My Word for 2014: Relationships
My Verse for 2014: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." -John 13:34
Showing posts with label Bible Verses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible Verses. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 19!
Hard to believe that it is already October 1st. I wouldn't know it, but for the weather change! In this little valley the weather goes from hot and dry to windy, rainy, and and array of color overnight. I can't complain much. I love all the beautiful trees here in the fall. They are painted with reds and oranges and every color in between. Plus I love to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book and have me some peaceful quiet time if I can find it! (Five kids makes that a little rare.) This afternoon I happen to be home with a sick son, so I am soaking in the down time while I make sure he is as comfortable as possible.
I knew a couple of days ago which verses I was going to memorize for the first half of October. I was reading a passage for my Bible Study and they just jumped off the pages at me. I've looked them up in several versions, but my favorite translation to sit down and study with, NASB, used the actual word "time" in it, so I chose that wording to memorize. Here's a photo of my handy dandy spiral notebook with my memory verses in it...
I knew a couple of days ago which verses I was going to memorize for the first half of October. I was reading a passage for my Bible Study and they just jumped off the pages at me. I've looked them up in several versions, but my favorite translation to sit down and study with, NASB, used the actual word "time" in it, so I chose that wording to memorize. Here's a photo of my handy dandy spiral notebook with my memory verses in it...
Making the most of your time...
I can't tell you how many times I have thought to myself, even today, how there's not enough time in the day to get everything accomplished that is on my list! These verses really spoke to me in a powerful way. I was moved to look at exactly where my time DOES go during the day and evaluate what might be changed for the better. Let's just say that if I were going to do a series on this blog, it would definitely NOT be on time management. I often feel like I'm running in circles with constant interruptions and distractions all around me.
The NIV version of these verses uses the words "making the most of every opportunity" in verse 16. So the question here is "how do I use my time wisely?" Well, looking a little further into this passage, Paul says in verse 17, "do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." There it is. The good, perfect, pleasing will of the Lord. Now I could probably write on THIS topic for hours...but I don't have time! *Grin*
Instead, allow me to share three little instructions that I know are God's will for each and every one of us as Christ followers.
Rejoice.
Pray.
Give Thanks.
I only put them in that order because that's how they appear in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Each of these instructions are equally important in the life of a believer.
How does this all tie back into my memory verse and making the most of my time? Well, that's easy. Practicing those three little things on a daily basis helps me to understand what the will of God is. And when I understand what the will of the Lord is, then I am able to make the most of my time, no matter how my day might unfold.
So there you have it. That's what God is working on in my life right now. He reminds me to take time for a little RPGT whenever I feel overwhelmed with the details of my calendar or to-do list. Because He is so faithful to meet us right where we are.
Here's to a great October!
-Melissa
Saturday, September 7, 2013
SSMT Verse 17 - Help!
School started this week, and one of the things I always tell my children when they are in school is "if you don't understand something or have questions, don't be afraid to ask for help."
That's good sound advice, right?
It's important that my kids know that it is ok to ask an adult when they need help solving a problem, learning to do something correctly, clarifying instructions and rules, or even getting directions to their next class. (For my 6th grader, who just started Middle School this year.) There is no shame in admitting you need a little help. We've all been there.
Even me...
What's good advice for my kids is good advice for me, right?
Why then, is it so hard for me to ask for help when I need it? Perhaps it is because I expect too much of myself as an adult, mom, wife, homemaker, employee, and daughter. Um, that's a lot of hats to juggle. Maybe it's because I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I see myself as failing in some of those areas above mentioned.
Whatever the reason, I think after this week I have realized that it is ok, in fact, necessary, for me to recruit help managing the several different areas of my life. For instance, the kids are old enough that they can help assemble their lunches for school. And they can even do their own laundry, or at least help with their laundry in the afternoons. They can also help themselves to a snack if they are hungry when they get home from school.
Those are all physical things that help me stay organized and take a little pressure off my daily schedule. Let's talk a little about the spiritual side of things.
I live in a valley, so on most days when I am driving anywhere or even just sitting and looking out my dining room window, I look up to see the beautiful hills surrounding us. They are breathtaking in any season. In the Fall (the approaching season), they change colors. Into Winter, they turn white with fresh snow. Then in the Spring you can see the fields of rolling wheat and rows of grapevines or whatever crop is in season growing new. Even in the Summer when things are dry the hills are a variety of color. I love to watch the change and gaze out into the beauty of it all.
When I was determining what verse I wanted to memorize for Siesta Scripture Memory Team this first half of September, a particular psalm came to mind. It is one that I have probably read again and again, but never taken time to memorize. It is Psalm 121:1-2
"I lift my eyes up to the mountains -
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth."
I have the ultimate helper on my side: the Lord. What a comfort to know that any question, any problem, any sadness or hardship that I come to Him with, He is able to help!
Every time I look at the hills for the next two weeks I will repeat these verses to myself and remember that God is my helper.
When I start to feel overwhelmed, (and maybe a bit sorry for myself,) I will remember where my help comes from - first and foremost, God - and then know that it is ok to ask for help.
The psalmist closes Psalm 121 with "The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever."
He's looking out for me. He knows September is one of my busiest, craziest months. The chaos of it all can often get to me and cause high levels of anxiety. But not if I remember who my helper is. Not if I keep my eyes and my thoughts focused on Him.
Philippians 4:23
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God."
I'm so thankful that He is my helper. How about you?
That's good sound advice, right?
