Arizona.
This falls under the "never-say-never" category.
While I don't have answers as to why God has brought me here, I really believe that he has. And in the meantime, I have down time. More than I want, but apparently, it's what I need.
I believe I've mentioned before that patience is not a virtue of mine. I'm totally willing to embrace change, to embrace love, to embrace newness and growth...as long as it happens quickly. Ha! Isn't that just the way we work.
It's beautiful here, in a much drier way than I'm used to. I know in a few weeks I'll be missing the rain, the trees, and the mountains. So in the interim, I'm going with the flow and waiting to see what God has for me.
And I suppose I'll have time to dedicate to writing again. It's funny, I always encourage people to express themselves artistically in whatever form appeals to them. For me, it's singing and writing. So why the reluctance to write?
Showing posts with label the Walk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the Walk. Show all posts
Monday, May 23, 2016
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Some Thoughts on Exes
Exes.
It's hard to make it to your 40s, or even 30s, without having some sort of an ex. Whether an ex-spouse or an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, those feelings we have when the relationship ends are often painful and all-too-long-lasting.
Here's what I want to say to you, my friends.
Get Over It.
Really.
I'm not talking about the fresh break-up. It takes time to heal. I'm talking about the years-later-you-are-still-trash-talking-your-ex-and-thinking-of-ways-to-hurt-him kind of Get Over It.
I am talking to some of my friends, who are carrying around pain and anger, sometimes rightfully so, but who are allowing that hatred to infiltrate their lives.
It will kill your soul.
I'm not foolish enough to think that everyone will be able to truly forgive their former love for perceived and actual wrongs. What I am saying is that you thinking about Him and how He did you wrong, how He spent all your money, how He treated you badly, how He moved on, and how you still want to run Him over with your car if you see Him, is doing no one any good. He doesn't care that you are ticked off. It isn't ruining His life. It's ruining yours.
I've been there. If I wanted to I could give a list of things my ex did that would curl your hair. But it's not worth my energy. This weekend I am spending time with a whole bunch of people who last saw me when I was married. They knew my ex. There will be questions. That's fine. I will give them the truth, but abbreviated. Because I have moved on. I have Gotten Over It. And God has healed that pain.
Did it change me and leave scars? Of course. Did your break-up create long-term havoc and distress in your life? Of course it did. I'm not unsympathetic. You may not have wanted the divorce or you may have been the instigator. Either way, it happened. You aren't responsible for punishing Him. Now is the time to move onward and upward.
I wish I could guarantee that the people who need to read this would see it. There are many in my life who are so busy hanging on to their ex that their present and future is being wasted. Some are my friends, some are not.
Trust me when I say, your hatred does not hurt your former spouse, but it will kill you inside.
It's hard to make it to your 40s, or even 30s, without having some sort of an ex. Whether an ex-spouse or an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, those feelings we have when the relationship ends are often painful and all-too-long-lasting.
Here's what I want to say to you, my friends.
Get Over It.
Really.
I'm not talking about the fresh break-up. It takes time to heal. I'm talking about the years-later-you-are-still-trash-talking-your-ex-and-thinking-of-ways-to-hurt-him kind of Get Over It.
I am talking to some of my friends, who are carrying around pain and anger, sometimes rightfully so, but who are allowing that hatred to infiltrate their lives.
It will kill your soul.
I'm not foolish enough to think that everyone will be able to truly forgive their former love for perceived and actual wrongs. What I am saying is that you thinking about Him and how He did you wrong, how He spent all your money, how He treated you badly, how He moved on, and how you still want to run Him over with your car if you see Him, is doing no one any good. He doesn't care that you are ticked off. It isn't ruining His life. It's ruining yours.
I've been there. If I wanted to I could give a list of things my ex did that would curl your hair. But it's not worth my energy. This weekend I am spending time with a whole bunch of people who last saw me when I was married. They knew my ex. There will be questions. That's fine. I will give them the truth, but abbreviated. Because I have moved on. I have Gotten Over It. And God has healed that pain.
Did it change me and leave scars? Of course. Did your break-up create long-term havoc and distress in your life? Of course it did. I'm not unsympathetic. You may not have wanted the divorce or you may have been the instigator. Either way, it happened. You aren't responsible for punishing Him. Now is the time to move onward and upward.
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.” (NIV)
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.” (NIV)
I wish I could guarantee that the people who need to read this would see it. There are many in my life who are so busy hanging on to their ex that their present and future is being wasted. Some are my friends, some are not.
