To know wisdom and instruction,
To discern the sayings of understanding,
To recieve instruction in wise behavior...
Proverbs1:2-3a
I remember as a young mom when I would give my children knowledge and then get frustrated that they did not make wise decisions based upon that knowledge. Then I realized that knowledge does not lead to wisdom without instruction. I am doing a Bible study with a lovely young lady who has such a love for God and His Word. She was raised in a Bible believing church and memorized a lot of Scripture and even the Apostles' Creed and Catechism, but she was never instructed what these things had to do with her. It is amazing watching her put the pieces together. As I instruct her in God's word she is excited to see that God's Word has so much to teach her. She realizes that she would have excaped so many sins and heartaches if someone had instructed her when she was younger.
The very young, from birth to age 2 or so are in a time of great knowledge gathering. These little ones are not able to recieve instruction, just information. But as they turn 2 and continue to gather information they are also able to recieve simple instruction. Around the age of 7, children are ready to be able to recieve more complicated instruction and are able to think abstractly enough to realize the connection between some instruction and different situations. For instance, they are instructed about the Renaissance and they are able to put Christopher Columbus and Leonardo DiVinci into that time frame. Ages 7- 12 or 13 is a time of great instruction and great understanding. After the age of 12 or 13, and for some as late as 16-18, children are able to apply wisdom to instruction.Wisdom is being able to discern situations and apply Biblical principles. Wisdom is the ability to judge correctly and use our knowledge to avoid trouble, solve problems, reach goals, and succeed in life based upon God's principles.
Expecting our kids to go from knowledge to wisdom without instruction is frustrating for them and is setting them up for failure. Knowing the fact that God is love is wonderful, and I do need to know that. But if no one ever instructs me how to recieve His love then I can never make the wise decision of accepting that love. If I haven't been instructed on how a Chrisitian ought to view the body and sex then I may know that "...the body is a temple of God and I have been bought with a price..." but not know what that means in terms of dating, especially if I see other Christians misusing their bodies.
This is true in all areas of our lives. I know how to put gas in my car. I have not been instructed on the different mixtures and grades of gasolines. I can not make wise decisions in this area when it comes to what gas to use when we are going on a road trip versus around town. I have to call and ask my husband who gives me the knowledge that I need for the moment, but without instruction, I will have to call him again the next time.
Stop and think for minute the next time that your child does not make a wise decision. Does he have the correct information? Has he been instructed on how to use that information? Many parents go astray teaching their children what is in the book or on the computer screen, but without input and instruction, they are only recieving information and cannot make wise decisions.
Hint of the Day: When speaking to your children about what they have learned at school, in a book, or on the computer, after getting the facts of what they learned ask questions that instruct them with the knowledge. For example, Sally learned how to add. Instead of saying, "That's nice. How much is 3+5?" Say, "That's nice. If we went into the store and I wanted to get an apple and an orange and each one cost 3 cents, how much money would I need?" That's over simplifying things a little, but hopefully you get the gist. If they learned that they are a new creature in Christ Jesus, you might ask them what that means. Make sure they understand that that puts all shame into the past, that they now have a choice to sin or not to sin. Instruct them in the need to renew their mind as a new creature and how to do that. Just saying, "That's nice." will not instruct them about the new creation that they have become.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Joy vs. Happiness
“Restore to me the joy
of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:12
Often our goal is to find happiness. We Americans spend a lot of money seeking
for happiness. When we find it, it is
only for a moment and then we must seek more ways to be happy. Happiness is based upon our circumstances and
is an emotion. Emotions are not
reliable. If we allow them to be the
guiding force of our lives then we are headed towards a catastrophe because we
will continue to chase pursuits that satisfy our emotional appetites but leave
us empty in the end. Several years ago a
reality tv program came out called “Fear Factor.” The first season was fun to watch. But what was edgy that first year was not
enough to hold the audience’s attention, so year after year, the stunts got
more and more dangerous and edgy – even going over the edge. Emotions are like that. They can never be satisfied with worldly
pursuits. Joy, on the other hand, is a deep seated contentment and peace based not on circumstances but on identity or position. Throughout God’s Word, joy is linked with God’s presence. As children of the King, we know that in spite of our circumstances, God is on His throne; He loves us and delights in us; and wants what is best for us. Even in tough times we are not alone; we are comforted; we have hope. As we walk with God through the circumstances of life, we are okay and we experience joy. Joy is not an emotion that we must seek and can never be fulfilled. Joy is knowing and being in the presence of God. Since joy is not an emotion it is not linked to our circumstances. It is in spite of our situations. Only God’s children can experience real, lasting joy.
Are you joyful in the midst?
What comes out when you are squeezed – blessings or curses? Spend time with God in the good times, trust
Him in all times, and you will find yourself joyful in the midst. I experienced real joy at a convention in
Austin, TX. This woman was there looking
for school curriculum and we got to talking.
She was vibrant, positive, and radiant with God’s love. As we spoke she revealed that her 20 year son
had been killed in a car crash within the past 9 months. She was sad for the loss, but hopeful that
they would be together for all eternity.
She shared her grief she was experiencing at each holiday, but she was
joyful deep inside because she knows God intimately and He has comforted and
strengthened her. Those seeking
happiness will find discontentment and grief.
Those seeking God will find joy!
Hint of the Day: Teach
yourself and your kids that happiness is evasive, but joy is everlasting. I am a mom; I want my kids to be happy. But I have taught them that life
happens. When it does, we speak of the
loss, the grief, the sadness, and we hope for the future. We praise God in the midst and find joy. Read Psalm 1:1-3. Joy is being firmly planted, not easily
uprooted.Tuesday, June 26, 2012
God Delights in You
"They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
But the Lord was my stay.
