"...you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9. We sang a song tonight at church that had that phrase in it. I can't stop singing it. It keeps going over and over in my mind. Experience has taught me that when I can't get something out of my mind, it's usually because the Lord has something He wants to show me. I am ashamed to confess that I haven't always stopped and listened. Sometimes I have just pressed on with whatever I deemed so important that I couldn't stop and look up a scripture and let the Holy Spirit teach me something. Tonight, however, I didn't push the urging of the Holy Spirit aside; I looked up the scripture and asked Him to please show me what He wants me to know. There may be more, because I will meditate on this for awhile, but I realized this much right away:
I have given my heart and life to God; accepted His gift of salvation by trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. This much I know; I am His. In case I didn't get it, though, He reaffirms four times over that I am His; I belong to Him. As a Christian I have become part of a (1) chosen people, (2) a royal priesthood, (3) a holy nation, and (4) a people belonging to God. It doesn't stop there, though. He also wants me to know that I am to declare His praises; He who has "called me out of darkness and into His marvelous light." This is not only my calling to sing His praises on the worship team; it is much more than that. It is the "everyday me," the "day in, day out, going to work and school me." Do I let His light shine through me? Am I reflecting His love to the people I encounter, or am I keeping it all inside? I have just been made aware again that I am salt and light; a representative of Jesus to people who are lost and hurting. I have to admit that I have not done a very good job of this lately.
I AM NO LONGER IN DARKNESS! Praise God! He has rescued me, and I have to tell the world. I have a new fire inside me to journal; to share what He does for me; to encourage whenever I can. I know this is also a calling; the inclination to write everything down; to keep a journal. I don't have the right to keep His blessings to myself. The journaling has been sketchy for the last year or so; I had effectively set it aside. In the hurry and busyness of everyday life, I allowed it to get squeezed out of my life. I thought I had lost the ability to express my heart and God's goodness and faithfulness through the written word.
But I found it. And I just picked it back up.
Be blessed, my friends!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Old is Gone...
It is always amazing to me when I happen upon an element of my former life, something I used to enjoy; some aspect of my life before I accepted Christ as my Savior in 1994. I think sometimes the Lord lets us forget what we were like so that we can really see the change that He has brought about. I can take absolutely no credit for the change whatsoever. It's all God. He has been at work in me all these years, and I had been feeling a little inadequate lately, somewhat of a failure. He just let me see that I am not where I used to be, and I was encouraged. As Joyce Meyer says, "I'm not where I want to be, but praise God I'm not where I used to be." Thank God!
"...if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 1 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV).
"...if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 1 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV).
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
And so I begin...
I have journaled my whole life. When I was a kid, it was one of those little diaries with a key. What little girl hasn't written in a diary at some point in her childhood? I have always felt the need to record my thoughts and feelings, keep an account of the events in my life. I found out after my mom died that she was also a journaler. I never knew that; if I had known it, I would have bought her a journal and she could have written all about her life. As it was, I found scraps of paper all over her house after she died. I saved all of them. Someday I will organize them into a journal of sorts.
I wrote in a spirial notebook during the early years of my marriage. I kept an account of my pregnancy with my first-born, but I got busy and quit writing for a long time. When I picked it back up again, it was to vent about the misery I found myself in. My marriage was in deep trouble, and I was constanly unhappy. As a result, the entries became caustic and full of venom and hate. After the divorce in 1997, I burned this journal in a friend's fireplace. It was the only way to get rid of the constant reminder of the unhappiness of those years. If I had written about the good times, I would have saved that part, but I only wrote to complain and rage about what was making me unhappy.
When I gave my heart to Jesus in 1994, a miraculous change took place in my heart. I found that God was always speaking to me, and I recorded these words in a small spiral notebook which I called My Spiritual Journal. The first entry was October 31, 1994, the day I got saved. For several years I wrote in My Spiritual Journal, so much that there are 3 volumes, all in the same size little spiral notebook.
After the 3rd volume, I decided to get a nicer journal; something actually meant for journaling. I have quite a few of these; even up through the present time. I currently still write in my handwritten journal, a practice that is a dying art in this era of laptop computers and online journals. I have decided that when I have filled up the current journal, I will do my journaling on the computer. It's a heart-wrenching decision, but it's just easier. I am much more prone to record my thoughts these days if I can just type it.
So, all that being said, let the online journaling officially begin. I intend to record some "archives;" some journal entries from several years back in order to try and lay the groundwork for this work and give it some background.
Until next time. =)
I wrote in a spirial notebook during the early years of my marriage. I kept an account of my pregnancy with my first-born, but I got busy and quit writing for a long time. When I picked it back up again, it was to vent about the misery I found myself in. My marriage was in deep trouble, and I was constanly unhappy. As a result, the entries became caustic and full of venom and hate. After the divorce in 1997, I burned this journal in a friend's fireplace. It was the only way to get rid of the constant reminder of the unhappiness of those years. If I had written about the good times, I would have saved that part, but I only wrote to complain and rage about what was making me unhappy.
