Hebrews 13:8 8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever"
I was thinking about how measurements change and about how the value of measurements change.
For example, in the Bible the cubit was a length of measurement (someone told me that it roughly equals the length from your elbow to your finger tips). This wasn't a really standardized measurement. Everyone's arms are different! Then, we can talk about pounds (libras) from the Romans. They used scales to weigh items equivalent to a pound.The weights used could vary greatly. Then, with the metric system, the meter was created. It was originally set to be a certain fraction of the distance between the equator and the North Pole. There was even a metal rod of exact meter length made to serve as a model and kept in Paris. But, most meter sticks aren't that exact.
Aesthetically, we have measurements, too, but those change even more drastically. We can see it over our own lifetimes. Hairstyles from 20 years ago are laughable now. We don't wear girdles much anymore, instead we have Spanx and liposuction to give us a lift.
How am I going to measure up, then? If I work hard to fit in with the trends now, by the time I make it, the trend will be passé.
My identity cannot, must not be in the things of this world, the things that change. I must use a standard of measurement that NEVER CHANGES. It is only the Lord who never changes. He wants to change us, though, to conform more and more into the likeness of His Son.
Praise the Lord that we have a real standard - more precise than atomic measurements and more everlasting than shoulder pads!
In Him I put my trust, my hope and in Him I find my identity.
31 March 2009
30 March 2009
Pride
I have known for some time now that pride is essentially the root of all sin. What I hadn't realized is just how prideful I am and how my pride is linking to gluttony.
I am a Spanish interpreter/translator by profession, but you wouldn't know it to look at me. I'm one of the whitest people I know - blond and blue-eyed as well. At the hospital where I've worked I've had clients not believe that I am capable to speaking Spanish (one last note of pride: I hold a Master's degree in Spanish). At first I thought it was funny that they always asked how I learned Spanish, then I became really irritated by it (due to my pride) then, I thought I was over it.
On Fridays and Saturdays I attend dance classes at the Y. In both classes this weekend I had instances where my abilities in Spanish were questioned. I didn't fight it or try to justify myself (like by saying "I'm a hospital interpreter" in a snarky tone) , but on the inside I was really irritated. It was to the point that I couldn't enjoy the rest of class (which I normally love). I let my pride and my emotions ruin my attitude.
I recognize that the root of this is pride. In my flesh I want to be accepted and justified. I want people to think I'm smart and capable. Then, when those things don't happen, I want to be comforted. It's not that I automatically think, "I'm going to eat ice cream," rather I start feeling a longing for something to comfort me. In the past that was often food. I was able to recognize this feeling and go to God with it before doing major caloric damage.
I know that the problem is not what the other people said to me. It was my pride. My choice, now that I recognize this, is to go to God for my justification and my identity. Then, even if my feelings do get hurt, I also now know to God for my comfort. No food.
I am a Spanish interpreter/translator by profession, but you wouldn't know it to look at me. I'm one of the whitest people I know - blond and blue-eyed as well. At the hospital where I've worked I've had clients not believe that I am capable to speaking Spanish (one last note of pride: I hold a Master's degree in Spanish). At first I thought it was funny that they always asked how I learned Spanish, then I became really irritated by it (due to my pride) then, I thought I was over it.
On Fridays and Saturdays I attend dance classes at the Y. In both classes this weekend I had instances where my abilities in Spanish were questioned. I didn't fight it or try to justify myself (like by saying "I'm a hospital interpreter" in a snarky tone) , but on the inside I was really irritated. It was to the point that I couldn't enjoy the rest of class (which I normally love). I let my pride and my emotions ruin my attitude.
I recognize that the root of this is pride. In my flesh I want to be accepted and justified. I want people to think I'm smart and capable. Then, when those things don't happen, I want to be comforted. It's not that I automatically think, "I'm going to eat ice cream," rather I start feeling a longing for something to comfort me. In the past that was often food. I was able to recognize this feeling and go to God with it before doing major caloric damage.
I know that the problem is not what the other people said to me. It was my pride. My choice, now that I recognize this, is to go to God for my justification and my identity. Then, even if my feelings do get hurt, I also now know to God for my comfort. No food.
26 March 2009
God kicked the Thursday temptation
Last week I posted that Thursdays were hard because I work in the evening and so have all day to be alone with food.