He brought me forth also into a broad place;
He rescued me, because He delighted in me."
Psalm 18:18-19
Did you know that God delights in you? This is really profound. We are sinners; we mess up; but God, Our Father, delights in us! Why? Just because we are His! That's right - not because we are cute, or we do good things, or because others like us, but just because we are His! Listen to Psalm37:23 - "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way."
Annabel Gilham found this truth out by loving her own son. You see, her son was profoundly retarded. He could not communicate in any way. When he was a teenager, he was just too big for her to care for at home. She and her husband put this son into an institution that could better care for his needs, but he got to come home on weekends. One day she was washing dishes while this boy sat in his chair nearby. She was humming and singing, "Jesus Loves You," when she was overcome with love for this child. This child that never kissed her or said that he loved her. He had never done anything for her and he certainly wasn't hansdome. But she loved him. She got down on his eye level and told him how much she loved him. He could not respond, but God very quietly told her that He loved her with such depth as well. This was hard for Annabel because she always earned her love with performance. to think that God could love her just because she belonged to Him was a new and amazing concept.
My story is much the same. To think that God loves me, Dara, just because?! Wow!!! I grew up trying to recieve love and approval based on my "goodness". It was never enough. But my Heavenly Father loves me just because He made me and He delights in me!
Take a minute and thank God for that unconditional love. If you don't really believe it, ask God to reveal His love to you. He will!
Hint for the Day: Your kids need to know that your love and acceptance is not based on performance or looks but rather that it is just because they are yours. Try celebrating your love for them with a picnic or a special dinner with your good plates. When they ask why? tell them that it is just because they are yours! Tell them often, especially when they aren't being lovely or when they haven't just done something wonderful. surprise them with an "I'm so glad your mine!"
But the Lord was my stay.
He brought me forth also into a broad place;
He rescued me, because He delighted in me."
Psalm 18:18-19
Did you know that God delights in you? This is really profound. We are sinners; we mess up; but God, Our Father, delights in us! Why? Just because we are His! That's right - not because we are cute, or we do good things, or because others like us, but just because we are His! Listen to Psalm37:23 - "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way."
Annabel Gilham found this truth out by loving her own son. You see, her son was profoundly retarded. He could not communicate in any way. When he was a teenager, he was just too big for her to care for at home. She and her husband put this son into an institution that could better care for his needs, but he got to come home on weekends. One day she was washing dishes while this boy sat in his chair nearby. She was humming and singing, "Jesus Loves You," when she was overcome with love for this child. This child that never kissed her or said that he loved her. He had never done anything for her and he certainly wasn't hansdome. But she loved him. She got down on his eye level and told him how much she loved him. He could not respond, but God very quietly told her that He loved her with such depth as well. This was hard for Annabel because she always earned her love with performance. to think that God could love her just because she belonged to Him was a new and amazing concept.
My story is much the same. To think that God loves me, Dara, just because?! Wow!!! I grew up trying to recieve love and approval based on my "goodness". It was never enough. But my Heavenly Father loves me just because He made me and He delights in me!
Take a minute and thank God for that unconditional love. If you don't really believe it, ask God to reveal His love to you. He will!
Hint for the Day: Your kids need to know that your love and acceptance is not based on performance or looks but rather that it is just because they are yours. Try celebrating your love for them with a picnic or a special dinner with your good plates. When they ask why? tell them that it is just because they are yours! Tell them often, especially when they aren't being lovely or when they haven't just done something wonderful. surprise them with an "I'm so glad your mine!"
Monday, June 25, 2012
A Divided Man
"If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand." Mark 3:24-25
"...for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 1:6-8
The passage from Mark was made more famous by Abraham Lincoln as he counseled the states against secession. But it also remains truth today. And this truth is applicable to a nation, a kingdom, a house, a family, and an individual. So many of us Christian Americans today are divided. We worship on sunday and live our own lives Monday through Saturday. We serve two masters. We believe in parts of evolution and yet say that we believe in God's Word. We believe that God loves us and yet we are depressed and failing in areas of our lives.
Psalm 119:160 pretty much sums it all up, "The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of your righteous ordinances is everlasting." We do not get to pick and choose what we are going to believe. God's word is either all true or it is all wrong. Demons believe and yet they shudder at the truth and in the presence of God. (James 2:19) Just believing in God or believing things about God is not enough. We have to believe to the depth that we will order our life upon His precepts and His truths.
We want victory. We want joy. We want peace. We want love. But we are not willing to pay the price of being single-minded. A mind set on God is victorious, joyful, peaceful, and loving. Joy, in the Bible is always linked to being in the presence of God. When was the last time that you just sat at God's feet. Not petitioning for things, but just sitting, listening, loving your God? If you truly want your mind to be transformed, then you have to put in the work of relationship - read the word, study the word, talk to God, see things from His perspective. Know God!!!
You can stand on God's word. But you have to instructed in God's knowledge in order to act with wisdom. Instruction comes from God first, and proven Godly, Biblical teaching second. I spoke to a woman this past weekend that was really at the end of her rope. She was not in a Bible believing congregation. She was doing church at home with the kids while her husband attended a church full of heresy. God's word says that we need each other. She needs other believers, her husband needs Godly believers, her children need Godly believers in their lives. They need Christian community. Community is one thing that our culture has taken from us. We live with 8 foot fences between our homes. We park in the garage and go straight into our houses. We work in our own offices and we go to large churches. My first advice to this woman was to get involved in a Community Bible Study group or Bible Study Fellowship because she needs other Christian women. Then we spoke and reminded each other of Biblical principles that she admitted to knowing but not doing. Taking the next right step is often the path back to God.
