"Change is good." Have you heard that before? Do you ever try to convince yourself of that when you are going through a big change? "Change is inevitable." Another popular thing to hear, and basically it is true. "Things change", some for the good and some for the not so good, depending on how you look at it. Some people love change. Some people detest it. I am in the middle I suppose. I am comfortable when I get in a routine, but I know there will always be a wrench thrown in the plan that I wasn't expecting. How do we handle change?
I was just having a discussion today with a friend regarding changes in churches. From traditional to contemporary, and even the combination of the two, churches are changing. I, myself, am a very old fashioned girl. I still read and quote the KJV. I do study other versions, but the KJV is what I grew up with; it is what I know! I love old hymns. I sing them all day long in my head or hum them to calm myself down. They are comforting and speak to my heart; there again, it is what I know.
I used to never think about looking at another version of the Bible until I joined a Bible study in college. I was the only girl with a KJV. So, my mother, very surprisingly, went and bought me a NKJV! My dad was not happy, but He made sure the word "virgin" was still used and then he wasn't as upset (No offense to the NIV users, he just wasn't keen on them switching to "young woman" for Mary). We now do have an NIV and ESV in our collection of study materials, but one change I cannot make is always referring back to my KJV.
I used to not be a fan of contemporary Christian music, but that did change, and I do love a lot of it now. Francesca Battistelli's "This is the Stuff" is my theme song and can make me smile in the worst of situations. So even though I love my hymns, I have learned to absolutely love a lot of Christian bands and singers that my parents or my in-laws probably would not like to change to.
A lot of churches do have 2 services these days. One focused on the older generation and traditional, and one for the younger more contemporary group. I never really thought the idea of that appealed to me, but lately I have felt the Lord reminding me that He loves all of us. It was a huge change when Jesus started His ministry. He basically told the Jewish community to throw everything out the window that they had grown up with. He was the New Way and the Only Way. Some chose to believe and accept the change, while others refused to acknowledge who He was. He was the Ultimate Change and One that without we would not have a mansion to look forward to.
Today's Verse
Deut 5:33 "Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you,..."
Are you in a church where you feel comfortable? Are they a Bible teaching, nothing added and nothing taken away, church. My meaning, there is no extra things to follow or do besides what the Bible tells us to do, what God has "commanded" us to "walk in all the ways". And nothing is left out of the Bible teachings. Like there is nothing omitted from the Bible with the example of Hell. Some churches today refuse to acknowledge the place exists, but it does! That is not a change that is acceptable! Nothing is to be added or taken away - Rev 22:18-19!
Do you need a change? Do you need to be a little more open minded or maybe a little more conservative?
There is so much more to get into with the topic of change and especially change in the church, I think we will finish our thought and discussion tomorrow!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Sleep Sleep Sleep
I am tired. I need to sleep more. I refuse to go to bed earlier. It is not that I am doing important, life changing things, I just stay up way past my bedtime. I need to get in the bed earlier for my family, my health, and also to resist the devil. When I am tired, I can get cranky and that can lead to sin in the form of anger and bad attitudes.
Sleep is especially hard to come by when my other half is in another state. When he travels I am not only gripped with sadness, but fear seems to appear right before bed. If I let my mind get away with me, I can think of so many horrible things that could happen. If I am honest, I say I am letting my kids sleep with me because they miss Daddy, but I really want them with me. I want us to pile up in the bed and lock the bedroom door!
I spoke of the Book of Psalms yesterday and the verses that can help us with sadness. There are also so many that can help us deal with fear. Fear can grip us at any time about so many things! We could fear every step we make if we give in to the deceiver. He can make us fear anything. It can rob us from rest, it can rob us from peace, and it can rob us serving the One that provides relief from all our fears. We know to fear God, but not man (Ps 56:4 and 118:6)
Today's Verse
"I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. Ps 4:8
That verse can put me to sleep when my girls and I are home alone. It can put me to sleep when I am thinking about everything that is going on around me and fear grips me. It can put me to sleep when I think about the state of our world and when so many thoughts and worries come at me from all sides. It became my ultimate verse when I was pregnant for the second time and was dreading the scheduled C-section. I had no fears with my first child, but knowing I was going to have to have the surgery with my second paralyzed my with fear to the point of no sleep. This verse was my life line and sent from God above to coax me to sleep.
Use it today. Sleep in peace no matter your circumstances. Sleep in peace wherever you are. Sleep in peace and put the worries that can creep up at you in the night far behind you. Sleep Sleep Sleep in peace!