I prayed for God to help me avoid temptation - and He did! I got up slowly this morning and wasn't starved and waited to have breakfast. My husband made oatmeal pancake batter (oats, buttermilk, stevia, cinnamon and vanilla). I love it because it really fills me up and sticks with me. when he left for work he put my batter in the fridge.
Before he left he asked me to work on the back yard. Our backyard tilts downward and he ordered a bunch of dirt so we can level it out. I didn't feel like shoveling and smoothing it out, but I did it anyway to, hopefully, bless my husband. I worked on it for about 45 minutes. Then I went in and had my yummy oatcake and started laundry. Then I went back and worked on the yard for about another hour. It doesn't look perfect, but much better. It was something that needed to be done and I got some exercise out of it :)
I'm thankful because I wasn't tempted to eat all morning long. Praise God! When I go to Him I know He is faithful to help me in times of temptation!
I prayed for God to help me avoid temptation - and He did! I got up slowly this morning and wasn't starved and waited to have breakfast. My husband made oatmeal pancake batter (oats, buttermilk, stevia, cinnamon and vanilla). I love it because it really fills me up and sticks with me. when he left for work he put my batter in the fridge.
Before he left he asked me to work on the back yard. Our backyard tilts downward and he ordered a bunch of dirt so we can level it out. I didn't feel like shoveling and smoothing it out, but I did it anyway to, hopefully, bless my husband. I worked on it for about 45 minutes. Then I went in and had my yummy oatcake and started laundry. Then I went back and worked on the yard for about another hour. It doesn't look perfect, but much better. It was something that needed to be done and I got some exercise out of it :)
I'm thankful because I wasn't tempted to eat all morning long. Praise God! When I go to Him I know He is faithful to help me in times of temptation!
25 March 2009
Truth for Wednesday
Ephesians 1:3-9
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ.
God loves you. God loves me! You have every spiritual blessing in Christ. I have every spiritual blessing in Christ! You are forgiven. I am forgiven! He lavished His grace on you. He lavished His grace on me!
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ.
God loves you. God loves me! You have every spiritual blessing in Christ. I have every spiritual blessing in Christ! You are forgiven. I am forgiven! He lavished His grace on you. He lavished His grace on me!
24 March 2009
Truth for Today
The Lord lead me to confront my habitual sin of gluttony. It is amazing how Satan uses these moments that God intends for sanctification as a way to bring up all of my other fleshly faults.
Gluttony isn't my only habitual sin. At its root are selfishness and pride. My flesh is unloving, ungrateful, stubborn, angry and bitterness. In the last few weeks I have seen a particular flare-up of all of these, but mainly bitterness. I had been too prideful to confess this to anyone until last night at Bible study. A dear sister prayed for my freedom from bitterness. I know this is the Lord's will and I will have to consistently lay down my personal desire to be bitter (I know it sounds totally messed up to want to wallow in bitterness, but that is sin's hold on me). I may not feel like doing it, but it is the Lord's command.
I heard the story of another sister who was in bondage to alcoholism. She learned 1 Thessalonians 5.17 by practice "pray without ceasing". The idea of going an entire day without a drink was too much to bear, so she asked the Lord to strengthen her just until lunch. Then, at lunch time, she asked Him again to carry her until dinner. On and on it went.
Maybe the Lord is using the presence of other sins to drive me to Him. Maybe I've become too complacent in my new eating routine and I'm not as dependent on Him as I need to be. Maybe He's using this to increase my dependence on Him.
At any rate, as a guide I want to choose a Truth for Today that I can meditate on daily. The one I've chosen for today is this:
I'm a child of God - He is my Father - and He loves me
1 John 3:1-2 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Do I believe this is true? God says it is.
Gluttony isn't my only habitual sin. At its root are selfishness and pride. My flesh is unloving, ungrateful, stubborn, angry and bitterness. In the last few weeks I have seen a particular flare-up of all of these, but mainly bitterness. I had been too prideful to confess this to anyone until last night at Bible study. A dear sister prayed for my freedom from bitterness. I know this is the Lord's will and I will have to consistently lay down my personal desire to be bitter (I know it sounds totally messed up to want to wallow in bitterness, but that is sin's hold on me). I may not feel like doing it, but it is the Lord's command.
