"You do not have, because you do not ask God." James 4:2b (NIV)
The ring was lovely...a blue topaz with tiny sparkly diamonds...emphasis on tiny...around it and on the band. And it was on sale...really on sale...for two days. We went on the evening of the second day. Sold out...had been since that morning. Checked online where they had been available the night before. Sold out.
It would have made a nice Christmas gift. It was really quite perfect...simple, yet elegant...small, nicely suited for my little hands...and inexpensive. I'm not one who is inclined to costly jewelry, so it was just right! The frequent TV advertisements and the flyer that came in the mail screamed out my name.
And my darlin' husband was ready to order it online that first night. He would give me anything...within reason...and definitely that ring...at that price! But I wanted to see it...to try it on. Oh well...too late.
I'm just wondering what lovely thing is before your eyes? And I'm not talking about material things...not jewels...but something God can give...the fulfillment of a dream...bright hope for your future. Are you being bold in your asking? Are you praying...and believing? Are you coming to the Giver of all good and perfect gifts with a pure heart and praying according to His will?
God's Words says that "The prayer of a righteous man [or woman] is powerful and effective." James 5:16b Do we believe that?
I'm reading Steven Furtick's book Sun Stand Still, about audacious praying. What a challenge and an encouragement it has been to my prayer life! And to the faith to take some bold steps in pursuing some work that only God can do!!!
What is looming in the realm of possibility that you have not because you ask not? Go ahead! Do it! Ask!
Lord, forgive us when we fall into that category of "ye of little faith." Help us to seek You, to knock at Your door, to ask believing in Your incomparably great power!! Act on our behalf according to Your will. You are so great and mighty! We bow in Your presence...and rejoice knowing what You have the ability to do!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
But Take Heart
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV)
The words are right there in black and white...or red...words that Jesus spoke. "In this world you will have trouble." Do you wish He would have not verbalized that reality? Do you wish He could take that back?
I don't like trouble. And I really don't like trouble that batters and pummels and mangles...and just when you hope that it might possibly be ending...that maybe, just maybe there's light at the end of the tunnel...packs another wallop that threatens to totally undo you...the kind that makes you look up and go, "God are You there? Do You see what's going on here? I'm having a hard time seeing You in this one."
You said, "But take heart." You said, "I have overcome the world."
Please show us some victory. Remind us that You reign. We believe. Help us in our unbelief.
Better yet, come back.
Until You do...help us to remember that You are with us...through the fire...through the valley. Please give us peace.
The words are right there in black and white...or red...words that Jesus spoke. "In this world you will have trouble." Do you wish He would have not verbalized that reality? Do you wish He could take that back?
I don't like trouble. And I really don't like trouble that batters and pummels and mangles...and just when you hope that it might possibly be ending...that maybe, just maybe there's light at the end of the tunnel...packs another wallop that threatens to totally undo you...the kind that makes you look up and go, "God are You there? Do You see what's going on here? I'm having a hard time seeing You in this one."
You said, "But take heart." You said, "I have overcome the world."
Please show us some victory. Remind us that You reign. We believe. Help us in our unbelief.
Better yet, come back.
Until You do...help us to remember that You are with us...through the fire...through the valley. Please give us peace.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Burning Bushes and Maple Trees
"So now, go. I am sending you...." Exodus 3:10a (NIV)
I've never actually seen a burning bush...at least not one that "did not burn up." I have seen maple trees radiating the most brilliant orange and red hues with a such a fiery appearance that it got me thinking about burning bushes...and how I can't even begin to imagine the sight that Moses beheld.
I've surely never heard God's audible voice coming from a burning bush. In a much more subtle manner, I've known His call...in a whisper in my mind...or in a preacher's message...or straight from His Word.
I can't really imagine Moses' fear...a burning bush...talking...with God's voice! I have experienced fear on my own level...sometimes just in sweaty palms...a mouth struggling to produce saliva...heart palpitations.
It really makes me feel good that Moses asked, "Who am I that I should go?" Yes, I've asked that question too.
