Take a minute, or a few minutes during the day and just spend time with Him.
Remember it does not matter the amount of time you spend with Sweet Jesus, it only matter that you spend time with Him. I pray it brings you encouragement to know that there are days that I spend with Sweet Jesus and never open His Word. There are days that we spend time together and I cannot get enough of His Word. I pray that the “I must spend a set amount of time with Jesus or I am not a good Christian” guilt is released from your heart through the structure of this study. I love you my sweet one and am praying over you as you spend time in the midst of these pages.
Just hang out -
Showing posts with label Sticky Notes and Shoes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sticky Notes and Shoes. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
It's time to clean...
I want to look at Hebrews 9:22. Will you join me?
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
The first thought that comes to mind is simple: If I were to clean my bathroom with blood it would create more of a mess, am I right? Just picture it, it’s towards the end of the week, my son is in bed and my hottie of a husband is playing the Wii. It is in these moments that I take time for myself. And I will once again, admit to you and only you that I love to clean, it kind of relaxes me in a strange way.
So I head up to the bathroom and under the sink is my carefully organized cleaning caddy. Complete with everything I should need to clean the bathroom in one foul swoop. There are sparkling white rags, paper towels, glass cleaner, a scrubbing cleaner, a bubbling cleaner that does the scrubbing for me, which I use on my lazy days, and my beloved toilet wand. I must not forget the handy dusters, dusting spray, dusting clothes for the furniture and finally, a toothbrush, just in case something needs more attention than normal. I said from the beginning that I have a few OCD tendencies, and now my sweet friend, you have concrete proof.
I always start with the sinks. Because my husband is in love with the electric razor and I am a woman, we tend to have little bits of hair on the counters and if you ever just get right to it with a little water and a rag, you will notice that all you do is smear the hair all over the place, so a quick dust my beloved duster and we are in business.
Then we move onto a little scrubbing cleaner, a nice bright white cleaning rag and some warm water and we are off, ready to rock and roll. In no time at all, the sinks are done, the counter top is sparkling and we are ready to move onto the bathtub, then the toilet, and finally we finish the grand project with a little glass cleaner on the mirrors, a mop and a bucket of soap and water for the floor and it is like a brand new bathroom. I can do it all in an hour tops, and I might mention that within those sixty minutes, I do leave some room for a little extra attention with the toothbrush, just in case it is needed. It makes me happy just thinking about it, it makes me want to run home, right now, in the middle of the day, and give my bathroom some quick love.
Now, in addition to a sparkling clean bathroom, I love anything that is freshly clean, soft, tenderly warm, right out of the dryer. Clean bed sheets, soft fluffy clean towels or even a clean pair of socks, it just feels right. As long as I have clean socks and underwear, I swear I could go for a few days in the wild. Clean means something to me, it speaks to me, it makes my heart at peace. It sparks something so deep within my soul that I want to obtain that feeling over and over again, hence my getting a little stressed when too much time has gone by between house cleaning weekends.
But if the “law” requires everything to be cleansed with blood, as mentioned in our scripture, the results would be different. It would be a messier process, it would take longer to get the white tub white again, my fluffy towels or beloved bath robe would get a stain or two and the process would not be a meticulously planned and executed routine as outlined above with great attention to detail.
The “cleaning by blood process” would be hard work. Lots of frustration, lots of washing and re-washing. Lots of sparkling white cleaning rags would be ruined. I would at some point want to stop washing and re-washing and just kick the wall out, exposing the bathroom to the world, bring in the hose and turn the water on. I would watch the blood stained water run down the side of the house and down the street.
But then I would be left with a huge hole in the side of our home which I am sure would not be the intended result. As I was thinking about this “cleaning by blood process” I came across another passage, this one from Exekiel 36:32-34.
“‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says:On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt. The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it. They will say, “This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited.” Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the LORD have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.’
This passage can be summed up by one little but BIG word: WORK. The resettling of a town, the rebuilding of ruins, cultivating desolate land, all of which sounds like a lot of work. But we must not over look the promise at the end. “I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.” It could not be more simply put.
Now comes the part where I need to apply the scripture to me and the sticky note I received while enjoying some time in my sparkling clean shower.
It is time to clean house, be washed in the blood, hang it all out there for Him to see, rebuild one’s brokenness, cultivate desolate dreams and resettle the inner soul. But yet, cling to the promise that the work will be done, the rebuilding and restoring will happen and it will be a success. Never the less, it still sounds like a lot of work, am I right? Sometimes I believe the sticky notes the Sweet Jesus leaves me are not always warm, fuzzy, romantic ones. There are some that require work, and some that speak the truth I don’t want to hear. However, all of them bring me to Him, my Sweet Jesus. They all have the same author penning them. They all are personally written for me and only me at the very time I need them. They are hand picked messages from the King to his daughter. And I would want nothing more.
So, exactly what areas need cleaning? Everything. Just like every part of the bathroom needs attention and requires different cleaning supplies, every part of me requires extensive attention to detail and, often times, several different “supplies”. The supplies can be people He has brought into my life to help dig out my dirt, or passages of scripture He has placed on my heart to help in the restoration process.