I heard the story of another sister who was in bondage to alcoholism. She learned 1 Thessalonians 5.17 by practice "pray without ceasing". The idea of going an entire day without a drink was too much to bear, so she asked the Lord to strengthen her just until lunch. Then, at lunch time, she asked Him again to carry her until dinner. On and on it went.
Maybe the Lord is using the presence of other sins to drive me to Him. Maybe I've become too complacent in my new eating routine and I'm not as dependent on Him as I need to be. Maybe He's using this to increase my dependence on Him.
At any rate, as a guide I want to choose a Truth for Today that I can meditate on daily. The one I've chosen for today is this:
I'm a child of God - He is my Father - and He loves me
1 John 3:1-2 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Do I believe this is true? God says it is.
20 March 2009
So true...
"Opportunity may knock once, But temptation bangs on the front door forever."
1 Corinthians 10:13: No temptation has taken you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it.
That way out in order to endure it is the Holy Spirit who dwells in me.
Hallelujah!
19 March 2009
Thursdays are going to kick my butt
At work we've been having a hard time getting shifts covered - no layoffs (we're a hospital and our night shift employees have been unavailable). So, on Thursdays I now work 2nd sift - from 3pm to 11pm. In some ways it's really nice. I just show up to work and do my job. My problem is that when I'm home during the day I have a huge temptation to eat.
Additionally, my husband asked me to pick up a few things at Costco. For me, it's a dangerous place. They have large quantities of yummy-looking food. Besides, I go so rarely that I don't know my way around the store and I wind up passing through ALL of the aisles, so I get to see all of the food. It set me off. When I got home I binged and had a double-lunch (none of it being that nutritious).
I knew that the binge was coming on. I said to myself, "Leave the house. Go to the YMCA. Read your Bible." I listened to none of it. I need to pray to be on guard for those kinds of temptations and to have remedies ready to deliver me at that moment (even taking a short walk would have helped immensely).
I need to pray and study so that I'm ready for next Thursday. Maybe I'll schedule myself to not be at home. The moment you think you've arrived...
Additionally, my husband asked me to pick up a few things at Costco. For me, it's a dangerous place. They have large quantities of yummy-looking food. Besides, I go so rarely that I don't know my way around the store and I wind up passing through ALL of the aisles, so I get to see all of the food. It set me off. When I got home I binged and had a double-lunch (none of it being that nutritious).
I knew that the binge was coming on. I said to myself, "Leave the house. Go to the YMCA. Read your Bible." I listened to none of it. I need to pray to be on guard for those kinds of temptations and to have remedies ready to deliver me at that moment (even taking a short walk would have helped immensely).
I need to pray and study so that I'm ready for next Thursday. Maybe I'll schedule myself to not be at home. The moment you think you've arrived...
17 March 2009
Change - God's process of sanctification
In my ladie's Bible study we've been going through the gospel of Luke. At the last supper, after the disciples argue over who will be the greatest in the Lord's Kingdom, Jesus addresses Peter saying that Satan had asked to sift the disciples like wheat. The author of the study inferred that Satan's goal was their destruction, but God's goal was their sanctification.
Peter, I believe, was already justified (saved) through his confession of faith in Jesus. The man had previously had enough faith to walk on water with the Lord. He called Jesus the Messiah. He was right with God, but still had a lot to learn. Jesus knew that after the sifting Peter would have the strength and knowledge to encourage the bretheren. Jesus knew that Peter would be a leader. God allowed really difficult things to happen in Peter's life so that the things blocking his leadership would be pruned away, leaving a man who was sure of his identity in Christ.
Peter, himself, wrote in 1 Peter 1:3 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." Later, in 1 Peter 3 he writes in length about suffering for doing good.
I don't know about other people, but I can say that I've rarely known suffering. I live in the USA in the 21st century. I've been blessed more than I know and I've probably never really suffered for doing good (most of my suffering comes from my own poor choices and sin). That said, I know that God allows times of sifting/pruning/polishing to form me into greater likeness of His son. I love to look at Job as an example. Was he perfect? No, but the Lord saw him to be upright in all of his ways. Nevertheless, God allowed Satan to sift Job so that he would turn to the Lord and know Him better.
Now, I don't readily welcome sifting, but if that is what it takes for me to know the Lord better, I'm certain that it is eternally worth it.
Praise God! He loves me for who I am and yet He loves me too much to let me remain the same!
