This morning I read Luke 1:26-56 about when Mary visits Elizabeth. Well actually, I didn't "read" it; I listened to it via my YouVersion droid app while putting in some mileage on the treadmill. And I have to give those YouVersion people props for making the word of God so accessible. High five, chest bump!
Before I share my thoughts, a definition of blessing is in order since we tend to misinterpret it; blessing is God's favor, His smile, His delight in us that in turn makes us oh so happy.
When the angel, Gabriel, visited Mary to tell her God was going to make her the mama of His son she was confused and disturbed but she resolves those feelings with a confidence in God saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
Shortly after receiving the incredible news, Mary went to visit Elizabeth. She was at best a few days pregnant. Baby Jesus was just a cluster of rapidly dividing cells. No heartbeat. No fingers and toes. No little flutter kicks to let her know he was there. No evidence to confirm the promise was in the midst of being fulfilled. This is when Elizabeth says, "You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said." Like other biblical examples (check out Hebrews 11), Mary experienced God's blessing, or favor, not because of what she did but because of her belief that God would do. And she experienced it at the moment she believed even though God's plan had not yet unfolded as promised.
Mary's experience is not exclusive. As with her, our beliefs directly relate to our happiness. Anyone who places his/her trust in God has access to blessing. Our belief in God's infinite ability and benevolent willingness to act in our lives increases the aperture of our vision for God's glory revealed in us which perpetuates blessing. In other words, believing God pleases Him and pleasing Him results in our ultimate happiness.
What's the secret to happiness? The key to experiencing blessing? Believe GOD!
My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises! Psalm 57:7
Showing posts with label Life Lessons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life Lessons. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
It's gonna get messy
When we lived in Georgia we often visited a BBQ restaurant whose slogan was "It's Gonna Get Messy!". They got it right. The trade off for enjoying their succulent, fall-off-the-bone ribs was sticky fingers and face, but (as evident by their long lines) it was worth it.
This morning I was reading a proverb that echoed the same sentiment about trade-offs. Proverbs 14:4 says, "Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest." The trade-off; You can have a neat, tidy, sanitized stable OR you can reap a HUGE harvest, but it's gonna be messy.
What's my take on the application? Here goes:
John 4 tells us, "Look around you! Vast fields are ripening all around us and are ready now for the harvest... the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life....". So the harvest represents "people brought to eternal life" and the "oxen" are the ones working the fields to prepare for and reap the harvest. (Great commission, baby!) By the very nature of the task the oxen are bound to get dirty and bring it home to the stables, but that's the only way to reap a huge harvest! Getting dirty!!! It seems to me the rewards far outweigh the cost. Kind of like those ribs (but on a much BIGGER scale...infinity).
That's all for our lesson today. Now, go get dirty!
This morning I was reading a proverb that echoed the same sentiment about trade-offs. Proverbs 14:4 says, "Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest." The trade-off; You can have a neat, tidy, sanitized stable OR you can reap a HUGE harvest, but it's gonna be messy.
What's my take on the application? Here goes:
John 4 tells us, "Look around you! Vast fields are ripening all around us and are ready now for the harvest... the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life....". So the harvest represents "people brought to eternal life" and the "oxen" are the ones working the fields to prepare for and reap the harvest. (Great commission, baby!) By the very nature of the task the oxen are bound to get dirty and bring it home to the stables, but that's the only way to reap a huge harvest! Getting dirty!!! It seems to me the rewards far outweigh the cost. Kind of like those ribs (but on a much BIGGER scale...infinity).
That's all for our lesson today. Now, go get dirty!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Life's interruptions...
...are God's opportunities.
In an effort to take advantage of Spring Break, this morning I went for a run with my husband and 2 sons at a local nature trail. When we returned to the parking lot from our 4 mile loop, ready to head home and reward our efforts with a hearty breakfast, my husband discovered that his key had fallen out of his pocket. We looked longingly into the front seat from the window where our phones and water bottles sat in motionless mockery.
