Sharing photos by Steven and Darlene Faucette of God's Natural World. We miss so much that God has to tell us about Him and about our relationship with Him by not taking time to really look at this beautiful world He has given us to enjoy. I hope this blog will inspire you to explore nature up close and be reminded of how God loves you so much for you are the pinnacle of His creation!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
God's Natural World: Who are you trying to impress?
God's Natural World: Who are you trying to impress?: At one time or another we all try to impress someone. It has been said that "we buy things we don't need with money we don't have to impres...
Who are you trying to impress?
At one time or another we all try to impress someone. It has been said that "we buy things we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't like." That may be true for many of us at least in America where credit is so easy to get and so hard to pay off.
It seems that many of us have to have the latest gadget, newest car, etc. I'm not sure why that is but I'd like to share with you some of my ideas on this topic.
All the advertisements we see and hear are geared toward making us want the newest item, the best of things, even this credit card over that one because this one will make us popular and the envy of all our friends so we are made to believe. They are all designed to make us covet something we don't have so that we can "impress" someone and feel important if only for a short time. I think that is what is all boils down to: feeling important. From the clothes we wear to the car we drive to the neighborhood we live in; its all to impress others so that we are more important, more powerful, more influential. And you know something? It works! We tend to promote those into positions of authority over us that "seem" successful, that look the part.
However, God is not impressed, not with that anyway. Do you know what pleases Him? Obedience!
First and foremost God wants us to love Him with all our hearts, soul, mind and strength. If we will do that, then we will want to obey His laws; stay within his boundaries and live a life that is pleasing to Him. I challenge you to read your Bible. Notice the way ordinary people and not so ordinary people pleased God. It was through obedience every time! And do you know what? It wasn't easy for those people to be obedient. No! They had nay sayers who opposed them. Those who made trouble for them simply because they chose to obey God rather than man. It takes courage to do the right thing instead of going with popular opinion. Even Noah had many who made fun of him for building the Ark. Jeremiah, the "weeping" prophet was given a not so popular message to proclaim and he was put in jail and almost killed for it! Ezra and Nehemiah were opposed greatly for rebuilding the temple and rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem even though they had been given the authority by a king to do so!!!
Do you think these people who were obedient to God were trying to impress others? If they had been, then don't you think they would have given up in the face of adversity?
Instead they were being obedient to God who gave them courage to do what was right in the face of opposition.
Recently we just had presidential elections. I would love to see a candidate stand for what is right and bring this country back to God than to pander to popular opinion and trying to impress others with what he or she can do for them rather than trying to be a godly leader.
I challenge each of you who read this devotion to live your lives in obedience to what God wants for your life. It won't always be easy and you may face opposition and ridicule. Most likely you won't impress those who won't understand. But you will impress God. You will please Him!
And after all, isn't that what matters more?
It seems that many of us have to have the latest gadget, newest car, etc. I'm not sure why that is but I'd like to share with you some of my ideas on this topic.
All the advertisements we see and hear are geared toward making us want the newest item, the best of things, even this credit card over that one because this one will make us popular and the envy of all our friends so we are made to believe. They are all designed to make us covet something we don't have so that we can "impress" someone and feel important if only for a short time. I think that is what is all boils down to: feeling important. From the clothes we wear to the car we drive to the neighborhood we live in; its all to impress others so that we are more important, more powerful, more influential. And you know something? It works! We tend to promote those into positions of authority over us that "seem" successful, that look the part.
However, God is not impressed, not with that anyway. Do you know what pleases Him? Obedience!
First and foremost God wants us to love Him with all our hearts, soul, mind and strength. If we will do that, then we will want to obey His laws; stay within his boundaries and live a life that is pleasing to Him. I challenge you to read your Bible. Notice the way ordinary people and not so ordinary people pleased God. It was through obedience every time! And do you know what? It wasn't easy for those people to be obedient. No! They had nay sayers who opposed them. Those who made trouble for them simply because they chose to obey God rather than man. It takes courage to do the right thing instead of going with popular opinion. Even Noah had many who made fun of him for building the Ark. Jeremiah, the "weeping" prophet was given a not so popular message to proclaim and he was put in jail and almost killed for it! Ezra and Nehemiah were opposed greatly for rebuilding the temple and rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem even though they had been given the authority by a king to do so!!!
Do you think these people who were obedient to God were trying to impress others? If they had been, then don't you think they would have given up in the face of adversity?
Instead they were being obedient to God who gave them courage to do what was right in the face of opposition.
Recently we just had presidential elections. I would love to see a candidate stand for what is right and bring this country back to God than to pander to popular opinion and trying to impress others with what he or she can do for them rather than trying to be a godly leader.
I challenge each of you who read this devotion to live your lives in obedience to what God wants for your life. It won't always be easy and you may face opposition and ridicule. Most likely you won't impress those who won't understand. But you will impress God. You will please Him!
And after all, isn't that what matters more?
Friday, July 6, 2012
God's Natural World: Where can you go to escape?
God's Natural World: Where can you go to escape?: Have there been times in your life where you just wanted to escape from everything? Well I have! Sometimes the pressures and stresses of e...
Where can you go to escape?
Have there been times in your life where you just wanted to escape from everything?
Well I have! Sometimes the pressures and stresses of every day living just get to you and you find yourself wanting to get away from it all. At times I've thought "If I could just move to another town or place where no one knows me and get a fresh start on life...."
But then I remember that even if I could do such a thing that I'd still have "me" there.
The late motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said "No matter where you go, there you are."
You can change your surroundings, your friends and even your job but you can't change who you are down deep inside.
I was reading Psalm 139 this morning and felt like I just needed to share it with someone. Maybe today you're wanting to fresh start on life. Maybe you'd like to get away from everything, even God!
No rules to follow, no boundaries, no failures.
Psalm 139 is a song that King David wrote. Perhaps it will change your perspective. Quoted below is verses 1-10. I challenge you to read the whole song.
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.
You hem me in -behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there too.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, or if I settle onthe far side of the sea,
even there your right hand will hold me fast.
God knows me better than I know myself. Now my parents know me pretty well and my wife and kids know me too. They know all my faults and weaknesses, my passions, and even my strengths. But God knows me even better than that! He made me in His image and since I have accepted his one and only Son Jesus as my Lord and Savior, His Holy Spirit lives in me and changes me to be more like Him. What you may consider to be a weakness, God can use to bless others and bring glory to Him! God knows what makes you tick. He knows you and loves you "warts and all."
Today, be honest with God. Confess your weaknesses and your shortcomings. Ask God to use you and to help you to overcome your inadequacies. Also ask God to use your strengths so that He may get the glory and honor.