Hint of the Day: Don't just read a devotional about the Bible. Read the Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you God's truths. Have your kids take a piece of thread and break it. Then put several pieces of thread together. These should be hard or impossible to break. Teach them that as a family and as Christians (the church) and as friends that standing alone one can be broken. But with many strands together each one is made strong and unbreakable. Find a friend. Be in fellowship with other believers and be in God's Word many times a day!
"...for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 1:6-8
The passage from Mark was made more famous by Abraham Lincoln as he counseled the states against secession. But it also remains truth today. And this truth is applicable to a nation, a kingdom, a house, a family, and an individual. So many of us Christian Americans today are divided. We worship on sunday and live our own lives Monday through Saturday. We serve two masters. We believe in parts of evolution and yet say that we believe in God's Word. We believe that God loves us and yet we are depressed and failing in areas of our lives.
Psalm 119:160 pretty much sums it all up, "The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of your righteous ordinances is everlasting." We do not get to pick and choose what we are going to believe. God's word is either all true or it is all wrong. Demons believe and yet they shudder at the truth and in the presence of God. (James 2:19) Just believing in God or believing things about God is not enough. We have to believe to the depth that we will order our life upon His precepts and His truths.
We want victory. We want joy. We want peace. We want love. But we are not willing to pay the price of being single-minded. A mind set on God is victorious, joyful, peaceful, and loving. Joy, in the Bible is always linked to being in the presence of God. When was the last time that you just sat at God's feet. Not petitioning for things, but just sitting, listening, loving your God? If you truly want your mind to be transformed, then you have to put in the work of relationship - read the word, study the word, talk to God, see things from His perspective. Know God!!!
You can stand on God's word. But you have to instructed in God's knowledge in order to act with wisdom. Instruction comes from God first, and proven Godly, Biblical teaching second. I spoke to a woman this past weekend that was really at the end of her rope. She was not in a Bible believing congregation. She was doing church at home with the kids while her husband attended a church full of heresy. God's word says that we need each other. She needs other believers, her husband needs Godly believers, her children need Godly believers in their lives. They need Christian community. Community is one thing that our culture has taken from us. We live with 8 foot fences between our homes. We park in the garage and go straight into our houses. We work in our own offices and we go to large churches. My first advice to this woman was to get involved in a Community Bible Study group or Bible Study Fellowship because she needs other Christian women. Then we spoke and reminded each other of Biblical principles that she admitted to knowing but not doing. Taking the next right step is often the path back to God.
Hint of the Day: Don't just read a devotional about the Bible. Read the Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you God's truths. Have your kids take a piece of thread and break it. Then put several pieces of thread together. These should be hard or impossible to break. Teach them that as a family and as Christians (the church) and as friends that standing alone one can be broken. But with many strands together each one is made strong and unbreakable. Find a friend. Be in fellowship with other believers and be in God's Word many times a day!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Renewing the Mind
"For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace..." Romans 8:5-6
God's economy is always amazing! We are to renew our minds, but once they are renewed, they only desire the things of the Spirit which in turn keeps them renewed! In other words, when we choose to put the Word of God and godly thoughts in our minds, then our minds begin to desire those thngs and the lure of wordly and ungodly things leaves us! We will no more desire the things of the world! So how do you know when you mind has been renewed? When you desire Godly input!
So take this test:
1. When you wake up in the morning are your first thoughts of God?
2. Do you wake up with praise and worship on your lips?
3. Do you seek to read God's word and allow Him to strategize your day for you?
4. Are you trusting God with all the to do's or are you anxious about the day?
5. When you see something beautiful in nature are you quick to praise God for His creation?
6. Are you words honoring to God?
7. Do you desire to be with people that talk about God and His Word?
8. When you see sex and violence on tv or in a movie, do you want to turn it off?
9. Do you go to bed grateful to God for the day and what He accomplished?
10.Are you anxious for nothing, but trusting God with everything?
When your mind is renewed, it will desire and seek out the things of God. If you are not there yet, that's okay! Just be on the journey. Keep making wise choices. Keep spending time with God. Keep praising and learning and worshipping and reading God's Word. You do your part, and He will be faithful to do His!
Psalm 16:7-9 says this:
"I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.
I have set the Lord continually before me;
Becuase He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely."
God's economy is always amazing! We are to renew our minds, but once they are renewed, they only desire the things of the Spirit which in turn keeps them renewed! In other words, when we choose to put the Word of God and godly thoughts in our minds, then our minds begin to desire those thngs and the lure of wordly and ungodly things leaves us! We will no more desire the things of the world! So how do you know when you mind has been renewed? When you desire Godly input!
So take this test:
1. When you wake up in the morning are your first thoughts of God?
2. Do you wake up with praise and worship on your lips?
3. Do you seek to read God's word and allow Him to strategize your day for you?
4. Are you trusting God with all the to do's or are you anxious about the day?
5. When you see something beautiful in nature are you quick to praise God for His creation?
6. Are you words honoring to God?
7. Do you desire to be with people that talk about God and His Word?
8. When you see sex and violence on tv or in a movie, do you want to turn it off?
9. Do you go to bed grateful to God for the day and what He accomplished?
10.Are you anxious for nothing, but trusting God with everything?
When your mind is renewed, it will desire and seek out the things of God. If you are not there yet, that's okay! Just be on the journey. Keep making wise choices. Keep spending time with God. Keep praising and learning and worshipping and reading God's Word. You do your part, and He will be faithful to do His!
Psalm 16:7-9 says this:
"I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.
I have set the Lord continually before me;
Becuase He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely."