Or, dare I say it, a conversation with my husband that challenges my wisdom and knowledge of His good word. All of the supplies have one thing in common; they are centered around Him, can be supported by Scripture and are sometimes hard to hear.
The personal process takes longer than the bathroom process but the result is the same. Once deeply cleaned, the bathroom is like new, rebuilt with organized towels stacked neatly in the linen closet. Cultivated, alive, restored by the fresh aroma of lemon scrubbing cleaner and clean air, the items on the counter top are resettled, put back in place and life is good. Well, the same goes for me; my heart is rebuilt, my mind is cultivated with a renewed wisdom and my focus is resettled. But the journey; well it was hard; it took a lot of washing and re-washing. At one point I drug Him right in and watched the blood run right over me, covering me from head to toe. It was bloody, I am blood stained, yet I walk away completely clean. I pray that is the same result for you. I pray over your world as we spend time together, may He mold you, change you and draw you into His arms a little more each day.
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
The first thought that comes to mind is simple: If I were to clean my bathroom with blood it would create more of a mess, am I right? Just picture it, it’s towards the end of the week, my son is in bed and my hottie of a husband is playing the Wii. It is in these moments that I take time for myself. And I will once again, admit to you and only you that I love to clean, it kind of relaxes me in a strange way.
So I head up to the bathroom and under the sink is my carefully organized cleaning caddy. Complete with everything I should need to clean the bathroom in one foul swoop. There are sparkling white rags, paper towels, glass cleaner, a scrubbing cleaner, a bubbling cleaner that does the scrubbing for me, which I use on my lazy days, and my beloved toilet wand. I must not forget the handy dusters, dusting spray, dusting clothes for the furniture and finally, a toothbrush, just in case something needs more attention than normal. I said from the beginning that I have a few OCD tendencies, and now my sweet friend, you have concrete proof.
I always start with the sinks. Because my husband is in love with the electric razor and I am a woman, we tend to have little bits of hair on the counters and if you ever just get right to it with a little water and a rag, you will notice that all you do is smear the hair all over the place, so a quick dust my beloved duster and we are in business.
Then we move onto a little scrubbing cleaner, a nice bright white cleaning rag and some warm water and we are off, ready to rock and roll. In no time at all, the sinks are done, the counter top is sparkling and we are ready to move onto the bathtub, then the toilet, and finally we finish the grand project with a little glass cleaner on the mirrors, a mop and a bucket of soap and water for the floor and it is like a brand new bathroom. I can do it all in an hour tops, and I might mention that within those sixty minutes, I do leave some room for a little extra attention with the toothbrush, just in case it is needed. It makes me happy just thinking about it, it makes me want to run home, right now, in the middle of the day, and give my bathroom some quick love.
Now, in addition to a sparkling clean bathroom, I love anything that is freshly clean, soft, tenderly warm, right out of the dryer. Clean bed sheets, soft fluffy clean towels or even a clean pair of socks, it just feels right. As long as I have clean socks and underwear, I swear I could go for a few days in the wild. Clean means something to me, it speaks to me, it makes my heart at peace. It sparks something so deep within my soul that I want to obtain that feeling over and over again, hence my getting a little stressed when too much time has gone by between house cleaning weekends.
But if the “law” requires everything to be cleansed with blood, as mentioned in our scripture, the results would be different. It would be a messier process, it would take longer to get the white tub white again, my fluffy towels or beloved bath robe would get a stain or two and the process would not be a meticulously planned and executed routine as outlined above with great attention to detail.
The “cleaning by blood process” would be hard work. Lots of frustration, lots of washing and re-washing. Lots of sparkling white cleaning rags would be ruined. I would at some point want to stop washing and re-washing and just kick the wall out, exposing the bathroom to the world, bring in the hose and turn the water on. I would watch the blood stained water run down the side of the house and down the street.
But then I would be left with a huge hole in the side of our home which I am sure would not be the intended result. As I was thinking about this “cleaning by blood process” I came across another passage, this one from Exekiel 36:32-34.
“‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says:On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt. The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it. They will say, “This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited.” Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the LORD have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.’
This passage can be summed up by one little but BIG word: WORK. The resettling of a town, the rebuilding of ruins, cultivating desolate land, all of which sounds like a lot of work. But we must not over look the promise at the end. “I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.” It could not be more simply put.
Now comes the part where I need to apply the scripture to me and the sticky note I received while enjoying some time in my sparkling clean shower.
It is time to clean house, be washed in the blood, hang it all out there for Him to see, rebuild one’s brokenness, cultivate desolate dreams and resettle the inner soul. But yet, cling to the promise that the work will be done, the rebuilding and restoring will happen and it will be a success. Never the less, it still sounds like a lot of work, am I right? Sometimes I believe the sticky notes the Sweet Jesus leaves me are not always warm, fuzzy, romantic ones. There are some that require work, and some that speak the truth I don’t want to hear. However, all of them bring me to Him, my Sweet Jesus. They all have the same author penning them. They all are personally written for me and only me at the very time I need them. They are hand picked messages from the King to his daughter. And I would want nothing more.