There's no escaping yourself and there's no escaping God. You can't be too bad for God not to love you and there is no place you can go where He does not see you and can find you.
He knows you get anxious and long for change. Let Him do the changing and see what happens!!
VS 23-24 end this song with this thought..."Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there be any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Today I challenge you to not run from your situation or to even try to run from God. Rather run TO Him, telling him all about it. You can't surprise him nor shock him for he already knows all about you. Remember that no matter where you go, not only will you still be there but so will God!!!
Well I have! Sometimes the pressures and stresses of every day living just get to you and you find yourself wanting to get away from it all. At times I've thought "If I could just move to another town or place where no one knows me and get a fresh start on life...."
But then I remember that even if I could do such a thing that I'd still have "me" there.
The late motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said "No matter where you go, there you are."
You can change your surroundings, your friends and even your job but you can't change who you are down deep inside.
I was reading Psalm 139 this morning and felt like I just needed to share it with someone. Maybe today you're wanting to fresh start on life. Maybe you'd like to get away from everything, even God!
No rules to follow, no boundaries, no failures.
Psalm 139 is a song that King David wrote. Perhaps it will change your perspective. Quoted below is verses 1-10. I challenge you to read the whole song.
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.
You hem me in -behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there too.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, or if I settle onthe far side of the sea,
even there your right hand will hold me fast.
God knows me better than I know myself. Now my parents know me pretty well and my wife and kids know me too. They know all my faults and weaknesses, my passions, and even my strengths. But God knows me even better than that! He made me in His image and since I have accepted his one and only Son Jesus as my Lord and Savior, His Holy Spirit lives in me and changes me to be more like Him. What you may consider to be a weakness, God can use to bless others and bring glory to Him! God knows what makes you tick. He knows you and loves you "warts and all."
Today, be honest with God. Confess your weaknesses and your shortcomings. Ask God to use you and to help you to overcome your inadequacies. Also ask God to use your strengths so that He may get the glory and honor.
There's no escaping yourself and there's no escaping God. You can't be too bad for God not to love you and there is no place you can go where He does not see you and can find you.
He knows you get anxious and long for change. Let Him do the changing and see what happens!!
VS 23-24 end this song with this thought..."Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there be any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Today I challenge you to not run from your situation or to even try to run from God. Rather run TO Him, telling him all about it. You can't surprise him nor shock him for he already knows all about you. Remember that no matter where you go, not only will you still be there but so will God!!!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
God's Natural World: What kind of soil are you?
God's Natural World: What kind of soil are you?: I'd like to retell a story that Jesus told his followers. In Matthew Chapter 13 vss 3-9 Jesus tells the story about a farmer sowing seed. It...
What kind of soil are you?
I'd like to retell a story that Jesus told his followers. In Matthew Chapter 13 vss 3-9 Jesus tells the story about a farmer sowing seed. It goes like this:
Now a farmer went out to sow some seed. As he was scattering the seed some fell along the path. Now a path is kinda hard dirt. Its worn by many years by many feet walking on it and the wheels of charriots on it too. So its no surprise that the seed that fell on the path didn't take root at all and was quickly eatten up by some birds even before any rain could hit it and give it the least bit of a chance to grow.
Now some of this seed happen to fall along rocky places. I don't know about you but rocky areas may collect a little dirt but you can't count on it to grow much but weeds! The seed did grow some but since the roots couldn't go very deep the plants that grew withered when the sun beat down on them. You see, they needed moisture and deep roots to withstand the weather and rocky places just aren't very good for that.
Some of this seed did grow in one area, but unfortunately there were weeds and thorns that grew up right along with it and they choked the plants from getting a chance to thrive. You see, plants need room to grow and they can't become what they were meant to be if they are restricted from their potential.
Finally!!! Some seed fell on good soil that had been plowed up and fertilized and had good watering!!! These seed grew up and then do you know what they did? These plants produced seed and lots of it! Now it might have been corn or it might have been wheat. What kind we really don't know and to be truthful it really doesn't matter.
Many times I've heard sermons about this and the focus is always on the seed producing fruit or not. I'd like to change the focus a bit this time around on the type of soil the seed fell on. Are you living your life in such a way that nothing positive can work its way in and do any good?
Or maybe you are rocky and maybe God's word can't go very deep because you don't give it much of a chance. You might hear it and you might even pay attention and agree with it but religion is best left at church and on Sundays and it just can't be expected to be applied to every day living.
Maybe you are the kind of person who tryies so hard to live right and really wants to be a Christian but you are trying to do it in your own strength. Oh you might offer up a prayer or two when things get tough but its just not for every day living and when things do get rough you give up on God and fall out of going to church and reading the Bible. The troubles of this life are like thorns and weeds that choke out the truth of God's love.
Then there are those few (yes few for the road is narrow and few there are that find it) who accept Christ and all He offers willingly. They pray often and search the Bible for what God would have to say to them. They look to God daily for guidance and have a deep, abiding relationship with Him. No, their life isn't perfect and sometimes they don't do everything the way they shojld. But their lives are spent trusting Jesus to guide them and provide for them. They know they can depend on God, not to judge them for every misstep, but to love them when even they don't deserve it.
As they thrive in God's grace daily there are many whose lives are affected in a positive way and it is obvious that God is working in their lives consitently to make them more like Him!
So I ask you, which kind of soil are you? Today I challenge you to trust Him fully for everything you need. He made you and designed you for a purpose and wants to bless you not for your own glory or recognition but for His!!!
Now a farmer went out to sow some seed. As he was scattering the seed some fell along the path. Now a path is kinda hard dirt. Its worn by many years by many feet walking on it and the wheels of charriots on it too. So its no surprise that the seed that fell on the path didn't take root at all and was quickly eatten up by some birds even before any rain could hit it and give it the least bit of a chance to grow.
Now some of this seed happen to fall along rocky places. I don't know about you but rocky areas may collect a little dirt but you can't count on it to grow much but weeds! The seed did grow some but since the roots couldn't go very deep the plants that grew withered when the sun beat down on them. You see, they needed moisture and deep roots to withstand the weather and rocky places just aren't very good for that.
Some of this seed did grow in one area, but unfortunately there were weeds and thorns that grew up right along with it and they choked the plants from getting a chance to thrive. You see, plants need room to grow and they can't become what they were meant to be if they are restricted from their potential.
Finally!!! Some seed fell on good soil that had been plowed up and fertilized and had good watering!!! These seed grew up and then do you know what they did? These plants produced seed and lots of it! Now it might have been corn or it might have been wheat. What kind we really don't know and to be truthful it really doesn't matter.