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Transformation Do's and Don't's
I took a few days off just because life happened and I got tired! We are in the middle of weekly conferences, I am trying to get paper work for two boys to start college (different colleges, of course), and we are trying to sell a house to move. Plus I have needed to visit with friends in the hospital, talk on the phone to children that live in different states, and keep up with meals, laundry, etc... So I slept in a few days! Now I am refreshed and ready to roll again! Thank you, Lord, for times of refreshment.
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whate4ver is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8
These verse follow the oft repeated verses about "Be anxious for nothing..." So there is a don't - don't worry- and a do - think on these things. Now, I have found in my life that I cannot worry and think on things that are good and excellent at the same time! We must choose which direction we are going to dwell. Dwell means to live there, to abide, to stay put, to find a refuge there. You cannot dwell in Texas and in Florida at the same time. You can not think on good and godly things while worrying and fretting. It is a choice - minute by minute.
I have worked with young ladies who desire to go God's way, but choose to watch television shows that are ungodly, listen to music that promotes promiscuity, and talk to their friends that lead ungodly lives. Their minds cannot go both directions. Remember: Input equals output! So here are some do's and dont's of transforming you rmind.
Do read God's word daily
Do listen to Christ-centered Biblically correct teaching
Do read books written by known Godly people - fiction, non-fiction, biographies
Do turn on a Christian radio and listen to Christian CD's
Do choose godly shows or at least neutral shows on television (or dvd's)
Do encourage your friends with prayer and godly speech
Do go to God with your concerns first
Do sing praise songs regularly
Do worship God when you see a sunset, or a sunrise, or a mountain, or a beautiful butterfly
Do pray and spend time with your Savior
Do take longer periods of time for reflection, praise, and Bible study
Do give all things to God in prayer and remember that He is able
Do remain positive that God's way will come through in the end
Do memorize Scripture
Do get Biblical counseling if you can't seem to work out an anwer on your own
Do replace the old "recordings" in your mind with God's truths
Do "Be still and know that I am God."
Don't watch, listen to, or engage in harmful and ungodly activity.
Don't fret or worry
Don't listen to Satan's lies
Don't speculate (if only, what if...)
Don't allow your emotions to guide your life (they are unreliable)
Don't ruminate over the past - you chose God's forgiveness - praise Him instead
May you walk in His way and find victory over your old thought patterns and old ways of acting. Be transformed by the Holy Spririt within you! Find peace and joy in God.
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whate4ver is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8
These verse follow the oft repeated verses about "Be anxious for nothing..." So there is a don't - don't worry- and a do - think on these things. Now, I have found in my life that I cannot worry and think on things that are good and excellent at the same time! We must choose which direction we are going to dwell. Dwell means to live there, to abide, to stay put, to find a refuge there. You cannot dwell in Texas and in Florida at the same time. You can not think on good and godly things while worrying and fretting. It is a choice - minute by minute.
I have worked with young ladies who desire to go God's way, but choose to watch television shows that are ungodly, listen to music that promotes promiscuity, and talk to their friends that lead ungodly lives. Their minds cannot go both directions. Remember: Input equals output! So here are some do's and dont's of transforming you rmind.
Do read God's word daily
Do listen to Christ-centered Biblically correct teaching
Do read books written by known Godly people - fiction, non-fiction, biographies
Do turn on a Christian radio and listen to Christian CD's
Do choose godly shows or at least neutral shows on television (or dvd's)
Do encourage your friends with prayer and godly speech
Do go to God with your concerns first
Do sing praise songs regularly
Do worship God when you see a sunset, or a sunrise, or a mountain, or a beautiful butterfly
Do pray and spend time with your Savior
Do take longer periods of time for reflection, praise, and Bible study
Do give all things to God in prayer and remember that He is able
Do remain positive that God's way will come through in the end
Do memorize Scripture
Do get Biblical counseling if you can't seem to work out an anwer on your own
Do replace the old "recordings" in your mind with God's truths
Do "Be still and know that I am God."
Don't watch, listen to, or engage in harmful and ungodly activity.
Don't fret or worry
Don't listen to Satan's lies
Don't speculate (if only, what if...)
Don't allow your emotions to guide your life (they are unreliable)
Don't ruminate over the past - you chose God's forgiveness - praise Him instead
May you walk in His way and find victory over your old thought patterns and old ways of acting. Be transformed by the Holy Spririt within you! Find peace and joy in God.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Transformation
"Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...."
Romans 12:2
What does it
mean to be transformed and how do we go about it? Transformation is not someone growing or
becoming better; it is literally
changing from one form into another altogether.
We can try to be more loving, more peaceful, more joyful, more forgiving
etc…, but in our own strength, in our old self or old nature, we are not able
to keep that up long term or in the really tough times. But when we are transformed into a new
creature or creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) then we can exemplify these
characteristics over the long term and in the hardest of circumstances. Why?
Because we are transformed from a sinner into a saint. And a saint is filled with the Holy
Spirit. Now we have a choice – to sin or
not to sin.
Think of it
this way. A caterpillar cannot decide to
fly because it does not have wings. It
must remain crawling on the ground or on trees.
But when it is transformed into a butterfly, then it has a choice! It can now fly or choose to continue to walk
on the ground. How sad to see a
butterfly walking in the mud when it could be soaring into the heights!
You are
transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Your mind is transformed by the Holy Spirit through God’s Word. As you read and study and pray and seek and
walk you are being transformed.
Transformation is a one time act and an ongoing act. We are transformed immediately when we ask
Jesus to be our Savior and ask Him to come into our hearts and be in
control. But we are being transformed as
we study the word and walk in God’s way.