So, exactly what areas need cleaning? Everything. Just like every part of the bathroom needs attention and requires different cleaning supplies, every part of me requires extensive attention to detail and, often times, several different “supplies”. The supplies can be people He has brought into my life to help dig out my dirt, or passages of scripture He has placed on my heart to help in the restoration process.
Or, dare I say it, a conversation with my husband that challenges my wisdom and knowledge of His good word. All of the supplies have one thing in common; they are centered around Him, can be supported by Scripture and are sometimes hard to hear.
The personal process takes longer than the bathroom process but the result is the same. Once deeply cleaned, the bathroom is like new, rebuilt with organized towels stacked neatly in the linen closet. Cultivated, alive, restored by the fresh aroma of lemon scrubbing cleaner and clean air, the items on the counter top are resettled, put back in place and life is good. Well, the same goes for me; my heart is rebuilt, my mind is cultivated with a renewed wisdom and my focus is resettled. But the journey; well it was hard; it took a lot of washing and re-washing. At one point I drug Him right in and watched the blood run right over me, covering me from head to toe. It was bloody, I am blood stained, yet I walk away completely clean. I pray that is the same result for you. I pray over your world as we spend time together, may He mold you, change you and draw you into His arms a little more each day.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Tennis Shoes and Jesus: Part 3
e left off at verse 19, so today, let's dive right in and see what Sweet Jesus has for us.
I hope you enjoy His Word today!
19 As for an idol, a craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it.
20 A man too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot. He looks for a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple.
21 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
23 He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.
25 "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.
You are set apart from everything. You are above everything. I want you to be everything to me. I want to always be captivated by your size, your strength, your wisdom and your heart.
26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"?
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
You have created everything I see. You knew my son before I conceived him. You know everything about me and yet you still sent your son to die on my behalf. I cannot hide from you, I cannot out run you, I cannot out talk you, I cannot out last you and I cannot out smart you. You are everlasting. You will not grow tired, you will provide me rest and watch over me as I slumber. You will never leave me and for that, for being you, I will forever shout out my praise!
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
You give me what I need when I cannot go any more. You give me the strength to get up and try again after falling time after time. You heal the wounds that come with failure and You stand for the weak. I am humbled beyond words that I am one of those you stand for.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
No matter what the day might bring. No matter what may break my heart. No matter what might steel my sleep. No matter what might seem to overcome me. I will receive renewed strength from you and you alone. You will give me what I need to soar on wings like eagles. You will bless me with the strength to run and not grow weary and you will keep my path straight, so that when I walk, I might not faint. I love you. I praise you and I desperately want my life to be one that honors and brings glory to you.
I am amzaed to know that the One who created all that surrounds me, wrote His word for me, and you... It leaves me profoundly passionate to know that He loves me enough to send His son to pay the price for me, and then, after all I have done, He still gives me a fresh word, He still speaks to me, He still loves me. May you be changed today by His word. Have a great day!
I hope you enjoy His Word today!
19 As for an idol, a craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it.
20 A man too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot. He looks for a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple.
21 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
23 He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.
25 "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.
You are set apart from everything. You are above everything. I want you to be everything to me. I want to always be captivated by your size, your strength, your wisdom and your heart.
26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"?
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
You have created everything I see. You knew my son before I conceived him. You know everything about me and yet you still sent your son to die on my behalf. I cannot hide from you, I cannot out run you, I cannot out talk you, I cannot out last you and I cannot out smart you. You are everlasting. You will not grow tired, you will provide me rest and watch over me as I slumber. You will never leave me and for that, for being you, I will forever shout out my praise!
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
You give me what I need when I cannot go any more. You give me the strength to get up and try again after falling time after time. You heal the wounds that come with failure and You stand for the weak. I am humbled beyond words that I am one of those you stand for.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
No matter what the day might bring. No matter what may break my heart. No matter what might steel my sleep. No matter what might seem to overcome me. I will receive renewed strength from you and you alone. You will give me what I need to soar on wings like eagles. You will bless me with the strength to run and not grow weary and you will keep my path straight, so that when I walk, I might not faint. I love you. I praise you and I desperately want my life to be one that honors and brings glory to you.
I am amzaed to know that the One who created all that surrounds me, wrote His word for me, and you... It leaves me profoundly passionate to know that He loves me enough to send His son to pay the price for me, and then, after all I have done, He still gives me a fresh word, He still speaks to me, He still loves me. May you be changed today by His word. Have a great day!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Tennis Shoes, Jeans and Jesus: Part 2
So, shall we pick up where we left off? We are in Isaiah 40: 11.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
You leading me brings me comfort beyond what I am able to describe. As I look deeper into what it means for you to tend your flock like a shepherd I am amazed. To know you look out for my every need like a shepherd tends his flock brings me peace. To know you fend off wild beasts that want to attack me and eat me as an afternoon snack rids my mind of worry. To know that you will provide shelter is a storm comes brings me hope and to know that you will never turn your back on me or leave me brings me everlasting joy.
12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
or weighed the mountains on the scales
and the hills in a balance?
13 Who has understood the mind of the LORD,
or instructed him as his counselor?
Not me… I am amazed at the very things you have put into the place. I am in awe of the power that is within your hands. I am humbled at the thought of the amount of knowledge you posses. You are intelligent beyond description.
