2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
This is my avenue of confession. Mike and I fell off the tithing wagon some time ago. We have given, just sporadically, and not the way we normally do. I would say too, that we have been giving less than we normally do.
Christmastime is a bad time for trying to get back into giving money or making a budget. I am not usually a huge shopper, but this year I am having a lot of fun thinking of things for people or running into things that I think they would like. Not to mention I have done a little shopping for myself, which is rather unusual.
But I also still know that the Lord wants my firstfruits. And I am recommitting to giving that to Him. I have this feeling that once I get back in line doing what I know is right for the Lord, that I will see more fruits in my life... More joy, more peace, less complaining, less seeing any kind of lack in my life.
When I give away my money, I want to also give away any ways in which I feel I want something someone else has. I already have SO much. And I know I can trust the Lord with the desires of my heart. He will provide what is right for me and my family... And that plan will be able to play out just right when I am starting out in obedience to His Word.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
God of comfort
2 Corinthians 7:5 For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn--conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him.
I had a bad dream last night. And I woke up this morning feeling worried, rather than hopeful, which was the way I went to bed. That feeling usually does not last long and I am glad I opened the Bible today because I got to these scriptures.
I am thankful that my worries usually cannot stick with me for that long. I have too much going on in any given day and I have to let my mind focus on what is in front of me. But I am also thankful that I have God's Word, which reminds me of that phrase, "But God...." But God gives me daily distractions. But God gives me friends who cheer me up, understand me, and know when I need to talk and when being quiet is better. But God gave me a husband and kids who are so wonderful and keep me laughing and full. And my "But God" list could go on and on.
When I just look around, I see all that God has provided for me and I am comforted that He sees me. He sees my heart's desires, He sees my fears, He sees all that goes on around me. And He knows just what I will need to keep peace in my head and heart. I cannot imagine living my life without Him.
I had a bad dream last night. And I woke up this morning feeling worried, rather than hopeful, which was the way I went to bed. That feeling usually does not last long and I am glad I opened the Bible today because I got to these scriptures.
I am thankful that my worries usually cannot stick with me for that long. I have too much going on in any given day and I have to let my mind focus on what is in front of me. But I am also thankful that I have God's Word, which reminds me of that phrase, "But God...." But God gives me daily distractions. But God gives me friends who cheer me up, understand me, and know when I need to talk and when being quiet is better. But God gave me a husband and kids who are so wonderful and keep me laughing and full. And my "But God" list could go on and on.
When I just look around, I see all that God has provided for me and I am comforted that He sees me. He sees my heart's desires, He sees my fears, He sees all that goes on around me. And He knows just what I will need to keep peace in my head and heart. I cannot imagine living my life without Him.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Living for Christ
2 Corinthians 5:15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
I really long to make my life look like this, every moment living for Christ, and being unafraid and unashamed to say that. I also want to live every moment IN the knowledge of this fact. Sometimes I get so busy in my days that I float through them not remembering who I am desiring to live for, not giving Him ALL the credit, feeling, at the end of the day, like I have not really given Him every moment.
Maybe it is unrealistic to want to feel like I thought about the Lord in every single thing that happened to me that day. And so I pray that the Holy Spirit is active in every second of my day, that the Lord is with me through His Spirit, which helps me to live as though Jesus is right there in the room with me.
This is a busy time of year. We get so busy with so many things going on, so many people to see and interact with, so much we think we need to get accomplished. And this whole season is supposed to be about Him!! I hate thinking how often I probably forget that. So, today, I am going to, yet again, try again to make the effort to live for Christ, and remember His birth and sacrifice so that I can fully live.
I really long to make my life look like this, every moment living for Christ, and being unafraid and unashamed to say that. I also want to live every moment IN the knowledge of this fact. Sometimes I get so busy in my days that I float through them not remembering who I am desiring to live for, not giving Him ALL the credit, feeling, at the end of the day, like I have not really given Him every moment.
Maybe it is unrealistic to want to feel like I thought about the Lord in every single thing that happened to me that day. And so I pray that the Holy Spirit is active in every second of my day, that the Lord is with me through His Spirit, which helps me to live as though Jesus is right there in the room with me.
This is a busy time of year. We get so busy with so many things going on, so many people to see and interact with, so much we think we need to get accomplished. And this whole season is supposed to be about Him!! I hate thinking how often I probably forget that. So, today, I am going to, yet again, try again to make the effort to live for Christ, and remember His birth and sacrifice so that I can fully live.
Even the hard stuff builds hope
2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart... 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal.
So many things about this life can be discouraging. On a daily basis we go through things that shake us up. There are a couple things that I used to think, "If this happens in my life, I might be mad at God. I might even let go of my faith." But I have found, as the years go by, that has not happened. I love God more now than I ever have before. I have found that even in the hard things He is faithful to provide for my needs. He has sent me His Words at just the right moments, friends who understand, and hugs at the right times.