You are transformed into a baby saint immediately! But then, you must grow and continue to be transformed in the
mind so that your actions match your being.
Philippians
4:8 holds the key to continuing the transformation process after you become a
new creation. “Finally, brethren,
whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and
if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Be transformed by the renewing of your mind
by thinking on the Word of God – it is all of the above! God through the Holy Spirit will retrain your
brain. You will think new thoughts and
learn to replace the old lies with God’s eternal truths.
Hint of the Day: It is a great idea to have your kids observe a caterpillar
becoming a butterfly. Then they will be
able to understand this foundational truth of God’s Word. You can order kits from various science
stores, or try to find one in the wild.
Make sure that you and your kids are dwelling the Word daily as you walk
and stand and sit. As it becomes habit
for you, they will pick it up and it will become their habit as well.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Oil
"Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart;
for God has already approved your works.
Let your clothes be white all the time,
and let not oil be lacking on your head.
Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life...
Whatever your hand finds to do,
do it with all your might..."
Eccl. 9:7-10
Solomon is speaking out of depression in the context of these verses, but still he speaks truth. He has learned this truth first hand throughout his life and speaks wisdom. This passage is not condoning the drinking of wine, but rather the enjoying of the necessities that we are given by God. We are to work hard and enjoy the fruit of that labor.
"Let your clothes be white all the time" speaks of purity. We are to put on purity in all areas of our lives. We tend to live a compartmentalized life. We read our Bible on Sunday or even every morning, but then we put it and God on the shelf and we live the rest of the day or week in our own strength. We are to "wear" purity everywhere we go. We are to be pure in heart, in action, in mind, in our thought life, in our emotions, in our motives. We do that by "let not oil be lacking on your head."
Oil is a metaphor for the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture. If we recognize the Holy Spirit within us (as Christians) then we will choose purity. For the Holy Spirit is there to convict us of wrong, teach us right, comfort us, and bring us before the throne of God through prayer. When we are recognizing the Holy Spirit in our lives continually, then we will walk in purity. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."(proverbs 3:5-6)
In Mattthew 25:1-13 we see the parable told by Jesus of the virgins waiting to go out to the bridegroom. Only those with oil in their lamps were allowed into the wedding feast. Only Christians who are filled with the Holy Spirit will be allowed into the final feast as Jesus welcomes them into the kingdom of heaven. Some thought they were ready, but had to leave to go refill their lamps with oil. They were too late in coming back and were left out. Be sure you are filled with the Holy Spirit through confession and repentance and the renewal of rebirth by your faith in Jesus. Then remain pure as you walk with the Holy Spirit's leading day by day, minute by minute.
Hint of the Day: Teach your kids about oil lamps. If you have a hurricane lamp that is a good example. But let them research oil lamps and the types of oil that was used. It is an interesting study. Then you can teach them about the oil in their lives. Remember the old song, "Give Me Oil in MY Lamp, Keep Me Burning."? It's a great song to teach your younger kids.
Think about oil. It was used to anoint kings, to send out messengers, to heal, and to bring the virgins before God. Christians are anointed as heirs to the kingdom, we are to be messengers of the good news, we are to be instruments of healing, and we are to stand before God in praise and worship. Only through the Holy Spirit can we do any of these things.
for God has already approved your works.
Let your clothes be white all the time,
and let not oil be lacking on your head.
Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life...
Whatever your hand finds to do,
do it with all your might..."
Eccl. 9:7-10
Solomon is speaking out of depression in the context of these verses, but still he speaks truth. He has learned this truth first hand throughout his life and speaks wisdom. This passage is not condoning the drinking of wine, but rather the enjoying of the necessities that we are given by God. We are to work hard and enjoy the fruit of that labor.
"Let your clothes be white all the time" speaks of purity. We are to put on purity in all areas of our lives. We tend to live a compartmentalized life. We read our Bible on Sunday or even every morning, but then we put it and God on the shelf and we live the rest of the day or week in our own strength. We are to "wear" purity everywhere we go. We are to be pure in heart, in action, in mind, in our thought life, in our emotions, in our motives. We do that by "let not oil be lacking on your head."
Oil is a metaphor for the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture. If we recognize the Holy Spirit within us (as Christians) then we will choose purity. For the Holy Spirit is there to convict us of wrong, teach us right, comfort us, and bring us before the throne of God through prayer. When we are recognizing the Holy Spirit in our lives continually, then we will walk in purity. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."(proverbs 3:5-6)
In Mattthew 25:1-13 we see the parable told by Jesus of the virgins waiting to go out to the bridegroom. Only those with oil in their lamps were allowed into the wedding feast. Only Christians who are filled with the Holy Spirit will be allowed into the final feast as Jesus welcomes them into the kingdom of heaven. Some thought they were ready, but had to leave to go refill their lamps with oil. They were too late in coming back and were left out. Be sure you are filled with the Holy Spirit through confession and repentance and the renewal of rebirth by your faith in Jesus. Then remain pure as you walk with the Holy Spirit's leading day by day, minute by minute.
Hint of the Day: Teach your kids about oil lamps. If you have a hurricane lamp that is a good example. But let them research oil lamps and the types of oil that was used. It is an interesting study. Then you can teach them about the oil in their lives. Remember the old song, "Give Me Oil in MY Lamp, Keep Me Burning."? It's a great song to teach your younger kids.
Think about oil. It was used to anoint kings, to send out messengers, to heal, and to bring the virgins before God. Christians are anointed as heirs to the kingdom, we are to be messengers of the good news, we are to be instruments of healing, and we are to stand before God in praise and worship. Only through the Holy Spirit can we do any of these things.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Hang in There
"Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold.
But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
...Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away."