It's important that my kids know that it is ok to ask an adult when they need help solving a problem, learning to do something correctly, clarifying instructions and rules, or even getting directions to their next class. (For my 6th grader, who just started Middle School this year.) There is no shame in admitting you need a little help. We've all been there.
Even me...
What's good advice for my kids is good advice for me, right?
Why then, is it so hard for me to ask for help when I need it? Perhaps it is because I expect too much of myself as an adult, mom, wife, homemaker, employee, and daughter. Um, that's a lot of hats to juggle. Maybe it's because I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I see myself as failing in some of those areas above mentioned.
Whatever the reason, I think after this week I have realized that it is ok, in fact, necessary, for me to recruit help managing the several different areas of my life. For instance, the kids are old enough that they can help assemble their lunches for school. And they can even do their own laundry, or at least help with their laundry in the afternoons. They can also help themselves to a snack if they are hungry when they get home from school.
Those are all physical things that help me stay organized and take a little pressure off my daily schedule. Let's talk a little about the spiritual side of things.
I live in a valley, so on most days when I am driving anywhere or even just sitting and looking out my dining room window, I look up to see the beautiful hills surrounding us. They are breathtaking in any season. In the Fall (the approaching season), they change colors. Into Winter, they turn white with fresh snow. Then in the Spring you can see the fields of rolling wheat and rows of grapevines or whatever crop is in season growing new. Even in the Summer when things are dry the hills are a variety of color. I love to watch the change and gaze out into the beauty of it all.
When I was determining what verse I wanted to memorize for Siesta Scripture Memory Team this first half of September, a particular psalm came to mind. It is one that I have probably read again and again, but never taken time to memorize. It is Psalm 121:1-2
"I lift my eyes up to the mountains -
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth."
I have the ultimate helper on my side: the Lord. What a comfort to know that any question, any problem, any sadness or hardship that I come to Him with, He is able to help!
Every time I look at the hills for the next two weeks I will repeat these verses to myself and remember that God is my helper.
When I start to feel overwhelmed, (and maybe a bit sorry for myself,) I will remember where my help comes from - first and foremost, God - and then know that it is ok to ask for help.
The psalmist closes Psalm 121 with "The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever."
He's looking out for me. He knows September is one of my busiest, craziest months. The chaos of it all can often get to me and cause high levels of anxiety. But not if I remember who my helper is. Not if I keep my eyes and my thoughts focused on Him.
Philippians 4:23
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God."
I'm so thankful that He is my helper. How about you?
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 16!
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| "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever." -Psalm 52:8 (NIV) |
When I read this verse, I just knew I had to memorize it. First of all, I love that it is written in the first person. I am like an olive tree flourishing...I trust in God's unfailing love.
I also love that word flourishing. Doesn't it just drip off your mouth like a waterfall? The Hebrew word from Strong's Concordance for flourishing is raanan. (Pronounced rah-an-awn) It translates: luxuriant, fresh.
I didn't know much about olive trees before I read this verse so I decided to look them up and learn something.
Did you know that olive trees are evergreen? They will live and produce fruit in spite of circumstances - hot, cold, wet, dry, rocky or sandy soil. In the same way, as Christians we must learn to "flourish," no matter what our circumstances. How is this possible? The answer is in the second half of the verse. Trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. When the sun is shining and when the rain is pouring down. When you are walking through a dry season and when your cup seems to overflow.
You get the point. God's unfailing love is the one constant in every season of our lives. I am reminded of a song by Jesus Culture called "Your Love Never Fails."
Nothing can separate
Even if I ran away
Your love never fails
I know I still make mistakes
But You have new mercies for me everyday
Your love never fails
Chorus:
You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning
And when the oceans rage
I don't have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Your love never fails
Verse 2:
The wind is strong and the water's deep
But I'm not alone here in these open seas
Cause Your love never fails
The chasm is far too wide
I never thought I'd reach the other side
But Your love never fails
I'm so glad that His love never fails. Thanks for stopping by, and may you flourish in His love today and always.
-Melissa
Friday, March 15, 2013
Siesta Scripture Memory Team Vs. 6
I can't believe I'm on my 6th memory verse already! That means that we are almost 1/4 of the way through 2013! Although I am glad that Winter is melting into Spring, it certainly seems like the first three months of the year have gone by in a heartbeat.
I know I didn't post my verse at the beginning of this month. I haven't spent much time on the computer at all, really. When my laptop broke down last month I was a little sad but it has been a real eye opener to me about how wise I need to be about where I spend my time. I have been spending way less time on facebook or playing my favorite game of words with friends, and way more time focusing on my family and home. It has been a really busy month so far anyway, schedule wise. So I took Beth Moore's advise and chose two verses together to memorize and meditate on this month.
Psalm 92:1-2 say:
It is good to give thanks to the LORD
And to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night.
I can't tell you how many times I have looked at my note card and repeated these verses out loud already this month. Over and over the words resound in my heart. Give thanks. Sing Praise. Declare His lovingkindess and faithfulness.
I remember singing a simple praise song in church as a teen that goes like this:
I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart
I will enter His courts with praise
I will say this is the day that the Lord has made
I will rejoice for He has made me glad...
The Psalmist goes on in Psalm 92:4 to say "For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands." Sometimes you just have to belt out a good praise song to the Lord and everything feels better! These days my favorite song to crank up the volume and sing along with is "Strangely Dim" Francesca Battistelli. The song is all about fixing our eyes on God so that everything else around us- all our doubts and worries- will fade away as we turn them over to Him.
Yes, He has made me glad. By all that He is, and all that He has done. By holding my hand on some days and carrying me through others. He is so good. And I will declare His lovingkindess in the morning and His faithfulness by night.
