Just wanted to clarify my "Waitress" post. When I wrote about my pastor describing the table where we feed on God's Word, I mentioned the screaming baby in the highchair. Well, I totally messed that up. And it will make a lot more sense when I make the correction!
He was actually referencing a screaming adult, still sitting in the highchair - this adult screaming, "Feed me, feed me" when they should know how to feed themselves or to at least sit at the grown up table. In this analogy (or in real life), one should never ignore a screaming infant - they clearly have a need that isn't being met. They usually stop screaming when it is.
Anyway, just had that epiphany in the shower the other day.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Friends
Check out my fabulous friends, Denbigh & Stephanie Cherry! We had a blast hanging with them at the Gaylord Texan resort on May 9. Thursday, May 8, 2008
A Waitress
Have you ever waited tables? I have. I spent several years while in (and out) of college waiting tables. It's hard work. It's messy. I would come home smelling like fajitas every day and that smell is hard to get out! You have to be gracious, accomodating, and kind to all kinds of people from every walk of life. And sometimes you are rewarded with a big tip - and other times you may get just a penny.
My pastor, Ed Young, has frequently referred to the church as a dinner table of sorts. A healthy church has all these elements: the host who serves dinner (the Word of God) and seated at the table with him should be non-believers, new believers and mature believers. And then occasionally you have a screaming baby in the highchair next to the table complaining they aren't "being fed" and he (our pastor) says to just ignore them. But I digress...
I think we can map this dinner table analogy to our own walk with Christ. We initially come to the table with an inkling that there might be something good to eat here - something true that just might fill us up permanently. So we take a bite and it tastes really good. Like the best ever! So we decide to sit a spell and consume. And then we move over to believing and accepting that there is none besides Him - that we need Him to cover us. And we fervently and passionately consume, consume, consume. This is good. Obviously, the next move is to "mature believer". We are learning Scripture, studying and feeding on His word with a voracious appetite. This is good.
But should we stop here? Is there, in fact, another position in the "restaurant"? Yes. It's called the Wait Staff - the Server. If we never leave the table and start serving others, we'll just get fat. Do you know how we work off the fat? By leaving the table. By getting up and discipling someone else - by serving the infallible Word of God to someone else! By literally serving food to the homeless.
Our culture is one of gluttonous consumption and self-absorption. This is even in our churches! It's all about me and what I can get out of the message. I need to learn more about God's Word and His Will for my life. These are good things - we do need to spend time in His Word daily - this is how He reveals Himself to us! But are we just sitting around getting fat and not allowing His Word to give us traction. We've got to get out of the lab and get some real-world application.
And you know what? It's hard work. It's messy. You may come home smelling like smoke or whatever. And sometimes you get an earthly reward - like witnessing someone come to Christ. Or you may get spit on or yelled at. You may be persecuted for sharing your faith at the office. You may be criticized for homeschooling your children. But you can guarantee that when you serve others, you are storing up treasure in Heaven - your mind can't even comprehend the huge "tip" awaiting you.
I encourage you today to be a waiter or waitress. Serve God's food - the Truth - to someone today. Get up from the table if you've been sitting there awhile. It's time to take a walk to the kitchen, pick up a tray, and deliver it to some people at a different table in your station.
What good is it, my brothers (and sisters!), if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
James 2:14-17
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
Ephesians 6:7-8
...Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Matthew 20:28
My pastor, Ed Young, has frequently referred to the church as a dinner table of sorts. A healthy church has all these elements: the host who serves dinner (the Word of God) and seated at the table with him should be non-believers, new believers and mature believers. And then occasionally you have a screaming baby in the highchair next to the table complaining they aren't "being fed" and he (our pastor) says to just ignore them. But I digress...
I think we can map this dinner table analogy to our own walk with Christ. We initially come to the table with an inkling that there might be something good to eat here - something true that just might fill us up permanently. So we take a bite and it tastes really good. Like the best ever! So we decide to sit a spell and consume. And then we move over to believing and accepting that there is none besides Him - that we need Him to cover us. And we fervently and passionately consume, consume, consume. This is good. Obviously, the next move is to "mature believer". We are learning Scripture, studying and feeding on His word with a voracious appetite. This is good.
But should we stop here? Is there, in fact, another position in the "restaurant"? Yes. It's called the Wait Staff - the Server. If we never leave the table and start serving others, we'll just get fat. Do you know how we work off the fat? By leaving the table. By getting up and discipling someone else - by serving the infallible Word of God to someone else! By literally serving food to the homeless.
Our culture is one of gluttonous consumption and self-absorption. This is even in our churches! It's all about me and what I can get out of the message. I need to learn more about God's Word and His Will for my life. These are good things - we do need to spend time in His Word daily - this is how He reveals Himself to us! But are we just sitting around getting fat and not allowing His Word to give us traction. We've got to get out of the lab and get some real-world application.