Matthew 24:12-13, 35
Life stinks!!! Look around you and you will see lawlessness of all sorts. And the bad people seem to reap rewards in money, in prestige, in popularity, etc... Then you see the good people struggling for money to support their families. In other countries Christians are losing their lives for their faith. Here in America, Christians are ostrasized for living a moral life. I have five boys ages 18 - 25. These are tough years. Peer pressure, media pressure, work pressure are intense. Pray for our young people. I speak at conferences all over America and our young people are struggling to make the right choices and stick to them. Yes, even those who were raised in the church, those who were homeschooled, and those who were in private schools.
I think part of our problem as Christians is that we teach our kids that if they follow God's word, their life will be easier. But that is just not true! Deuteronomy lays down the blessings and curses for the Israelites according to their deeds. But this is Old Covenant. We are under the New Covenant. Our rewards are not here on earth. We are promised troubles and tribulation. Jesus says that He will be with us through them, but does not promise that we will not have to face them.
Do you ask, "Why?" when hard times come? The answer to that why? is that we live in Satan's realm. He is the prince of the power of the air. God gave him authority over the earth when Adam and Eve sinned. That is life. As Christians, we should ask, "Why?" when good things happen to us. "Why me, Lord? Why did I recieve this blessing? Why did You allow this great thing to happen to me?" That is the proper perspective to our troubles. God reached down into our hopelessness and sent His Son so that we have a way out of our world of lawlessness and sin. But until the day of Christ's return or our death, we will live in a world torn apart by sin.
We have got to teach our kids that they must endure until the end. They must cling to God's Word and believe it and live it even when circumstances don't make sense, even when we don't feel that God's Word is right. We must hang on to truth no matter what. It is our rock. It is our anchor. It is the way to peace and joy and happiness. This world will pass away. Everything that you cling to will be gone except God's Word. Learn it, know it, believe it, cling to it, trust God, and HANG ON!
Hint of the Day: When your kids, teenagers, or adult children are facing the consequences of their sin or of another's sin, remind them that this world is about lawlessness. Don't allow them to grow up thinking that there is no evil here. Point out evil that they may become discerning. Teach them that the answer is still Jesus. Help them to look beyond the immediate to the eternal. Teach the word when they are sitting and standing, and going on their way. Teach them to take it with them everywhere they go. Then PRAY! Satan is real, alive, and active. Encourage one another to hang on, to endure, to persevere, to look to eternity.
But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
...Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away."
Matthew 24:12-13, 35
Life stinks!!! Look around you and you will see lawlessness of all sorts. And the bad people seem to reap rewards in money, in prestige, in popularity, etc... Then you see the good people struggling for money to support their families. In other countries Christians are losing their lives for their faith. Here in America, Christians are ostrasized for living a moral life. I have five boys ages 18 - 25. These are tough years. Peer pressure, media pressure, work pressure are intense. Pray for our young people. I speak at conferences all over America and our young people are struggling to make the right choices and stick to them. Yes, even those who were raised in the church, those who were homeschooled, and those who were in private schools.
I think part of our problem as Christians is that we teach our kids that if they follow God's word, their life will be easier. But that is just not true! Deuteronomy lays down the blessings and curses for the Israelites according to their deeds. But this is Old Covenant. We are under the New Covenant. Our rewards are not here on earth. We are promised troubles and tribulation. Jesus says that He will be with us through them, but does not promise that we will not have to face them.
Do you ask, "Why?" when hard times come? The answer to that why? is that we live in Satan's realm. He is the prince of the power of the air. God gave him authority over the earth when Adam and Eve sinned. That is life. As Christians, we should ask, "Why?" when good things happen to us. "Why me, Lord? Why did I recieve this blessing? Why did You allow this great thing to happen to me?" That is the proper perspective to our troubles. God reached down into our hopelessness and sent His Son so that we have a way out of our world of lawlessness and sin. But until the day of Christ's return or our death, we will live in a world torn apart by sin.
We have got to teach our kids that they must endure until the end. They must cling to God's Word and believe it and live it even when circumstances don't make sense, even when we don't feel that God's Word is right. We must hang on to truth no matter what. It is our rock. It is our anchor. It is the way to peace and joy and happiness. This world will pass away. Everything that you cling to will be gone except God's Word. Learn it, know it, believe it, cling to it, trust God, and HANG ON!
Hint of the Day: When your kids, teenagers, or adult children are facing the consequences of their sin or of another's sin, remind them that this world is about lawlessness. Don't allow them to grow up thinking that there is no evil here. Point out evil that they may become discerning. Teach them that the answer is still Jesus. Help them to look beyond the immediate to the eternal. Teach the word when they are sitting and standing, and going on their way. Teach them to take it with them everywhere they go. Then PRAY! Satan is real, alive, and active. Encourage one another to hang on, to endure, to persevere, to look to eternity.
Friday, June 8, 2012
God is in Control
"The Lord sat as King at the flood;
Yes, the Lord sits as King forever."
Psalm29:10
What was the worst disaster that ever happened upon the earth to mankind? The flood, the deluge, the total destruction of a race of people and animals except for those who found safety on the ark. Volcanoes, tsunamis, earthquakes, flooding, the total upheaval of the earth, and death. Death all around for those who were wicked and would not put their faith in God. And yet, God sat as King at the flood, and sits as King forever. "How is that comforting?" you might ask. As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, we do not need to fear. We will be rescued from the final holocaust of Revelation. We can, even now, find a refuge in God. He is our refuge and strength, our very present help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1-3) He will send an "ark" of safety.