I know I didn't post my verse at the beginning of this month. I haven't spent much time on the computer at all, really. When my laptop broke down last month I was a little sad but it has been a real eye opener to me about how wise I need to be about where I spend my time. I have been spending way less time on facebook or playing my favorite game of words with friends, and way more time focusing on my family and home. It has been a really busy month so far anyway, schedule wise. So I took Beth Moore's advise and chose two verses together to memorize and meditate on this month.
Psalm 92:1-2 say:
It is good to give thanks to the LORD
And to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night.
I can't tell you how many times I have looked at my note card and repeated these verses out loud already this month. Over and over the words resound in my heart. Give thanks. Sing Praise. Declare His lovingkindess and faithfulness.
I remember singing a simple praise song in church as a teen that goes like this:
I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart
I will enter His courts with praise
I will say this is the day that the Lord has made
I will rejoice for He has made me glad...
The Psalmist goes on in Psalm 92:4 to say "For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands." Sometimes you just have to belt out a good praise song to the Lord and everything feels better! These days my favorite song to crank up the volume and sing along with is "Strangely Dim" Francesca Battistelli. The song is all about fixing our eyes on God so that everything else around us- all our doubts and worries- will fade away as we turn them over to Him.
Yes, He has made me glad. By all that He is, and all that He has done. By holding my hand on some days and carrying me through others. He is so good. And I will declare His lovingkindess in the morning and His faithfulness by night.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 4
Goodness! It's already time for another memory verse. I knew a few days ago which one I was going to pick. I was listening to a program while I was folding clothes, and a verse caught my attention. I don't really have time to elaborate right now, but someone may need to hear this truth today as much as I needed it this week. The words come directly from Jesus and I heard them loud and clear ringing through the depths of my heart as I folded my children's clean clothes on my bed that morning.
“You did not chose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.”
-John 15:16 NASB
"I chose you, and appointed you..."
Whew! I don't know if I'm the only one, but boy did I need reminding of that this week! I think sometimes we believe that it's the other way around. That we chose Him. We invited Him into our heart and that was that. But no, HE chose US. He pursued a relationship with us and is still pursuing us on a daily basis. That is worth memorizing and repeating and shouting out loud, if you ask me!
But not only did He choose us, He appointed us to go and bear everlasting fruit. If that means I need to fold the laundry one more time, then that is exactly what I will do! And while I'm at it I will be praying and asking for Him to pursue the five little blessings He has entrusted to me with the love and passion that caught my attention so many years ago.
I hope you know how much He loves you and is pursuing you today.
Blessings,
Melissa
“You did not chose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.”
-John 15:16 NASB
"I chose you, and appointed you..."
Whew! I don't know if I'm the only one, but boy did I need reminding of that this week! I think sometimes we believe that it's the other way around. That we chose Him. We invited Him into our heart and that was that. But no, HE chose US. He pursued a relationship with us and is still pursuing us on a daily basis. That is worth memorizing and repeating and shouting out loud, if you ask me!
But not only did He choose us, He appointed us to go and bear everlasting fruit. If that means I need to fold the laundry one more time, then that is exactly what I will do! And while I'm at it I will be praying and asking for Him to pursue the five little blessings He has entrusted to me with the love and passion that caught my attention so many years ago.
I hope you know how much He loves you and is pursuing you today.
Blessings,
Melissa
Friday, February 1, 2013
Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 3
"Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude."
-Colossians 2:6-7 NASB
Normally I would not choose two verses to memorize at once. In this case though, I couldn't stop at so walk in Him. The second verse holds so much promise! Firmly rooted...built up in Him...established in your faith...overflowing with gratitude...WOW! Such strong words and powerful pictures of what happens when we receive Christ into our hearts!
So let the memorizing begin...I'm up for the challenge!
May you be blessed by His Word in wonderful ways,
Melissa
-Colossians 2:6-7 NASB
Normally I would not choose two verses to memorize at once. In this case though, I couldn't stop at so walk in Him. The second verse holds so much promise! Firmly rooted...built up in Him...established in your faith...overflowing with gratitude...WOW! Such strong words and powerful pictures of what happens when we receive Christ into our hearts!
So let the memorizing begin...I'm up for the challenge!
May you be blessed by His Word in wonderful ways,
Melissa
Saturday, January 19, 2013
SSMT Verse 2
This is the verse I am working on for the next two weeks. Here's what it speaks to my heart:
1. It was for freedom that Christ set us free - well, duh. In Galatians 2:21 Paul says "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing." It is by grace we are saved, through faith in Christ. (Eph.2:8) If we could have been saved and reconciled to God through the Law, then He wouldn't have sent His son to die on the cross for our sins.
2. Keep standing firm - you know how sometimes you feel so confident and then all of a sudden you feel as if you slipped on a banana peel? Maybe it's just me. In order to keep standing firm, I have to constantly be in the Word, praying, and spending time with God. I also have to surround myself with other people that can encourage me in my walk with Him. It's when I start to believe that I am strong enough on my own that I slip and fall. Which brings me to #3...
3. Do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery - Paul is not talking about slavery in a literal sense here under another person. He's talking about being subject to the law, rather than relying on grace and righteousness in Christ. I am a rules girl. I always have been. So give me a list and I'll follow it. It's both a blessing and a curse in my life. I want a magic recipe for a perfect life. The problem is, there is no perfect life. There is only grace and forgiveness. I can't expect to be the perfect wife, mother, and homemaker just by following a set of rules and guidelines. For me, that would be what Paul is referring to as a "yoke of slavery."
