I woke up this morning with a bad attitude. Not gonna lie. I had a pretty hectic week and I wanted to just hide away today and not deal with reality. I was at the kitchen sink doing the dishes and said to my husband "Sometimes I wish I could just take a personal day, when I could just read a book, drink some tea, watch a movie, or take a nap." He simply stated "So why don't you do that today? You need to take a day. You are in a grumpy mood and you need to take a day off."
Wait, what? Did he just tell me I'm grumpy? He's supposed to be all supportive and let me gripe for a while. EXCEPT THAT...one day I gave him permission to tell me when I am playing the martyr. I asked him to tell me to snap out of it when I am having a bad attitude. And that's what he did today. It was done in love and I pouted for a few minutes and then I realized that he was totally right.
So as I was eating the omelet that he so generously made for me for breakfast, I thought about how I could have a better attitude for the rest of my day. That's when Philippians 2:4-5 popped into my mind.
"Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus." (NASB)
Obviously somewhere in the back of my mind I knew the reference to having the attitude of Christ Jesus, or it wouldn't have popped into my head when I needed it. But I had to go to my concordance to find exactly where it was located, and the precise wording. So I figure, why not memorize it for SSMT verse 21?
As I was reading Philippians 2 to get a feel for the context of these verses, I began to realize something. Paul didn't tell the people to stop looking out for their own personal interests. He didn't ask them to play the martyr and only look after everyone else. He simply told them to ALSO look out for the interests of others. Care about others needs. Watch each others' backs, so to speak.
The NIV version of verse 5 says "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." That word "relationships" is really what it is all about. It takes the focus off of just me. I am still concerned with taking care of my own needs, but I also look out for the needs of those around me. It removes the selfish ambition and creates an attitude of "we're all in this together." As Paul says in Phil. 2:2 "Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose." (Emphasis mine.)
For the next two weeks I will be working on my attitude as I memorize Philippians 2:4-5. I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit, who brought this verse to mind on a day when I really needed it. Oh - and it doesn't hurt that I have a husband who helps me change my bad-attitude into a better-attitude, with love and encouragement. Thanks honey!
Showing posts with label Devotions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Devotions. Show all posts
Saturday, November 2, 2013
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
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Siesta Scripture Memory Verses 13-14
It's been a while since I could get to the computer to post, but I figure if I'm going to take a few minutes to write about something, it will be how memorizing scripture has made such an impact on my life. I've stretched myself a little this year and tried to memorize more than one verse at a time. Siesta Scripture Memory Team with Beth Moore has helped a lot both because there is accountability to get my memorization done in a specific period of time, (the first and 15th of the month is when we pick our verses) and because Beth Moore often shares tips about memorization technique and the story behind why she chose a particular verse. If I haven't had anything jump out at me in my reading then I sometimes just memorize her verse right along with her. It's inspiring to know that there are so many women out there memorizing scripture and if I get discouraged, I come back to the SSMT post and scroll through some of the verses that everyone else has posted that they are memorizing.
This month I focused in on a psalm that stood out to me while I was walking through Priscilla Shirer's new Bible Study "Gideon, Your Weakness. God's STRENGTH." I have some AMAZING thoughts that I would love to share from this study, but for now I will stick to my memory verses. The verse that was in the margin was Psalm 103:2, but when I picked up my Bible to read it, I knew that I just had to memorize verses 1-5. I'll break it down the way that I memorized them. In the first two weeks of July I memorized Psalm 103:1-2:
"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;
The first time I read this I thought "What? How could I forget the many blessings and benefits of knowing the Lord?" But it happens. It is easy forget that the Lord is constantly on our side and looking out for our greater good. Romans 8:3 says "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." So why would we forget the amazing things He's done? Pride. Priscilla calls it "spiritual amnesia." Just like the nation of Israel wandering in the desert, we have to be reminded of the One who rescued us.
For the second half of the month I have been memorizing Psalm 103:3-5. Lets take a look at the benefits the psalmist is talking about. I've broken them down for the sake of memorization into two parts. First, God takes away the bad. Then, He replaces the bad with the good. I focused on three key words to memorize the next three lines (ps. 103:3-4a). God pardons, heals, and redeems:
"Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
The next words I focused in on were crowns, satisfies, and renewed. (ps. 103:4b-5)
"Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle."