14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him,
and who taught him the right way?
Who was it that taught him knowledge
or showed him the path of understanding?
No one my Lord. You are the path of understanding, You are the Way, the Truth and the Light. You are God and You are mine and I am Yours.
15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket;
they are regarded as dust on the scales;
he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.
I can just imagine how large your hands must be as you weigh the islands as though they were dust. Your strength is powerful and something I cannot comprehend.
16 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires,
nor its animals enough for burnt offerings.
17 Before him all the nations are as nothing;
they are regarded by him as worthless
and less than nothing.
18 To whom, then, will you compare God?
What image will you compare him to?
Nothing compares to you. I cannot paint a picture big enough to demonstrate your size. I cannot gather enough weight to measure your strength. You literally blow my mind.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
You leading me brings me comfort beyond what I am able to describe. As I look deeper into what it means for you to tend your flock like a shepherd I am amazed. To know you look out for my every need like a shepherd tends his flock brings me peace. To know you fend off wild beasts that want to attack me and eat me as an afternoon snack rids my mind of worry. To know that you will provide shelter is a storm comes brings me hope and to know that you will never turn your back on me or leave me brings me everlasting joy.
12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
or weighed the mountains on the scales
and the hills in a balance?
13 Who has understood the mind of the LORD,
or instructed him as his counselor?
Not me… I am amazed at the very things you have put into the place. I am in awe of the power that is within your hands. I am humbled at the thought of the amount of knowledge you posses. You are intelligent beyond description.
14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him,
and who taught him the right way?
Who was it that taught him knowledge
or showed him the path of understanding?
No one my Lord. You are the path of understanding, You are the Way, the Truth and the Light. You are God and You are mine and I am Yours.
15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket;
they are regarded as dust on the scales;
he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.
I can just imagine how large your hands must be as you weigh the islands as though they were dust. Your strength is powerful and something I cannot comprehend.
16 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires,
nor its animals enough for burnt offerings.
17 Before him all the nations are as nothing;
they are regarded by him as worthless
and less than nothing.
18 To whom, then, will you compare God?
What image will you compare him to?
Nothing compares to you. I cannot paint a picture big enough to demonstrate your size. I cannot gather enough weight to measure your strength. You literally blow my mind.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Tennis Shoes, Jeans and Jesus: Part 1
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31
I use to keep this verse on a sticky note tucked nicely inside my tennis shoes. I wrote this scripture on the bottom of my track shoes while I ran on the high school track team. I etched this scripture into the inside of my grips that adorned my hands as a competitive gymnast. A nurse wrote this scripture on my physical therapy orders after being hospitalized with a serious neck and back injury. I wrote this scripture in my diary the day my grandmother passed away. I was given a key chain she use to carry with this scripture engraved on it. This scripture is mine. I am sure of it. I am sure when this passage was written; these two verses were written for me.
And today, this scripture can still be found written on a sticky note and neatly folded and tucked into any pair of my shoes on any given day. This scripture is one that I hope to tattoo on my body in a very girly and elegant way one day. This scripture is mine, it was written for me, it speaks to me and I cannot live without it.
Much like a good pair of tennis shoes, I cannot live without this scripture. Much like a nice comfortable, worn in pair of jeans and a ratty old sweat shirt, I am at home within these pages of scripture. Much like my morning coffee, specifically, a White Chocolate Mocha with a few extra pumps of chocolate, whip cream on top and made from whole milk, I cannot function without this scripture. Much like a Mnt. Dew, I am revived by this scripture come late afternoon. And much like my comfortable bed and very valuable pillow, I find peace with in the words of this scripture. It is mine. I was written for me and I cannot live without it.
But lately, I have needed just a little more. So I started with the very first verse of this chapter. My Bible is very warn and naturally falls open to this page, I have highlighted, written prayers in the margins and stained these pages with my tears. This chapter is personal to me.
So as I begin I notice something I at times over look. I notice the description of this chapter, it is four simple words that I hardly read during my time within the word, but this time, it jumped out at me.
The description reads: Comfort for God's People. I nearly lost it emotionally when I came across that as I searched for a little piece of Jesus one day at work. I often visit the website known as Bible Gateway when I need a mid-day dose of Jesus, and it was on this day that I needed some comfort and ran to my most beloved passage, and true to it’s description, it brought comfort to me, one of His people. I walked through this chapter verse by verse. The scripture that I have included below is from the NIV translation and you will find my journaling’s under each passage that speaks to me.
1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins.
I praise you Jesus for your comfort. I am humbled by the price you have paid for me. I am speechless as I think back on the events of that day, the blood that was shred for me.
3 A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.
At this moment in time I feel like I have landed in the middle of the desert and at times I am over come with fear because it feels as if you are far from me. I feel alone. I feel unprotected, I feel as if I am just standing in the open desert waiting for an animal to attack me and take me off as his afternoon snack. I am afraid. I am worried and anxious and alone.
4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
In the midst of my time in the desert, you are still God, you are still good and you are still my savior. You will make my rough ground level. You will keep my feet steady and my heart steadfast over you. I trust you. I will proclaim the glory that is yours, even in the midst of my desert place.