Peter, I believe, was already justified (saved) through his confession of faith in Jesus. The man had previously had enough faith to walk on water with the Lord. He called Jesus the Messiah. He was right with God, but still had a lot to learn. Jesus knew that after the sifting Peter would have the strength and knowledge to encourage the bretheren. Jesus knew that Peter would be a leader. God allowed really difficult things to happen in Peter's life so that the things blocking his leadership would be pruned away, leaving a man who was sure of his identity in Christ.
Peter, himself, wrote in 1 Peter 1:3 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." Later, in 1 Peter 3 he writes in length about suffering for doing good.
I don't know about other people, but I can say that I've rarely known suffering. I live in the USA in the 21st century. I've been blessed more than I know and I've probably never really suffered for doing good (most of my suffering comes from my own poor choices and sin). That said, I know that God allows times of sifting/pruning/polishing to form me into greater likeness of His son. I love to look at Job as an example. Was he perfect? No, but the Lord saw him to be upright in all of his ways. Nevertheless, God allowed Satan to sift Job so that he would turn to the Lord and know Him better.
Now, I don't readily welcome sifting, but if that is what it takes for me to know the Lord better, I'm certain that it is eternally worth it.
Praise God! He loves me for who I am and yet He loves me too much to let me remain the same!
15 March 2009
The abiding room
In my Sunday school class we've been talking the last couple of weeks about justification and sanctification. They are big words that don't come up in normal conversation.
Justification is being made right with God. This happen because of God's grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (see Romans 5). This is a one-time action. Believe in the Name of the Lord and you will be saved.
Sanctification is different. It is an on-going process in which God sifts, prunes and teaches me so I reflect Him more and more. I am unable to complete this training myself, so He gave me the best personal trainer ever - the Holy Spirit :)
For both actions, it is God who does the work. I can't justify myself nor sanctify myself.
As a believer of Christ I've learned that the teaching, pruning and sifting process happens more beneficially if I spend more time with the Lord. Just as I need to be with Him moment by moment to overcome my addiction to gluttony, I must abide in Him to grow spiritually in all other areas.
One of the leaders at my church has a great lesson about justification and sanctification (or call it salvation and growth in Christ). He calls it the abiding room. I highly recommend visiting his website: http://www.abidingroom.com
Be blessed! When in doubt, ask your Personal Trainer to whip you into shape!
Justification is being made right with God. This happen because of God's grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (see Romans 5). This is a one-time action. Believe in the Name of the Lord and you will be saved.
Sanctification is different. It is an on-going process in which God sifts, prunes and teaches me so I reflect Him more and more. I am unable to complete this training myself, so He gave me the best personal trainer ever - the Holy Spirit :)
For both actions, it is God who does the work. I can't justify myself nor sanctify myself.
As a believer of Christ I've learned that the teaching, pruning and sifting process happens more beneficially if I spend more time with the Lord. Just as I need to be with Him moment by moment to overcome my addiction to gluttony, I must abide in Him to grow spiritually in all other areas.
One of the leaders at my church has a great lesson about justification and sanctification (or call it salvation and growth in Christ). He calls it the abiding room. I highly recommend visiting his website: http://www.abidingroom.com
Be blessed! When in doubt, ask your Personal Trainer to whip you into shape!
11 March 2009
More stewardship
I donated blood the other day. I used to think it was always a good idea, but now that I work at a hospital I see that it is desperately needed. When I go they always ask me the same questions and my answers are usually in the negative, but I do have to think about medications. I don't normally take anything that's contraband, but sometime I take aspirin-including meds for my migraines. Aspirin is a type of blood thinner and it can cause heavy bleeding, or bleeding that won't stop when you've had a large needle in your vein.
The aspirin question made me think about the other things that I put in my body. Anything that goes in winds up in my bloodstream. When I donate blood, all of those contents are then transferred to another person. In many cases, the receiver is so sick or injured that he or she needs to blood in order to survive. For me, this makes a really strong case for putting only good-quality products in my system.
I understand that my ultimate motivation for healthy food and beverage consumption needs to come from the Lord, however, it is helpful to me to have tangible motivation that helps another human being. I suppose many women think the same way when they get pregnant - they want to have only the best quality fuel to help grow their baby.