Christ said "Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
The yoke of Christ in exchange for the yoke of slavery. That sounds pretty good to me. I no longer have to rely on my own strength, but I can rest in the freedom that Christ has given me.
So that's what God has been speaking to my heart through His Word this week. How is He speaking to you? I'd love to hear from you!
Blessings,
Melissa
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 1
If you're wondering what in the world Siesta Scripture Memory Team is, you should check out Beth Moore's post on the Living Proof Ministries Blog here. She can explain it much better than I can! The short explanation is that I am commiting to memorizing two verses a month with thousands of other women across the world! I'm excited to say that this is my third time participating with the SSMT. I look forward to discovering what treasures God has for me to discover and memorize from His Word in 2013.
Here's my verse #1:
"And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you." -Psalm 9:10 NASB
And then there's this verse, which she suggested if those participating didn't already have one in mind:
"You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance." -Psalm 65:11 NIV
Happy New Year! I look forward to getting back to blogging more in days to come. :)
Here's my verse #1:
"And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you." -Psalm 9:10 NASB
And then there's this verse, which she suggested if those participating didn't already have one in mind:
"You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance." -Psalm 65:11 NIV
Happy New Year! I look forward to getting back to blogging more in days to come. :)
Monday, April 30, 2012
Psalm 103 - Bless the Lord, O My Soul!
This psalm renewed my spirits this morning. I hope you are encouraged by it too.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
The LORD performs righteous deeds
And judgments for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the sons of Israel.
The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.
As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
When the wind has passed over it, it is no more,
And its place acknowledges it no longer.
But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,
To those who keep His covenant
And remember His precepts to do them.
The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.
Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Mighty in strength, who perform His word,
Obeying the voice of His word!
Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,
You who serve Him, doing His will.
Bless the LORD, all you works of His,
In all places of His dominion;
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
The LORD performs righteous deeds
And judgments for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the sons of Israel.
The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.
As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
When the wind has passed over it, it is no more,
And its place acknowledges it no longer.
But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,
To those who keep His covenant
And remember His precepts to do them.
The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.
Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Mighty in strength, who perform His word,
Obeying the voice of His word!
Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,
You who serve Him, doing His will.
Bless the LORD, all you works of His,
In all places of His dominion;
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Full to the Measure
"For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace."
-John 1:16
I love this verse!
Paul uses this same word "fullness," in Ephesians 3:14-19, when talking about the love of Christ. In both cases, the greek root word is pleroma - definition - fullness, fulfillment, completion (Strongs concordance 4138)
"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Emphasis mine.)
Filled to the measure. What does that mean to you? To me, that means never empty. Christ's love never runs out. Out of His fullness we have all received. And there is more where that came from. Grace upon grace. We have eternal access to this power, this love, that strengthens us and fills us up on a daily basis.
That, my friend, is a love worth celebrating!
May you be strengthened out of His glorious riches today,
~Melissa
-John 1:16
I love this verse!
Paul uses this same word "fullness," in Ephesians 3:14-19, when talking about the love of Christ. In both cases, the greek root word is pleroma - definition - fullness, fulfillment, completion (Strongs concordance 4138)
"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Emphasis mine.)
Filled to the measure. What does that mean to you? To me, that means never empty. Christ's love never runs out. Out of His fullness we have all received. And there is more where that came from. Grace upon grace. We have eternal access to this power, this love, that strengthens us and fills us up on a daily basis.
That, my friend, is a love worth celebrating!
May you be strengthened out of His glorious riches today,
~Melissa
Friday, March 23, 2012
A Foundation that Lasts
What's a girl have to do to find the right foundation? There are so many brands out there, and then within those brands, there are so many choices. You have to be careful to buy the right color that blends with your skin tone. Then there's foundations for dry skin, oily skin, old skin, spotty skin and more. There's liquid foundation, tinted moisturizer, and perfect match. With all of the choices out there, it's no wonder that I just don't wear it at all.
But I'm not just talking about makeup here. In fact, I'd like to address a different foundation all together. A foundation that lasts beyond any other.
Jesus talked about foundation in Luke 6:46-49:
"Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great."
There are three things I'd like to point out here that lead to a solid foundation in Christ.
1. First you have to come to Jesus. Have you accepted Jesus into your heart as Savior? If not, I would encourage you to do so. Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Accepting Christ into our heart is the way we receive forgiveness for our sins. Revelation 3:20 says "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." All you have to do is say a simple prayer and invite Him in.
2. Hear His words. Reading God's Word on a regular basis helps us grow. My kids are in Awanas and one of their Discovery lessons was about why God gave us the Bible. There are many reasons (I won't go into them all here), but one of them is so that we can know how to live. Psalm 86:11 says "Teach me Your way, O LORD, and I will walk in Your truth; Give me and undivided heart, That I may fear Your name."
3. Act on His words. James 1:22-24 says "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was." We can't just read His Word, we have to apply it to our lives on a daily basis. We have to allow it to change us, making us more like Christ.
Come, Hear, Act. These are the three invitations of Jesus in this passage. When we do these things, we will build a foundation that will last forever. A foundation that will not be shaken.
But I'm not just talking about makeup here. In fact, I'd like to address a different foundation all together. A foundation that lasts beyond any other.
Jesus talked about foundation in Luke 6:46-49:
"Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great."
There are three things I'd like to point out here that lead to a solid foundation in Christ.
1. First you have to come to Jesus. Have you accepted Jesus into your heart as Savior? If not, I would encourage you to do so. Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Accepting Christ into our heart is the way we receive forgiveness for our sins. Revelation 3:20 says "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." All you have to do is say a simple prayer and invite Him in.