So that's my thinking process. I wake up almost every morning declaring "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget NONE of His benefits!" That's the impact that memorizing scripture has had on my life. It's the perfect way to start my day...remembering all that He has done for me.
Thanks for stopping by,
Melissa
This month I focused in on a psalm that stood out to me while I was walking through Priscilla Shirer's new Bible Study "Gideon, Your Weakness. God's STRENGTH." I have some AMAZING thoughts that I would love to share from this study, but for now I will stick to my memory verses. The verse that was in the margin was Psalm 103:2, but when I picked up my Bible to read it, I knew that I just had to memorize verses 1-5. I'll break it down the way that I memorized them. In the first two weeks of July I memorized Psalm 103:1-2:
"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;
The first time I read this I thought "What? How could I forget the many blessings and benefits of knowing the Lord?" But it happens. It is easy forget that the Lord is constantly on our side and looking out for our greater good. Romans 8:3 says "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." So why would we forget the amazing things He's done? Pride. Priscilla calls it "spiritual amnesia." Just like the nation of Israel wandering in the desert, we have to be reminded of the One who rescued us.
For the second half of the month I have been memorizing Psalm 103:3-5. Lets take a look at the benefits the psalmist is talking about. I've broken them down for the sake of memorization into two parts. First, God takes away the bad. Then, He replaces the bad with the good. I focused on three key words to memorize the next three lines (ps. 103:3-4a). God pardons, heals, and redeems:
"Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
The next words I focused in on were crowns, satisfies, and renewed. (ps. 103:4b-5)
"Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle."
So that's my thinking process. I wake up almost every morning declaring "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget NONE of His benefits!" That's the impact that memorizing scripture has had on my life. It's the perfect way to start my day...remembering all that He has done for me.
Thanks for stopping by,
Melissa
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.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
A Love that Matters
This is not a Valentine's post. Not that I am anti-Valentine's Day...I have a Valentine that has loved me faithfully for 17 years now. I even have a special Valentine to give to him, and one for each of my children.
But this post is about something bigger. It's about a love that is deeper, wider, and higher than we can ever imagine. This morning, as I was worshiping before the Lord, I felt a fresh wave of His love flow over me. It was as if He was asking me somewhere in the depths of my heart, "Daughter, do you know how much I love you?" I wondered at His question. How could there be any doubt about how much He loves me? Of course I know! But then it came again..."Do you really know how much I love you?"
Perhaps after this morning I know a little bit more how great His love is for me. That's why I wanted to post about my experience here. Maybe one of you needs to hear today how deeply He loves you. I pray with Paul that you will "know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:19)
John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
Now that's a love worth celebrating!
Blessings in Christ,
Melissa
But this post is about something bigger. It's about a love that is deeper, wider, and higher than we can ever imagine. This morning, as I was worshiping before the Lord, I felt a fresh wave of His love flow over me. It was as if He was asking me somewhere in the depths of my heart, "Daughter, do you know how much I love you?" I wondered at His question. How could there be any doubt about how much He loves me? Of course I know! But then it came again..."Do you really know how much I love you?"
Perhaps after this morning I know a little bit more how great His love is for me. That's why I wanted to post about my experience here. Maybe one of you needs to hear today how deeply He loves you. I pray with Paul that you will "know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:19)
John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
Now that's a love worth celebrating!
Blessings in Christ,
Melissa
Friday, February 10, 2012
Valley Fog
This morning as I was driving the kids to school, I couldn't help but think "Is this heavy fog ever going to lift?" And then I remembered that I live in a valley. Allow me to go Wikipedia Weather girl on you for a moment. Valley fog is the result of a temperature inversion caused by heavier cold air settling into a valley, with warmer air passing over the mountains above. With calm conditions, (no wind, like now) it can last for days. And it has. We have been in fog all week. First, it was freezing fog, and now, thankfully the temperature has risen a bit, but it's very low visibility.Sometimes my walk with God bears a striking resemblance to the current weather. There are days, or even weeks, when I feel like I'm stuck in a valley fog. I have limited visibility, but I have to trust that God, like my headlights, will shine enough into the darkness to show me the correct path. This is where it is ever so important that I am in His Word on a regular basis. As Psalm 119:105 says "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path."
Just like the weather, our current circumstances can change quickly and unexpectedly. A valley fog can roll in out of nowhere, but that doesn't mean that we have to stop moving forward. God is right there with us lighting our path, helping us navigate our way through the fog.