Sleep is especially hard to come by when my other half is in another state. When he travels I am not only gripped with sadness, but fear seems to appear right before bed. If I let my mind get away with me, I can think of so many horrible things that could happen. If I am honest, I say I am letting my kids sleep with me because they miss Daddy, but I really want them with me. I want us to pile up in the bed and lock the bedroom door!
I spoke of the Book of Psalms yesterday and the verses that can help us with sadness. There are also so many that can help us deal with fear. Fear can grip us at any time about so many things! We could fear every step we make if we give in to the deceiver. He can make us fear anything. It can rob us from rest, it can rob us from peace, and it can rob us serving the One that provides relief from all our fears. We know to fear God, but not man (Ps 56:4 and 118:6)
Today's Verse
"I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. Ps 4:8
That verse can put me to sleep when my girls and I are home alone. It can put me to sleep when I am thinking about everything that is going on around me and fear grips me. It can put me to sleep when I think about the state of our world and when so many thoughts and worries come at me from all sides. It became my ultimate verse when I was pregnant for the second time and was dreading the scheduled C-section. I had no fears with my first child, but knowing I was going to have to have the surgery with my second paralyzed my with fear to the point of no sleep. This verse was my life line and sent from God above to coax me to sleep.
Use it today. Sleep in peace no matter your circumstances. Sleep in peace wherever you are. Sleep in peace and put the worries that can creep up at you in the night far behind you. Sleep Sleep Sleep in peace!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Lift Me Up
I had no idea that as I read a devotion about sadness to my girls, that I would be hit by sadness later in the afternoon. We talked on how it is ok to feel sad. We talked about reasons we felt sad. But, we also talked about how there is a rainbow after a rainy day, the chances to make lemonade with lemons, and turning your frown upside down. My example of a time I feel sad is when Daddy has to travel. I talked about how blessed we were because he had not had to leave lately. Little did I know he would be leaving in two days (today), very unexpectedly. Little did I know I would be feeling that empty feeling that comes with the traveling. (I am not trying to make you feel bad honey! XOXOXO) It is a sinking feeling when he is away. A nervousness that is unlike any other anxious feeling. It is just plain sadness knowing I will be facing life here in NC without my other half while he is a few states away.
But, we know we have a Friend with us always. We know we have someone we can lean on constantly. We know we can cry out in our sadness and He will hear us. Isn't it a relief to say "we know". It's never a maybe He is listening, maybe He can help me, it is a FIRM "we KNOW"!
The Book of Psalms is full of great verses that speaks to my heart, especially when I am down. David was a man after God's heart, yet he experienced sadness. He speaks candidly about feeling down and even refers to being in "the pit", but his praises to the Heavenly Father always raised him up. Ps 30:1 says "I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up..." and later in verse 11 we read "Thou hast turned my mourning into dancing..."
Verse for Today
Ps 73:23 "Nervertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hands."
Although David is not listed as the author of this Psalms, it is still someone who was having a down time and clearly needing answers to some questions. The author, at the end of the chapter, acknowledges who is in control. We are always our Lord's child, and He does hold our hand through the rough times. Even when we are as deflated as a popped balloon, He is there to take away our sadness in His timing. No matter the circumstances, we can know He will show us a spot of joy even through the sadness. Yes, I am going to miss my husband dearly, but maybe I will get to work on my scrapbooking and paint my toenails, that's my glimmer of joy! ; ) And, I know he is safe in God's hands while he is away!
But, we know we have a Friend with us always. We know we have someone we can lean on constantly. We know we can cry out in our sadness and He will hear us. Isn't it a relief to say "we know". It's never a maybe He is listening, maybe He can help me, it is a FIRM "we KNOW"!
The Book of Psalms is full of great verses that speaks to my heart, especially when I am down. David was a man after God's heart, yet he experienced sadness. He speaks candidly about feeling down and even refers to being in "the pit", but his praises to the Heavenly Father always raised him up. Ps 30:1 says "I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up..." and later in verse 11 we read "Thou hast turned my mourning into dancing..."
Verse for Today
Ps 73:23 "Nervertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hands."