On a separate topic I'm reading a historical novel based on Renaissance royalty. One character in the book is particularly pious. After a difficult journey she goes to a chapel to pray: she thanks God for their safety, save a pair of mishaps; she prayed for God to forgive her lack of complete faith that made her fears possible; finally she prayers for the protection of those accompanying her.
It's just a novel, but it really struck me. I don't routinely thank the Lord for safe travel. I don't know many people who do (although when I was in Venezuela, the members of the church I was visiting always prayed for travel since the countryside was heavy with armed military). What really made me think was the part about how she prayed for God to forgive her lack of complete faith that made her fears possible. It is my lack of complete faith that not only makes my fears possible, but that also gives place to sin. I want to be more intentional about believing God and not giving a foothold to the devil.
The aspirin question made me think about the other things that I put in my body. Anything that goes in winds up in my bloodstream. When I donate blood, all of those contents are then transferred to another person. In many cases, the receiver is so sick or injured that he or she needs to blood in order to survive. For me, this makes a really strong case for putting only good-quality products in my system.
I understand that my ultimate motivation for healthy food and beverage consumption needs to come from the Lord, however, it is helpful to me to have tangible motivation that helps another human being. I suppose many women think the same way when they get pregnant - they want to have only the best quality fuel to help grow their baby.
On a separate topic I'm reading a historical novel based on Renaissance royalty. One character in the book is particularly pious. After a difficult journey she goes to a chapel to pray: she thanks God for their safety, save a pair of mishaps; she prayed for God to forgive her lack of complete faith that made her fears possible; finally she prayers for the protection of those accompanying her.
It's just a novel, but it really struck me. I don't routinely thank the Lord for safe travel. I don't know many people who do (although when I was in Venezuela, the members of the church I was visiting always prayed for travel since the countryside was heavy with armed military). What really made me think was the part about how she prayed for God to forgive her lack of complete faith that made her fears possible. It is my lack of complete faith that not only makes my fears possible, but that also gives place to sin. I want to be more intentional about believing God and not giving a foothold to the devil.
Wise use of resources
One of the things that I want to work on the most is being a good steward of my resources - whatever they may be. The time that the Lord gives me on this earth is brief, so I want to be a good steward of my time. The Lord has provided for everything that we need on this planet, but I want to make sure not to be wasteful of our resources. In my study through understanding food and eating in God's way I've looked up some verses to teach me.
I am to be a good steward of the food resources that God gives me (not to use them all up at once) and to share those with others in want. (What are my food resources? Food, itself, but also the money to buy it, the time spend looking for, preparing and eating it and the time and energy that I expend thinking about it)
Gen 41:35-36 "Then let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming, and store up the grain for food in the cities under Pharaoh's authority, and let them guard it. Let the food become as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which will occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land will not perish during the famine."
The valuable resource of food, sustenance, was gathered and guarded and had to be used carefully to feed the nation of Egypt during the seven years of famine. I need to consume food in the right amount so that it's not lost nor wasted.
Proverbs 25:21 "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink"
Luke 3:11 And he would answer and say to them, "The man who has two tunics is to hare with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise."
I am to share food and water with those in need - those who are hungry (not those who are bored and looking to food for entertainment) - even if they are my enemies.
Matthew 14:19-20 Ordering the people to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds, and they all ate and were satisfied. They picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve full baskets.
The Lord provided food for all. They ate until they were satisfied, not until they were popping out of their tunics, or falling into a food coma, but they ate the amount that tehy needed. Jesus provided enough for all.
There's so much in God's Word about being a wise steward of resources - using what is given to you and not being wasteful. This is just the tip of the vast biblical writings on this subject. Thank you, God, for giving us all we need for life and godliness.
I am to be a good steward of the food resources that God gives me (not to use them all up at once) and to share those with others in want. (What are my food resources? Food, itself, but also the money to buy it, the time spend looking for, preparing and eating it and the time and energy that I expend thinking about it)
Gen 41:35-36 "Then let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming, and store up the grain for food in the cities under Pharaoh's authority, and let them guard it. Let the food become as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which will occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land will not perish during the famine."
The valuable resource of food, sustenance, was gathered and guarded and had to be used carefully to feed the nation of Egypt during the seven years of famine. I need to consume food in the right amount so that it's not lost nor wasted.