And you know what? It's hard work. It's messy. You may come home smelling like smoke or whatever. And sometimes you get an earthly reward - like witnessing someone come to Christ. Or you may get spit on or yelled at. You may be persecuted for sharing your faith at the office. You may be criticized for homeschooling your children. But you can guarantee that when you serve others, you are storing up treasure in Heaven - your mind can't even comprehend the huge "tip" awaiting you.
I encourage you today to be a waiter or waitress. Serve God's food - the Truth - to someone today. Get up from the table if you've been sitting there awhile. It's time to take a walk to the kitchen, pick up a tray, and deliver it to some people at a different table in your station.
What good is it, my brothers (and sisters!), if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
James 2:14-17
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
Ephesians 6:7-8
...Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Matthew 20:28
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Pierced
The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.
Psalm 37:14-15
In late January, as I completed study on one book in the new Testament, I prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide me to the next book. He led me to the Psalms. No accident at all, given the theme my quiet time has taken this year. Worship - it's all about worship. Sitting at the feet of our precious and mighty Jesus and worshipping Him. God has been speaking to me about subtraction; particularly, addition by subtraction. Removing things / activities / ways of thinking so that I can be more fully His and in His will.
This morning I have been reading Psalm 36 & 37. As I came to verse 14-15 in Psalm 37, the Holy Spirit prompted me to stop there for a moment. And I experienced one of those great "a-ha" moments.
It should be no surprise that there are many who seek the harm and suppression of believers. In our government, in our schools, in our clubs, etc. And it's useful to be on guard and informed. But when does simply being informed regarding their wicked schemes cross over into pursuing something that is distracting from my one true purpose: worshipping and glorifying Jesus. Especially when we know the ultimate outcome!
Now some may be called to battle on behalf of the "rights" of Christians and I pray that those who are called, step up and obey our Father. I just don't think that is me. I am coming to realize that reading email messages daily about boycotting this, or writing a newspaper about that is a distraction for me. Satan is using these messages to distract me from my one true purpose: to love my God with all my heart, my mind, my spirit and my soul. And to love my neighbor as myself. By reading these email notices, I have noticed my heart begin to harden against certain groups of people. This is blatant sin!
So, Father, I pray for love. I pray that I live inside for Your will. I pray that my life reveals You and Your glory. And I leave the rest to You.
Psalm 37:14-15
In late January, as I completed study on one book in the new Testament, I prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide me to the next book. He led me to the Psalms. No accident at all, given the theme my quiet time has taken this year. Worship - it's all about worship. Sitting at the feet of our precious and mighty Jesus and worshipping Him. God has been speaking to me about subtraction; particularly, addition by subtraction. Removing things / activities / ways of thinking so that I can be more fully His and in His will.
This morning I have been reading Psalm 36 & 37. As I came to verse 14-15 in Psalm 37, the Holy Spirit prompted me to stop there for a moment. And I experienced one of those great "a-ha" moments.
It should be no surprise that there are many who seek the harm and suppression of believers. In our government, in our schools, in our clubs, etc. And it's useful to be on guard and informed. But when does simply being informed regarding their wicked schemes cross over into pursuing something that is distracting from my one true purpose: worshipping and glorifying Jesus. Especially when we know the ultimate outcome!
Now some may be called to battle on behalf of the "rights" of Christians and I pray that those who are called, step up and obey our Father. I just don't think that is me. I am coming to realize that reading email messages daily about boycotting this, or writing a newspaper about that is a distraction for me. Satan is using these messages to distract me from my one true purpose: to love my God with all my heart, my mind, my spirit and my soul. And to love my neighbor as myself. By reading these email notices, I have noticed my heart begin to harden against certain groups of people. This is blatant sin!
So, Father, I pray for love. I pray that I live inside for Your will. I pray that my life reveals You and Your glory. And I leave the rest to You.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Two Thoughts...Or Is It Three?
I am a slacker. I can no longer even attempt to conceal it. This blog is just one example where the only consistent thing is my inconsistency. This is an area I am taking on in 2008 - not my blog necessarily, but being inconsistent. I have a tendency to take on so many different things that few end up getting done well. But God is transforming this in me - thankfully!
A friend and I were talking about the spirit of busyness that infiltrates our lives and before you know it, you are completely ineffective in your walk with Christ, your ministry, your calling - the things that are most important. I love saying "Yes!" To God, but also to everyone else. This is not a healthy thing. God is teaching me to say "No" sometimes - and it is not only okay, but necessary at times. I am being constantly reminded through Scripture that the Lord leads me to and through devotionals that Jesus wants a Mary, not a Martha. So that is my prayer - Lord, today let me just sit at your feet and worship you. Let not the busy-ness of my life supercede You, the One and Only!