Don't get me wrong, I have had a few good cries over the things that have not gone as I imagined they would. I have even told the Lord exactly how I feel about things. But in the end, the hope I have in Him is enough. My hope of heaven and meeting my Lord and Savior there overwhelms me, even in the midst of loss. I am so grateful for that hope and the fact that it has not been squashed since it started building.
I know there are hard things about this life that will probably still come my way. I have a feeling I might even have some things to say to God about them when they come. But I also believe that even then, the Lord will show Himself to me in the details that remind me of His presence in my life. I am thankful for my hope in those moments.
So many things about this life can be discouraging. On a daily basis we go through things that shake us up. There are a couple things that I used to think, "If this happens in my life, I might be mad at God. I might even let go of my faith." But I have found, as the years go by, that has not happened. I love God more now than I ever have before. I have found that even in the hard things He is faithful to provide for my needs. He has sent me His Words at just the right moments, friends who understand, and hugs at the right times.
Don't get me wrong, I have had a few good cries over the things that have not gone as I imagined they would. I have even told the Lord exactly how I feel about things. But in the end, the hope I have in Him is enough. My hope of heaven and meeting my Lord and Savior there overwhelms me, even in the midst of loss. I am so grateful for that hope and the fact that it has not been squashed since it started building.
I know there are hard things about this life that will probably still come my way. I have a feeling I might even have some things to say to God about them when they come. But I also believe that even then, the Lord will show Himself to me in the details that remind me of His presence in my life. I am thankful for my hope in those moments.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Freedom
2 Corinthians 3:16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
The "veil" on our lives is the time before we accept Christ, the way we live(d) without Him. So often, I think about what my life was like when I was still wearing that "veil" of the world, how I wanted my life to be successful and full in the eyes of the world, how I thought that there was some other person that might make me feel full.
But what I have come to realize, through my acceptance of Christ's salvation and subsequent study of His Word, is that living within what the Bible tells us is freeing in a way that the world had never given me. Living within the "rules" given through the Bible really impresses upon me my Heavenly Father's love. He wrote a whole book for me, to guide me in this life!! And sent His Son as an offering for my sin! He wanted me to know how I can one day be with Him in heaven. And He wanted me to know that He is always with me, through His Spirit. I can allow Him to work in my life by believing in and calling on the power of the Holy Spirit.
I have had worldly experiences which have lead to negative feelings. These were, of course, choices I made on my own. While I believe God has used those experiences for good and for His glory, I also realize how much healthier (mentally and spiritually) I would probably be if I had known and listened to His Word instead of making bad choices. This is not a pity party over here though. I can and do Rejoice in the Spirit of the Lord that has brought me freedom. I have to sometimes remind myself of this freedom, because I am still so far from perfect and do things wrong. But I believe that if I continue to love and serve my Lord, He will continue to bring me freedom through His Spirit and transform me into someone that reflects His Glory.
Thank you Lord that you took away my veil!!
3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
The "veil" on our lives is the time before we accept Christ, the way we live(d) without Him. So often, I think about what my life was like when I was still wearing that "veil" of the world, how I wanted my life to be successful and full in the eyes of the world, how I thought that there was some other person that might make me feel full.
But what I have come to realize, through my acceptance of Christ's salvation and subsequent study of His Word, is that living within what the Bible tells us is freeing in a way that the world had never given me. Living within the "rules" given through the Bible really impresses upon me my Heavenly Father's love. He wrote a whole book for me, to guide me in this life!! And sent His Son as an offering for my sin! He wanted me to know how I can one day be with Him in heaven. And He wanted me to know that He is always with me, through His Spirit. I can allow Him to work in my life by believing in and calling on the power of the Holy Spirit.
I have had worldly experiences which have lead to negative feelings. These were, of course, choices I made on my own. While I believe God has used those experiences for good and for His glory, I also realize how much healthier (mentally and spiritually) I would probably be if I had known and listened to His Word instead of making bad choices. This is not a pity party over here though. I can and do Rejoice in the Spirit of the Lord that has brought me freedom. I have to sometimes remind myself of this freedom, because I am still so far from perfect and do things wrong. But I believe that if I continue to love and serve my Lord, He will continue to bring me freedom through His Spirit and transform me into someone that reflects His Glory.
Thank you Lord that you took away my veil!!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Comfort
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
There are experiences we have that grow us into compassionate humans. I consider myself a compassionate person. I feel that I can put myself in others' shoes. But in the last couple years of my life, I realize that I have learned some valuable things about myself and my relationship to others. I realize that I sometimes ask too many questions, about stuff people just do not want to talk about. I realize that I want information that is not my business. I realize that others are hurting in areas that I do not understand. I am sure there are still many things about this life and hurting people that I do not understand.