Trust me when I say, your hatred does not hurt your former spouse, but it will kill you inside.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Not Wrong
Here's what I learned from last night's women's study:
When both parties are well-intentioned, because of the way men and women see things differently, they both can be right, because they are approaching the issue from different angles and perspectives.
The illustration that was used really hit home for me.
A home designer goes to a couples' home for a consultation. He wants granite counter tops, wood floors, and porcelain sinks. She wants Corian counters, tile floors, and acrylic sinks. Neither is wrong, but their preferences are based on expectations, things they have seen in the past, and sometimes, deep-seated desires.
The designer has a tough job. He has to take each persons needs/wants and merge them with the others to make both happy and satisfied.
We don't get a designer. Darn it. But we do have the tools available to merge our needs and wants so that both are met.
When both parties are well-intentioned, because of the way men and women see things differently, they both can be right, because they are approaching the issue from different angles and perspectives.
The illustration that was used really hit home for me.
A home designer goes to a couples' home for a consultation. He wants granite counter tops, wood floors, and porcelain sinks. She wants Corian counters, tile floors, and acrylic sinks. Neither is wrong, but their preferences are based on expectations, things they have seen in the past, and sometimes, deep-seated desires.
The designer has a tough job. He has to take each persons needs/wants and merge them with the others to make both happy and satisfied.
We don't get a designer. Darn it. But we do have the tools available to merge our needs and wants so that both are met.
Friday, October 1, 2010
What Comes Around...
I really don't believe in "karma". Let's face it, there are people in this world who never really "get what's coming to them". At least not in this life. I'll leave that up to Someone much more just than I will ever be. However, when someone really sets out to inflict harm it is somewhat gratifying to see it backfire on them.
This week I had someone come after me (and mine). In a really interesting way. But you know what? It backfired on them. Big time. And the effect that they were looking for? The opposite happened in my heart, and some things were really confirmed for me.
It's like the story of Joseph in Genesis. What man had intended for evil, God is using for good.
Amen!
This week I had someone come after me (and mine). In a really interesting way. But you know what? It backfired on them. Big time. And the effect that they were looking for? The opposite happened in my heart, and some things were really confirmed for me.
It's like the story of Joseph in Genesis. What man had intended for evil, God is using for good.
Amen!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
In Christ Alone
...sung at church this morning...
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Forgiveness
Driving home from dinner with friends tonight, I just heard a snippet of what I think was probably Focus on the Family. The topic was essentially letting God carry your burdens for you. But on the topic of forgiveness, this was a phrase that jumped out at me...
And the lightbulb pops on...
It's pretty easy to get bent out of shape over the big D (that's divorce, not Dallas for those of you who are from Texas) and what I perceive to be the wrongs that I am suffering (and please hear that in a slightly sarcastic voice) but in reality, its not my problem. God can handle the Boxer as He sees fit, and he will face consequences for his actions. My job is to forgive. Shudder.
However, I have some good motivation.
I'm going to bed now to ponder this further. But really, there's nothing to ponder. Just some action required!
When you forgive someone, you aren't letting them off the hook, you are just letting them off of your hook.
And the lightbulb pops on...
It's pretty easy to get bent out of shape over the big D (that's divorce, not Dallas for those of you who are from Texas) and what I perceive to be the wrongs that I am suffering (and please hear that in a slightly sarcastic voice) but in reality, its not my problem. God can handle the Boxer as He sees fit, and he will face consequences for his actions. My job is to forgive. Shudder.
However, I have some good motivation.
a. God says to forgive.
b. There is not much worse than the divorcee who cannot stop complaining about how awful his/her ex is.
I'm going to bed now to ponder this further. But really, there's nothing to ponder. Just some action required!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Quote of the Day: EB White (plus a somewhat meandering sidebar)
We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry.
~EB White in Letters of EB White
I was thinking about this quote this morning while at work, and about the difference between plain old happiness and true joy.
Happiness, according to Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary is "The agreeable sensations which spring from the enjoyment of good; that state of a being in which his desires are gratified, by the enjoyment of pleasure without pain...Perfect happiness, or pleasure unalloyed with pain, is not attainable in this life."
In other words, happiness is temporal, and can be induced by, as EB White says, picking grapes, sorting the laundry, or other pleasures which bring us that immediate satisfaction. But that is fleeting.
Joy, true joy, comes only from that lasting peace. I like this part of the Webster definition of joy. He says it is the " passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good... or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire..."