6 A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?"
"All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."
My desert place will not last. My anxious nights will pass and my despair will be distant. Your word says so, and your word says that it will stand forever. Those very words bring life into my soul. Tears of joy stream down my face with joy. The grass may wither and the flowers may fall, just like my time in the desert will pass, but your word proclaims that it will stand forever. And for that, I will praise you.
9 You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!"
10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him.See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.
The power in your word leaves me speechless. The Sovereign LORD comes with power. His arm rules for him and his reward is with him, I cannot help but think that you are speaking about your son, my Sweet Jesus there. I will find him in you and you in him. I want to find you in me and me in him. I want to take comfort in your sovereign power and I want to have the confidence that comes with knowing just how much power you have.
Well, my dear ones, we will leave off at verse 11.
Enjoy His Word until we meet again.
I love you!
And today, this scripture can still be found written on a sticky note and neatly folded and tucked into any pair of my shoes on any given day. This scripture is one that I hope to tattoo on my body in a very girly and elegant way one day. This scripture is mine, it was written for me, it speaks to me and I cannot live without it.
Much like a good pair of tennis shoes, I cannot live without this scripture. Much like a nice comfortable, worn in pair of jeans and a ratty old sweat shirt, I am at home within these pages of scripture. Much like my morning coffee, specifically, a White Chocolate Mocha with a few extra pumps of chocolate, whip cream on top and made from whole milk, I cannot function without this scripture. Much like a Mnt. Dew, I am revived by this scripture come late afternoon. And much like my comfortable bed and very valuable pillow, I find peace with in the words of this scripture. It is mine. I was written for me and I cannot live without it.
But lately, I have needed just a little more. So I started with the very first verse of this chapter. My Bible is very warn and naturally falls open to this page, I have highlighted, written prayers in the margins and stained these pages with my tears. This chapter is personal to me.
So as I begin I notice something I at times over look. I notice the description of this chapter, it is four simple words that I hardly read during my time within the word, but this time, it jumped out at me.
The description reads: Comfort for God's People. I nearly lost it emotionally when I came across that as I searched for a little piece of Jesus one day at work. I often visit the website known as Bible Gateway when I need a mid-day dose of Jesus, and it was on this day that I needed some comfort and ran to my most beloved passage, and true to it’s description, it brought comfort to me, one of His people. I walked through this chapter verse by verse. The scripture that I have included below is from the NIV translation and you will find my journaling’s under each passage that speaks to me.
1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins.
I praise you Jesus for your comfort. I am humbled by the price you have paid for me. I am speechless as I think back on the events of that day, the blood that was shred for me.
3 A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.
At this moment in time I feel like I have landed in the middle of the desert and at times I am over come with fear because it feels as if you are far from me. I feel alone. I feel unprotected, I feel as if I am just standing in the open desert waiting for an animal to attack me and take me off as his afternoon snack. I am afraid. I am worried and anxious and alone.
4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
In the midst of my time in the desert, you are still God, you are still good and you are still my savior. You will make my rough ground level. You will keep my feet steady and my heart steadfast over you. I trust you. I will proclaim the glory that is yours, even in the midst of my desert place.
6 A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?"
"All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."
My desert place will not last. My anxious nights will pass and my despair will be distant. Your word says so, and your word says that it will stand forever. Those very words bring life into my soul. Tears of joy stream down my face with joy. The grass may wither and the flowers may fall, just like my time in the desert will pass, but your word proclaims that it will stand forever. And for that, I will praise you.
9 You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!"
10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him.See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.
The power in your word leaves me speechless. The Sovereign LORD comes with power. His arm rules for him and his reward is with him, I cannot help but think that you are speaking about your son, my Sweet Jesus there. I will find him in you and you in him. I want to find you in me and me in him. I want to take comfort in your sovereign power and I want to have the confidence that comes with knowing just how much power you have.
Well, my dear ones, we will leave off at verse 11.
Enjoy His Word until we meet again.
I love you!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Knee High Boots and Jesus
Today I have on my most beloved pair of shoes, outside of my tennis shoes; these are the most comfortable shoes I own.
Funny that they are not really “shoes”, they are a pair of black knee high boots that my mother – in – law purchased for me almost 5 years ago. I love them, if I could purchase them again just so I could have a back up pair, I would. I have worn these boots out. I have had to have the heels replaced, I have polished and re-polished the leather and I just know the day will come when they are no longer able to be “fixed”, it will be a sad day. I might have to take time away from work and life in general to mourn, not to mention, that I have considered bronzing them. I want to properly honor them when the time comes…
But today I chose to wear them for two reasons, outside of my love for them of course.
The first, because it is freezing outside and the weather man said it was suppose to snow today.
Second, because I needed something to remind me of the presence of Jesus as I go on about my day.
I love the scriptures that talks about the armor we as Christians have access to. I love the picture that comes to mind as I read over these words…
Eph 6:10-17 (NIV)
...Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
My heart beat races when I read “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
The power of those words is mind blowing.