Many times I've heard sermons about this and the focus is always on the seed producing fruit or not. I'd like to change the focus a bit this time around on the type of soil the seed fell on. Are you living your life in such a way that nothing positive can work its way in and do any good?
Or maybe you are rocky and maybe God's word can't go very deep because you don't give it much of a chance. You might hear it and you might even pay attention and agree with it but religion is best left at church and on Sundays and it just can't be expected to be applied to every day living.
Maybe you are the kind of person who tryies so hard to live right and really wants to be a Christian but you are trying to do it in your own strength. Oh you might offer up a prayer or two when things get tough but its just not for every day living and when things do get rough you give up on God and fall out of going to church and reading the Bible. The troubles of this life are like thorns and weeds that choke out the truth of God's love.
Then there are those few (yes few for the road is narrow and few there are that find it) who accept Christ and all He offers willingly. They pray often and search the Bible for what God would have to say to them. They look to God daily for guidance and have a deep, abiding relationship with Him. No, their life isn't perfect and sometimes they don't do everything the way they shojld. But their lives are spent trusting Jesus to guide them and provide for them. They know they can depend on God, not to judge them for every misstep, but to love them when even they don't deserve it.
As they thrive in God's grace daily there are many whose lives are affected in a positive way and it is obvious that God is working in their lives consitently to make them more like Him!
So I ask you, which kind of soil are you? Today I challenge you to trust Him fully for everything you need. He made you and designed you for a purpose and wants to bless you not for your own glory or recognition but for His!!!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
God's Natural World: Language and Cheap Imitations
God's Natural World: Language and Cheap Imitations: Over the past few years our language has changed. Oh, I'm not speaking about some foreign tongue but the words we use seem to me to define o...
Language and Cheap Immitations
Over the past few years our language has changed. Oh, I'm not speaking about some foreign tongue but the words we use seem to me to define our thought pattern and perhaps even our World View.
We used to use words like "attractive" or "handsome" to describe someone who looks nice. Now it seems we have traded in those words for "sexy." We live in a world obsessed with sex. Its in almost every TV program being produced these days; in most clothing stores in the mall; in lots of magazines; and in the movies we watch. So why can't we seem to use words which adequately compliment the other person without bringing "sex" into the subject? I believe it is totally of Satan. Satan decieves and not by some blatant attempt usually but subtlely. If he can get us to treat what God made as Holy as trivial and common place then he has succeeded in getting us to settle for less than God's best. Cheap substitutes don't satisfy. I know we all have adapted to cheap substitutes and have learned to live with things that once were made to last but now may not even last past the manufacturers warranty. Needless to say, the cheap immitation isn't what its advertised to be and isn't the "real mccoy."
Relationships as they are portrayed on TV are shallow and seem to center around sexual pleasure rather than building a good, solid foundation and saving sex for marriage with only one partner. Satan has substituted a cheap immitation of intimacy for the real thing and we've swallowed it hook, line, and sinker! We are in a society that can't wait for things at all and certainly patience is no longer a virtue. We want things and so we charge them on credit cards. Sometimes that's a necessity but many times it is not. What ever happened to saving our money and setting aside some for our goals in life?
Now you may think that I've digressed from my point of this blog but I assure you I do have a point.
Since we have been conditioned to not wait for things that "satisfy," we also don't learn to build relationships and wait for sex until we are married. We go for what feels good and besides "everybody is doing it!" But God does not call us to do what everyone else is doing.
In Ephesians 5 we are called to "Live as children of light...." We are to "find out what pleases the Lord" and "have nothing to do wiht the fruitless deeds of darkness."
So I challenge you to change your language and use words that uplift the other person. We can choose to compliment in ways that don't imply we are thinking of that person as a sex object.
Change the way you talk and you will change the way you think.
Be aware of content to which you watch and listen. You will find it is indeed a "slow fade" to a sinful life and you will not be honoring God with your life but instead you will be a witness for Satan and you will be giving your approval to the "cheap" substitute which does not satisfy in the long run.
We used to use words like "attractive" or "handsome" to describe someone who looks nice. Now it seems we have traded in those words for "sexy." We live in a world obsessed with sex. Its in almost every TV program being produced these days; in most clothing stores in the mall; in lots of magazines; and in the movies we watch. So why can't we seem to use words which adequately compliment the other person without bringing "sex" into the subject? I believe it is totally of Satan. Satan decieves and not by some blatant attempt usually but subtlely. If he can get us to treat what God made as Holy as trivial and common place then he has succeeded in getting us to settle for less than God's best. Cheap substitutes don't satisfy. I know we all have adapted to cheap substitutes and have learned to live with things that once were made to last but now may not even last past the manufacturers warranty. Needless to say, the cheap immitation isn't what its advertised to be and isn't the "real mccoy."
Relationships as they are portrayed on TV are shallow and seem to center around sexual pleasure rather than building a good, solid foundation and saving sex for marriage with only one partner. Satan has substituted a cheap immitation of intimacy for the real thing and we've swallowed it hook, line, and sinker! We are in a society that can't wait for things at all and certainly patience is no longer a virtue. We want things and so we charge them on credit cards. Sometimes that's a necessity but many times it is not. What ever happened to saving our money and setting aside some for our goals in life?
Now you may think that I've digressed from my point of this blog but I assure you I do have a point.
Since we have been conditioned to not wait for things that "satisfy," we also don't learn to build relationships and wait for sex until we are married. We go for what feels good and besides "everybody is doing it!" But God does not call us to do what everyone else is doing.
In Ephesians 5 we are called to "Live as children of light...." We are to "find out what pleases the Lord" and "have nothing to do wiht the fruitless deeds of darkness."
So I challenge you to change your language and use words that uplift the other person. We can choose to compliment in ways that don't imply we are thinking of that person as a sex object.
Change the way you talk and you will change the way you think.
Be aware of content to which you watch and listen. You will find it is indeed a "slow fade" to a sinful life and you will not be honoring God with your life but instead you will be a witness for Satan and you will be giving your approval to the "cheap" substitute which does not satisfy in the long run.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
God's Natural World: Peace
God's Natural World: Peace: Peace. What is it? We all long for "World" peace, for wars to cease, for troubles to end. But what about peace within? What can you do to b...
Peace
Peace. What is it? We all long for "World" peace, for wars to cease, for troubles to end. But what about peace within? What can you do to bring your soul peace when all around you is in turmoil and strife?