2. Hear His words. Reading God's Word on a regular basis helps us grow. My kids are in Awanas and one of their Discovery lessons was about why God gave us the Bible. There are many reasons (I won't go into them all here), but one of them is so that we can know how to live. Psalm 86:11 says "Teach me Your way, O LORD, and I will walk in Your truth; Give me and undivided heart, That I may fear Your name."
3. Act on His words. James 1:22-24 says "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was." We can't just read His Word, we have to apply it to our lives on a daily basis. We have to allow it to change us, making us more like Christ.
Come, Hear, Act. These are the three invitations of Jesus in this passage. When we do these things, we will build a foundation that will last forever. A foundation that will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:6-8
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
On God my salvation and my glory rest;
The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
On God my salvation and my glory rest;
The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.
Friday, March 9, 2012
More than Enough
I was reading in Numbers chapter 16 this morning, when I found yet another example of humility demonstrated in Moses' life. There were three men, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who were rising up against Moses and stirring up trouble among the tribes. They accused Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves above the rest of God's people and deeming themselves more important than anyone else. Here are a few things about Moses' response that I noticed:
1. First he tried to reason with them. (vs. 4-7)
2. Then he tried to remind them that their God-appointed role was enough. "Then Moses said to Korah, 'Hear now, you sons of Levi, is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them; and that He has brought you near, Korah, and all your brothers, sons of Levi, with you? And are you seeking for the priesthood also? Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the LORD; but as for Aaron, who is he that you grumble against him?'"
3. When they continued to speak out against Moses, he burned with a holy anger and asked the Lord not to accept their offering. (vs. 15)
4. When the Lord said he was going to destroy all the people of their tribe, Moses fell on his face and asked him to spare the congregation and only punish the men who were sinning against the Lord. (vs. 22)
5. Moses gave the Lord all the glory for the things He had done. (vs. 28-30)
No wonder Hebrews 3:5 says of Moses "Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later;"
Priscilla Shirer says of Moses in her book The Resolution for Women "He was called by heaven- an appointment that ordered his priorities, pursuits, and passions. Not perfectly, but persistently."
Moses was far from perfect. He questioned God's intentions several times along the way. But he also knew that he must pursue the calling that God had placed on his life. He knew that he had a role to accept. A part to play in God's grander scheme of things. So he embraced it. Humbly, faithfully, and wholeheartedly.
That's how I want to view God's calling on my life. Passionately, diligently, and without reserve. So that I too, can be considered faithful. Because my God-given assignment in this life is more than enough.
1. First he tried to reason with them. (vs. 4-7)
2. Then he tried to remind them that their God-appointed role was enough. "Then Moses said to Korah, 'Hear now, you sons of Levi, is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them; and that He has brought you near, Korah, and all your brothers, sons of Levi, with you? And are you seeking for the priesthood also? Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the LORD; but as for Aaron, who is he that you grumble against him?'"
3. When they continued to speak out against Moses, he burned with a holy anger and asked the Lord not to accept their offering. (vs. 15)
4. When the Lord said he was going to destroy all the people of their tribe, Moses fell on his face and asked him to spare the congregation and only punish the men who were sinning against the Lord. (vs. 22)
5. Moses gave the Lord all the glory for the things He had done. (vs. 28-30)
No wonder Hebrews 3:5 says of Moses "Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later;"
Priscilla Shirer says of Moses in her book The Resolution for Women "He was called by heaven- an appointment that ordered his priorities, pursuits, and passions. Not perfectly, but persistently."
Moses was far from perfect. He questioned God's intentions several times along the way. But he also knew that he must pursue the calling that God had placed on his life. He knew that he had a role to accept. A part to play in God's grander scheme of things. So he embraced it. Humbly, faithfully, and wholeheartedly.
That's how I want to view God's calling on my life. Passionately, diligently, and without reserve. So that I too, can be considered faithful. Because my God-given assignment in this life is more than enough.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Trusting Him Sight-Unseen
I've just been sitting here listening to the rain on my skylights, thinking about the Israelites in the dessert after God brought them out of Egypt. What do rain and the dessert have to do with one another? Well, this morning my quiet time I was reading about how the people were complaining to Moses, even after God had shown His faithfulness and provided miracles on their journey through the dessert time and again. The Bible says that they grumbled against God, "And in their heart they put God to the test by asking food according to their desire." (Psalm 78:18)
Read how He answered them in Psalm 78:21-29
Therefore the LORD heard and was full of wrath;
And a fire was kindled against Jacob
And anger also mounted against Israel,
Because they did not believe in God
And did not trust in His salvation.
Yet He commanded the clouds above
And opened the doors of heaven;
He rained down manna upon them to eat
And gave them food from heaven.
Man did eat the bread of angels;
He sent them food in abundance.
He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens
And by His power He directed the south wind.
When He rained meat upon them like the dust,
Even winged fowl like the sand of the seas,
Then He let them fall in the midst of their camp,
Round about their dwellings.
So they ate and were well filled,
And their desire He gave to them.
Did you see that progression? They complained that they wanted food. God got angry because they didn't believe Him and trust Him for His salvation. And YET (that's the word of the day), and yet He opened up the heavens and caused it to rain down manna to show them, once again, that He provides.
I would love to say that I never grumble. That I am content in every situation and satisfied with the portion of strength and provision that God gives me for each day. But then I would just be lying.
2 Corinthians 9:8 says "God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work." If I believe this promise, which I do, then I can stop worrying about what I need for tomorrow, or the next day, and just be thankful that I have been given enough for today's needs.
