Verse For The Day:
1 Cor. 5:7 -for we walk by faith, not by sight-
Through faith alone...
It's so easy to say. Not quite as easy to live. I admit that there are times when I think to myself "Lord, I think this is what Your trying to tell me. But, How can I be sure."
We live in a time when we expect results (from work, from prayer, from whatever) and we want it when? Well, yes of course, now. Have you ever had a time when you needed something, let's say a job?
So, you submit an application, have an interview and then sit by the phone waiting for that phone call saying your hired. You may even sit by the phone praying, "Please God let me get this job, I need this job, this is the perfect job for me. If I can just get this job I will be set. Everything else will fall into place because this job is going to pay my bills and give medical and dental and a paid vacation."
Now, alot of things can happen here. You might not get that phone call and when you finally decide that, maybe they just lost your number, you call them. Only to find out that they hired someone else. Now what kind of mood are you in??
Do you say "that's okay God, You know what's best for me and I will just have to keep looking until You point me to the job/career that I belong in."
Or do you get angry? Angry at who? The place you applied to? It's easy to tell ourselves that the people at that particular job you applied for were just, well Jerks. Obviously they don't know what they are missing.
Do you get angry at God? "You know Lord it was just this one thing, my whole life could have been changed if I had just gotten this job."
Do you get angry with yourself? You may think angry at myself for what? I went out, applied for the job, I prayed about it and then I waited for God to answer my prayers.
I believe that sometimes we think that having faith means we don't have to be pro-active or responsible. A responsible person might have gone out putting applications in all over town. Having prayed about it, knowing that God will answer that prayer. You just might be suprised at where He puts you.
See the faith part is, He knows what's best for you. No matter how often we try to pretend that we are in control and try to take control away from Him, He is faithful. God doesn't answer our prayers in our time but His. And sometimes much to our dismay the answer is No or Not Now. A situation may seem like the perfect one for you. No matter what angle you look at it from, it just seems to be where you ought to be. And it may be the right place for you some day. But, God knows if you are ready to be in that place right now.
Now obviously, this is just an example. But, I hope that this will maybe challenge you to think about true faith. I do believe that there are times when we are to step out on a limb in faith. But, we also need to remember to give God control. We sometimes think that we have given Him control only to realize that we are in a tug-a-war. I will also state right here, right now that I believe that God gave us brilliant minds. And He expects us to use them. Therefore, I believe that there are situations such as when a child is sick, that they need to be taken to a doctor, not just prayed for. God would not have given man the ability to become an educated physician unless He thought we might need them. My feelings are that angels come in all shapes and sizes.
I'd like to tell you a little story about someone who thought that if only. How often do you say if only? If only I could win this sweepstakes, if only I could win this lottery, if only I could come into this windfall, all of life would be perfect.
I could pay off all of my bills. I could pay off all of my families bills. I could buy everyone I know a new car. I could buy a new house for each member of my family. I could make a huge donation to the church. I could feed an entire village in Africa. If only.
Well, this person was struggling through some tough financial times and so, if only was very important. This person found theirself praying "Lord, if Only". Well, there came a day, just a day. Not anything special just a day like any other. But, In this persons devotions for the day, the subject was Faith. WOW! Faith. Through out the day this person would find their thoughts going back to Faith and If Only. Then driving down the road alone, tears came to this persons eyes. Looking out the windshield at the beauty that surrounded this city, the Holy Spirit spoke. No, there was no thunder cracking or visions or audible words. But, directly into this persons heart. "You don't need it. You have an amazing family, wonderful friends, a beautiful home and a God that loves you so much that He would let His own Child suffer for your sins. If you just have faith, everything will be alright."
It was then that this person prayed "Lord, You are so awesome and wise beyond comprehension. You know me, inside and out. You know that if I were to come into this money that I would most likely not use it wisely. No matter how much I promised I would. You know Lord, that I need You to be in control. I need to grow and show You that I can be a good steward. Unlike in my past. You know what is best, and I have faith that You will help my family to get through this time. No matter how tight things may get. No matter how desperate things may seem. I know God that You are faithful and that You can use this time to help me grow. To grow into a more godly person, a person who lives by faith and not by sight.
Going all the way back to the beginning. We don't always know exactly what the Lord is trying to tell us. We don't always know why He allows things to happen the way that they do. But, if we have faith, we can be sure that He will take control of the situation in whatever way is necessary and use it for the Glory of God.
I am trying to count all things as a learning experience. I don't always know where it will lead me but I have faith.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Patience, We Can All Use A Little More Of It
Verse For The Day: 2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
Anyone who knows me very well, knows that patience is not something I have an abundance of.
I fully admit it! I want it (what ever it is) and I want it yesterday. Well, I'm working on it, but God keeps telling me to be Patient, go figure.