My mom recently sent me some information that a very well-known talk show host has started a year-long study through their radio program based on completely false doctrine, very new age "religion". She was really disturbed by the impact this could have on people. The information in this workbook is true heresy. But instead of being worried about the influence of lies over unsuspecting and/or ignorant individuals, I prayed for this person and for God's protection and revelation for the listeners/viewers.
After I prayed, I turned to Psalm 2 for some time in His Word. I started reading and just had to laugh. Jesus, you crack me up and I love you for your answers to prayer!!!
Psalm 2
Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.
"Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters."
The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
"I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill."
I will proclaim the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.
You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery."
Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Praise God that He is Truth - absolutely and completely. He has proven faithful at every turn and I trust His Word as it is - no more, no less.
Side note:
I encourage anyone who worries or gets upset about elections and politics to meditate on this Scripture. It has brought me such peace.
Daniel 2:20-21a
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them..."
He will use ANYONE - even unbelievers - to fulfill His purpose on earth. Hallelujah! I praise Your Name, O Sovereign One, for ever and ever!
A friend and I were talking about the spirit of busyness that infiltrates our lives and before you know it, you are completely ineffective in your walk with Christ, your ministry, your calling - the things that are most important. I love saying "Yes!" To God, but also to everyone else. This is not a healthy thing. God is teaching me to say "No" sometimes - and it is not only okay, but necessary at times. I am being constantly reminded through Scripture that the Lord leads me to and through devotionals that Jesus wants a Mary, not a Martha. So that is my prayer - Lord, today let me just sit at your feet and worship you. Let not the busy-ness of my life supercede You, the One and Only!
My mom recently sent me some information that a very well-known talk show host has started a year-long study through their radio program based on completely false doctrine, very new age "religion". She was really disturbed by the impact this could have on people. The information in this workbook is true heresy. But instead of being worried about the influence of lies over unsuspecting and/or ignorant individuals, I prayed for this person and for God's protection and revelation for the listeners/viewers.
After I prayed, I turned to Psalm 2 for some time in His Word. I started reading and just had to laugh. Jesus, you crack me up and I love you for your answers to prayer!!!
Psalm 2
Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.
"Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters."
The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
"I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill."
I will proclaim the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.
You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery."
Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Praise God that He is Truth - absolutely and completely. He has proven faithful at every turn and I trust His Word as it is - no more, no less.
Side note:
I encourage anyone who worries or gets upset about elections and politics to meditate on this Scripture. It has brought me such peace.
Daniel 2:20-21a
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them..."
He will use ANYONE - even unbelievers - to fulfill His purpose on earth. Hallelujah! I praise Your Name, O Sovereign One, for ever and ever!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Mary's Song
This morning the Holy Spirit led me to Luke 1. Not an unlikely Book to go to given the season we're in, but it's been awhile since I've been in the Synoptic Gospels during my quiet time with God.
I find myself struck by Mary and her response to the angel Gabriel. "I am the Lord's servant...May it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38)
There's no whining, no unbelief, no "I'm not good enough", no "why me?". Just yes, Lord - I am yours, Lord - I pray it will be so.
I pray that I could be so ready with a resounding "Yes, Lord! I am Your servant, Lord!" when He calls.
And then Mary visits Elizabeth, her cousin who is also with child, and they greet one another and then Mary bursts into song - just like a musical! Okay, she may not have literally sung this psalm, but it is beautiful. What makes it beautiful is that she is all about glorifying the Lord and that the first thing she wants to do when she sees her cousin is to do just that! Not the latest gossip, not the update on how in the world did you get pregnant since you're so advanced in years... It is all about Him. It's all about Him.
When I think about the women God has brought in and out of my life, the friends who are dearest to me are the ones where proclaiming the glory of Christ, singing His praises, sharing about the work God is doing in us is the primary reason for our relationship. Oh, sure, we talk about other things like our children, our relationships, etc. But the primary reason we're even friends is because of Christ. I am grateful for these beautiful women - they minister to me, to my soul in so many ways.
None of us will give birth to the Son of God. Mary alone was chosen to do that. But God has chosen you for something too. He has called you and he has called me to be a part of His Kingdom Cause. He has placed you and me in this day, this time, this place for a specific reason. I pray that we can be Mary's today! Yes, Lord! "May it be to me as you have said." Yes!
I leave you with Mary's song - it is beautiful. The Lord is beautiful. The works of His Hands are beautiful. There is beauty all around - seek it out, find it, it is there!
Luke 1:46-55
And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."
Side note: The other afternoon I was driving my boys over to a relative's house and my son, Lane, looked out his window and exclaimed, "Mommy! Look at that sunset! God made that for us!" My heart just about burst with joy! The beauty of God's creation stirring the heart of my almost-four-year-old son... He is stirring yours too!