I've been reading "The Resolution for Women" by Priscilla Shirer, and she puts it this way in her 1st chapter, Surprisingly Satisfied:
Whatever He's given or not given, He's done for a specific reason-a reason known only to Him perhaps but one you can trust with full confidence, sight unseen. Every decision you need to make, every task you need to accomplish, every relationship you need to navigate, every element of daily life you need to traverse, God has already perfectly matched up with an equivalent-to-overflowing supply of His grace.
That about sums it up for me. My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) So this girl is going to gather up her manna for today and trust Him to provide for tomorrow all that I need.
Trusting Him "sight-unseen,"
Melissa
Read how He answered them in Psalm 78:21-29
Therefore the LORD heard and was full of wrath;
And a fire was kindled against Jacob
And anger also mounted against Israel,
Because they did not believe in God
And did not trust in His salvation.
Yet He commanded the clouds above
And opened the doors of heaven;
He rained down manna upon them to eat
And gave them food from heaven.
Man did eat the bread of angels;
He sent them food in abundance.
He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens
And by His power He directed the south wind.
When He rained meat upon them like the dust,
Even winged fowl like the sand of the seas,
Then He let them fall in the midst of their camp,
Round about their dwellings.
So they ate and were well filled,
And their desire He gave to them.
Did you see that progression? They complained that they wanted food. God got angry because they didn't believe Him and trust Him for His salvation. And YET (that's the word of the day), and yet He opened up the heavens and caused it to rain down manna to show them, once again, that He provides.
I would love to say that I never grumble. That I am content in every situation and satisfied with the portion of strength and provision that God gives me for each day. But then I would just be lying.
2 Corinthians 9:8 says "God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work." If I believe this promise, which I do, then I can stop worrying about what I need for tomorrow, or the next day, and just be thankful that I have been given enough for today's needs.
I've been reading "The Resolution for Women" by Priscilla Shirer, and she puts it this way in her 1st chapter, Surprisingly Satisfied:
Whatever He's given or not given, He's done for a specific reason-a reason known only to Him perhaps but one you can trust with full confidence, sight unseen. Every decision you need to make, every task you need to accomplish, every relationship you need to navigate, every element of daily life you need to traverse, God has already perfectly matched up with an equivalent-to-overflowing supply of His grace.
That about sums it up for me. My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) So this girl is going to gather up her manna for today and trust Him to provide for tomorrow all that I need.
Trusting Him "sight-unseen,"
Melissa
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Praying Scripture
I love to read the Psalms. Especially the ones written by David. I pray them over my life. I insert my name to make it more personal. I don't think God minds. In fact, I believe that God loves it when we pray the scriptures over our lives. Here is just one example.
This morning I read Psalm 21:1-2
"O Lord, in Your strength the king will be glad,
And in Your salvation how greatly he will rejoice!
You have given him his heart's desire,
And You have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah."
This is how I pray it to fit me:
"O Lord, in Your strength your daughter will be glad, and in Your salvation how greatly I will rejoice! You have given me my heart's desire, and You have not withheld the request of my lips."
Beth Moore has a book about praying Scripture called Praying God's Word. It walks through the scripture, giving examples of prayers that fit just about every season of life. There is so much power in God's Word. So this girl is going to read it more, claim it boldly, and pray it over my life every chance I get!
Blessings,
Melissa
This morning I read Psalm 21:1-2
"O Lord, in Your strength the king will be glad,
And in Your salvation how greatly he will rejoice!
You have given him his heart's desire,
And You have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah."
This is how I pray it to fit me:
"O Lord, in Your strength your daughter will be glad, and in Your salvation how greatly I will rejoice! You have given me my heart's desire, and You have not withheld the request of my lips."
Beth Moore has a book about praying Scripture called Praying God's Word. It walks through the scripture, giving examples of prayers that fit just about every season of life. There is so much power in God's Word. So this girl is going to read it more, claim it boldly, and pray it over my life every chance I get!
Blessings,
Melissa
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 23
I can hardly believe that it is the first of December. There has been so much change in our lives this year that the months have just flown by. November was so full of excitement that I didn't even really have the chance to sit down and blog about it. There were birthdays and concerts and vacations and Thanksgiving with both sides of our family. Yes, there was a lot to be thankful for in November. And now, the Advent season is upon us. It is time to reflect on the one thing that will always be unchanging in my life...the everlasting love of God revealed to us in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-2, 14 NASB
Last month, I chose a memory verse from Luke to remind me that God always fulfills the promises of His Word. I was listening to Beth Moore one morning and this verse really sank in, right to the core of my being. It was "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her." (Luke 1:45) It is one thing to memorize scripture, but to believe that every promise in the Bible is true and still applies to me today, well now, that is something entirely different. This year, God has really impressed upon my heart the relevance of His Word in my life on a day to day basis.
He has upheld me when I felt I could no longer stand. He has reminded me that I am never alone. He has given direction where there was none before. He has taught me to look to Him in the midst of storms. He has given me courage to face uncertain change. He is my strength, my motivation, and my reward.
I could go on and on, but I think I will sum this post up with my second to last memory verse of 2011.
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name." -Luke 1:49
May you all be blessed by His Word,
~Melissa
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-2, 14 NASB
Last month, I chose a memory verse from Luke to remind me that God always fulfills the promises of His Word. I was listening to Beth Moore one morning and this verse really sank in, right to the core of my being. It was "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her." (Luke 1:45) It is one thing to memorize scripture, but to believe that every promise in the Bible is true and still applies to me today, well now, that is something entirely different. This year, God has really impressed upon my heart the relevance of His Word in my life on a day to day basis.