It seems there is always some crisis with one of my family members. One needs a hot water heater, one needs car repairs, another needs bills paid and it goes on and on it seems!!! I'm sure many of you have experienced that and much worse. I can't imagine what it would be like to have a real calamity touch my life such as losing my home to a storm like some have experienced recently in Alabama.
The Bible tells us a story of a time when Jesus was out on the Sea of Gallilee with his disciples. Jesus was quite tired from ministering to so many that he fell asleep as the boat went its way. Even when a violent storm came up and threatened to sink the fishing boat, Jesus still slept soundly. How exhausted he must have been! Just the sound of thunder wakes me up!!! His disciples were concerned. No! More than concerned. Even though they were experienced fishermen (some at least) and had experienced storms, this one really frightened them. They woke up their teacher (Jesus) and begged him to save them as they felt as if they were going to drown. Calm as a cucumber Jesus rebuked the winds and the waves and all was calm, all was at peace. (Matthew 8:23-27) I think this action must have frightened the disciples almost as much as the storm they had experienced. By doing this, Jesus showed that He is Lord over their cimcumstances (whatever they may be.)
Today some of you feel as if you are going to drown because of the circumstances you face. You may feel as if no one cares and perhaps as if there is no way out. I want to remind you that Jesus does care. He knows exactly what you are experiencing and is ready to see you through it even if you are not delivered from it fully.
Isaiah, the great prophet wrote (ch 26:3) "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
Perhaps God is allowing you to experience the storm so that you will find perfect peace in the midst of it by gazing on Him.
There is an old hymn I dearly love to sing called "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus".
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
look full in his wonderful face,
and the things of this world
will grow strangely dim
in the light of his glory and grace."
My friend if you are in a storm of strife, calamity, or unrest in your soul I hope you will look to the ony one who can provide you with perfect peace.
It seems there is always some crisis with one of my family members. One needs a hot water heater, one needs car repairs, another needs bills paid and it goes on and on it seems!!! I'm sure many of you have experienced that and much worse. I can't imagine what it would be like to have a real calamity touch my life such as losing my home to a storm like some have experienced recently in Alabama.
The Bible tells us a story of a time when Jesus was out on the Sea of Gallilee with his disciples. Jesus was quite tired from ministering to so many that he fell asleep as the boat went its way. Even when a violent storm came up and threatened to sink the fishing boat, Jesus still slept soundly. How exhausted he must have been! Just the sound of thunder wakes me up!!! His disciples were concerned. No! More than concerned. Even though they were experienced fishermen (some at least) and had experienced storms, this one really frightened them. They woke up their teacher (Jesus) and begged him to save them as they felt as if they were going to drown. Calm as a cucumber Jesus rebuked the winds and the waves and all was calm, all was at peace. (Matthew 8:23-27) I think this action must have frightened the disciples almost as much as the storm they had experienced. By doing this, Jesus showed that He is Lord over their cimcumstances (whatever they may be.)
Today some of you feel as if you are going to drown because of the circumstances you face. You may feel as if no one cares and perhaps as if there is no way out. I want to remind you that Jesus does care. He knows exactly what you are experiencing and is ready to see you through it even if you are not delivered from it fully.
Isaiah, the great prophet wrote (ch 26:3) "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
Perhaps God is allowing you to experience the storm so that you will find perfect peace in the midst of it by gazing on Him.
There is an old hymn I dearly love to sing called "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus".
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
look full in his wonderful face,
and the things of this world
will grow strangely dim
in the light of his glory and grace."
My friend if you are in a storm of strife, calamity, or unrest in your soul I hope you will look to the ony one who can provide you with perfect peace.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Shipwrecked
Recently in the news there has been a sad story about a cruise ship that wrecked. Even now, a week after the incident, rescue workers are trying to locate all the missing passengers. What caused the ship to wreck? Did the rocks just grow there over night? Was it the fault of the map maker not to include the rocks on the map (something the captain suggested?) Was the ship not built tough enough?
No! It was none of these things. The captain veered off the usual route that ships travel and decided to come close to an island where he could show off to a friend who lives there.
What seemed like a pleasurable vacation for many turned into a tradgedy.
I suspect many who read about this shipwreck just shook their heads and said to themselves something like "what an idiot to have done something so stupid and irresponsible as that!"
Such an obvious act of irresponsibility is easy for us to condemn, yet how many of us do the same thing spiritually? The Bible tells us plainly what is the right way to live and yet we blatantly deny what God has told us and go our own way. Sadly, we too will shipwreck our lives by doing this. And sadly as well we tend to put the blame on something else besides ourselves. "The devil made me do it." or "Everyone is doing it so it must be ok." We veer off course and into dangerous waters thinking no harm will come to us.
In the book of Joshua we see how Joshua, a man of valor, courage, and leadership was reminded by God to not veer to the right nor to the left and that if he did and if the people of Israel did, then there would be severe consequences.(Joshua 1:7-8) God was faithful to keep His promises to Joshua just as long as they were faithful to keep true to Him.
Do not think you will be the exception here. God will not be mocked. Be faithful to follow Him and you will get to your destination safely.
No! It was none of these things. The captain veered off the usual route that ships travel and decided to come close to an island where he could show off to a friend who lives there.
What seemed like a pleasurable vacation for many turned into a tradgedy.
I suspect many who read about this shipwreck just shook their heads and said to themselves something like "what an idiot to have done something so stupid and irresponsible as that!"
Such an obvious act of irresponsibility is easy for us to condemn, yet how many of us do the same thing spiritually? The Bible tells us plainly what is the right way to live and yet we blatantly deny what God has told us and go our own way. Sadly, we too will shipwreck our lives by doing this. And sadly as well we tend to put the blame on something else besides ourselves. "The devil made me do it." or "Everyone is doing it so it must be ok." We veer off course and into dangerous waters thinking no harm will come to us.
In the book of Joshua we see how Joshua, a man of valor, courage, and leadership was reminded by God to not veer to the right nor to the left and that if he did and if the people of Israel did, then there would be severe consequences.(Joshua 1:7-8) God was faithful to keep His promises to Joshua just as long as they were faithful to keep true to Him.
Do not think you will be the exception here. God will not be mocked. Be faithful to follow Him and you will get to your destination safely.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Barns
I enjoy photographing old barns. So many are set in serene places. Though many are in some state of disrepair there is a beauty I find in the weathered wood. Some have quilt designs on them designating the farmer's wife makes quilts of a certain design. Some are made to store grain while others are designed to house animals.
I'd like to tell you a story from the Bible about a man who had a barn. Its found in the Gospel of Luke.