And God's response remains the same. "I AM." It really doesn't have anything to do with me. It's all about Him...His presence...His power...His purpose...His plan.
So what about you? Have you had a "vision" that could only be from God? Have you heard His unmistakable voice...in whatever form it took? Have you ever truly KNOWN that you were standing on holy ground? Did you, as Moses, want to hide your face in fear???
Just a reminder, my friend, that same God...the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, the God of Moses hasn't changed! He is still the great I AM!
What has He called you to do?
Where has He called you to go?
What's your answer to Him?
Oh God...our God...the One who endures from generation to generation, help us to hear Your voice. Remove the fear that threatens to undo us...and to thwart Your plan. Help us to be bold enough to remove our sandals and step onto that holy ground!
I've never actually seen a burning bush...at least not one that "did not burn up." I have seen maple trees radiating the most brilliant orange and red hues with a such a fiery appearance that it got me thinking about burning bushes...and how I can't even begin to imagine the sight that Moses beheld.
I've surely never heard God's audible voice coming from a burning bush. In a much more subtle manner, I've known His call...in a whisper in my mind...or in a preacher's message...or straight from His Word.
I can't really imagine Moses' fear...a burning bush...talking...with God's voice! I have experienced fear on my own level...sometimes just in sweaty palms...a mouth struggling to produce saliva...heart palpitations.
It really makes me feel good that Moses asked, "Who am I that I should go?" Yes, I've asked that question too.
And God's response remains the same. "I AM." It really doesn't have anything to do with me. It's all about Him...His presence...His power...His purpose...His plan.
So what about you? Have you had a "vision" that could only be from God? Have you heard His unmistakable voice...in whatever form it took? Have you ever truly KNOWN that you were standing on holy ground? Did you, as Moses, want to hide your face in fear???
Just a reminder, my friend, that same God...the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, the God of Moses hasn't changed! He is still the great I AM!
What has He called you to do?
Where has He called you to go?
What's your answer to Him?
Oh God...our God...the One who endures from generation to generation, help us to hear Your voice. Remove the fear that threatens to undo us...and to thwart Your plan. Help us to be bold enough to remove our sandals and step onto that holy ground!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Dehydrated!
"'Come!' Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." Revelation 22:17 (NIV)
I thought she was going to die. On my birthday.
Yesterday morning as I got up, she didn't. She didn't move. Her eyes blinking sluggishly were the only sign of life. I put my hand on her heart to feel the beat...slow...maybe a little unsteady. Her breathing was shallow. I cried.
I rubbed her head, her neck. The skin hung. She was dehydrated.
I got water and brought it right to her lips. Thankfully she drank. The night before she had refused...no matter how close I got it to her mouth...no matter how I pleaded. You really can't force someone to drink.
We lifted her from her bed...and she walked. She ate breakfast. She drank more water. I rejoiced.
She wagged her tail. Yes, I'm talking about my 15 year old dachshund, Cocoa. She's my faithful companion. She has her own chaise right beside my bed. She goes to bed when I do. She gets up when I do. She sits beside me on my recliner...so much so that even if she's not there, I sit way over practically down in the crack of the left side, saving her space...and just out of habit.
She is old. I know that "her time will come." I will be sad, but I will move on. And probably buy a new sofa and chairs.
But I saw a spiritual lesson yesterday...as I wanted so desperately for her to drink.
It's a tragedy, really. People are suffering from dehydration...spiritually. The drink is offered, but they are refusing it. Oh, how sad it must make the Father to hold it out before us over and over...living water...and we turn up our noses. We turn away.
As Jesus said to the woman at the well, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13-14
In His sermon on the mountainside, Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6
Are you dehydrated? Listless? Struggling to move?
The "water" is there! Drink! And make His heart...and yours...rejoice!
Father, thank You for being our very source of life! Thank You for providing all we need to live and to thrive. Help us to drink so that we may be blessed...and so that we may please You. Make our "wellsprings" bubble to overflowing!
I thought she was going to die. On my birthday.