He has upheld me when I felt I could no longer stand. He has reminded me that I am never alone. He has given direction where there was none before. He has taught me to look to Him in the midst of storms. He has given me courage to face uncertain change. He is my strength, my motivation, and my reward.
I could go on and on, but I think I will sum this post up with my second to last memory verse of 2011.
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name." -Luke 1:49
May you all be blessed by His Word,
~Melissa
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Wisdom Matters
We've hit a bit of a rough patch with rules, discipline, and obedience around here lately. With five kids, we try to be very clear about what we expect, and as consistent as possible with consequences when there are infractions. Lately though, limits have been tested, and buttons have been pushed. What seemed to be working before is now broken. You know that verse "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him?" (James 1:5) Well, that's me. I've been asking God to give us the wisdom that we need to make the right parenting choices.
If ever you're having a hard time as a parent, you should head straight to the book of James. Talk about encouraging, and at the same time, very humbling. I've been reading it, re-reading it, and now I plan to memorize one particular verse that I landed on today about wisdom. (Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 21)
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy." -James 3:17
I am a person that naturally loves lists. So when a verse in the bible has a list in it, I sit up and take notes. In this verse, the list is instructing about what wisdom from heaven looks like. Let's take another look.
Wisdom from above is:
first pure
then peaceable
gentle
reasonable
full of mercy and good fruits
unwavering
without hypocrisy
Anyone else have some difficulties with that list? Reasonable, unwavering, and without hypocrisy are probably my top three that I struggle with. Hmm...I can't pray for wisdom without expecting opportunities to practice the things on this list. The good news is that I don't have to develop these character traits on my own. God is helping me to become more like His Son every day. He has given me His Holy Spirit as my helper, His word to instruct me, and prayer as a means of communication with Him.
Yes, I have all the tools I need to be a Godly parent. And the good news is, you do too!
"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." -2 Cor. 9:8
Seeking to Know Him More,
~Melissa
If ever you're having a hard time as a parent, you should head straight to the book of James. Talk about encouraging, and at the same time, very humbling. I've been reading it, re-reading it, and now I plan to memorize one particular verse that I landed on today about wisdom. (Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 21)
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy." -James 3:17
I am a person that naturally loves lists. So when a verse in the bible has a list in it, I sit up and take notes. In this verse, the list is instructing about what wisdom from heaven looks like. Let's take another look.
Wisdom from above is:
first pure
then peaceable
gentle
reasonable
full of mercy and good fruits
unwavering
without hypocrisy
Anyone else have some difficulties with that list? Reasonable, unwavering, and without hypocrisy are probably my top three that I struggle with. Hmm...I can't pray for wisdom without expecting opportunities to practice the things on this list. The good news is that I don't have to develop these character traits on my own. God is helping me to become more like His Son every day. He has given me His Holy Spirit as my helper, His word to instruct me, and prayer as a means of communication with Him.
Yes, I have all the tools I need to be a Godly parent. And the good news is, you do too!
"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." -2 Cor. 9:8
Seeking to Know Him More,
~Melissa
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The Fruit that Grows out of Discipline
"When you get home from school, you're mine," I said very firmly to my son this morning as we were getting into the van to go to school. He knew that not getting his chores done before school meant that not only did he have to do them when he got home, but I was going to give him a chore or two extra of my choice.
Today being the first day of fall, I decided it was weeding time. I haven't really had a chance to get to the back yard since we moved in so I handed him a pair of gloves, pulled the garbage can around to the back yard, and put him to work.
I showed him exactly what area I wanted cleared and was ready to leave him to his work when I spotted a little yellow flower. A closer look revealed that under all those weeds there were two pear tomato plants struggling to survive. Just goes to show what you can find when you pull away the weeds and dead foliage.
Hmm... I suppose my son is not the only one getting a lesson today.
Lately I have been reading a lot about the Lord's discipline in our lives.
Proverbs 3:11-12 says "My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, or loathe His reproof, for whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights."
Paul quotes this scripture to the Hebrews in Hebrews chapter 12:5-6, reminding them that the Lord's discipline is a GOOD thing. He goes on to say "Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." (Hebrews 12:9-11)
How does this relate to my son, our back yard, and weeds? Remember the pear tomato plants that we found? If I had not decided to discipline my son with the task of pulling weeds, we would not have found the tomato plants that were there, which currently have two tomatoes growing from them. Perhaps now that the weeds have been pulled away, they will produce even more fruit.
The lesson that God taught me is this: Sometimes before "the peaceful fruit of righteousness" can be produced in our lives, we must first be disciplined to pull a few "weeds," or the sins that prevent us from growing more like Him.
I discipline my children because I love them, and I want them to grow into responsible adults with excellent character. In turn, I accept the Lord's discipline in my life because I want to reflect His character and "share in His holiness."
Blessings,
~Melissa
Today being the first day of fall, I decided it was weeding time. I haven't really had a chance to get to the back yard since we moved in so I handed him a pair of gloves, pulled the garbage can around to the back yard, and put him to work.
I showed him exactly what area I wanted cleared and was ready to leave him to his work when I spotted a little yellow flower. A closer look revealed that under all those weeds there were two pear tomato plants struggling to survive. Just goes to show what you can find when you pull away the weeds and dead foliage.
Hmm... I suppose my son is not the only one getting a lesson today.
Lately I have been reading a lot about the Lord's discipline in our lives.
Proverbs 3:11-12 says "My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, or loathe His reproof, for whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights."