When I gave my heart to Jesus in 1994, a miraculous change took place in my heart. I found that God was always speaking to me, and I recorded these words in a small spiral notebook which I called My Spiritual Journal. The first entry was October 31, 1994, the day I got saved. For several years I wrote in My Spiritual Journal, so much that there are 3 volumes, all in the same size little spiral notebook.
After the 3rd volume, I decided to get a nicer journal; something actually meant for journaling. I have quite a few of these; even up through the present time. I currently still write in my handwritten journal, a practice that is a dying art in this era of laptop computers and online journals. I have decided that when I have filled up the current journal, I will do my journaling on the computer. It's a heart-wrenching decision, but it's just easier. I am much more prone to record my thoughts these days if I can just type it.
So, all that being said, let the online journaling officially begin. I intend to record some "archives;" some journal entries from several years back in order to try and lay the groundwork for this work and give it some background.
Until next time. =)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
why worry?
From a Dec. 2007 journal entry:
Sometimes fear still sticks its ugly head up and sneers at me. I'll bet if you're honest, it does it to you, too. The kind of fear I'm talking about is defined by Merriam-Webster as "to be afraid or apprehensive." Yes, I do get afraid of just being alone sometimes, but that's not what I'm feeling now. I am talking about anxiety and apprehension over the future. Sometimes it's a little scary being on your own. There is no one to sit beside me in the evening to say, "You can do it—you're going to be alright." Or IS there.....?
Yes! As a matter of fact, there is Someone who never leaves me. He is there when I am down; He is there when I am up. He is always there because He promised He would be. I'm talking about my best friend, Jesus. He is as close as the mention of His name. Whisper "Jesus." He is right there, leaning toward you, ready to listen to whatever you have to say.
Over the last 10 years, He has become so precious to me. Even though divorce is a wicked thing, it has brought me so much closer to the Lord. Because I found myself alone most of the time, I had to learn to run to Him for my every need. Sometimes He has provided a friend to listen, advise, or just cry with me, and sometimes it's just Him and me. He always knows best which I need, and I have learned to leave that up to Him.
Like tonight. Finals week can be daunting, and that's where we came in: fear. Yes, I'll admit, I was feeling a little fearful earlier. I went to the Lord and asked Him to guide me and relieve me of fear. He reminded me in Isaiah 45:2, "I'll go ahead of you, clearing and paving the road. I'll break down bronze city gates, smash padlocks, kick down barred entrances." (The Message) He also reminded me:
"you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared."
Proverbs 3:23-26 (NIV)
That pretty much covers it! He is going before me and preparing the way, so I don't need to worry about the future. He is protecting my every step, and even guarantees that I will even sleep in safety. He has thought of everything!
So, why should I worry? I shouldn't—and neither should you. Give it to Jesus, my friend. He is waiting for you, and He loves you.
Sometimes fear still sticks its ugly head up and sneers at me. I'll bet if you're honest, it does it to you, too. The kind of fear I'm talking about is defined by Merriam-Webster as "to be afraid or apprehensive." Yes, I do get afraid of just being alone sometimes, but that's not what I'm feeling now. I am talking about anxiety and apprehension over the future. Sometimes it's a little scary being on your own. There is no one to sit beside me in the evening to say, "You can do it—you're going to be alright." Or IS there.....?
Yes! As a matter of fact, there is Someone who never leaves me. He is there when I am down; He is there when I am up. He is always there because He promised He would be. I'm talking about my best friend, Jesus. He is as close as the mention of His name. Whisper "Jesus." He is right there, leaning toward you, ready to listen to whatever you have to say.
Over the last 10 years, He has become so precious to me. Even though divorce is a wicked thing, it has brought me so much closer to the Lord. Because I found myself alone most of the time, I had to learn to run to Him for my every need. Sometimes He has provided a friend to listen, advise, or just cry with me, and sometimes it's just Him and me. He always knows best which I need, and I have learned to leave that up to Him.
Like tonight. Finals week can be daunting, and that's where we came in: fear. Yes, I'll admit, I was feeling a little fearful earlier. I went to the Lord and asked Him to guide me and relieve me of fear. He reminded me in Isaiah 45:2, "I'll go ahead of you, clearing and paving the road. I'll break down bronze city gates, smash padlocks, kick down barred entrances." (The Message) He also reminded me:
"you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared."
Proverbs 3:23-26 (NIV)
That pretty much covers it! He is going before me and preparing the way, so I don't need to worry about the future. He is protecting my every step, and even guarantees that I will even sleep in safety. He has thought of everything!
So, why should I worry? I shouldn't—and neither should you. Give it to Jesus, my friend. He is waiting for you, and He loves you.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Reflections on rejection
In Isaiah 65, “I permitted Myself to be sought by those who did not ask for Me; I permitted Myself to be found by those who did not seek Me. I said ‘Here am I, here am I,’ to a nation which did not call on My name.”