Proverbs 25:21 "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink"
Luke 3:11 And he would answer and say to them, "The man who has two tunics is to hare with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise."
I am to share food and water with those in need - those who are hungry (not those who are bored and looking to food for entertainment) - even if they are my enemies.
Matthew 14:19-20 Ordering the people to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds, and they all ate and were satisfied. They picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve full baskets.
The Lord provided food for all. They ate until they were satisfied, not until they were popping out of their tunics, or falling into a food coma, but they ate the amount that tehy needed. Jesus provided enough for all.
There's so much in God's Word about being a wise steward of resources - using what is given to you and not being wasteful. This is just the tip of the vast biblical writings on this subject. Thank you, God, for giving us all we need for life and godliness.
09 March 2009
I'm thinking
What's down in the well comes up in the bucket.
Garbage in, garbage out.
Belief causes behavior.
My thought life REALLY does matter. Whatever I think about will come out in my life through my behavior or my actions.
So, I need to focus on what is True and not on my feelings or emotions. The True things are from God and do not change - like His glory, power, salvation, grace, mercy, patience, lovingkindness, His omnipresence, perfection/completeness, everlasting love, awe...on and on until I'm no longer able to describe Him with adjectives because they run out and I am left only to say that the Great "I AM" IS.
Anytime I forget who my King is I love to hear Rev. S.M. Lockridge's sermonette that's popularly titled "That's my King" I'm including a link to one of the youtube files. Everybody needs to watch it and I need to memorize it. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX_7j32zgNw
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
In my desire to focus my life on Christ I'm trying to limit the garbage that I let in. I'm embarrassed to say that I used to frequent celebrity gossip Internet sites and magazines at the gym (why?) and I decided a few months ago to stop. There's nothing relevant to my life. It doesn't edify me or glorify God. It strips others of their privacy and it supports a superficial industry. That said, my flesh still yearns for it in times of boredom (just like food).
A couple of weeks ago our cable got upgraded. We used to have only 20 basic channels (more than enough) because it came with our Internet. Our cable provider added some channels with the Feb. 17th digital change-over. I haven't had cable since I lived in the dorm in 1999. There's a lot of garbage on cable (well, on TV in general). There's a lot of sad people who desperately need Jesus. Part of me gets excited about interesting documentaries or travel shows, but I need to remember that if it doesn't fit Philippians 4:8's criteria, it's of no good to me.
Garbage in, garbage out.
Belief causes behavior.
My thought life REALLY does matter. Whatever I think about will come out in my life through my behavior or my actions.
So, I need to focus on what is True and not on my feelings or emotions. The True things are from God and do not change - like His glory, power, salvation, grace, mercy, patience, lovingkindness, His omnipresence, perfection/completeness, everlasting love, awe...on and on until I'm no longer able to describe Him with adjectives because they run out and I am left only to say that the Great "I AM" IS.
Anytime I forget who my King is I love to hear Rev. S.M. Lockridge's sermonette that's popularly titled "That's my King" I'm including a link to one of the youtube files. Everybody needs to watch it and I need to memorize it. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX_7j32zgNw
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
In my desire to focus my life on Christ I'm trying to limit the garbage that I let in. I'm embarrassed to say that I used to frequent celebrity gossip Internet sites and magazines at the gym (why?) and I decided a few months ago to stop. There's nothing relevant to my life. It doesn't edify me or glorify God. It strips others of their privacy and it supports a superficial industry. That said, my flesh still yearns for it in times of boredom (just like food).
A couple of weeks ago our cable got upgraded. We used to have only 20 basic channels (more than enough) because it came with our Internet. Our cable provider added some channels with the Feb. 17th digital change-over. I haven't had cable since I lived in the dorm in 1999. There's a lot of garbage on cable (well, on TV in general). There's a lot of sad people who desperately need Jesus. Part of me gets excited about interesting documentaries or travel shows, but I need to remember that if it doesn't fit Philippians 4:8's criteria, it's of no good to me.
04 March 2009
Discipline and balance
I have to admit that sloth and gluttony are enjoyable for a season, or at least the idea is enjoyable.
For me it always starts out that I'm going to give myself a little treat of relaxation: maybe I'll watch a little TV on my day off and prepare a nice meal. This often turns into a wasted day lying on the sofa mindlessly watching an infomercial for the twelfth time and wishing I had a box of cookies in the pantry to scarf down.