Paul quotes this scripture to the Hebrews in Hebrews chapter 12:5-6, reminding them that the Lord's discipline is a GOOD thing. He goes on to say "Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." (Hebrews 12:9-11)
How does this relate to my son, our back yard, and weeds? Remember the pear tomato plants that we found? If I had not decided to discipline my son with the task of pulling weeds, we would not have found the tomato plants that were there, which currently have two tomatoes growing from them. Perhaps now that the weeds have been pulled away, they will produce even more fruit.
The lesson that God taught me is this: Sometimes before "the peaceful fruit of righteousness" can be produced in our lives, we must first be disciplined to pull a few "weeds," or the sins that prevent us from growing more like Him.
I discipline my children because I love them, and I want them to grow into responsible adults with excellent character. In turn, I accept the Lord's discipline in my life because I want to reflect His character and "share in His holiness."
Blessings,
~Melissa
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Walkie Talkie Prayer
Yesterday my husband brought home some walkie talkies from our store. They were the hit of the evening, but before the fun began a few kinks had to be worked out. First we had to explain how you have to be on the same channel in order to hear each other. Then we had to teach them to press down the button when you want to talk, and let go when you want to hear someone else talking to you. Once they figured out how to use them, the kids all split up and thoroughly enjoyed the new-found ability to communicate with each other all over the house and outside in the yard.
Later that night, when I was tucking my kids into bed, I joked with the younger two as I spoke into my hands and pretended to have my own walkie talkie. "Breaker, breaker, is anyone out there?" (Insert fuzzy noise.) "Can you hear me God?" They giggled and said "Nooooooo mommie! You have to PRAY for God to hear you!" I laughed too, but that one little comment really got me to thinking.
How do we view our prayer life with God? Do we see it as a two-way communication time, or do we forget to "let go of the button" and wait for His response? Do we know that we can reach Him at any time, any place, night or day? Are we on the same channel as Him, or do we just hear silence at the other end of our prayers?
All good questions. Here's just a couple of answers from the Bible on the matter:
God listens when we call - "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." -Jeremiah 29:12
God speaks to us when we call - "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." -Jeremiah 33:3
I have to admit, sometimes I'm better at the calling part than I am the listening part.
In the introduction to her book He Speaks to Me, Priscilla Shirer says "The Lord doesn't speak in a whisper or in a dark corner somewhere where people can barely hear; nor does He try to trick us because He knows we can't understand what He's saying... God doesn't have a case of cosmic laryngitis, and nothing is wrong with His transmitter. Our receiving equipment, however, often leaves a lot to be desired."
I don't know about you, but I want to make sure that my receiving equipment is in tip top shape, ready to hear from God! I will say to the Lord the way that Samuel did when he was a child "Speak, for your servant is listening." (1Samuel 3:10)
Later that night, when I was tucking my kids into bed, I joked with the younger two as I spoke into my hands and pretended to have my own walkie talkie. "Breaker, breaker, is anyone out there?" (Insert fuzzy noise.) "Can you hear me God?" They giggled and said "Nooooooo mommie! You have to PRAY for God to hear you!" I laughed too, but that one little comment really got me to thinking.
How do we view our prayer life with God? Do we see it as a two-way communication time, or do we forget to "let go of the button" and wait for His response? Do we know that we can reach Him at any time, any place, night or day? Are we on the same channel as Him, or do we just hear silence at the other end of our prayers?
All good questions. Here's just a couple of answers from the Bible on the matter:
God listens when we call - "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." -Jeremiah 29:12
God speaks to us when we call - "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." -Jeremiah 33:3
I have to admit, sometimes I'm better at the calling part than I am the listening part.
In the introduction to her book He Speaks to Me, Priscilla Shirer says "The Lord doesn't speak in a whisper or in a dark corner somewhere where people can barely hear; nor does He try to trick us because He knows we can't understand what He's saying... God doesn't have a case of cosmic laryngitis, and nothing is wrong with His transmitter. Our receiving equipment, however, often leaves a lot to be desired."
I don't know about you, but I want to make sure that my receiving equipment is in tip top shape, ready to hear from God! I will say to the Lord the way that Samuel did when he was a child "Speak, for your servant is listening." (1Samuel 3:10)
Friday, September 2, 2011
Company Girl Coffee - The Vine and The Branches
When I was researching what to do to bed them down for the winter I noticed that expert gardeners recommend pruning them back 90% in their first year. That seems rather extreme, but in order to help them produce healthy fruit in the years to come, that is what is necessary.
It is just as necessary for the Lord to also do some pruning in our lives from time to time. In John 15:1-6 Jesus explains why:
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."
There is a relationship between the vinedresser (The Father), the Vine (Jesus), and the branches (us). God the Father does His work, or "pruning" in our lives so that we can be even more fruitful. We also cannot live without being connected to God the Son. For apart from Jesus, we can do nothing. We must both be pruned by the Father, and also Abide in the Son.
There are definitely times when I attempt to do things in my own strength. Those are usually the seasons where I become weary and dry, badly in need of some TLC from the Great Gardener. The good news is that Living Water is always available from the Father, flowing freely through His Son. When we are tapped into the vine, abiding in Him, we are nourished, and able to produce good fruit.
I am reminded of this picture of love every day when I look outside my kitchen window to see the growing grape vines. That is why I have chosen John 15:5 as my memory verse for the first part of September.
"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
We are headed into a new season here. I will take the necessary steps for my grape vines to survive through the winter. I pray that God will do the same for me in the many seasons of my life. Prune me Lord, that I may bear much fruit in Your Name!
From one branch to another - have a blessed weekend,
~Melissa
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