Luke 12:16 begins the story. " The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I wil tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and goods. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."
But God said to him, 'You FOOL! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?"
Though barns are good things to have and farmers need them, Jesus was making the point about being selfish and greedy. In that day some dishonest people would hire others to tend their fields and then after the harvest not pay them at all! The attitude of this man should have been more giving.
Every so often in my work I earn overtime pay. There is always the temptation to make plans as to how I will spend this extra income on myself. I do have many expenses to be sure, but it always seems that others are more in need than myself.
Elsewhere in the Bible we read "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down and running over." I'll leave it to you to discover that verse. Now we should not give with the thought that we are to expect something in return, but this is the law of the sower and the seed. The farmer sows seeds and they are expected to grow into the plant of its kind and produce a crop. Now if you were given some apples let's say and God told you it was ok to eat them what would you do? A wise man would perhaps share an apple or two with his family or friends. An even wiser man would plant seeds from one or more so that in time an apple tree would grow and perhaps produced hundreds of apples!
Now those apple trees don't grow up and produce fruit in just a few days. No! It may take years for that to happen.
I want to encourage you to be generous. God knows your need and he will not let you go hungry.
Its a matter of trust in God I suppose. "Test me, try me, prove me" says the Lord "and see if I will not pour out on you a blessing which you cannot contain." (paraphrased)
So when you see a neat old barn just remember to thank God for His blessings and ask Him how He wants you to use those blessings to help others.
I'd like to tell you a story from the Bible about a man who had a barn. Its found in the Gospel of Luke.
Luke 12:16 begins the story. " The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I wil tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and goods. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."
But God said to him, 'You FOOL! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?"
Though barns are good things to have and farmers need them, Jesus was making the point about being selfish and greedy. In that day some dishonest people would hire others to tend their fields and then after the harvest not pay them at all! The attitude of this man should have been more giving.
Every so often in my work I earn overtime pay. There is always the temptation to make plans as to how I will spend this extra income on myself. I do have many expenses to be sure, but it always seems that others are more in need than myself.
Elsewhere in the Bible we read "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down and running over." I'll leave it to you to discover that verse. Now we should not give with the thought that we are to expect something in return, but this is the law of the sower and the seed. The farmer sows seeds and they are expected to grow into the plant of its kind and produce a crop. Now if you were given some apples let's say and God told you it was ok to eat them what would you do? A wise man would perhaps share an apple or two with his family or friends. An even wiser man would plant seeds from one or more so that in time an apple tree would grow and perhaps produced hundreds of apples!
Now those apple trees don't grow up and produce fruit in just a few days. No! It may take years for that to happen.
I want to encourage you to be generous. God knows your need and he will not let you go hungry.
Its a matter of trust in God I suppose. "Test me, try me, prove me" says the Lord "and see if I will not pour out on you a blessing which you cannot contain." (paraphrased)
So when you see a neat old barn just remember to thank God for His blessings and ask Him how He wants you to use those blessings to help others.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Hope
Just what is hope anyway? Well for one thing the word "hope" is always used in a positive sense.
We "hope" something happens or turns out positively. We might "hope" our team wins the game. We might "hope" we have a great birthday. When we use the word in that form we are wishing for a positive result to occur, but there is also some doubt associated with it as well. We "hope" something turns out well but we don't know that it will. It is simply a wish or a desire for things to go "our" way.
Today, however, I want you to think of "hope" in a little different light. Thirty eight times in the Bible the word "hope" is used. It is not a wish or a "hope so" kind of thing either. No! Rather, it is a surety and a trust in God. I'd like to quote a few passages from the Bible where this word is used and give you a bit of "hope" today for what lies ahead.
Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we "hope" for and certain of what we do not see."
Hebrews 6:19 "We have this "hope" as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf."
I Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love."
Psalm 25 vs 4-5 "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my "hope" is in you all day long."
Psalm 25:3 "No one whose "hope" is in you will ever be put to shame...."
Psalm 147:11 "the Lord delights in those who fear im, who put their "hope" in his unfailing love."
Isaiah 41:31 "but those who "hope" in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
I'll leave it up to you to discover for yourself all the other passages in the Bible where "hope" is used.
We who are Christians don't just "hope" we get into heaven when we die. No! since our "hope" is in God who made the way for us to be with him eternally thorugh the cruxifixion and resurrection of his one and only Son, Jesus, we can know we have eternal life and a life more abundant even now before death. Our "hope" is not some wish that everything is going to turn out alright. When we have God as our "hope" we know that He's got everything under control and that He will take care and love his children.
If you don't know God as your Savior, Lord, Master, and yes even as your friend, then you have no "Hope."
Hope is what anchors us and keeps us from being tossed about like a leaf on the stormy sea.
This kind of hope is something we can count on and we will not be let down.
This world give us a wishy-washy kind of "hope." Things might turn out alright but they might not.
My prayer for you today is that you put your "hope" in Christ who will take care of you and not let you be dashed against the rocks when the storms of life come as they always do.
We "hope" something happens or turns out positively. We might "hope" our team wins the game. We might "hope" we have a great birthday. When we use the word in that form we are wishing for a positive result to occur, but there is also some doubt associated with it as well. We "hope" something turns out well but we don't know that it will. It is simply a wish or a desire for things to go "our" way.
Today, however, I want you to think of "hope" in a little different light. Thirty eight times in the Bible the word "hope" is used. It is not a wish or a "hope so" kind of thing either. No! Rather, it is a surety and a trust in God. I'd like to quote a few passages from the Bible where this word is used and give you a bit of "hope" today for what lies ahead.
Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we "hope" for and certain of what we do not see."
Hebrews 6:19 "We have this "hope" as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf."
I Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love."
Psalm 25 vs 4-5 "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my "hope" is in you all day long."
Psalm 25:3 "No one whose "hope" is in you will ever be put to shame...."
Psalm 147:11 "the Lord delights in those who fear im, who put their "hope" in his unfailing love."
Isaiah 41:31 "but those who "hope" in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
I'll leave it up to you to discover for yourself all the other passages in the Bible where "hope" is used.
We who are Christians don't just "hope" we get into heaven when we die. No! since our "hope" is in God who made the way for us to be with him eternally thorugh the cruxifixion and resurrection of his one and only Son, Jesus, we can know we have eternal life and a life more abundant even now before death. Our "hope" is not some wish that everything is going to turn out alright. When we have God as our "hope" we know that He's got everything under control and that He will take care and love his children.
If you don't know God as your Savior, Lord, Master, and yes even as your friend, then you have no "Hope."
