"Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet.
Truth, righteousness,peace, faith and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life.
God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."
Ephesians 6:13-18 The Message
"Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean,
Scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life.
Tune me in to foot-tapping songs,
Set these once-broken bones to dancing,
Don't look too close for blemishes,
Give me a clean bill of health,
God, make a fresh start in me,
Shape a Genesis-week from the chaos of my life."
Psalm 51:7-10 The Message
Some battles I am facing feel like I am David, young and ill-equipped, taking on the monster Goliath backed by all his well-armed troops. I love food, and as the wife/mom/chief cook at home, it seems I am always in the kitchen, planning meals or preparing them. Sometimes all three meals for the day at once,at around 6:30 am! I also love to cook and bake and according to my fan club, have some talents in this area. It is a blessing, but also at times a curse...the temptation to eat too much, or make less than healthy choices, or snack when I shouldn't, or nibble as I make meals, is just too much. Especially when, though I don't own a scale, my measuring tape says my health is at risk. It is so easy to rationalize and justify my choices, I certainly need David's firm conviction that the Lord can and will overcome any battle before us. You will no doubt hear more on this topic as I read Lysa TerKeurst's "Made To Crave", and struggle through the self-reflection questions...it is rare that I find a book I don't want to read, but here is one I have been avoiding, and am reading in a painfully slow manner, because of the battle.
Another battle is discouraging me, as my church and prayer group community are both facing struggles and dissention. Neither are presently a place I am enjoying, though I am trying to "keep the faith" and struggle through. I am praying that the Lord will give me the weapons I need to protect myself...His Word and prayer, especially praise, have been keeping me going when I feel like giving up the fight. My hope and prayer for both communities is that God will soak us in His Spirit and scrub us clean, and set our feet, heart (and dry bones!) to dancing as His presence fills us with new life and growth.
God, make a fresh start in me, and make a fresh start in my church and prayer group. Shape a Genesis-week from the chaos of my life, and our community life. Blow the Holy wind and flame of your Spirit upon us all, that will cleanse us, renew us and rekindle the fire of Your love in us all. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Searching for the Breath of Life Amidst Dry Bones
"God's Spirit took me up and set me down in the middle of an open plain strewn with bones..."
"God, the Master, told the dry bones, "Watch this: I'm bringing the breath of life to you and you'll come to life."
Ezekiel 37:1,5 The Message
I have been walking through a desert of faith lately. It's not entirely unpleasant, really. The warmth and sun of my busy daily life at work and at home, have been good companions, even if the air's a little dry.My prayer life and church life have kept on keeping on, and like the cactus plants are drawing water and nourishment from faith carefully stored there during the last season of growth. There is little to complain about and much to give thanks for in the midst of this sunny open plain. But the scenery gets a bit dull and not much changes from day to day...not to mention it's difficult to grow a lush garden of the Spirit's fruit in this environment. It's no wonder all those dried up bones are strewn all over my path.
When I yearn for growth or for the feeling of closeness in my walk with Jesus, I am always reminded of Mother Theresa. It was an eye opener for me when I read her biography. She spent much of her life feeling that Jesus was hiding his presence from her, leaving her in a valley of shadows. Yet this woman of incredible faith continued on her path, trusted in Him and worked tirelessly for Him. She took those dry bones and let God breathe new life into them...though she didn't "feel" the new life most of the time, they danced with love and wept with compassion and cared for all.
Jesus, my friend and my Saviour, breathe new life into these dry bones of faith. May I walk in your path no matter where it leads me: open plains, majestic mountaintops and valleys of shadow. Let your Spirit breathe new life into me, so that I may come to life...life to the fullest...a life to enjoy and in which I will bear much fruit for You. Amen.
"God, the Master, told the dry bones, "Watch this: I'm bringing the breath of life to you and you'll come to life."