When I read this, it struck me that it is GOD talking. The following analogy came to me:
He showed up uninvited, like a child who bounced up onto the porch of a “friend,” all excited saying “I’m here!” But to his dismay, he finds out all those he loves are inside, having a party without him. Having no guile in his heart, he was glad to see them, thinking it would be mutual, that they would be glad to see him, too. His thoughts of a fun and happy time with his friends are dashed as the realization that he was not wanted there, not sought. They didn’t even know he was anywhere near as they had a great time. It had never occurred to them to invite him in to join with them in a merry time. One glance in the window caused his heart to break. Dejected, rejected, and unwanted, he turned and walked away slowly.
This is a silly little story, but it all flooded into focus inside me when I read this passage. It broke my heart for my wonderful, loving Father who only wants to love and bless his creation.
When I read this, it struck me that it is GOD talking. The following analogy came to me:
He showed up uninvited, like a child who bounced up onto the porch of a “friend,” all excited saying “I’m here!” But to his dismay, he finds out all those he loves are inside, having a party without him. Having no guile in his heart, he was glad to see them, thinking it would be mutual, that they would be glad to see him, too. His thoughts of a fun and happy time with his friends are dashed as the realization that he was not wanted there, not sought. They didn’t even know he was anywhere near as they had a great time. It had never occurred to them to invite him in to join with them in a merry time. One glance in the window caused his heart to break. Dejected, rejected, and unwanted, he turned and walked away slowly.
This is a silly little story, but it all flooded into focus inside me when I read this passage. It broke my heart for my wonderful, loving Father who only wants to love and bless his creation.
Friday, July 3, 2009
field of rocks
Sometimes life can be like being in a field with a lot of sharp rocks. We keep stepping on them—they’re kind of like gravel, too numerous to be avoided. We keep on walking through this field, not properly shod with the "preparation of the gospel of peace" as we are told to do in Ephesians 6. After a while, we become focused on our pain instead of Him. Pain that could have been avoided or at least diminished had we followed all the instructions about putting on our armor.
If we take the time to look up, we will see Jesus, standing in the field and reaching down to take our hand. Of course, by this time we have become completely focused on the pain caused by our poor cut and bleeding feet. How could God have led us into this painful place? Can't He see what it is doing to us? If we just pause and listen, we will hear Him speaking to us. We must stop and listen. He has words of life.
He is saying “Hold on to Me, for I will make those very things that cause you pain to help you. I will cause them to create a step on which you will step to go to higher places.”
The very things now hurting us will eventually allow a way out of the pain. God will bind up our wounds; He promised. What satan means for evil will be used for our good and God’s glory. What wonderful news this is to us!
"I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40:1,2
If we take the time to look up, we will see Jesus, standing in the field and reaching down to take our hand. Of course, by this time we have become completely focused on the pain caused by our poor cut and bleeding feet. How could God have led us into this painful place? Can't He see what it is doing to us? If we just pause and listen, we will hear Him speaking to us. We must stop and listen. He has words of life.
He is saying “Hold on to Me, for I will make those very things that cause you pain to help you. I will cause them to create a step on which you will step to go to higher places.”
The very things now hurting us will eventually allow a way out of the pain. God will bind up our wounds; He promised. What satan means for evil will be used for our good and God’s glory. What wonderful news this is to us!
"I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40:1,2
Thursday, July 2, 2009
walking by faith
This is a blog I posted in Sept 2007, but it is timeless, because it is truth from the Word:
Sometimes a walk of faith is literally one step at a time. From one side of the room to the other. Breathing in and breathing out. Going to bed and knowing that "I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me." (Psalm 3:5)
Ok. So the devil is mad because I have decided to believe what God says instead of what he says. I'm not even going to give him a place for a foothold by mentioning what was wrong. I will just say this:
I am "healed by the stripes of Jesus" (1 Peter 2:24).
I am "redeemed from the curse of the law." (Galatians 3:13)
I am "not moved by what I see." (2 Corinthians 4:18)
I am "walking by faith and not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7)
and
I am "exercising my authority over the enemy." (Luke 10:19)
In Jesus' name.
Amen!
Sometimes a walk of faith is literally one step at a time. From one side of the room to the other. Breathing in and breathing out. Going to bed and knowing that "I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me." (Psalm 3:5)
Ok. So the devil is mad because I have decided to believe what God says instead of what he says. I'm not even going to give him a place for a foothold by mentioning what was wrong. I will just say this:
I am "healed by the stripes of Jesus" (1 Peter 2:24).
I am "redeemed from the curse of the law." (Galatians 3:13)
I am "not moved by what I see." (2 Corinthians 4:18)
I am "walking by faith and not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7)
and
I am "exercising my authority over the enemy." (Luke 10:19)
In Jesus' name.
Amen!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)