Yesterday morning as I got up, she didn't. She didn't move. Her eyes blinking sluggishly were the only sign of life. I put my hand on her heart to feel the beat...slow...maybe a little unsteady. Her breathing was shallow. I cried.
I rubbed her head, her neck. The skin hung. She was dehydrated.
I got water and brought it right to her lips. Thankfully she drank. The night before she had refused...no matter how close I got it to her mouth...no matter how I pleaded. You really can't force someone to drink.
We lifted her from her bed...and she walked. She ate breakfast. She drank more water. I rejoiced.
She wagged her tail. Yes, I'm talking about my 15 year old dachshund, Cocoa. She's my faithful companion. She has her own chaise right beside my bed. She goes to bed when I do. She gets up when I do. She sits beside me on my recliner...so much so that even if she's not there, I sit way over practically down in the crack of the left side, saving her space...and just out of habit.
She is old. I know that "her time will come." I will be sad, but I will move on. And probably buy a new sofa and chairs.
But I saw a spiritual lesson yesterday...as I wanted so desperately for her to drink.
It's a tragedy, really. People are suffering from dehydration...spiritually. The drink is offered, but they are refusing it. Oh, how sad it must make the Father to hold it out before us over and over...living water...and we turn up our noses. We turn away.
As Jesus said to the woman at the well, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13-14
In His sermon on the mountainside, Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6
Are you dehydrated? Listless? Struggling to move?
The "water" is there! Drink! And make His heart...and yours...rejoice!
Father, thank You for being our very source of life! Thank You for providing all we need to live and to thrive. Help us to drink so that we may be blessed...and so that we may please You. Make our "wellsprings" bubble to overflowing!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Sound of Your Voice
"...Show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely." Song of Solomon 2:14 (NIV)
I felt such an emptiness inside. My heart seemed to skip a beat. The longing to hear their voices filled my being with an almost tangible ache. A tear found its way to my eye. Sadness washed over me.
I miss my girls. My three oldest daughters are grown, married, and gone from my home...and my hometown. I talk to them most everyday...and occasionally even get to see their lovely faces via Skype. I haven't spoken to them today...yet. And I just miss the sound of their voices. I'll pick up the phone and start the callling as soon as I wrap this up. I just needed to tell you something first.
At the moment that I felt that emptiness...that heartbeat skipping...that longing, I could almost hear God whispering, "I know how you feel. I ache to hear from my children too. Their voice is sweet...music to my ears. I love to hear about their days. I rejoice in the successes and happiness. I long to comfort them in their heartaches and struggles. I like to hear about their wants and needs...and ponder ways to meet them. I just love being a part of their lives. There is a void if even one day goes by and I don't hear their voice."
And it's so true. I love my children a really lot! But I can't even begin to comprehend the love of the Father for His children...no matter how many billions of us there are. He loves us each as if we were the only one. He knows the number of hairs on our heads. He formed our very beings. We are His treasure, and He calls us His own! Oh, how precious to feel His love pouring over us.
He longs for the sound of your voice. Have you talked to Him today?
Father, thank You for Your unfathomable love. Thank You for the amazing thought that YOU long for us! Thank You for being ever-present...ever-available...ever-listening. Draw us, Lord...into Your presence. We lift our voice to You. May it be a sweet sound to Your ears.
I felt such an emptiness inside. My heart seemed to skip a beat. The longing to hear their voices filled my being with an almost tangible ache. A tear found its way to my eye. Sadness washed over me.
I miss my girls. My three oldest daughters are grown, married, and gone from my home...and my hometown. I talk to them most everyday...and occasionally even get to see their lovely faces via Skype. I haven't spoken to them today...yet. And I just miss the sound of their voices. I'll pick up the phone and start the callling as soon as I wrap this up. I just needed to tell you something first.
At the moment that I felt that emptiness...that heartbeat skipping...that longing, I could almost hear God whispering, "I know how you feel. I ache to hear from my children too. Their voice is sweet...music to my ears. I love to hear about their days. I rejoice in the successes and happiness. I long to comfort them in their heartaches and struggles. I like to hear about their wants and needs...and ponder ways to meet them. I just love being a part of their lives. There is a void if even one day goes by and I don't hear their voice."