The battle scene that comes to mind might be something out of Braveheart or better yet Gladiator. Yes, I am one of those women who loves a good battle movie, there is nothing sexier than a man going after what he is called to go after, am I right? And lately, I have found myself at war.
All out war.
I get up in the morning exhausted from the day before, I cannot get enough rest, I cry in the shower as the warm water runs down my back, my muscles are sore and I have had the same headache for days.
So today, as I cried while I attempted to put on make up, I chose to center my outfit around my boots. I needed shoes that would help me stand my ground, that would protect my feet, keep them from hurting and keep me from falling over.
I love a pair of sassy high heels, but today, I needed something a tad stronger…
As I got dressed I was reminded of the scripture in 1st Corinthians 10:12-13.
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Man, what I would have given to just stay home today, I needed the rest, my body craved the warmth of my bed and my heart just could not handle another day. And then… peace flooded over me when I read three simple words, “… God is faithful…” and then came the tears as I read… “he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it”…
Since I am currently in the midst of warfare, emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally, I have to have proper foot ware.
Have you ever come across one person that just drives you almost off a cliff?
Have you ever had that one person just attack everything you do and say?
Does that one person just make your skin craw?
Not to mention, when you picture heaven, the most perfect of all places you can not imagine that person there, for the simple fact that if they were, it would not be the most perfect of all places…
Well, I have the esteemed pleasure of interacting with that person in my life several times a day. This person and I spend the entire day together, our relationship is one where I serve this individual, if I would able to publish swear words, I would be what people call “ their B!%@H”, I am sure you can figure it out.
This person makes comments that sting to the core. They can make the tears come and the doubt creep in faster than anyone else in my life. If it weren’t for the paycheck, I would have no need to interact with them.
The world might consider them to be successful, wealthy, well educated, powerful and important. I however have a different opinion, which does not really matter. The thing that matters is that when I get ready for the day, I have to put my armor on.
I have to prepare for war.
I have to get my mind and heart ready for any attack that might come my way. My judgment is questioned, my personal choices that surround growing our family are put down, my integrity is attacked, my education is questioned and my faith is belittled.
Sounds like a good way to spend the day, am I right?
So today, this morning, I had enough. I could not wear my sassy high heels any more; I had to wear my boots. I had to wear my battle gear. You see, the very shoes we select are vital to the rest of our armor…
Just imagine yourself standing barefooted in a rocky climate that surrounds the Rocky Mountains. You could go for a hike, or even short walk, but without shoes you would have to move ever so carefully. You see, in the Rocky Mountains, there aren’t many places you can go without shoes on.
Now think about taking a hike without any shoes on but with all the pieces of armor Eph 6:10-17 talks about. The weight of the other pieces of armor would only make your feet more sensitive if you had no protection. You would be an easy target for the enemy, as you would have no agility and be wincing in pain every time you attempted to move. This is the exact reason I had to put on my boots today. My armor was heavier than normal. My body was not nor has been well rested and my mind is occupied by all the things I should not but really want to do and say, so my feet had to be protected and comfortable. I had enough things to worry about today and they just could not be one of them.
Throughout the day I cannot shake those three simple words…“… God is faithful…” so for now, with my feet well protected; my armor on and my body weary, I will cling to that very promise. I will rest in those three simple words and I will do my very best to honor Him above all else.
Have a great day my sweet ones. I love you!
Funny that they are not really “shoes”, they are a pair of black knee high boots that my mother – in – law purchased for me almost 5 years ago. I love them, if I could purchase them again just so I could have a back up pair, I would. I have worn these boots out. I have had to have the heels replaced, I have polished and re-polished the leather and I just know the day will come when they are no longer able to be “fixed”, it will be a sad day. I might have to take time away from work and life in general to mourn, not to mention, that I have considered bronzing them. I want to properly honor them when the time comes…
But today I chose to wear them for two reasons, outside of my love for them of course.
The first, because it is freezing outside and the weather man said it was suppose to snow today.
Second, because I needed something to remind me of the presence of Jesus as I go on about my day.
I love the scriptures that talks about the armor we as Christians have access to. I love the picture that comes to mind as I read over these words…
Eph 6:10-17 (NIV)
...Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
My heart beat races when I read “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
The power of those words is mind blowing.
The battle scene that comes to mind might be something out of Braveheart or better yet Gladiator. Yes, I am one of those women who loves a good battle movie, there is nothing sexier than a man going after what he is called to go after, am I right? And lately, I have found myself at war.
All out war.
I get up in the morning exhausted from the day before, I cannot get enough rest, I cry in the shower as the warm water runs down my back, my muscles are sore and I have had the same headache for days.
So today, as I cried while I attempted to put on make up, I chose to center my outfit around my boots. I needed shoes that would help me stand my ground, that would protect my feet, keep them from hurting and keep me from falling over.
I love a pair of sassy high heels, but today, I needed something a tad stronger…
As I got dressed I was reminded of the scripture in 1st Corinthians 10:12-13.
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Man, what I would have given to just stay home today, I needed the rest, my body craved the warmth of my bed and my heart just could not handle another day. And then… peace flooded over me when I read three simple words, “… God is faithful…” and then came the tears as I read… “he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it”…
Since I am currently in the midst of warfare, emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally, I have to have proper foot ware.