Although David is not listed as the author of this Psalms, it is still someone who was having a down time and clearly needing answers to some questions. The author, at the end of the chapter, acknowledges who is in control. We are always our Lord's child, and He does hold our hand through the rough times. Even when we are as deflated as a popped balloon, He is there to take away our sadness in His timing. No matter the circumstances, we can know He will show us a spot of joy even through the sadness. Yes, I am going to miss my husband dearly, but maybe I will get to work on my scrapbooking and paint my toenails, that's my glimmer of joy! ; ) And, I know he is safe in God's hands while he is away!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
A Whisper of Encouragement
Do you ever need encouragement? We all do. We need to know there is someone there thinking about us, praying for us, and even fighting for us. When I wrote on serving our Lord, I talked on not doing it for pats on the back. But, there are those times when a pat is what we need to stay in service in the ministry. There have been times I have wanted to quit everything at once and walk away from our small church. So many times, that I am ashamed thinking about it. But, there was always an encouraging word from some unexpected person just when I needed it that kept me going for a little longer.
This weekend we had a Carnival at our church. At 5 minutes until it was time to start, we had about 20 workers and 5 children. I went to a room and prayed and begged that more would come. I had a moment where a dart of doubt was thrown and I thought, "this is it, I will never plan anything else ever again". But, my pastor's wife came to me with that encouraging word out of nowhere. She told me if only our kids were there, they would feel special knowing they had a church that loved them. I needed that. And just for an FYI, we had close to 70 people before the day was over! Thank you Lord!
In Deuteronomy there is a verse where Moses is going to be handing things over to Joshua. He is putting him in command. In chapter 3 verse 28 we read "But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him:" Moses was to be an encouragement to Joshua. With that encouragement, strength was also going to be provided. Strength to carry out the huge task. Strength to lead God's people. Encouragement and strength is always needed to carry out the plans God has for us!
Verse for Today
Ps 147:3 "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds (or sorrows)."
Do you know someone who could use an encouraging word today? God can use you to speak words that just might help heal a broken heart. I was reading a story on suicide in the Focus on the Family magazine today. It breaks my heart to think someone is so discouraged to take their on life. Is there someone you know that needs to be uplifted? Maybe they are not on the brink of something so tragic, but they are down. We are all hurting or in need of some sort of answer from God. We all have an unspoken request that we are praying to be answered. Ask God to lay upon our hearts someone we can be that encouraging word to today! Someone who needs a call, a hug, or a card with a verse or whisper of encouragement. He can certainly do anything, so lets ask to be an encouragement to someone today!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Working for Him
I am sitting at a desk. Well, if you saw it, you might not consider it a desk. It is on wheels and has about a
2 ft. x 2 ft. working space. It is just enough for my laptop and a stapler and book (a small book might I add). But, it is a desk and right now it is all we have. I very seldom sit here. I am more comfortable just working on the bed, the couch, the kitchen table, really anywhere but here. Today I had to print some things and this is where I come for that, so why not use my $10 office chair every now and again.
I say this because I am thinking of all the places we can serve God. In our homes, no matter the size, on the missions field, no matter the place, in our church, no matter the number of members, wherever the Lord leads us to work for Him, we work. We do it for Him. We labor for Him. We plan for Him. We sacrifice a little because He sacrificed it ALL.
Today's Verse
2 Tim 2:24 "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient"
I am uncomfortable here at this tiny work station, but it is not even a drop in the bucket, not even a speck on a speck, compared to what He has done. So I work; I type; I enter numbers for the church tithing records; I plan a carnival for our little church kids. I do it for Him. I am patient, knowing if He has bigger plans that this small desk, He will show them to me in His time. The devil tries to make me believe I am not good enough or I do it for the wrong reasons. But, I resist his lies and pray for peace and ideas and a confident heart. I work for Him.
Col 3:23 tells me "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
I do not do it for pats on the back (not saying that isn't nice). I do not do it to stay busy (I am plenty busy without it). I am doing this because He has called me to. I am doing this because He has blessed me with a love of words, numbers, kids, planning, and places where I can use my gifts. I might not feel worthy. I might not feel appreciated. I might not feel adequate. But, I don't have to. I am working for Him!
2 ft. x 2 ft. working space. It is just enough for my laptop and a stapler and book (a small book might I add). But, it is a desk and right now it is all we have. I very seldom sit here. I am more comfortable just working on the bed, the couch, the kitchen table, really anywhere but here. Today I had to print some things and this is where I come for that, so why not use my $10 office chair every now and again.
I say this because I am thinking of all the places we can serve God. In our homes, no matter the size, on the missions field, no matter the place, in our church, no matter the number of members, wherever the Lord leads us to work for Him, we work. We do it for Him. We labor for Him. We plan for Him. We sacrifice a little because He sacrificed it ALL.