Sometimes I have to remind myself that things are not taking as long as they seem. Standing in a check out line, I find myself counting quietly in my head, it never takes as long as I think it does. Waiting to pull onto the street from our subdivision, I try to remember that if I'm not running late then it doesn't really matter how long it takes to get out on the street. And if I am running late, well whose fault is that in the first place. (More than likely it's my own)
We live a world of quick fixes and minute rice, of drive-thrus and microwave ovens. What happened to the days when it actually took days to get a message to a friend. Before text messaging, there was email and before email there was snail mail and before snail mail there was the pony express. Imagine what it must have been like for a king to send a message to a neighboring country in a time of war? Think about it, your country is under attack and you need some backup from your allies but it takes at least a three day ride or more just to get the message to them. Then of course they have to decide whether they want to get involved. If they decide in favor of helping out they still have at least another three day ride to get to you. And there is always the possiblity that there may be nothing left of your country by the time they show up. UGH! How frustrating that sounds to me. But, they didn't have any of our conveinces, it was a simpler time. Now don't get me wrong I have no desire to turn back the clock to this simpler time. I personally have thought it through very carefully and know for certain that I wouldn't have lasted a weekend let alone a lifetime in that day and age. No I'm very happy with indoor plumbing, cell phones, hybrid cars and carbonated beverages. So, it is upon myself (with the Lord's help) that I place the responsibility for learning patience. I think that He tests me daily(that may be just my point of view). I am proud to say that occasionally I am able to stop the impatience before it starts. By redirecting my thinking towards the things the Lord has shown me in my daily devotions. Trying to remember that my devotions are to learn and to live by. They are not just something to get the day going and then file away. That my time of devotion is time with the Lord. He deserves so much better than a quick " Good Morning Lord". It is the beginning of a day He can fill with blessings. So, I've learned not to rush my "Quiet Times". Because if I start my day rushing my time with Him, how can I expect to have patience with anyone else I encounter.
Yes, Patience is a virtue that we all can use more of. If your feeling rushed and impatient, stop and think about the Lord. He is filled with the Ultimate Patience, He has waited for each of us. He is still waiting for many. How Awesome is that!! Thank you Lord that You had the patience to wait for me through all of my failings and my fears! You are Awesome and Worthy to be Praised!!
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
Anyone who knows me very well, knows that patience is not something I have an abundance of.
I fully admit it! I want it (what ever it is) and I want it yesterday. Well, I'm working on it, but God keeps telling me to be Patient, go figure.
Sometimes I have to remind myself that things are not taking as long as they seem. Standing in a check out line, I find myself counting quietly in my head, it never takes as long as I think it does. Waiting to pull onto the street from our subdivision, I try to remember that if I'm not running late then it doesn't really matter how long it takes to get out on the street. And if I am running late, well whose fault is that in the first place. (More than likely it's my own)
We live a world of quick fixes and minute rice, of drive-thrus and microwave ovens. What happened to the days when it actually took days to get a message to a friend. Before text messaging, there was email and before email there was snail mail and before snail mail there was the pony express. Imagine what it must have been like for a king to send a message to a neighboring country in a time of war? Think about it, your country is under attack and you need some backup from your allies but it takes at least a three day ride or more just to get the message to them. Then of course they have to decide whether they want to get involved. If they decide in favor of helping out they still have at least another three day ride to get to you. And there is always the possiblity that there may be nothing left of your country by the time they show up. UGH! How frustrating that sounds to me. But, they didn't have any of our conveinces, it was a simpler time. Now don't get me wrong I have no desire to turn back the clock to this simpler time. I personally have thought it through very carefully and know for certain that I wouldn't have lasted a weekend let alone a lifetime in that day and age. No I'm very happy with indoor plumbing, cell phones, hybrid cars and carbonated beverages. So, it is upon myself (with the Lord's help) that I place the responsibility for learning patience. I think that He tests me daily(that may be just my point of view). I am proud to say that occasionally I am able to stop the impatience before it starts. By redirecting my thinking towards the things the Lord has shown me in my daily devotions. Trying to remember that my devotions are to learn and to live by. They are not just something to get the day going and then file away. That my time of devotion is time with the Lord. He deserves so much better than a quick " Good Morning Lord". It is the beginning of a day He can fill with blessings. So, I've learned not to rush my "Quiet Times". Because if I start my day rushing my time with Him, how can I expect to have patience with anyone else I encounter.
Yes, Patience is a virtue that we all can use more of. If your feeling rushed and impatient, stop and think about the Lord. He is filled with the Ultimate Patience, He has waited for each of us. He is still waiting for many. How Awesome is that!! Thank you Lord that You had the patience to wait for me through all of my failings and my fears! You are Awesome and Worthy to be Praised!!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Yes, Bad Things Happen....
A little over an hour ago I read the news that Steven Curtis Chapman's 5 yr. daughter was killed in a tragic accident. The following shows what was posted on the website:
MARIA SUE CHAPMAN, DAUGHTER OF STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, DIES IN ACCIDENT AT FAMILY HOME
NASHVILLE, TN...5/21/08... At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Thursday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters.