And it's so true. I love my children a really lot! But I can't even begin to comprehend the love of the Father for His children...no matter how many billions of us there are. He loves us each as if we were the only one. He knows the number of hairs on our heads. He formed our very beings. We are His treasure, and He calls us His own! Oh, how precious to feel His love pouring over us.
He longs for the sound of your voice. Have you talked to Him today?
Father, thank You for Your unfathomable love. Thank You for the amazing thought that YOU long for us! Thank You for being ever-present...ever-available...ever-listening. Draw us, Lord...into Your presence. We lift our voice to You. May it be a sweet sound to Your ears.
Monday, September 27, 2010
A Worm In My Fruit Bowl
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me." John 15:4 (NIV)
It was totally revolting...inching its way across the rim of my fruit bowl. Disgusting! It looked like one of those slimy, teensy...but no less gross, worms that occasionally finds its way home from the store in your broccoli. Fortunately, the unwelcomed critter met his demise (smooshed in a paper towel) without having sampled any grape-y juicy-ness, as the bowl was empty.
That was a fitting way to start a rainy Monday. Yes, the rain, so desperately needed...that nearly prompted me to run outside and do a little dance yesterday...made today look bleak and dreary. Rain that an hour earlier plunked such a delightful rhythm on my roof and windowpane...the lullaby that dueled with God's wakeup call to meet with Him and feast on His Word.
The rain won.
I chose poorly.
I started the day apart from The Vine.
And it was like that appalling little worm inched his way across my morning...nibbling away at the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Until I fought back. Yep! I pulled out my Sword! I reached out toward the heavens with a song of praise. And God redeemed the day!
Father, forgive me for my laziness. Thank You for Your mercies that are new each morning...even if I choose poorly. Thank You for drawing me to the Vine...my source of strength and joy! Please let the Fruit of Your Spirit be born in me!
It was totally revolting...inching its way across the rim of my fruit bowl. Disgusting! It looked like one of those slimy, teensy...but no less gross, worms that occasionally finds its way home from the store in your broccoli. Fortunately, the unwelcomed critter met his demise (smooshed in a paper towel) without having sampled any grape-y juicy-ness, as the bowl was empty.
That was a fitting way to start a rainy Monday. Yes, the rain, so desperately needed...that nearly prompted me to run outside and do a little dance yesterday...made today look bleak and dreary. Rain that an hour earlier plunked such a delightful rhythm on my roof and windowpane...the lullaby that dueled with God's wakeup call to meet with Him and feast on His Word.
The rain won.
I chose poorly.
I started the day apart from The Vine.
And it was like that appalling little worm inched his way across my morning...nibbling away at the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Until I fought back. Yep! I pulled out my Sword! I reached out toward the heavens with a song of praise. And God redeemed the day!
Father, forgive me for my laziness. Thank You for Your mercies that are new each morning...even if I choose poorly. Thank You for drawing me to the Vine...my source of strength and joy! Please let the Fruit of Your Spirit be born in me!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Hoodsurfing 101
"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
It's really quite amazing that I didn't hit the ladder/siding/machinery-laden vehicle from the rear. My focus see-sawed between the grasshopper on the hood of my car and the truck just ahead of me.
She...or he, whichever the case may be...I'm going with she because that just feels right to me :)...leaped onto my car at a redlight. I watched and waited to see what she would do when the light changed. She boldly took her stance and held on!
Now the Mama inside of me was saying, "Hey! Do you realize that you are traveling blocks away from your family?? Will you know how to get back??? Are you sure that you really want to hang on??"
The children's book writer inside of me was thinking, "Hmmm, Gidget Grasshopper Goes to Downtown Cary...or Grasshopper In Town Square (That's supposed to make you smile...if you read children's books! That one's already been done...just with a Cricket and it was Times Square.)...or Ginger Grasshopper's Wild Ride"...or some other fantastic grasshopper adventure story!