Hope is what anchors us and keeps us from being tossed about like a leaf on the stormy sea.
This kind of hope is something we can count on and we will not be let down.
This world give us a wishy-washy kind of "hope." Things might turn out alright but they might not.
My prayer for you today is that you put your "hope" in Christ who will take care of you and not let you be dashed against the rocks when the storms of life come as they always do.
"Hope" spring eternal.
My ways vs God's ways
Have you even been sailing? Its a lot of fun when there is a good wind to push you along. You glide so smoothly across the water! There's a lot to sailing a boat and the bigger the boat, the more you have to know. Basically, though, you turn the rudder so the boat goes in the direction you want. There must be a breeze, however, to push against the sails so that no motor is needed most of the time. Sailing doesn't work out too well if you are trying to guide your boat against the direction of the wind.
To get the best results, you must position the sails so that the wind is pushing them from behind. Then you can enjoy your cruise and don't have to work so hard.
In Psalm 119 we are reminded in various ways about God's word and what it can do for us to guide us.
In vs 59 and 60 it says "I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands." Here the psalmist (song writer) is saying that God's ways are better than his ways. Many times we think we know which way to go, what we should be doing or what seems right. But God's ways are always infinitely better and bring joy and happiness and fulfillment. Take time today to consider your ways. Are they in line with what God would have you do?
If not change direction. Set your sail to go with God's wind (Spirit). You'll discover life gets much easier when you are empowered by God's Spirit!
To get the best results, you must position the sails so that the wind is pushing them from behind. Then you can enjoy your cruise and don't have to work so hard.
In Psalm 119 we are reminded in various ways about God's word and what it can do for us to guide us.
In vs 59 and 60 it says "I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands." Here the psalmist (song writer) is saying that God's ways are better than his ways. Many times we think we know which way to go, what we should be doing or what seems right. But God's ways are always infinitely better and bring joy and happiness and fulfillment. Take time today to consider your ways. Are they in line with what God would have you do?
If not change direction. Set your sail to go with God's wind (Spirit). You'll discover life gets much easier when you are empowered by God's Spirit!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Who deserves God's grace?
If you were given the task to pick who would be the recipient of God's grace who would you select?
Family members? Close friends? Influential people?
How about the person holding up a sign at the stop light? Does that person deserve God's grace?
How about the person who doesn't appreciate all you do for them? Surely that person shouldn't get the blessing of God's grace.
How about you? Do you deserve God's grace?
What!!!!???
Truth be known none of us deserve to receive God's grace.
Think about that the next time you see a beggar or someone else who doesn't "fit the mold."
"Bless those who curse you" says the Bible.
Show God's grace to someone today whether or not they "deserve" it.
Family members? Close friends? Influential people?
How about the person holding up a sign at the stop light? Does that person deserve God's grace?
How about the person who doesn't appreciate all you do for them? Surely that person shouldn't get the blessing of God's grace.
How about you? Do you deserve God's grace?
What!!!!???
Truth be known none of us deserve to receive God's grace.
Think about that the next time you see a beggar or someone else who doesn't "fit the mold."
"Bless those who curse you" says the Bible.
Show God's grace to someone today whether or not they "deserve" it.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
God's Natural World: God's Proper Timing
God's Natural World: God's Proper Timing: "Today was a warm, spring like day for the middle of February. I wasn't too busy with work so I decided to drive up to the SC Botanical..."
God's Proper Timing
Today was a warm, spring like day for the middle of February. I wasn't too busy with work so I decided to drive up to the SC Botanical Gardens in Clemson to see if by some miracle any wildflowers or for that matter any other flower might be blooming yet. Now from past experience I had a pretty good idea that chances were slim to none that I'd find anything blooming. I did manage to find one round lobbed hepatica blooming all by its lonesome, but for the mostly there were no blooms or even hints of anything about to bloom just yet.
You see, just because the weather was nice and warm this week, the flowers knew it wasn't yet their time to come out and bloom. If they bloomed before their time perhaps it would snow again or get icy cold again and then they would die early. Insects such as ants depend on the seeds of these flowers to provide them with food at the proper time. Right now the insects are hibernating where its safe and warm and have their winter food all stored up. If the plants gave their seed too soon then there might be a food shortage later on for the insects!
This reminded me about God's perfect and proper timing for our own lives. Sometimes we go through seasons that seem dry and fruitless and other times when we seem to flourish. It may seem that at times God isn't involved in our lives at all or at least very little seems to be happening as soon as we would like.
Its hard to wait on God to act and sometimes we take things into our own hands and try to force God's will too soon. This can prove to be painful as we may end up suffering the consequences of making a decision that's not right for us or perhaps would have been better made at a later time. God reminds us of this in Ecclesiates 3:1-8 "There is a time for everything, anda season for very activity under the sun.".....
There have been times in my own life where I longed for something to happen. Times when I was single and longed to be loved. Times when I had no clue where I was going or what I should be doing with my life. Times when I searched for successes and found none. Times when I just wanted a friend and none could be found. Friend, you may think God has forgotten about you, that He is too slow to act or that He just doesn't care about your circumstance. But be patient and wait upon God to act. He knows you better than you know yourself and knows what you need and when its best to give it to you. May I suggest that during these times of waiting that you make God your all in all. Find in Him the contentment He longs to give you. And when the time is right for relationships, jobs, material possessions, etc. know that He will grant you what you need when you need it and not before. Ask, Seek, Knock, and most of all WAIT!!! So easy to say but so difficult to do. When you do you will find you are flexing your faith muscles and building a stronger relationship with your heavenly Father.
You see, just because the weather was nice and warm this week, the flowers knew it wasn't yet their time to come out and bloom. If they bloomed before their time perhaps it would snow again or get icy cold again and then they would die early. Insects such as ants depend on the seeds of these flowers to provide them with food at the proper time. Right now the insects are hibernating where its safe and warm and have their winter food all stored up. If the plants gave their seed too soon then there might be a food shortage later on for the insects!
This reminded me about God's perfect and proper timing for our own lives. Sometimes we go through seasons that seem dry and fruitless and other times when we seem to flourish. It may seem that at times God isn't involved in our lives at all or at least very little seems to be happening as soon as we would like.
Its hard to wait on God to act and sometimes we take things into our own hands and try to force God's will too soon. This can prove to be painful as we may end up suffering the consequences of making a decision that's not right for us or perhaps would have been better made at a later time. God reminds us of this in Ecclesiates 3:1-8 "There is a time for everything, anda season for very activity under the sun.".....