Right now your disaster may be a sick child, a hurting spouse, a rebellious child, an unforgiving friend, or grief over a death. These are all big! These all bring hurt and grief and anguish. But, our God is bigger!!! He is on His throne and He has not forgotten you or yours. He sits as King forever. My husband only gets sick about once every three or four years. He has been sick for several days now, but is on the mend. He mentioned this morning that sickness always reminds him that he is not in control! Sometimes we need to remember that, so that we remember who is in control!
We do not live for the present age like the participants in the Old Covenant, but rather, we live with hope in a future age. "But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall." (Malachi 4:2) Our hope is in Jesus and His return and His forever kingdom. Right now we are living in a time of tribulations and troubles. As Christians we should expect to be hated. But, our Jesus is there to go through life with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) And oh, the rest and joy and comfort that He can bring in the midst!
Remember friend, that tears and weeping may be yours for the moment, but great joy will come in the morning.
Hint for the Day: Teach your kids that hard times come with life. As Christians we are not "above" the consequences of sin in this world. But, we are not alone. Remind them of a time when they were sick. You could not take it away from them, but you were there through it with them. That is the example they need to have to realize that in the same way, Jesus will be there with them through everything! Use times of family misfortune to seek God. Be an example through prayer and praise. Teach your kids to see God's hands in every situation. And remember to remind them that God loves us even in hard times. He is always good. He will always use every situation for our good - either here on earth or for eternity.
Yes, the Lord sits as King forever."
Psalm29:10
What was the worst disaster that ever happened upon the earth to mankind? The flood, the deluge, the total destruction of a race of people and animals except for those who found safety on the ark. Volcanoes, tsunamis, earthquakes, flooding, the total upheaval of the earth, and death. Death all around for those who were wicked and would not put their faith in God. And yet, God sat as King at the flood, and sits as King forever. "How is that comforting?" you might ask. As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, we do not need to fear. We will be rescued from the final holocaust of Revelation. We can, even now, find a refuge in God. He is our refuge and strength, our very present help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1-3) He will send an "ark" of safety.
Right now your disaster may be a sick child, a hurting spouse, a rebellious child, an unforgiving friend, or grief over a death. These are all big! These all bring hurt and grief and anguish. But, our God is bigger!!! He is on His throne and He has not forgotten you or yours. He sits as King forever. My husband only gets sick about once every three or four years. He has been sick for several days now, but is on the mend. He mentioned this morning that sickness always reminds him that he is not in control! Sometimes we need to remember that, so that we remember who is in control!
We do not live for the present age like the participants in the Old Covenant, but rather, we live with hope in a future age. "But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall." (Malachi 4:2) Our hope is in Jesus and His return and His forever kingdom. Right now we are living in a time of tribulations and troubles. As Christians we should expect to be hated. But, our Jesus is there to go through life with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) And oh, the rest and joy and comfort that He can bring in the midst!
Remember friend, that tears and weeping may be yours for the moment, but great joy will come in the morning.
Hint for the Day: Teach your kids that hard times come with life. As Christians we are not "above" the consequences of sin in this world. But, we are not alone. Remind them of a time when they were sick. You could not take it away from them, but you were there through it with them. That is the example they need to have to realize that in the same way, Jesus will be there with them through everything! Use times of family misfortune to seek God. Be an example through prayer and praise. Teach your kids to see God's hands in every situation. And remember to remind them that God loves us even in hard times. He is always good. He will always use every situation for our good - either here on earth or for eternity.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Sing a New Song
"O sing to the Lord a new song,
For He has done wonderful things,
His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.
The Lord has made known His salvation;
He has revealed His righeousness in the sight of the nations." Psalm 98:1-2
My oldest son is in India for the next two weeks on a mission trip. He goes not in vain because the Lord has gone before him. Our prayer is that God will use these faithful ministers to show Himself to the nations. That others would see that God has done great things! The pastor, being an honest man, wrote that he was a pastor on his passport. He was told that he may not preach in India. God has raised up my son and others to do the preacching. Garrett is excited about the opportunity. May God give him the words to say. God's word will not go out void, and there is power in the word of God to bring many to salvation. May the members of the team put themselves aside and just be conduits for God's word and grace.
My boys amaze me! They are globally minded in missions, in careers, and in relationships. I don't even know all of my next door neighbors! But this is the world that we live in. With internet, facebook, and international people at Christian colleges, the boys know no bounds! We have also ministered in various settings throughout their childhood. They have lived innercity, rural south, metropolitan south, beachside, and desert. They have learned that all men are really the same - same needs, same emotions, same desires, same sins, and they need the same Savior!
I pray that God will give me a more global perspective. That I will not be afraid to minister to and befriend those that are different from me. I want to be able to show the wonderful things of Jesus to many. I want Him to reveal His righteousness through me to the nations (or to my next door neighbor)!
What about you? Are you going and sharing? Is your life revealing the righteousness of God to others?
Sing a new song this day. Sing of the praises of our God. Shout them from the roof tops! Our God is good! Our God saves!
Hint of the Day: Pray that God will give you opportunity to minister to others in His name and then look for that opportunity. Sometimes it is right in front of us, other times we must seek it out. Be involved in a local church congregation. Jump in and help. Even holding babies in the nursery is a huge ministry to the young parents that need to hear God's word. Get involved in little ways or big ways. Pray about it and then follow the Lord's leading.
For He has done wonderful things,
His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.
The Lord has made known His salvation;
He has revealed His righeousness in the sight of the nations." Psalm 98:1-2
My oldest son is in India for the next two weeks on a mission trip. He goes not in vain because the Lord has gone before him. Our prayer is that God will use these faithful ministers to show Himself to the nations. That others would see that God has done great things! The pastor, being an honest man, wrote that he was a pastor on his passport. He was told that he may not preach in India. God has raised up my son and others to do the preacching. Garrett is excited about the opportunity. May God give him the words to say. God's word will not go out void, and there is power in the word of God to bring many to salvation. May the members of the team put themselves aside and just be conduits for God's word and grace.