Thankfully, my husband had his work number memorized, walked a short distance to use an office land line, and in no time we were picked up by his co-worker, a fellow pastor.
When we arrived home, I retrieved our spare house key from my neighbor: the key I had made after knocking on her door at 10pm one night to ask if her former marine husband knew how to break into a house. He did. Apparently they teach those kinds of skills in the military but when I asked how he did it, he said if he told me he'd have to kill me.
With my set of car keys, my husband and co-worker went back to pick up the car. Problem solved. Crisis averted.
What was the opportunity? The opportunity to admit that we needed help, ask for it, and allow someone else the blessing of being a hero to us. In this case, a co-worker and a neighbor.
Life Lesson: The beauty of community is expressed when we realize and embrace that we're all in this life together and we need each other to fulfill one of our greatest purposes: "Love your neighbor"...
In an effort to take advantage of Spring Break, this morning I went for a run with my husband and 2 sons at a local nature trail. When we returned to the parking lot from our 4 mile loop, ready to head home and reward our efforts with a hearty breakfast, my husband discovered that his key had fallen out of his pocket. We looked longingly into the front seat from the window where our phones and water bottles sat in motionless mockery.
Thankfully, my husband had his work number memorized, walked a short distance to use an office land line, and in no time we were picked up by his co-worker, a fellow pastor.
When we arrived home, I retrieved our spare house key from my neighbor: the key I had made after knocking on her door at 10pm one night to ask if her former marine husband knew how to break into a house. He did. Apparently they teach those kinds of skills in the military but when I asked how he did it, he said if he told me he'd have to kill me.
With my set of car keys, my husband and co-worker went back to pick up the car. Problem solved. Crisis averted.
What was the opportunity? The opportunity to admit that we needed help, ask for it, and allow someone else the blessing of being a hero to us. In this case, a co-worker and a neighbor.
Life Lesson: The beauty of community is expressed when we realize and embrace that we're all in this life together and we need each other to fulfill one of our greatest purposes: "Love your neighbor"...
Friday, October 9, 2009
God's Eyelids
He doesn't need them for sleep since he never sleeps (Psalm 121:3). Blinking! Is there dust in Heaven that He would need to protect His vision from? If there is, He should really get those angels to clean up and- He's GOD! He could create some sort of force field or command the dust particles to stay away from his eyes! What use does He have for eyelids!? Maybe I'm a little crazy in getting hung up on details about God's body parts but Psalm 11:4 points out that He has eyelids so there must be a reason!
"The LORD is in His holy temple, The LORD's throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men."
What? Did I read that right? God has eyelids so that He can test people?
There are times when I've looked up to see if God is watching the happenings in my life only to find His eyes closed. I've searched for His gaze of comfort, reassurance, or guidance but find a veil of lashes and skin. The eyelids of God. Testing me.
It's a simple test. Open book.
Part I
True or False:
___ 1. God is good.
___ 2. He loves me and likes me.
___ 3. He is trustworthy.
___ 4. He keeps His promises.
___ 5. He is in control of everything.
Part II
Apply all True answers in real life to your current situation.
I've failed more tests than I care to admit. I knew the correct answers in Pt. I but getting my feet to take action was where I stumbled. Looking back on those times I see how foolish I was in doubting God's promises when circumstances challenged them. He always proved Himself faithful, trustworthy, and good. He always opened His eyes again. Too often my clouded vision controlled my perspective and reactions rather than faith in who God is. If He was giving out report cards, I would have to retake the course. And so I do but this time a little wiser.
His eyelids test the sons of men.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance...Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:2-3,12
P.S. I had my son proofread this and I thought he had a sweet insight, "You can also see God's eyelids when He's winking." I think I like that imagery better- God's tests are Him winking at us... it fits His nature better- a benevolent Father taking pleasure in teaching His children how to ride without training wheels even if it means a few bumps and bruises along the way.
"The LORD is in His holy temple, The LORD's throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men."
What? Did I read that right? God has eyelids so that He can test people?