This lack of self awareness came from a genuine curiosity in getting to know people and my tendency to ask too many questions. It also came from a lack of experience... When you have not been in someone else's shoes and have not had to experience or think about what they are going through, you might not be as careful with your words.
But the last couple years I am learning that I need to be quiet! I need to sit back and allow time to let me get to know someone and not expect them to blurt out their story, just because I am willing to share mine. And I am learning that I myself do not always want to share everything. There are some things in our lives that are hard to talk about over and over and over. There are some things it is hard to listen to others' advice about, unless they too have been in your shoes.
I am also learning that Jesus really is my comfort. Over time He has shown me that I can lean on Him. I might not feel better just as soon as I pray, but He is faithful to bring peace, even when I have to grieve, explore, or work on whatever is going on in my life. And He can turn my needs for comfort into the ability to be there for someone else who needs comfort too. Jesus is a God of healing and relationship. I am so thankful for the people He has brought into my life that have helped me see His comfort and peace is attainable and given it out to me themselves. I am thankful the Lord has provided just who I need to help me see Him more clearly and to help me grow and be more like Him.
There are experiences we have that grow us into compassionate humans. I consider myself a compassionate person. I feel that I can put myself in others' shoes. But in the last couple years of my life, I realize that I have learned some valuable things about myself and my relationship to others. I realize that I sometimes ask too many questions, about stuff people just do not want to talk about. I realize that I want information that is not my business. I realize that others are hurting in areas that I do not understand. I am sure there are still many things about this life and hurting people that I do not understand.
This lack of self awareness came from a genuine curiosity in getting to know people and my tendency to ask too many questions. It also came from a lack of experience... When you have not been in someone else's shoes and have not had to experience or think about what they are going through, you might not be as careful with your words.
But the last couple years I am learning that I need to be quiet! I need to sit back and allow time to let me get to know someone and not expect them to blurt out their story, just because I am willing to share mine. And I am learning that I myself do not always want to share everything. There are some things in our lives that are hard to talk about over and over and over. There are some things it is hard to listen to others' advice about, unless they too have been in your shoes.
I am also learning that Jesus really is my comfort. Over time He has shown me that I can lean on Him. I might not feel better just as soon as I pray, but He is faithful to bring peace, even when I have to grieve, explore, or work on whatever is going on in my life. And He can turn my needs for comfort into the ability to be there for someone else who needs comfort too. Jesus is a God of healing and relationship. I am so thankful for the people He has brought into my life that have helped me see His comfort and peace is attainable and given it out to me themselves. I am thankful the Lord has provided just who I need to help me see Him more clearly and to help me grow and be more like Him.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Heavenly citizenship
Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.
I know there are things that will make me sad and cause me heartache in this life. There already has been those things. It is because of this promise from the Lord though, that I can grieve and move on. I am so thankful that I am able to feel sure that heaven awaits me one day and that the believers I love that have gone before me will be waiting for me there.
My mortality was not the thing that lead me to seek out Christ. For me, it was the fact that I felt like my life was not what I wanted it to be. I did not feel good about myself and the person that I was. But in the process of getting to know the Lord through His Word and His church, I realized the significance of what He did for me on the cross. He made a way for me to be a citizen of heaven, despite the fact that I do not deserve it. He made a way for me to know Him personally.
Knowing Jesus has changed my life. Allowing Him into my heart has given me a hope for the future that I did not have before. I know that not everyone can get hope from taking a leap of faith in a God that became a Man that died on a cross... And if you need more, more knowledge, more research, more science, it is out there. Go, look for it. Allow yourself the opportunity to believe in something bigger than yourself, something that will one day reward you with life in heaven.
I know there are things that will make me sad and cause me heartache in this life. There already has been those things. It is because of this promise from the Lord though, that I can grieve and move on. I am so thankful that I am able to feel sure that heaven awaits me one day and that the believers I love that have gone before me will be waiting for me there.
My mortality was not the thing that lead me to seek out Christ. For me, it was the fact that I felt like my life was not what I wanted it to be. I did not feel good about myself and the person that I was. But in the process of getting to know the Lord through His Word and His church, I realized the significance of what He did for me on the cross. He made a way for me to be a citizen of heaven, despite the fact that I do not deserve it. He made a way for me to know Him personally.
Knowing Jesus has changed my life. Allowing Him into my heart has given me a hope for the future that I did not have before. I know that not everyone can get hope from taking a leap of faith in a God that became a Man that died on a cross... And if you need more, more knowledge, more research, more science, it is out there. Go, look for it. Allow yourself the opportunity to believe in something bigger than yourself, something that will one day reward you with life in heaven.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)