I find myself struck by Mary and her response to the angel Gabriel. "I am the Lord's servant...May it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38)
There's no whining, no unbelief, no "I'm not good enough", no "why me?". Just yes, Lord - I am yours, Lord - I pray it will be so.
I pray that I could be so ready with a resounding "Yes, Lord! I am Your servant, Lord!" when He calls.
And then Mary visits Elizabeth, her cousin who is also with child, and they greet one another and then Mary bursts into song - just like a musical! Okay, she may not have literally sung this psalm, but it is beautiful. What makes it beautiful is that she is all about glorifying the Lord and that the first thing she wants to do when she sees her cousin is to do just that! Not the latest gossip, not the update on how in the world did you get pregnant since you're so advanced in years... It is all about Him. It's all about Him.
When I think about the women God has brought in and out of my life, the friends who are dearest to me are the ones where proclaiming the glory of Christ, singing His praises, sharing about the work God is doing in us is the primary reason for our relationship. Oh, sure, we talk about other things like our children, our relationships, etc. But the primary reason we're even friends is because of Christ. I am grateful for these beautiful women - they minister to me, to my soul in so many ways.
None of us will give birth to the Son of God. Mary alone was chosen to do that. But God has chosen you for something too. He has called you and he has called me to be a part of His Kingdom Cause. He has placed you and me in this day, this time, this place for a specific reason. I pray that we can be Mary's today! Yes, Lord! "May it be to me as you have said." Yes!
I leave you with Mary's song - it is beautiful. The Lord is beautiful. The works of His Hands are beautiful. There is beauty all around - seek it out, find it, it is there!
Luke 1:46-55
And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."
Side note: The other afternoon I was driving my boys over to a relative's house and my son, Lane, looked out his window and exclaimed, "Mommy! Look at that sunset! God made that for us!" My heart just about burst with joy! The beauty of God's creation stirring the heart of my almost-four-year-old son... He is stirring yours too!
Monday, November 19, 2007
The Oil of Gladness
Thanksgiving... Giving thanks... I love this time of year. The ushering in of crisp, autumn air signals a change - not a new change, but a very familiar and comforting change. The winding down of this year before revving back up for the year to come. One of my favorite movies is "Polly Anna". We can learn a lot from Polly Anna, especially her "Glad Game". It's a great game to play! I encourage you today to play it.
When I think on what I am thankful for, what comes to mind immediately is my relationship with my Lord and Savior. This year, He has broken me and delivered me and given me freedom to rejoice over Him, love Him, worship Him, and testify for Him in a way that is unrecognizable to me. It humbles me greatly that He would choose to spend His time on me.
I am thankful for His Word. God has given me a passion for His Word, the Scriptures. I delight in reading my bible - I yearn for my time with Him to come each day. I am so glad that Jesus answered my prayer for this passion - I asked specifically for a passion for Scripture and He has faithfully given it to me in abundance!!! I am so grateful.
I am thankful for my husband, Travis. It is amazing and thrilling to see how God is developing him! He has Jesus all over him! God is preparing him and growing him and to see my husband pouring over his bible and seeking out godly men for friends and mentors moves me beyond words.
I am thankful for my children, Lane and Landry. Lane is developing his own love relationship with Jesus and it is the most precious thing to witness. There is nothing I want more than for my boys to love Jesus, to pursue Him and seek Him, to worship Him, to honor Him.
I am thankful for my home, my family, my friends.
Thank you, Father, for meeting each and every one of my needs and a lot of my wants! I pray that I manage Your gifts responsibly and that You are glorified in all ways.
I am glad. I pray you are too today!!!
When I think on what I am thankful for, what comes to mind immediately is my relationship with my Lord and Savior. This year, He has broken me and delivered me and given me freedom to rejoice over Him, love Him, worship Him, and testify for Him in a way that is unrecognizable to me. It humbles me greatly that He would choose to spend His time on me.
I am thankful for His Word. God has given me a passion for His Word, the Scriptures. I delight in reading my bible - I yearn for my time with Him to come each day. I am so glad that Jesus answered my prayer for this passion - I asked specifically for a passion for Scripture and He has faithfully given it to me in abundance!!! I am so grateful.
I am thankful for my husband, Travis. It is amazing and thrilling to see how God is developing him! He has Jesus all over him! God is preparing him and growing him and to see my husband pouring over his bible and seeking out godly men for friends and mentors moves me beyond words.
I am thankful for my children, Lane and Landry. Lane is developing his own love relationship with Jesus and it is the most precious thing to witness. There is nothing I want more than for my boys to love Jesus, to pursue Him and seek Him, to worship Him, to honor Him.
I am thankful for my home, my family, my friends.
Thank you, Father, for meeting each and every one of my needs and a lot of my wants! I pray that I manage Your gifts responsibly and that You are glorified in all ways.
I am glad. I pray you are too today!!!
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