There are times when I've looked up to see if God is watching the happenings in my life only to find His eyes closed. I've searched for His gaze of comfort, reassurance, or guidance but find a veil of lashes and skin. The eyelids of God. Testing me.
It's a simple test. Open book.
Part I
True or False:
___ 1. God is good.
___ 2. He loves me and likes me.
___ 3. He is trustworthy.
___ 4. He keeps His promises.
___ 5. He is in control of everything.
Part II
Apply all True answers in real life to your current situation.
I've failed more tests than I care to admit. I knew the correct answers in Pt. I but getting my feet to take action was where I stumbled. Looking back on those times I see how foolish I was in doubting God's promises when circumstances challenged them. He always proved Himself faithful, trustworthy, and good. He always opened His eyes again. Too often my clouded vision controlled my perspective and reactions rather than faith in who God is. If He was giving out report cards, I would have to retake the course. And so I do but this time a little wiser.
His eyelids test the sons of men.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance...Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:2-3,12
P.S. I had my son proofread this and I thought he had a sweet insight, "You can also see God's eyelids when He's winking." I think I like that imagery better- God's tests are Him winking at us... it fits His nature better- a benevolent Father taking pleasure in teaching His children how to ride without training wheels even if it means a few bumps and bruises along the way.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Flood
I have been watching the news regarding the flooding in Georgia and seeing the images of the deluge got me thinking...
Georgia has been in a drought for several years. Conserving water and praying for rain were commonplace in Georgian households while they watched their natural resource slowly evaporate and water bills quickly climb. We need water like we need oxygen. If only God would let it rain. And then He did. A lot. The creeks turned into violent rivers and ponds turned into vast lakes. And it kept raining until their banks could not contain the torrents and poured over into land. Streets. Houses. There were no boundaries to command the water. It did as it pleased like an untamed child taunting all who would try to restrain him. It was a flood.
A natural disaster puts life into perspective for me. It reveals how little control I actually have and reminds me how HUGE God is. Like a flood, He is vast. Untamed. Uncontainable. Unpredictable. Powerful. Consuming. Overwhelming. Trying to figure Him out is like standing under Niagara Falls to fill your water bottle.
I could go on and on with this metaphor but I guess you'll just have to wait for the song...(Yes, I was feeling inspired to put my thoughts to music.)
Georgia has been in a drought for several years. Conserving water and praying for rain were commonplace in Georgian households while they watched their natural resource slowly evaporate and water bills quickly climb. We need water like we need oxygen. If only God would let it rain. And then He did. A lot. The creeks turned into violent rivers and ponds turned into vast lakes. And it kept raining until their banks could not contain the torrents and poured over into land. Streets. Houses. There were no boundaries to command the water. It did as it pleased like an untamed child taunting all who would try to restrain him. It was a flood.
A natural disaster puts life into perspective for me. It reveals how little control I actually have and reminds me how HUGE God is. Like a flood, He is vast. Untamed. Uncontainable. Unpredictable. Powerful. Consuming. Overwhelming. Trying to figure Him out is like standing under Niagara Falls to fill your water bottle.
I could go on and on with this metaphor but I guess you'll just have to wait for the song...(Yes, I was feeling inspired to put my thoughts to music.)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Putting the Pieces Together
Have you ever tried putting a puzzle together without seeing the picture of what it's supposed to look like in the end? I'm talking about the 3000+ with the tiny pieces kind of puzzle. I have. Tried, at least. Only to become very frustrated. Sometimes I'd be convinced I was making progress but then take a step back to look at the pieces in context not make any sense. Now, it could be that it's one of those abstract pictures that isn't going to make sense OR that I've put pieces together that weren't meant to be. Without knowing what it is supposed to look like I'm left only with frustrating guesses. Unless...