As Christians, that which we love and desire ought to be our Savior. And, as Christians, that is what will bring us true joy...that hopeful looking forward to eternity with Him. All else is the temporary stuff that yes, brings us happiness, but our joy is in Him alone.
Now, about finding joy in the laundry...
~EB White in Letters of EB White
I was thinking about this quote this morning while at work, and about the difference between plain old happiness and true joy.
Happiness, according to Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary is "The agreeable sensations which spring from the enjoyment of good; that state of a being in which his desires are gratified, by the enjoyment of pleasure without pain...Perfect happiness, or pleasure unalloyed with pain, is not attainable in this life."
In other words, happiness is temporal, and can be induced by, as EB White says, picking grapes, sorting the laundry, or other pleasures which bring us that immediate satisfaction. But that is fleeting.
Joy, true joy, comes only from that lasting peace. I like this part of the Webster definition of joy. He says it is the " passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good... or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire..."
As Christians, that which we love and desire ought to be our Savior. And, as Christians, that is what will bring us true joy...that hopeful looking forward to eternity with Him. All else is the temporary stuff that yes, brings us happiness, but our joy is in Him alone.
Now, about finding joy in the laundry...
Friday, August 15, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
If You Don't Really Believe It...
Maybe I am in the minority here (and apparently, in America, I am), but it seems to me that if you have a "faith"...then you should actually believe in the tenets of that faith. Here is an article on the increase of pluralistic beliefs within the American evangelical church. More than half of people who identify themselves as christian believe that there is more than one path to eternity with God.
When Jesus said, "I am the Way..." did He mean it? And if He didn't, why did He say it!?
When Jesus said, "I am the Way..." did He mean it? And if He didn't, why did He say it!?
Thursday, March 6, 2008
He Will Strengthen Your Heart
Finally, the last chapter of my brief devotional series:
Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Psalm 27:14
What does trusting in His strength look like in real life? It remembers these verses:
Lord, I cry out to You; make haste to me!...Psalm 141:1
My strength is made perfect in weakness…2 Corinthians 12:9
Without Me, you can do nothing…John 15:5
Strength in the Lord comes from recognizing
our dependence upon Him,
our need for Him,
and our utter failure and destruction without Him.
In response to our needs, there are numerous well-known and often-quoted verses in the Bible with references to God’s strength. Here are just a few:
O Lord, My strength and my Redeemer…Psalm 19:14
The Lord is the strength of my life…Psalm 27:1
Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…Isaiah 40:31
Do you feel weak today?
Do you feel as you can do nothing?
You’re right!
But God, who is infinitely strong…He is your strength!
Psalm 27:14
What does trusting in His strength look like in real life? It remembers these verses:
Lord, I cry out to You; make haste to me!...Psalm 141:1
My strength is made perfect in weakness…2 Corinthians 12:9
Without Me, you can do nothing…John 15:5
Strength in the Lord comes from recognizing
our dependence upon Him,
our need for Him,
and our utter failure and destruction without Him.
In response to our needs, there are numerous well-known and often-quoted verses in the Bible with references to God’s strength. Here are just a few:
O Lord, My strength and my Redeemer…Psalm 19:14
The Lord is the strength of my life…Psalm 27:1
Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…Isaiah 40:31
Do you feel weak today?
Do you feel as you can do nothing?
You’re right!
But God, who is infinitely strong…He is your strength!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Be of Good Courage
Devotion 2 of 3. For part one, Wait on the Lord, click here.
Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Psalm 27:14
It’s easy to be courageous when you know that you are in a position of strength.
When I was 11, a man approached me with the intent of doing violent harm. I reacted by yelling at him and running away, which involved pushing right past him. I remember the interviewer telling me how brave I had been. I didn’t feel brave. The offender thought he had me at a disadvantage…but I knew something that he didn’t…I was less than a block from my house, and both my mom and my 6-foot-4-police-chief dad were at home. My security was nearby. All I needed to do was get to them. They were the source of whatever courage I had in that situation.
The Lord tells us clearly to be courageous and brave. In Joshua 1:9, He says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage! Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
We should remember this. In any situation, the Lord is with you! We have an advantage over our enemy. He may be unseen, He may be quietly waiting, but He is there. Even closer than my mom and dad were…He is there for you!
So be of good courage, because your security lies in His presence.
Psalm 27:14
It’s easy to be courageous when you know that you are in a position of strength.