Ezekiel 37:1,5 The Message
I have been walking through a desert of faith lately. It's not entirely unpleasant, really. The warmth and sun of my busy daily life at work and at home, have been good companions, even if the air's a little dry.My prayer life and church life have kept on keeping on, and like the cactus plants are drawing water and nourishment from faith carefully stored there during the last season of growth. There is little to complain about and much to give thanks for in the midst of this sunny open plain. But the scenery gets a bit dull and not much changes from day to day...not to mention it's difficult to grow a lush garden of the Spirit's fruit in this environment. It's no wonder all those dried up bones are strewn all over my path.
When I yearn for growth or for the feeling of closeness in my walk with Jesus, I am always reminded of Mother Theresa. It was an eye opener for me when I read her biography. She spent much of her life feeling that Jesus was hiding his presence from her, leaving her in a valley of shadows. Yet this woman of incredible faith continued on her path, trusted in Him and worked tirelessly for Him. She took those dry bones and let God breathe new life into them...though she didn't "feel" the new life most of the time, they danced with love and wept with compassion and cared for all.
Jesus, my friend and my Saviour, breathe new life into these dry bones of faith. May I walk in your path no matter where it leads me: open plains, majestic mountaintops and valleys of shadow. Let your Spirit breathe new life into me, so that I may come to life...life to the fullest...a life to enjoy and in which I will bear much fruit for You. Amen.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
ENJOY - Living Life to the Fullest
"I (Jesus) came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." John 10:10 MSG
"My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." John 10:10 NLT
"I came to give life - life in all it's fullness." John 10:10 NCV
Rather than choosing a New Year's resolution, I have been meditating on choosing a word that I hope to live out this year, and a Word of God to give meaning to the New Year. It's not that I couldn't use a kick in the pants with regards to my (non-existent) exercise routine or my (too-many-sweets-and-low-on-veggies) diet. I just have too much experience in unfulfilled New Year's resolutions to go back there. It seemed to make more sense to me to give the year some direction from God - He has more power to fulfill this Word than I have willpower!
I have chosen ENJOY for the word of the year, accompanied by John 10:10.One
of the things that drew me to this word was the JOY in it...although I am no word expert, it seems to me to say, live life with joy, in joy. This is a concept that would have seemed impossible to me in my 20's and early 30's, as I crossed through depression and travelled in the depths of despair of a floundering marriage. And joy was not encouraged as I grew up, either. As I spend time in God's Word asking His healing, I realize that we have a daily choice - we can enjoy our time here and our experiences to the best of our abilities, or we can choose to be miserable. Joy according to God, does not mean an absence of sadness or trouble. It means, no matter what the circumstance (Romans 8:28) we trust He is working for our good.
It means that He helps us to seek the good, the fun, the happiness and the joy in each little moment...if we choose to. As I attended my uncle's funeral this weekend, I was reminded that life is all too short, and that every moment must be savored...for we never know when we will be called home to God.
John 10:10 is a promise I am going to hold fast to this year. Jesus came that we might have a rich and satisfying life, a better life than we could ever dream of. This year I will be on a journey towards that life....as He guides me on His paths and in His direction...towards life in all it's fullness. Will you join me?
Lord Jesus, you came to this earth to bring a new richness and fullness to our lives. Help us to open our hearts to enjoying our lives, no matter what our circumstances may be. Help us to find enjoyment in the small things, to
plan joy in larger ways, and to live our lives to it's fullest. Help us to live out your Word with the help of the Holy Spirit. Amen
"My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." John 10:10 NLT
"I came to give life - life in all it's fullness." John 10:10 NCV
Rather than choosing a New Year's resolution, I have been meditating on choosing a word that I hope to live out this year, and a Word of God to give meaning to the New Year. It's not that I couldn't use a kick in the pants with regards to my (non-existent) exercise routine or my (too-many-sweets-and-low-on-veggies) diet. I just have too much experience in unfulfilled New Year's resolutions to go back there. It seemed to make more sense to me to give the year some direction from God - He has more power to fulfill this Word than I have willpower!