Today's Verse
2 Tim 2:24 "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient"
I am uncomfortable here at this tiny work station, but it is not even a drop in the bucket, not even a speck on a speck, compared to what He has done. So I work; I type; I enter numbers for the church tithing records; I plan a carnival for our little church kids. I do it for Him. I am patient, knowing if He has bigger plans that this small desk, He will show them to me in His time. The devil tries to make me believe I am not good enough or I do it for the wrong reasons. But, I resist his lies and pray for peace and ideas and a confident heart. I work for Him.
Col 3:23 tells me "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
I do not do it for pats on the back (not saying that isn't nice). I do not do it to stay busy (I am plenty busy without it). I am doing this because He has called me to. I am doing this because He has blessed me with a love of words, numbers, kids, planning, and places where I can use my gifts. I might not feel worthy. I might not feel appreciated. I might not feel adequate. But, I don't have to. I am working for Him!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Speaking for Him
My pastor asked the other day if anyone was nervous about witnessing. I shook my head yes and he immediately singled me out and asked why. (I am not mad at my pastor, I'm just telling the story.) Well, the main reason is because I have a fear of speaking and now he was making me speak in front of the congregation (we are a small church at least). I also have a fear of rejection (I know they are not rejecting me but Christ), I am worried they will ask me something and I stumble, or they will just flat out tell me I am stupid.
I want to speak boldly for Christ. I long to speak in front of other without panic attacks (which actually did happen to me in college - hence my huge fear). I love to write, but refuse to tell anyone besides my wonderful husband (I know you are the only one reading this honey which makes me love you even more because you take the time to do so - XOXOXO). I am so scared someone might ask me something about what I have written and I just stand there unable to open my mouth.
I know I should be leaning on my favorite verse that I can do all things through Christ (Phil 3:14) and that my God has not given me a spirit of fear (2 Tim 1:7), but when I think about standing in front of a group and opening my mouth I literally feel like my heart will jump out of my chest.
Verse for today
Phil 1:14 "And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear."
To speak boldly without fear is such not possible without confidence. Not in ourselves, because without Him we are nothing. We have to believe His truths. If we don't speak for Him, and are doing so out of fear, it is like saying we don't believe the Bible. We have to have confidence in Him. Confidence He will give us the words to say, the answers to questions, the love for others, and the ability step out and win souls for Him. Confidence in Him alone. We don't need confidence in ourselves only in the One who provides.
I am usually an old fashioned hymns girl, but I can only think of one song "Give Me Words to Speak" by Aaron Shust.
Calloused and bruised
dazed and confused
My Spirit is left wanting something more
Than my selfish hopes
and my selfish dreams
I'm lying with my face down to the floor
I'm crying out for more (crying out for more)
Chorus:
Give me Words to speak
Don't let my Spirit sleep
Cause I can't think of anything worth saying
But I know that I owe You my life
So give me Words to speak
Don't let my Spirit sleep
Every night, every day
I find that I have nothing left to say
So I stand here in silence awaiting Your guidance
I'm wanting only Your voice to be heard
Let them be Your Words
Let them be Your words
More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmania.com/give_me_words_to_speak_lyrics_aaron_shust.html
All about Aaron Shust: http://www.musictory.com/music/Aaron+Shust
More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmania.com/give_me_words_to_speak_lyrics_aaron_shust.html
All about Aaron Shust: http://www.musictory.com/music/Aaron+Shust
I want to speak boldly for Christ. I long to speak in front of other without panic attacks (which actually did happen to me in college - hence my huge fear). I love to write, but refuse to tell anyone besides my wonderful husband (I know you are the only one reading this honey which makes me love you even more because you take the time to do so - XOXOXO). I am so scared someone might ask me something about what I have written and I just stand there unable to open my mouth.
I know I should be leaning on my favorite verse that I can do all things through Christ (Phil 3:14) and that my God has not given me a spirit of fear (2 Tim 1:7), but when I think about standing in front of a group and opening my mouth I literally feel like my heart will jump out of my chest.
Verse for today
Phil 1:14 "And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear."
To speak boldly without fear is such not possible without confidence. Not in ourselves, because without Him we are nothing. We have to believe His truths. If we don't speak for Him, and are doing so out of fear, it is like saying we don't believe the Bible. We have to have confidence in Him. Confidence He will give us the words to say, the answers to questions, the love for others, and the ability step out and win souls for Him. Confidence in Him alone. We don't need confidence in ourselves only in the One who provides.
I am usually an old fashioned hymns girl, but I can only think of one song "Give Me Words to Speak" by Aaron Shust.