More than five years ago, Chapman and his wife MaryBeth founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world. Chapman is a five-time GRAMMY ® winner and 54-time Dove Award winning artist who has sold over 10 million albums and garnered 44 No. 1 singles.
It is always a tragedy when a child dies. I have been a fan since his "For the Sake of the Call" Album and I feel a great sadness within my heart that this family would lose a precious child at so young an age.... This really hit home for me. You see I am an only child. But, I shouldn't have been. Unfortunately 2 yrs before I was born my parents had a little baby boy. He too was killed in the same type of accident. I spent years before I accepted Christ, wondering about what things would have been like if my brother had not been taken away so young. And would I ever have opportunity to meet him. I believe that yes there will be a joyous meeting one day.
I will not say that I can totally understand the pain their family must be dealing with right now. My situation was different. I have always been amazed at how my mother has been able to deal with having lived through the passing of a child. I know that it will the Chapman Family time and prayer and faith to heal these wounds. Thankfully they have The Lord to lean on.
I pray that the God will lift up the Chapman family in this difficult time. Give them strength, peace, mercy and grace. A couple of verses come to mind, not that just quoting scripture is going to make everything better. But We, as Christians can lean on the word of God...
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.
Psalm 34:17-19 The righteous cry and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous;But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
MARIA SUE CHAPMAN, DAUGHTER OF STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, DIES IN ACCIDENT AT FAMILY HOME
NASHVILLE, TN...5/21/08... At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Thursday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters.
More than five years ago, Chapman and his wife MaryBeth founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world. Chapman is a five-time GRAMMY ® winner and 54-time Dove Award winning artist who has sold over 10 million albums and garnered 44 No. 1 singles.
It is always a tragedy when a child dies. I have been a fan since his "For the Sake of the Call" Album and I feel a great sadness within my heart that this family would lose a precious child at so young an age.... This really hit home for me. You see I am an only child. But, I shouldn't have been. Unfortunately 2 yrs before I was born my parents had a little baby boy. He too was killed in the same type of accident. I spent years before I accepted Christ, wondering about what things would have been like if my brother had not been taken away so young. And would I ever have opportunity to meet him. I believe that yes there will be a joyous meeting one day.
I will not say that I can totally understand the pain their family must be dealing with right now. My situation was different. I have always been amazed at how my mother has been able to deal with having lived through the passing of a child. I know that it will the Chapman Family time and prayer and faith to heal these wounds. Thankfully they have The Lord to lean on.
I pray that the God will lift up the Chapman family in this difficult time. Give them strength, peace, mercy and grace. A couple of verses come to mind, not that just quoting scripture is going to make everything better. But We, as Christians can lean on the word of God...
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.
Psalm 34:17-19 The righteous cry and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous;But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
By Grace Through Faith Alone - First Entry
Verse of the Day: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" Psalm 119:105
It is so incredible how God can blend the things that I learn in my personal quiet time with the things I am currently studying. How awesome is that! I am the type of person who learns through repetition (both audible and visual) so for me to have these things brought together is the perfect form of education.
It is my prayer that others see God's light and strength shining through me. We are each in a place (no matter where we physically are) where we can allow others the blessing of seeing God's love and grace through us. May we use that to His fame and not our own.
I would like to make a musical suggestion to anyone reading, if you have a moment free check out this awesome band! Their name is Stellarkart http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=4D5322B2B9E007B4
While I'm making suggestions, May I recommend that you see the new Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian movie. I saw it the very first day and am so glad that I did. They did an amazing job!! They kept with the storyline and the scenery is just beautiful, and the children are wonderfully talented. Liam Neeson continues to be the perfect voice of Aslan, and I found Eddie Izzard to brillant as Reepicheep. With all of the movies that will be out this summer, largely banking on the comic book heros of life. It is so refreshing to have a Christian perspective on things.
May God richly bless you, Katrina
It is so incredible how God can blend the things that I learn in my personal quiet time with the things I am currently studying. How awesome is that! I am the type of person who learns through repetition (both audible and visual) so for me to have these things brought together is the perfect form of education.
It is my prayer that others see God's light and strength shining through me. We are each in a place (no matter where we physically are) where we can allow others the blessing of seeing God's love and grace through us. May we use that to His fame and not our own.
I would like to make a musical suggestion to anyone reading, if you have a moment free check out this awesome band! Their name is Stellarkart http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=4D5322B2B9E007B4
While I'm making suggestions, May I recommend that you see the new Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian movie. I saw it the very first day and am so glad that I did. They did an amazing job!! They kept with the storyline and the scenery is just beautiful, and the children are wonderfully talented. Liam Neeson continues to be the perfect voice of Aslan, and I found Eddie Izzard to brillant as Reepicheep. With all of the movies that will be out this summer, largely banking on the comic book heros of life. It is so refreshing to have a Christian perspective on things.
May God richly bless you, Katrina
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