When I was 11, a man approached me with the intent of doing violent harm. I reacted by yelling at him and running away, which involved pushing right past him. I remember the interviewer telling me how brave I had been. I didn’t feel brave. The offender thought he had me at a disadvantage…but I knew something that he didn’t…I was less than a block from my house, and both my mom and my 6-foot-4-police-chief dad were at home. My security was nearby. All I needed to do was get to them. They were the source of whatever courage I had in that situation.
The Lord tells us clearly to be courageous and brave. In Joshua 1:9, He says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage! Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
We should remember this. In any situation, the Lord is with you! We have an advantage over our enemy. He may be unseen, He may be quietly waiting, but He is there. Even closer than my mom and dad were…He is there for you!
So be of good courage, because your security lies in His presence.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Wait on the Lord...
We have a women's retreat coming up early next month. The following is from a series of 3 devotions that I was asked to write.
Our society hates waiting. We are convinced, both by our flesh and the media, that instant gratification is a good thing, and that if we are forced to endure any delay, it will drive us crazy.
I recently ordered an item online--delivery was estimated at 21 days, well in advance of when I needed it. But immediately, my first thought was, "Why should I have to wait?"
Likewise, we often looked at the promises of God in the same way. We want them fully now. And we want them our way. What we fail to see is that God has His own timing, and His own will. He's not our personal genie-in-the-bottle.
Waiting on the Lord comes down to one simple question that we must each ask of our hearts: "Do I really believe that my Lord and my Savior wants my best?" Of course, we believe that in our hearts, but often our heads and our thoughts get in the way.
Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Psalm 27:14
Our society hates waiting. We are convinced, both by our flesh and the media, that instant gratification is a good thing, and that if we are forced to endure any delay, it will drive us crazy.
I recently ordered an item online--delivery was estimated at 21 days, well in advance of when I needed it. But immediately, my first thought was, "Why should I have to wait?"
Likewise, we often looked at the promises of God in the same way. We want them fully now. And we want them our way. What we fail to see is that God has His own timing, and His own will. He's not our personal genie-in-the-bottle.
Waiting on the Lord comes down to one simple question that we must each ask of our hearts: "Do I really believe that my Lord and my Savior wants my best?" Of course, we believe that in our hearts, but often our heads and our thoughts get in the way.
So wait on the Lord, and wait for His best:
when the waves crash and the winds blow
when all you want is some peace
when you can't see a way to safety
Because:
even the winds and the waves obey Him
He has said He will give you rest
He is your shield and deliverer
Wait on the Lord, and be of good courage...
Deep Thoughts
Not really.
This has been a rough couple of weeks here. We've had a lot of upheaval and uncertainty. I think that (although I really, really dislike the feeling that I have no control over things) this is where God wants me to be, looking for the daily manna, both physical and spiritual, from Him. And in my heart I know this, but my head gets in the way. I analyze way too much.
This morning I just wanted to stay snuggled into the flannel sheets, which were a great price, but in hindsight I think they are just a little too comfy in the mornings. So I dragged myself to the shower and got to work...
...but I put on my little bit of attitude today, just to keep my spirits up! So now I am feeling feisty and ready to go.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Just Enough
Here are some things I know:
- God is faithful
- God is merciful
- He is forgiving
- He loves me
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Quote of the Day: Charles Spurgeon
Here's another gem from the Prince of Preachers, Charles Spurgeon.
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. ~Proverbs 28:13
Here is the way of mercy for a guilty and repenting sinner. He must cease from the habit of covering sin.
This is attempted
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. ~Proverbs 28:13
Here is the way of mercy for a guilty and repenting sinner. He must cease from the habit of covering sin.
This is attempted
- by falsehood, which denies sin;
- by hypocrisy, which conceals it;
- by boasting, which justifies it;
- and by loud profession, which tries to make amends for it.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Anything? Really?
Please pardon a little shameless self-introspection. It's been a rough 24 hours. As I got in the car today to run work errands, I flipped on the car radio (to our network, of course) and said, "OK, God, I need a little encouragement here."
Despite my treatment of the Lord as my personal "genie-in-a-bottle", He did answer my prayer...just not in the way that I expected, or wanted.
The song "Jesus Bring the Rain" by MercyMe was playing when I turned the car back on. This is NOT the song I want to hear. Here's the chorus:
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
So I can't sing along, because right now it's a total lie. I don't want "anything" that brings Him glory. Right now I want a little relief. I want the $5000 a week for life from Publisher's Clearing House. I want a foot massage. I want a vacation at the beach.