About 5 years ago I started learning about balance. It started as a method to control my migraines. If I sleep enough (but not too much), have one cup of coffee (not half the pot), do some physical labor and eat a well-rounded meal I can often ward off a debilitating headache. Around that time I met a gal at church who was wanting to learn about balance as well (it seemed strange to me because she seemed to have everything together). So, I started praying about learning balance holistically - in my relationship with the Lord, in my activity and in my rest.
I'm not very good at balancing. It's not something that comes naturally to me. I have a tendency to do all or nothing. I have to be deliberate in my balance (it almost seems like an oxymoron). I have to be disciplined in my balance. The Lord is slowly teaching me discipline and balance (teaching - He doesn't just bestow it on me).
I was surfing the web and come across an article with these verses that give me some encouragement:
Hebrews 12:4-11 (NASB)
You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,
"MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES."
It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
For me it always starts out that I'm going to give myself a little treat of relaxation: maybe I'll watch a little TV on my day off and prepare a nice meal. This often turns into a wasted day lying on the sofa mindlessly watching an infomercial for the twelfth time and wishing I had a box of cookies in the pantry to scarf down.
About 5 years ago I started learning about balance. It started as a method to control my migraines. If I sleep enough (but not too much), have one cup of coffee (not half the pot), do some physical labor and eat a well-rounded meal I can often ward off a debilitating headache. Around that time I met a gal at church who was wanting to learn about balance as well (it seemed strange to me because she seemed to have everything together). So, I started praying about learning balance holistically - in my relationship with the Lord, in my activity and in my rest.
I'm not very good at balancing. It's not something that comes naturally to me. I have a tendency to do all or nothing. I have to be deliberate in my balance (it almost seems like an oxymoron). I have to be disciplined in my balance. The Lord is slowly teaching me discipline and balance (teaching - He doesn't just bestow it on me).
I was surfing the web and come across an article with these verses that give me some encouragement:
Hebrews 12:4-11 (NASB)
You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,
"MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES."
It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
03 March 2009
Engaged and available
No, I'm not talking about matrimony :) God is showing me that He can use me and my situation for His glory (imagine that) if I am engaged and available.
My friend Bert has a saying "Any old bush will do". Actually, he wrote a book with that title. It's based on the story of Moses in the wilderness when God spoke to him through a burning bush. Bert's point is: Was that bush special? Had it done anything to deserve such an honor form God? No. It was a bush, doing what bushes do. But it was available for God's use. When we are available to Him, he can use us.
For me, I've chosen to add that I need to be engaged. I think that God can do more in me if I am engaged in His plan.
This weekend I had a terrible attitude. I let the number on the scale get to me. I let someone else's problems bother me. I assumed that other bad things were going to happen to me. I didn't want to go to church or participate in Sunday school. I had a really bad attitude. So, Sunday night as I was trying to complete my Bible study homework for Monday, God's Word fell on a hard heart. I could have gotten so much more out of the study if I had only been engaged in the lesson. I tried to be obedient, but my self-pitying heart was focused on myself.
Lessons like this are so sad for me. I wasted an opportunity to enjoy and learn from God's Word. Lord, teach me to enjoy You and leave myself behind!
My friend Bert has a saying "Any old bush will do". Actually, he wrote a book with that title. It's based on the story of Moses in the wilderness when God spoke to him through a burning bush. Bert's point is: Was that bush special? Had it done anything to deserve such an honor form God? No. It was a bush, doing what bushes do. But it was available for God's use. When we are available to Him, he can use us.
For me, I've chosen to add that I need to be engaged. I think that God can do more in me if I am engaged in His plan.
This weekend I had a terrible attitude. I let the number on the scale get to me. I let someone else's problems bother me. I assumed that other bad things were going to happen to me. I didn't want to go to church or participate in Sunday school. I had a really bad attitude. So, Sunday night as I was trying to complete my Bible study homework for Monday, God's Word fell on a hard heart. I could have gotten so much more out of the study if I had only been engaged in the lesson. I tried to be obedient, but my self-pitying heart was focused on myself.
Lessons like this are so sad for me. I wasted an opportunity to enjoy and learn from God's Word. Lord, teach me to enjoy You and leave myself behind!
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