Have you ever come across one person that just drives you almost off a cliff?
Have you ever had that one person just attack everything you do and say?
Does that one person just make your skin craw?
Not to mention, when you picture heaven, the most perfect of all places you can not imagine that person there, for the simple fact that if they were, it would not be the most perfect of all places…
Well, I have the esteemed pleasure of interacting with that person in my life several times a day. This person and I spend the entire day together, our relationship is one where I serve this individual, if I would able to publish swear words, I would be what people call “ their B!%@H”, I am sure you can figure it out.
This person makes comments that sting to the core. They can make the tears come and the doubt creep in faster than anyone else in my life. If it weren’t for the paycheck, I would have no need to interact with them.
The world might consider them to be successful, wealthy, well educated, powerful and important. I however have a different opinion, which does not really matter. The thing that matters is that when I get ready for the day, I have to put my armor on.
I have to prepare for war.
I have to get my mind and heart ready for any attack that might come my way. My judgment is questioned, my personal choices that surround growing our family are put down, my integrity is attacked, my education is questioned and my faith is belittled.
Sounds like a good way to spend the day, am I right?
So today, this morning, I had enough. I could not wear my sassy high heels any more; I had to wear my boots. I had to wear my battle gear. You see, the very shoes we select are vital to the rest of our armor…
Just imagine yourself standing barefooted in a rocky climate that surrounds the Rocky Mountains. You could go for a hike, or even short walk, but without shoes you would have to move ever so carefully. You see, in the Rocky Mountains, there aren’t many places you can go without shoes on.
Now think about taking a hike without any shoes on but with all the pieces of armor Eph 6:10-17 talks about. The weight of the other pieces of armor would only make your feet more sensitive if you had no protection. You would be an easy target for the enemy, as you would have no agility and be wincing in pain every time you attempted to move. This is the exact reason I had to put on my boots today. My armor was heavier than normal. My body was not nor has been well rested and my mind is occupied by all the things I should not but really want to do and say, so my feet had to be protected and comfortable. I had enough things to worry about today and they just could not be one of them.
Throughout the day I cannot shake those three simple words…“… God is faithful…” so for now, with my feet well protected; my armor on and my body weary, I will cling to that very promise. I will rest in those three simple words and I will do my very best to honor Him above all else.
Have a great day my sweet ones. I love you!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Cheap Shoes but an Authentic Heart
You know the feeling of when the alarm goes off and you are pretty much woken up out of a dead man’s sleep?
Well, that was not my experience this morning.
This morning the alarm went off and I felt like I had already been awake for a few hours. Blessings be upon my husband, every morning before he leaves for work, he turns on the light next to my side of the bed. He does this at my request mind you because it helps me get up and out of bed, well, that alone did not work this morning.
I hit snooze several times until my Beloved attempted woke me up with a little reminder...
“We are suppose to talk this morning”….
Opps, and as sad as it may be I hit snooze one more time and rolled over.
I eventually woke up 40 minutes past my first alarm and about an hour past when the light went on. Needless to say, I was richly blessed this morning. You see, my Beloved made time stand still. Oh it was a miracle.
I woke up at twenty till seven. I was suprised to know that I still had time to spend quality time with Him... we talked, I listened and then we embraced with a praise song.
I had time to do my hair, make up, get dressed, and I even got my son out of bed, dressed and in the car. Did I mention I also had time to let the dog out so she could do her thing? Seriously – He made time stand still.
I was early to daycare at Ms. Pam's, we had time to talk and then it was off to work…
Praises Be – He is good to me. Far better than I deserve.
So, while I lay at His feet this morning. We talked about Luke 12: 1-34.
Something struck me. You see, today I decided to wear cheap paten leather shoes with a silver buckle on the toe. They have the appearance of being something expensive, they are sassy, yet reserved, they are comfortable and cute, but most of all, they have a meaning behind them.
Yep, my shoes have a theological meaning behind them. So when we started our conversation in Luke today, we started talking about hypocrisy, and it was then that I knew exactly which pair of shoes I wanted to wear this morning.
According to Wikipedia, hypocrisy means acting in a manner contradictory to one’s professed beliefs and feelings, or conversely, expressing false beliefs and opinions to conceal one’s real feelings or motives. The term hypocrisy is often used in a religious context to refer to someone who gives a false appearance of virture or religion, or does not “practice what he or she preaches."
My shoes today, are a perfect example of this very definition. They appear to be something other than they really are… which is why I chose to wear them.
I want the constant reminder to walk with me through the day. I want to remember who I am and who matters the most, I do not want to reflect something that is anything other than the real thing, I want to be proud of my Beloved.
In the beginning of our conversation, Jesus is with his disciples. He wants to teach them something. He wants them to know that they must trust God and realize that they are accountable to Him. The essence of discipleship is fearing God and putting Him first. To share God’s priorities is the disciples’ call. To learn from God means to follow Him. You can sum it up in 5 simple words: Fear God and Confess Jesus. While I read the words of Luke, I was amazed that in the midst of growing crowds and official opposition Jesus issues a warning. The setting of his words is not insignificant. Even though people are practically crawling over one another to get to Jesus, the disciples should not be fooled by current popularity and should recall the level of opposition Jesus has faced. Popularity can breed a desire to remain popular and thus to soften the hard truth of our sinfulness before God.