Calloused and bruised
dazed and confused
My Spirit is left wanting something more
Than my selfish hopes
and my selfish dreams
I'm lying with my face down to the floor
I'm crying out for more (crying out for more)
Chorus:
Give me Words to speak
Don't let my Spirit sleep
Cause I can't think of anything worth saying
But I know that I owe You my life
So give me Words to speak
Don't let my Spirit sleep
Every night, every day
I find that I have nothing left to say
So I stand here in silence awaiting Your guidance
I'm wanting only Your voice to be heard
Let them be Your Words
Let them be Your words
More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmania.com/give_me_words_to_speak_lyrics_aaron_shust.html
All about Aaron Shust: http://www.musictory.com/music/Aaron+Shust
More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmania.com/give_me_words_to_speak_lyrics_aaron_shust.html
All about Aaron Shust: http://www.musictory.com/music/Aaron+Shust
Monday, August 1, 2011
Let's Get Ready
So, we did it! Our house if for sale. Yikes! We have the complete attitude that God will move us, when He wants to, where He wants to and only if He wants to. But, I will have to say in all honesty, it is hard not to get a little excited. Especially since we already have our first showing scheduled for Wednesday. We have to get this house picture perfect, or "show ready" as they say in the biz (not that I know the biz, but it sounds so cool). We have been throwing things in the attic, touching up here, moving things there, and the dreaded taking down of my pictures.
I am a picture fanatic. I love photos. I had my daughters picture taken at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, Christmas and then a big 1 year photo. I had to be fair for both girls and have the same thing done for each. We joke saying if God wants us to have more kids, we are going to have to have more walls to hang the pictures on. Realtors do not like for you to have many pictures up. You want the new family to envision themselves there. But, I just can't seem to make myself take down every photo in the whole house. Those are our memories!
As I am thinking about getting our house "show ready" I can't help but think about our lives in this house. What a blessing! I also think about if there are things around this house that the families would see to know we are followers of Christ. Is our actual lives "show ready". Would we be ashamed of anything in our house if it was Jesus coming to view our house? Is there things in our lives we try to hide in the attic so others will not know about them? God knows. He doesn't have to knock on the door, He sees it all. Are we living our lives ready for Him to come and take us home? If the trumpet would sound right now, is there something you would be ashamed of in your home?
I am asking myself these questions too! We know the Lord will come as a "thief in the night" (1 Thess 5:2). We have no way of getting our lives "show ready" right before He returns. We have to stay "show ready". We have to live for Him everyday, not just on Sundays when we go to church and maybe Wednesday nights.
Verse for Today
"Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honor all the day." Ps 71:8
It says "all the day". Not most of the day, or when someone is watching, but "all the day". Please, Heavenly Father help me to keep my life and my heart "show ready" for you and let me "be filled with thy praise...all the day."
You know I love old hymns and so I can't help but think of "Blessed Assurance" when I say "all the day". So below is the lyrics from the chorus.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/308#ixzz1To1DSny6
I am a picture fanatic. I love photos. I had my daughters picture taken at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, Christmas and then a big 1 year photo. I had to be fair for both girls and have the same thing done for each. We joke saying if God wants us to have more kids, we are going to have to have more walls to hang the pictures on. Realtors do not like for you to have many pictures up. You want the new family to envision themselves there. But, I just can't seem to make myself take down every photo in the whole house. Those are our memories!
As I am thinking about getting our house "show ready" I can't help but think about our lives in this house. What a blessing! I also think about if there are things around this house that the families would see to know we are followers of Christ. Is our actual lives "show ready". Would we be ashamed of anything in our house if it was Jesus coming to view our house? Is there things in our lives we try to hide in the attic so others will not know about them? God knows. He doesn't have to knock on the door, He sees it all. Are we living our lives ready for Him to come and take us home? If the trumpet would sound right now, is there something you would be ashamed of in your home?
I am asking myself these questions too! We know the Lord will come as a "thief in the night" (1 Thess 5:2). We have no way of getting our lives "show ready" right before He returns. We have to stay "show ready". We have to live for Him everyday, not just on Sundays when we go to church and maybe Wednesday nights.
Verse for Today
"Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honor all the day." Ps 71:8
It says "all the day". Not most of the day, or when someone is watching, but "all the day". Please, Heavenly Father help me to keep my life and my heart "show ready" for you and let me "be filled with thy praise...all the day."
You know I love old hymns and so I can't help but think of "Blessed Assurance" when I say "all the day". So below is the lyrics from the chorus.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/308#ixzz1To1DSny6
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