:8-9
Dear God,
Thank you for your Son, Jesus, that I may be justified to come before you. Thank you for Your grace and love for me. I want my own way, even in writing out what I am reading in Your great words, I feel nervous as to what people will think of me. Thank you for your faith in me. Bless all those reading this now, You love them. I love you, Lord. Amen.
Romans 3:10
"There is none righteous, no, not one."
wait, none??? Think of the nicest, sweetest, most godly person you know. Then read this again. Think of yourself, then read this again. Think of someone you may see or pass by on the street, and read this again. So, we are all in the same boat, nobody ahead of anyone else.
Romans 3: 23-24
"for all have sinned and all fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
God is perfect, and I am imperfect, so the only way I can be in His presence is through Christ.
Romans 3:27-28
"Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law."
Goes along with yesterday's Ephesians 2:8-9
Dear God,
Thank you for your Son, Jesus, that I may be justified to come before you. Thank you for Your grace and love for me. I want my own way, even in writing out what I am reading in Your great words, I feel nervous as to what people will think of me. Thank you for your faith in me. Bless all those reading this now, You love them. I love you, Lord. Amen.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Prayer for the Challenge.
Father God,
You are amazing and Sovereign over all. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for the fact that it is nothing that I did, but everything you did for me, and everything you continue to do. I love you. Bless these next 30 days, bless this challenge and bless those who read this.
Amen.
You are amazing and Sovereign over all. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for the fact that it is nothing that I did, but everything you did for me, and everything you continue to do. I love you. Bless these next 30 days, bless this challenge and bless those who read this.
Amen.
The Challenge.
My sister, Aubrey, my cousin, Sean and others have been posting blogs and facebook statuses pertaining to what God is doing in their lives and it has inspired me to do the same. In my women's small group Bible study, we have been given a 30 day challenge to be in the Word of God everyday for the month of December. I am not as good with words and decriptions as others, but I can say that over the past year God has taken my life and has made me a disciple of Jesus Christ. I want to live what Paul said in Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for EVERYONE who BELIEVES, for the Jew first and also for the Gentile."
His words are for EVERYONE, just like Lee Strobel said in his documentary, The Case for Christ, "If this Jesus guy is really who he says he is, then this has HUGE implications for my life!!" He also said at the end of his documentary, "I invite you to investigate for yourselves, keep an open mind, do your own research." This man has an amazing testimony. As an atheist, he felt his life was going fairly well, when his wife, an agnostic, began to attend church with friends became a Christian, he wanted to do an investigation on the historical evidence of Christ. With an open mind, he came to realize that he, "..would have to have more faith NOT to believe in God, than to believe." Due to all the evidence he found.
I invite you to this challenge. Read the Bible everyday for 30 days, look up the words in verses in a dictionary, look at it in the context of other passages. Ask, what does this implicate for me and my life?? NOTHING is as powerful as Scripture. And pray, everyday you read His word, pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal his message to you.
Today, Ephesians 2:4-9 especially look at v. 8-9 at the end.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
His words are for EVERYONE, just like Lee Strobel said in his documentary, The Case for Christ, "If this Jesus guy is really who he says he is, then this has HUGE implications for my life!!" He also said at the end of his documentary, "I invite you to investigate for yourselves, keep an open mind, do your own research." This man has an amazing testimony. As an atheist, he felt his life was going fairly well, when his wife, an agnostic, began to attend church with friends became a Christian, he wanted to do an investigation on the historical evidence of Christ. With an open mind, he came to realize that he, "..would have to have more faith NOT to believe in God, than to believe." Due to all the evidence he found.
I invite you to this challenge. Read the Bible everyday for 30 days, look up the words in verses in a dictionary, look at it in the context of other passages. Ask, what does this implicate for me and my life?? NOTHING is as powerful as Scripture. And pray, everyday you read His word, pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal his message to you.
Today, Ephesians 2:4-9 especially look at v. 8-9 at the end.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
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