There have been times in my own life where I longed for something to happen. Times when I was single and longed to be loved. Times when I had no clue where I was going or what I should be doing with my life. Times when I searched for successes and found none. Times when I just wanted a friend and none could be found. Friend, you may think God has forgotten about you, that He is too slow to act or that He just doesn't care about your circumstance. But be patient and wait upon God to act. He knows you better than you know yourself and knows what you need and when its best to give it to you. May I suggest that during these times of waiting that you make God your all in all. Find in Him the contentment He longs to give you. And when the time is right for relationships, jobs, material possessions, etc. know that He will grant you what you need when you need it and not before. Ask, Seek, Knock, and most of all WAIT!!! So easy to say but so difficult to do. When you do you will find you are flexing your faith muscles and building a stronger relationship with your heavenly Father.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
God's Natural World: The Lord is My Shepherd
God's Natural World: The Lord is My Shepherd: "Are you familiar with the 23rd Psalm? It is written by King David of Israel many years ago. Before he was annointed by the proph..."
The Lord is My Shepherd
Are you familiar with the 23rd Psalm? It is written by King David of Israel many years ago. Before he was annointed by the prophet Samuel as Israel's second king, he was a shepherd. I'm sure he spent many days and nights tending his father's sheep for they were many. David was the youngest of his brothers so that meant he got the most unpleasant of the family jobs. Tending sheep would be a very difficult job as the sheep would fall over and had to be righted or they would die. Sometimes the sheep would wander off and get caught in thickets or down in some ravine. David also had to protect the sheep from animals. On more than one occasion he used a sling shot to kill off predators such as bears and lions.
In addition to all this, David was responsible for leading the sheep to green pastures and good, clean drinking water. The 23rd Psalm (song) really takes one though a year in the life of a shepherd. Though it is only 6 verses long, there is much to be learned from this psalm of David.
Let's start with verse 1: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want."
Wow! That short verse tells us so much!!!
David here is putting himself in the place of a sheep. The Lord is his personal shepherd. David belongs to all the sheep under God's care. God is personally responsible for the well being of David (and all His sheep.)
Because the Lord is David's shepherd, He supplies all David's needs. God is the "all in all" for David.
We who are under God's care don't need to go anywhere else to have our needs met. He amply supplies ALL our need so that we are not in want for anything. The grass is not greener in any other pasture. The water is not sweeter in any other stream. The care we get being under God's care as His "sheep" cannot be any better anywhere else. Is it any wonder that God didn't want his chosen people to have any other gods before him? Why should we worship anyone or anything else when God (Jehovah) loving cares for us like a shepherd cares for his sheep?
The rest of Psalm 23 describes in detail just how God provides for us.
vs 2 "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters."
Sheep won't lie down unless they are full an content. God fills us with good things, green pastures if you will.
Sheep also won't drink from a running stream. They have to have still waters. Thus God leads us his sheep to "quiet waters." So we see in verse 2 that God, the good shepherd, knows what we need to satisfy us. He understands what we his sheep require so that we can be content and satisfied.
vs 3 "He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
When we are weary, God restores our soul. He makes all things new. He re-energizes us so that we can keep on going. He gives us rest. He gives us peace. God leads us in places that will bring Him glory.
But sheep have to be humble and wiling to be led. What if a sheep goes astray and does not stay on the path the shepherd desires? That is the sheep that must be disciplined, carried, sometimes its legs must be broken as well.
Isn't it great that God leads us or guides us in paths of righteousness?
In order for God to lead he has to go ahead of us. That means he has already been where we are going.
And where does God lead us? In righteous paths or right going places. In the Lord's prayer there is a line that goes "and lead us not into temptation....." God isn't going to lead us astray. No! Instead He leads us in the way He intends for us to go. Why does he do this? "for his name's sake." God has a reputation to uphold! If God were to ever once mis lead us, his reputation would be runined! But for God to lead us, we have to be willing to follow. He didn't leave his sheep to find their own way, to develop their own paths of right living. We have a guide to help us live rightly before God.
vs 4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me, your rod and staff they comfort me."
The sheep would be guided with the staff of the shepherd. In this way, though a sheep might be fearful of predators, he would know his protector is nearby and be comforted. The rod and staff of the shepherd could be used to rescue a sheep with its crook or help a sheep up that had fallen over which happened often I'm told. The rod and staff could be used to fight off predators as well. Sometimes they were used for discipline, but even in discipline, the sheep would be comforted for they knew the shepherd cared for them enough to help them not do wrong.
vs 5 "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Sheep needed oil applied to their heads to keep flies away from them. They would not rest or eat if they were constantly bothered by flies and other pests. We have a Shepherd who triumphs over our enemies and shares a meal with us. This would designate a sealing of a covenant and a bond of friendship. What a wonderful thing to know we are invited to eat at God's table!! We are considered His friends and He makes covenants with us.
vs 6 "Surely goodness and love (some say mercy) will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." David concludes with this wonderful thought. The good things God provides are eternal. We get to enjoy them not just for a season but for always. God's goodness never runs out. He never tires of taking care of us. His riches are so vast that we will never exhaust them. Best of all we get to live in the same house as God!!!! Only the kings sons and daughters could come and go as they pleased.
With God as our Shepherd, we have access to all his wealth. We are heirs to the throne!
So ask your Father what you need and be amply supplied. Be comforted, be at peace, be content, be filled, and be in want of nothing!!!
In addition to all this, David was responsible for leading the sheep to green pastures and good, clean drinking water. The 23rd Psalm (song) really takes one though a year in the life of a shepherd. Though it is only 6 verses long, there is much to be learned from this psalm of David.
Let's start with verse 1: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want."
Wow! That short verse tells us so much!!!
David here is putting himself in the place of a sheep. The Lord is his personal shepherd. David belongs to all the sheep under God's care. God is personally responsible for the well being of David (and all His sheep.)
Because the Lord is David's shepherd, He supplies all David's needs. God is the "all in all" for David.
We who are under God's care don't need to go anywhere else to have our needs met. He amply supplies ALL our need so that we are not in want for anything. The grass is not greener in any other pasture. The water is not sweeter in any other stream. The care we get being under God's care as His "sheep" cannot be any better anywhere else. Is it any wonder that God didn't want his chosen people to have any other gods before him? Why should we worship anyone or anything else when God (Jehovah) loving cares for us like a shepherd cares for his sheep?
The rest of Psalm 23 describes in detail just how God provides for us.
vs 2 "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters."
Sheep won't lie down unless they are full an content. God fills us with good things, green pastures if you will.