Then the blog author in me pondered...while driving and watching grasshopper & big truck..."What could I learn from this insect? Did God have her plop on my hood for a purpose? (I think He's probably too busy for that, but I'm taking the challenge anyway!)
Hence, Hoodsurfing 101.
Lesson 1 Face Forward...aerodynamics and all that.
Lesson 2 Feet Planted Firmly...all two...or four...or six.
Lesson 3 Fear Not!...Admission: I don't really know if grasshoppers have the capacity to fear.
So, what adventure is ahead of you?? Have you been called to be obedient in some manner? Is there a dream in your heart that you need to pursue? Go for it!
Warning!!! It may feel like hoodsurfing...dangerous, frightening, and very windy!
Remember our lessons from Hoodsurfing 101 listed above?
Here's some Scriptural backing!
Lesson 1 "My eyes are ever on the LORD...." Psalm 25:15
"I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from
the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
Lesson 2 " My feet have closely followed His steps; I have kept to His way without turning aside."
Job 23:11
"My steps have held to Your paths; my feet have not slipped." Psalm 17:5
"He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights."
Psalm 18:33
"The law of his God is his heart; his feet do not slip." Psalm 37:31
Lesson 3 "For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand, and says to you,
do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13
"The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you or
forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
"...Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged,
for the LORD God, my God, is with you." 1 Chronicles 28:20
So, just do it!!! Feel the wind in your antennae...I mean hair!! And remember, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15 Share His message! Share His love!
Disclaimers:
No insects were harmed in the writing of this blog.
Please do not try this at home. I know of two college boys who experimented with hoodsurfing. One landed in dire straits.
It's really quite amazing that I didn't hit the ladder/siding/machinery-laden vehicle from the rear. My focus see-sawed between the grasshopper on the hood of my car and the truck just ahead of me.
She...or he, whichever the case may be...I'm going with she because that just feels right to me :)...leaped onto my car at a redlight. I watched and waited to see what she would do when the light changed. She boldly took her stance and held on!
Now the Mama inside of me was saying, "Hey! Do you realize that you are traveling blocks away from your family?? Will you know how to get back??? Are you sure that you really want to hang on??"
The children's book writer inside of me was thinking, "Hmmm, Gidget Grasshopper Goes to Downtown Cary...or Grasshopper In Town Square (That's supposed to make you smile...if you read children's books! That one's already been done...just with a Cricket and it was Times Square.)...or Ginger Grasshopper's Wild Ride"...or some other fantastic grasshopper adventure story!
Then the blog author in me pondered...while driving and watching grasshopper & big truck..."What could I learn from this insect? Did God have her plop on my hood for a purpose? (I think He's probably too busy for that, but I'm taking the challenge anyway!)
Hence, Hoodsurfing 101.
Lesson 1 Face Forward...aerodynamics and all that.
Lesson 2 Feet Planted Firmly...all two...or four...or six.
Lesson 3 Fear Not!...Admission: I don't really know if grasshoppers have the capacity to fear.
So, what adventure is ahead of you?? Have you been called to be obedient in some manner? Is there a dream in your heart that you need to pursue? Go for it!
Warning!!! It may feel like hoodsurfing...dangerous, frightening, and very windy!
Remember our lessons from Hoodsurfing 101 listed above?
Here's some Scriptural backing!
Lesson 1 "My eyes are ever on the LORD...." Psalm 25:15
"I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from
the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
Lesson 2 " My feet have closely followed His steps; I have kept to His way without turning aside."
Job 23:11
"My steps have held to Your paths; my feet have not slipped." Psalm 17:5
"He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights."
Psalm 18:33
"The law of his God is his heart; his feet do not slip." Psalm 37:31
Lesson 3 "For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand, and says to you,
do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13
"The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you or
forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
"...Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged,
for the LORD God, my God, is with you." 1 Chronicles 28:20
So, just do it!!! Feel the wind in your antennae...I mean hair!! And remember, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15 Share His message! Share His love!
Disclaimers:
No insects were harmed in the writing of this blog.
Please do not try this at home. I know of two college boys who experimented with hoodsurfing. One landed in dire straits.
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