Whiny self-introspection over. I'll try to have a better word of encouragement tomorrow. Of course, blogs that are always happy-happy-nice-nice bore me to death.
Despite my treatment of the Lord as my personal "genie-in-a-bottle", He did answer my prayer...just not in the way that I expected, or wanted.
The song "Jesus Bring the Rain" by MercyMe was playing when I turned the car back on. This is NOT the song I want to hear. Here's the chorus:
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
So I can't sing along, because right now it's a total lie. I don't want "anything" that brings Him glory. Right now I want a little relief. I want the $5000 a week for life from Publisher's Clearing House. I want a foot massage. I want a vacation at the beach.
Whiny self-introspection over. I'll try to have a better word of encouragement tomorrow. Of course, blogs that are always happy-happy-nice-nice bore me to death.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Quote of the Day: Matthew Henry
It ought to be the business of every day to prepare for our final day.
~Matthew Henry
Amen, Mr. Henry. It's all about eternity...
~Matthew Henry
Amen, Mr. Henry. It's all about eternity...
Friday, December 21, 2007
Another Case of my Quotes Smacking Me Around A Bit...
This is why I need to pay attention to what I put on my blog...
I just wrote (and then deleted) a long, ranting, whining post about what I don't like about Christmas. Lest you think I am a total humbug, there are lots of things I do like...I am just in a self-pitying, self-absorbed, self-I-think-I-see-a-trend mood.
And then as I was posting it, I reread the quote from Spurgeon that I posted this morning. Interesting how the Lord uses things that I have said (or, in this case, quoted) to smack me upside the head.
I just wrote (and then deleted) a long, ranting, whining post about what I don't like about Christmas. Lest you think I am a total humbug, there are lots of things I do like...I am just in a self-pitying, self-absorbed, self-I-think-I-see-a-trend mood.
And then as I was posting it, I reread the quote from Spurgeon that I posted this morning. Interesting how the Lord uses things that I have said (or, in this case, quoted) to smack me upside the head.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Now Here is a Promise You Don't Ever Hear About...
When was the last time you came upon this verse in your Bible Promise Book?
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12
But why isn't it among the greatly quoted promises?
Isn't it all about the results of the persectution and suffering? What happens in my life when I suffer? And what happens in other peoples' lives as a result of my suffering?
According to the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4: 17-18: For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
When we are suffering, when we are persecuted, the Lord is working out His purposes in our lives. Suffering leads to dependence upon Him, it leads to godly living, and it leads to opportunities to minister to others. Really, it's not about me. It's about my response to the Holy God in the middle of trials. It's about how He is transforming me into His image through my brokenness.
It is for His glory. Not mine.
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12
But why isn't it among the greatly quoted promises?
Isn't it all about the results of the persectution and suffering? What happens in my life when I suffer? And what happens in other peoples' lives as a result of my suffering?
According to the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4: 17-18: For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
When we are suffering, when we are persecuted, the Lord is working out His purposes in our lives. Suffering leads to dependence upon Him, it leads to godly living, and it leads to opportunities to minister to others. Really, it's not about me. It's about my response to the Holy God in the middle of trials. It's about how He is transforming me into His image through my brokenness.
It is for His glory. Not mine.
Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver;
I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it;
For how should My name be profaned?
And I will not give My glory to another.
I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it;
For how should My name be profaned?
And I will not give My glory to another.
Isaiah 48:10-11
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Grace and Peace
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in snctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
1 Peter 1:1-2
I am beginning yet another personal study of 1 Peter because a) I'm a slow learner and b) it just seems so relevant to my life. So I picked up another Elizabeth George fill-in-the-blank book as a basis. In the evenings, I prefer to do my own study, but I find that the mornings for me are not conducive to clear thinking, so it's better to have a guide.
So this morning I picked up the book to begin, and this is the question that stumped me: How does the "grace and peace" greeting encourage you?
So I skipped it (avoidance being another problem I have in the morning) and moved on to my Proverbs and Psalms reading.
And here was my Psalm for today:
Psalm 27:1-5
THE LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.
Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.
One thing I have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple.
For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.
Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.
One thing I have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple.
For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.
And it got me thinking...David wrote from experience of persecution and turmoil. Likewise, Peter wrote from that same perspective. He hadn't had an easy time in the years leading up to the writing of this letter, so he knew of what he spoke. And still, he was able to express the hope that God would bring grace to those who put their trust in Christ, and an inner peace that in spite of the outward persecution, God is in control.
Now that's encouraging!
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