Sheep also won't drink from a running stream. They have to have still waters. Thus God leads us his sheep to "quiet waters." So we see in verse 2 that God, the good shepherd, knows what we need to satisfy us. He understands what we his sheep require so that we can be content and satisfied.
vs 3 "He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
When we are weary, God restores our soul. He makes all things new. He re-energizes us so that we can keep on going. He gives us rest. He gives us peace. God leads us in places that will bring Him glory.
But sheep have to be humble and wiling to be led. What if a sheep goes astray and does not stay on the path the shepherd desires? That is the sheep that must be disciplined, carried, sometimes its legs must be broken as well.
Isn't it great that God leads us or guides us in paths of righteousness?
In order for God to lead he has to go ahead of us. That means he has already been where we are going.
And where does God lead us? In righteous paths or right going places. In the Lord's prayer there is a line that goes "and lead us not into temptation....." God isn't going to lead us astray. No! Instead He leads us in the way He intends for us to go. Why does he do this? "for his name's sake." God has a reputation to uphold! If God were to ever once mis lead us, his reputation would be runined! But for God to lead us, we have to be willing to follow. He didn't leave his sheep to find their own way, to develop their own paths of right living. We have a guide to help us live rightly before God.
vs 4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me, your rod and staff they comfort me."
The sheep would be guided with the staff of the shepherd. In this way, though a sheep might be fearful of predators, he would know his protector is nearby and be comforted. The rod and staff of the shepherd could be used to rescue a sheep with its crook or help a sheep up that had fallen over which happened often I'm told. The rod and staff could be used to fight off predators as well. Sometimes they were used for discipline, but even in discipline, the sheep would be comforted for they knew the shepherd cared for them enough to help them not do wrong.
vs 5 "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Sheep needed oil applied to their heads to keep flies away from them. They would not rest or eat if they were constantly bothered by flies and other pests. We have a Shepherd who triumphs over our enemies and shares a meal with us. This would designate a sealing of a covenant and a bond of friendship. What a wonderful thing to know we are invited to eat at God's table!! We are considered His friends and He makes covenants with us.
vs 6 "Surely goodness and love (some say mercy) will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." David concludes with this wonderful thought. The good things God provides are eternal. We get to enjoy them not just for a season but for always. God's goodness never runs out. He never tires of taking care of us. His riches are so vast that we will never exhaust them. Best of all we get to live in the same house as God!!!! Only the kings sons and daughters could come and go as they pleased.
With God as our Shepherd, we have access to all his wealth. We are heirs to the throne!
So ask your Father what you need and be amply supplied. Be comforted, be at peace, be content, be filled, and be in want of nothing!!!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Christmas Memories
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
Perhaps there is a favorite hymn you enjoy at this time of year or something your family does as a Christmas tradition.
When I was a boy there were many things we did at Christmas time. Mom would make us boys do a little Christmas pagent just for she and Dad. One of us would do the song "The Little Drummer Boy," another would sing "Silent Night," and still another might have to read the Christmas story out of Luke.
Eventually we all rebelled and got to where we didn't like "performing" for our parents and any guests that might come to our house on Christmas.
Decorating a Christmas tree is another memory I hold dear. We would go and cut down a cedar usually.
Sometimes we'd have more than one Christmas tree. There would be one on our porch, another in the living room, and then sometimes we'd get a little one all decorated for our bedroom. We'd decorate it with glass ornaments, lights, and tinsel. I'd end up throwing gobs of tinsel on the tree thinking I was really making it pretty. NOT!
We also had a little manger scene with Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, Shepeherds, animals, etc.
I think eventually the mice in the attic ate away at our little cresh and destroyed it for good.
Sometimes our little church would combine with the Methodist church and the children would sing Christmas songs for an evening worship service.
One neat thing the youth would do (I was way too young at the time) was to make baskets of fruit for shut ins and take them to them as they sang carols.
I had to stay home with Mom but that meant I got to see Red Skelton on our black and white Philco TV (rabbit ears.) He was soooo funny.
One time we went driving to see Christmas lights. Dad went into a subdivision that had one big circle of homes. He went round and round that subdivision! I thought perhaps he couldn't figure how to get out of there, but perhaps he was just being lazy and didn't want to drive us all over creation!
We used to love trying to guess what our presents were under the tree. I was quite mischievous and would tear the wrapping a little bit to see if I could tell what was under it. He he he.
Well no matter what your Christmas memory, I hope you remember the reason for the season.
God's gift to us of Jesus, our Saviour. He came to save us FROM sin, FOR a purpose, and OF grace.
When we see Jesus, we see God for Jesus is God with us. He is Emanuel!!
I hope this year you will make new memories and recall old ones.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Perhaps there is a favorite hymn you enjoy at this time of year or something your family does as a Christmas tradition.
When I was a boy there were many things we did at Christmas time. Mom would make us boys do a little Christmas pagent just for she and Dad. One of us would do the song "The Little Drummer Boy," another would sing "Silent Night," and still another might have to read the Christmas story out of Luke.
Eventually we all rebelled and got to where we didn't like "performing" for our parents and any guests that might come to our house on Christmas.
Decorating a Christmas tree is another memory I hold dear. We would go and cut down a cedar usually.
Sometimes we'd have more than one Christmas tree. There would be one on our porch, another in the living room, and then sometimes we'd get a little one all decorated for our bedroom. We'd decorate it with glass ornaments, lights, and tinsel. I'd end up throwing gobs of tinsel on the tree thinking I was really making it pretty. NOT!
We also had a little manger scene with Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, Shepeherds, animals, etc.
I think eventually the mice in the attic ate away at our little cresh and destroyed it for good.
Sometimes our little church would combine with the Methodist church and the children would sing Christmas songs for an evening worship service.
One neat thing the youth would do (I was way too young at the time) was to make baskets of fruit for shut ins and take them to them as they sang carols.
I had to stay home with Mom but that meant I got to see Red Skelton on our black and white Philco TV (rabbit ears.) He was soooo funny.
One time we went driving to see Christmas lights. Dad went into a subdivision that had one big circle of homes. He went round and round that subdivision! I thought perhaps he couldn't figure how to get out of there, but perhaps he was just being lazy and didn't want to drive us all over creation!
We used to love trying to guess what our presents were under the tree. I was quite mischievous and would tear the wrapping a little bit to see if I could tell what was under it. He he he.
Well no matter what your Christmas memory, I hope you remember the reason for the season.
God's gift to us of Jesus, our Saviour. He came to save us FROM sin, FOR a purpose, and OF grace.
When we see Jesus, we see God for Jesus is God with us. He is Emanuel!!
I hope this year you will make new memories and recall old ones.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
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