This is where I find myself in life. We've just moved to Virginia and I am a bit overwhelmed at all the puzzle pieces I have to try to fit together just right. What will we do about school for our boys this year? Will I go back to work? Where will we live? House, apartment or condo? What will my involvement be in ministry? New relationships. New budget. Getting to know a new area. And the list goes on, each piece affecting the other. As I'm trying to fit them together just right, I take a step back to see them in context and they don't make sense. Now, it could be that it's one of those abstract pictures that isn't going to make sense OR that I've put pieces together that weren't meant to be. Without knowing what it is supposed to look like I'm left only with frustrating guesses. Unless...
Unless there's someone who knows what the end product is supposed to look like. Someone who designed the puzzle? Maybe I should consult with that person...Maybe if I did, I wouldn't feel so overwhelmed...
This is where I find myself in life. We've just moved to Virginia and I am a bit overwhelmed at all the puzzle pieces I have to try to fit together just right. What will we do about school for our boys this year? Will I go back to work? Where will we live? House, apartment or condo? What will my involvement be in ministry? New relationships. New budget. Getting to know a new area. And the list goes on, each piece affecting the other. As I'm trying to fit them together just right, I take a step back to see them in context and they don't make sense. Now, it could be that it's one of those abstract pictures that isn't going to make sense OR that I've put pieces together that weren't meant to be. Without knowing what it is supposed to look like I'm left only with frustrating guesses. Unless...
Unless there's someone who knows what the end product is supposed to look like. Someone who designed the puzzle? Maybe I should consult with that person...Maybe if I did, I wouldn't feel so overwhelmed...
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Life Lesson From Sudoku
Okay, I admit it! I am a sucker for any math logic game. I could spend hours working on my deduction skills through this seductive time waster. (Yes, I said SEDUCTIVE! I like numbers!) I have now found another excuse- I mean constructive reason to convince my husband that playing this game instead of helping him prepare for our move is a much more valuable use of my time; I learn great life lessons!
I was working through a puzzle classified as hard and came near the end when I discovered I had made an error somewhere. I spent a few moments searching to see if it was easily correctable but to no avail. I decided to start a new game because it would be EASIER!
My choice to quit that "hard" game and move on to one that promised more favorable and expedient results reminded me of what many people do in real life. When things get hard we'll often give a half-hearted attempt to find a solution but when it begins to take more time that we wanted to spend, more effort than we wanted to exert, more sacrifice than we were willing to make, it's time to move on to what we think will be a better (or easier) option. We miss the opportunity to step outside of what's comfortable and familiar to discover God's strength made perfect in our weakness. In addition, we miss the opportunity for refinement of our character that comes through having to face the errors of our past in hopes of not repeating them.
I was challenged by this thought as I played my (uh-hem) 4th round. Realizing that God was interrupting my game to speak to me about some HARD issues I have been facing along with the tempation to "start a new game" instead of working through this one. How about you? Is there something in your life that you'd like to give up on even though you know you need to press through? Let's follow Jesus' example that He set for us in that He had every reason to quit and start over but chose to endure even to the point of death. I am so glad He did!
I was working through a puzzle classified as hard and came near the end when I discovered I had made an error somewhere. I spent a few moments searching to see if it was easily correctable but to no avail. I decided to start a new game because it would be EASIER!
My choice to quit that "hard" game and move on to one that promised more favorable and expedient results reminded me of what many people do in real life. When things get hard we'll often give a half-hearted attempt to find a solution but when it begins to take more time that we wanted to spend, more effort than we wanted to exert, more sacrifice than we were willing to make, it's time to move on to what we think will be a better (or easier) option. We miss the opportunity to step outside of what's comfortable and familiar to discover God's strength made perfect in our weakness. In addition, we miss the opportunity for refinement of our character that comes through having to face the errors of our past in hopes of not repeating them.
I was challenged by this thought as I played my (uh-hem) 4th round. Realizing that God was interrupting my game to speak to me about some HARD issues I have been facing along with the tempation to "start a new game" instead of working through this one. How about you? Is there something in your life that you'd like to give up on even though you know you need to press through? Let's follow Jesus' example that He set for us in that He had every reason to quit and start over but chose to endure even to the point of death. I am so glad He did!
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