I have chosen ENJOY for the word of the year, accompanied by John 10:10.One
of the things that drew me to this word was the JOY in it...although I am no word expert, it seems to me to say, live life with joy, in joy. This is a concept that would have seemed impossible to me in my 20's and early 30's, as I crossed through depression and travelled in the depths of despair of a floundering marriage. And joy was not encouraged as I grew up, either. As I spend time in God's Word asking His healing, I realize that we have a daily choice - we can enjoy our time here and our experiences to the best of our abilities, or we can choose to be miserable. Joy according to God, does not mean an absence of sadness or trouble. It means, no matter what the circumstance (Romans 8:28) we trust He is working for our good.
It means that He helps us to seek the good, the fun, the happiness and the joy in each little moment...if we choose to. As I attended my uncle's funeral this weekend, I was reminded that life is all too short, and that every moment must be savored...for we never know when we will be called home to God.
John 10:10 is a promise I am going to hold fast to this year. Jesus came that we might have a rich and satisfying life, a better life than we could ever dream of. This year I will be on a journey towards that life....as He guides me on His paths and in His direction...towards life in all it's fullness. Will you join me?
Lord Jesus, you came to this earth to bring a new richness and fullness to our lives. Help us to open our hearts to enjoying our lives, no matter what our circumstances may be. Help us to find enjoyment in the small things, to
plan joy in larger ways, and to live our lives to it's fullest. Help us to live out your Word with the help of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Heart Pondering
"But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart."
Luke 2:19
It struck me today what a tremendous leap of faith it is to believe in the cornerstones of our faith. When we add up virgin births, shepherds seeing angels, wise men following stars and a baby as the Saviour of the world, none of it is logical, rational or simple. It is no wonder that non-believers think we are foolish. Yet, we who believe ponder these things in our hearts, and somehow make a leap of faith. When we dwell on the events of the past and the lessons in the Word, we find a truth that settles into peace in our hearts.
Mary had many things to ponder in her heart during the first Christmas, and for many years to come. I hope I can learn from her example: instead of responding too quickly, or jumping to the first thought that comes into my head, I hope I can show some of the patience and wisdom that Mary had. She took in the events or the words people shared with her, and treasured them, turning them over in her mind and heart. Praying over these bits of treasure before she took action. Each part of her life was filled with wonder, and stored up as treaure in her heart.
Mary, fill our hearts with wonder and faith as you lead us to your Son Jesus. Help us to treasure each moment of of our lives, and to carefully ponder things in our hearts before we continue on the journey your Son has chosen for us. Let your son Jesus be our guiding star and light our lives with His wisdom and love. Amen
Luke 2:19
It struck me today what a tremendous leap of faith it is to believe in the cornerstones of our faith. When we add up virgin births, shepherds seeing angels, wise men following stars and a baby as the Saviour of the world, none of it is logical, rational or simple. It is no wonder that non-believers think we are foolish. Yet, we who believe ponder these things in our hearts, and somehow make a leap of faith. When we dwell on the events of the past and the lessons in the Word, we find a truth that settles into peace in our hearts.
Mary had many things to ponder in her heart during the first Christmas, and for many years to come. I hope I can learn from her example: instead of responding too quickly, or jumping to the first thought that comes into my head, I hope I can show some of the patience and wisdom that Mary had. She took in the events or the words people shared with her, and treasured them, turning them over in her mind and heart. Praying over these bits of treasure before she took action. Each part of her life was filled with wonder, and stored up as treaure in her heart.
Mary, fill our hearts with wonder and faith as you lead us to your Son Jesus. Help us to treasure each moment of of our lives, and to carefully ponder things in our hearts before we continue on the journey your Son has chosen for us. Let your son Jesus be our guiding star and light our lives with His wisdom and love. Amen
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