My boys amaze me! They are globally minded in missions, in careers, and in relationships. I don't even know all of my next door neighbors! But this is the world that we live in. With internet, facebook, and international people at Christian colleges, the boys know no bounds! We have also ministered in various settings throughout their childhood. They have lived innercity, rural south, metropolitan south, beachside, and desert. They have learned that all men are really the same - same needs, same emotions, same desires, same sins, and they need the same Savior!
I pray that God will give me a more global perspective. That I will not be afraid to minister to and befriend those that are different from me. I want to be able to show the wonderful things of Jesus to many. I want Him to reveal His righteousness through me to the nations (or to my next door neighbor)!
What about you? Are you going and sharing? Is your life revealing the righteousness of God to others?
Sing a new song this day. Sing of the praises of our God. Shout them from the roof tops! Our God is good! Our God saves!
Hint of the Day: Pray that God will give you opportunity to minister to others in His name and then look for that opportunity. Sometimes it is right in front of us, other times we must seek it out. Be involved in a local church congregation. Jump in and help. Even holding babies in the nursery is a huge ministry to the young parents that need to hear God's word. Get involved in little ways or big ways. Pray about it and then follow the Lord's leading.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
God is Faithful
"God is faithful, though whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
1 Corinthians1:9
I get to meet amazing people along our journey or homeschool book conventions. And whether they have walked through tough times, are walking through tough times, or are afraid of tough times ahead, the reoccurring theme is that God is faithful. In the midst they may question, they may be angry, but in the end they see a fiathful God.
In the Old Testament, God set up a reward system of blessings and curses depending upon the obedience of Israel. But in the New Testament or New Covenant, we see that the reward system is set in heaven after theis age. Right now, we, as Christians, are promised trouble and tribulation and even hatred. But Jesus will walk with through it with us and that is enough. A friend said a very hard thing to me the other day. She said, "The death of my mother was the best thing that ever happened to me." Now this friend was close to her mom, she loved her mom, she has grieved the death of her mom for a year. But with mom no longer around, this friend had to turn to her husband and her God for comfort and support. She said that her marriage and family have never been stronger because now she tells her husband when she is frustrated with him rather than her mom. Her relationship with God has grown by leaps and bounds because she has had to trust Him for comfort and eternity with her mom. She now knows His love at a deeper level. God is faithful.
Another friend faced breast cancer. Afterwards she confessed to me that she knows God's love at a much more personal level. Before cancer, she knew He loved her, but after cancer she has sat in His lap, flet His arms around Her, seen His provision, and rejoiced in His presence. God is faithful.
Our circumstances sometimes stink! But God is faithful. No matter what we are going through, we can trust God. He is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. When that is not our experience at the moment, hang on! He is faithful! When you are through the hurt or trouble, you can look back and see God if you have put your trust in Him. Charles Spurgeon says, "When you can't see God's hand, trust His heart." and He loves you and wants good for you. Act as if this is true, claim your right as a child of the King and watch God work! You may not see His blessings, but you will see Him. And that Is enough. Blessings usually come in the end and if not now, when we get to heaven. Hold on! God is faithful.
Hint of the Day: When your circumstances are not what you want, look for the Hand of God. If you look, you will find Him. It may be in a new relationship, a new situation, a time of rest, a new opportunity, etc. Trust in the Lord with all your heart... God is faithful.
1 Corinthians1:9
I get to meet amazing people along our journey or homeschool book conventions. And whether they have walked through tough times, are walking through tough times, or are afraid of tough times ahead, the reoccurring theme is that God is faithful. In the midst they may question, they may be angry, but in the end they see a fiathful God.
In the Old Testament, God set up a reward system of blessings and curses depending upon the obedience of Israel. But in the New Testament or New Covenant, we see that the reward system is set in heaven after theis age. Right now, we, as Christians, are promised trouble and tribulation and even hatred. But Jesus will walk with through it with us and that is enough. A friend said a very hard thing to me the other day. She said, "The death of my mother was the best thing that ever happened to me." Now this friend was close to her mom, she loved her mom, she has grieved the death of her mom for a year. But with mom no longer around, this friend had to turn to her husband and her God for comfort and support. She said that her marriage and family have never been stronger because now she tells her husband when she is frustrated with him rather than her mom. Her relationship with God has grown by leaps and bounds because she has had to trust Him for comfort and eternity with her mom. She now knows His love at a deeper level. God is faithful.
Another friend faced breast cancer. Afterwards she confessed to me that she knows God's love at a much more personal level. Before cancer, she knew He loved her, but after cancer she has sat in His lap, flet His arms around Her, seen His provision, and rejoiced in His presence. God is faithful.
Our circumstances sometimes stink! But God is faithful. No matter what we are going through, we can trust God. He is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. When that is not our experience at the moment, hang on! He is faithful! When you are through the hurt or trouble, you can look back and see God if you have put your trust in Him. Charles Spurgeon says, "When you can't see God's hand, trust His heart." and He loves you and wants good for you. Act as if this is true, claim your right as a child of the King and watch God work! You may not see His blessings, but you will see Him. And that Is enough. Blessings usually come in the end and if not now, when we get to heaven. Hold on! God is faithful.
Hint of the Day: When your circumstances are not what you want, look for the Hand of God. If you look, you will find Him. It may be in a new relationship, a new situation, a time of rest, a new opportunity, etc. Trust in the Lord with all your heart... God is faithful.
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