And then, the truth came… Hypocrisy will not work, because everything is revealed before God. The secrets of people’s hearts will be revealed (Rom 2:15; 1 Cor 4:5). God’s omniscience means that there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. This includes words said in the dark or whispered in private rooms. In the time of Luke, a private room (tameion) was the innermost apartment in a house. So even things said deep within one’s home and mind are known to God.
Even these things will be proclaimed from the housetops one day. What is done in the basement will be revealed on mountaintops. The walls we build up, the clothes we buy, the cheap yet expensive looking shoes we purchase, all are to protect our psyche and rationalize our behavior, but none can be kept form the eyes of God. And the most amazing thing about it all, He loves me regardless of what He sees. He makes time stand still for His daughter who just needed forty more minutes of pillow time. He blesses me with His peace even when I stress over the silly things. He died for me, knowing I would screw up His plan from time to time.
Nothing is better than that, not even comfortable, expensive looking yet cheap, cute, black, sassy paten leather shoes with a cute silver buckle on the toe.
Have a great day my sweet ones. I love you!
Well, that was not my experience this morning.
This morning the alarm went off and I felt like I had already been awake for a few hours. Blessings be upon my husband, every morning before he leaves for work, he turns on the light next to my side of the bed. He does this at my request mind you because it helps me get up and out of bed, well, that alone did not work this morning.
I hit snooze several times until my Beloved attempted woke me up with a little reminder...
“We are suppose to talk this morning”….
Opps, and as sad as it may be I hit snooze one more time and rolled over.
I eventually woke up 40 minutes past my first alarm and about an hour past when the light went on. Needless to say, I was richly blessed this morning. You see, my Beloved made time stand still. Oh it was a miracle.
I woke up at twenty till seven. I was suprised to know that I still had time to spend quality time with Him... we talked, I listened and then we embraced with a praise song.
I had time to do my hair, make up, get dressed, and I even got my son out of bed, dressed and in the car. Did I mention I also had time to let the dog out so she could do her thing? Seriously – He made time stand still.
I was early to daycare at Ms. Pam's, we had time to talk and then it was off to work…
Praises Be – He is good to me. Far better than I deserve.
So, while I lay at His feet this morning. We talked about Luke 12: 1-34.
Something struck me. You see, today I decided to wear cheap paten leather shoes with a silver buckle on the toe. They have the appearance of being something expensive, they are sassy, yet reserved, they are comfortable and cute, but most of all, they have a meaning behind them.
Yep, my shoes have a theological meaning behind them. So when we started our conversation in Luke today, we started talking about hypocrisy, and it was then that I knew exactly which pair of shoes I wanted to wear this morning.
According to Wikipedia, hypocrisy means acting in a manner contradictory to one’s professed beliefs and feelings, or conversely, expressing false beliefs and opinions to conceal one’s real feelings or motives. The term hypocrisy is often used in a religious context to refer to someone who gives a false appearance of virture or religion, or does not “practice what he or she preaches."
My shoes today, are a perfect example of this very definition. They appear to be something other than they really are… which is why I chose to wear them.
I want the constant reminder to walk with me through the day. I want to remember who I am and who matters the most, I do not want to reflect something that is anything other than the real thing, I want to be proud of my Beloved.
In the beginning of our conversation, Jesus is with his disciples. He wants to teach them something. He wants them to know that they must trust God and realize that they are accountable to Him. The essence of discipleship is fearing God and putting Him first. To share God’s priorities is the disciples’ call. To learn from God means to follow Him. You can sum it up in 5 simple words: Fear God and Confess Jesus. While I read the words of Luke, I was amazed that in the midst of growing crowds and official opposition Jesus issues a warning. The setting of his words is not insignificant. Even though people are practically crawling over one another to get to Jesus, the disciples should not be fooled by current popularity and should recall the level of opposition Jesus has faced. Popularity can breed a desire to remain popular and thus to soften the hard truth of our sinfulness before God.
And then, the truth came… Hypocrisy will not work, because everything is revealed before God. The secrets of people’s hearts will be revealed (Rom 2:15; 1 Cor 4:5). God’s omniscience means that there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. This includes words said in the dark or whispered in private rooms. In the time of Luke, a private room (tameion) was the innermost apartment in a house. So even things said deep within one’s home and mind are known to God.
Even these things will be proclaimed from the housetops one day. What is done in the basement will be revealed on mountaintops. The walls we build up, the clothes we buy, the cheap yet expensive looking shoes we purchase, all are to protect our psyche and rationalize our behavior, but none can be kept form the eyes of God. And the most amazing thing about it all, He loves me regardless of what He sees. He makes time stand still for His daughter who just needed forty more minutes of pillow time. He blesses me with His peace even when I stress over the silly things. He died for me, knowing I would screw up His plan from time to time.
Nothing is better than that, not even comfortable, expensive looking yet cheap, cute, black, sassy paten leather shoes with a cute silver buckle on the toe.
Have a great day my sweet ones. I love you!
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