So the next time you find yourself in a valley with the fog rolling in, don't forget to turn on your headlights! In other words, crack open your Bible and let His light shine the way.
Blessings,
Melissa
Friday, February 3, 2012
Spilled Oatmeal, Humble Heart
This morning, as the kids were getting their breakfast, LR spilled her entire bowl of un-cooked oatmeal on the floor. Normally I would respond to that in frustration and shortness. Today I was actually surprised at my own reaction. As tears flowed down her face I reassured her that it was going to be ok and that I knew it was only an accident. I grabbed a roll of paper towels and started to mop up the mess on the cabinets and floor and then I noticed some of it was on her little feet and I began to wipe them gently until the oatmeal was gone. Immediately the story of Jesus washing His disciple's feet came to mind.
When he was done washing their feet He said to them, "You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you." (John 13:13-15)
I don't always respond with the love and tenderness that I did this morning. I often forget about the tiny eyes that are watching me, waiting for my reaction. So what made the difference this morning? I can only give the credit to the One who has washed my feet. He came to earth as a humble servant, and I will do my best to imitate His humility in my life, just as His Word instructs in Philippians 2:5-8.
"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!"
After this morning I will be more aware of little watching eyes. I am thankful that where I fall short, there is grace and forgiveness. For these children are my precious gifts from God and I love them with all my heart.
Blessings,
Melissa
When he was done washing their feet He said to them, "You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you." (John 13:13-15)
I don't always respond with the love and tenderness that I did this morning. I often forget about the tiny eyes that are watching me, waiting for my reaction. So what made the difference this morning? I can only give the credit to the One who has washed my feet. He came to earth as a humble servant, and I will do my best to imitate His humility in my life, just as His Word instructs in Philippians 2:5-8.
"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!"
After this morning I will be more aware of little watching eyes. I am thankful that where I fall short, there is grace and forgiveness. For these children are my precious gifts from God and I love them with all my heart.
Blessings,
Melissa
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, 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
Friday, August 5, 2011
Words, Deeds, and Giving Thanks
Ever since I picked up a few hours at my in-laws ACE store, I've been thinking a lot about work. Not just my job there, but the tasks that I do every day at home. I have been asking myself if I am I putting forth my best efforts, as if working for the Lord, the way that Colossians 3:23 instructs. Proverbs 31 uses words like "eager, vigorous, and profitable" when referring to the wife of noble character's work. I wonder, could my work be described as such?
Just as I began to seriously question and criticize the quality of my work, I came across Colossians 3:17.
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
A couple of things about this verse appeal to me. One, it covers both words and deeds. When I talk to my husband, my children, my co-workers, my boss, or whoever else I come in contact with, I should speak to them as if doing it in Jesus' name. Whether I am reconciling the reports for a paycheck, or doing the laundry for my family, I should complete those tasks as if I am doing them Jesus' name. Whatever I say or do, I must do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Two, it covers HOW I do these things. "...giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Did you catch that last part, "through Him?" On my own, there is no way that I have the power or strength to give thanks for all the conversations I have or tasks that I complete. I couldn't possibly be thankful for that tough reprimand I have to give my son, or the toilets that have to be cleaned, again. BUT when I call on the strength of the Lord Jesus and give thanks through Him, all of a sudden the impossible becomes possible.
Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." This includes giving thanks when I do not always feel like it. For example, when I find myself grumbling about having to sweep and clean our hardwood floors, I stop and say a prayer of thanks for the beautiful, large home that the Lord has provided for our family of seven. There are so many blessings in life to be thankful for, why dwell on the negative?
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great weekend!
~Melissa
Just as I began to seriously question and criticize the quality of my work, I came across Colossians 3:17.
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
A couple of things about this verse appeal to me. One, it covers both words and deeds. When I talk to my husband, my children, my co-workers, my boss, or whoever else I come in contact with, I should speak to them as if doing it in Jesus' name. Whether I am reconciling the reports for a paycheck, or doing the laundry for my family, I should complete those tasks as if I am doing them Jesus' name. Whatever I say or do, I must do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Two, it covers HOW I do these things. "...giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Did you catch that last part, "through Him?" On my own, there is no way that I have the power or strength to give thanks for all the conversations I have or tasks that I complete. I couldn't possibly be thankful for that tough reprimand I have to give my son, or the toilets that have to be cleaned, again. BUT when I call on the strength of the Lord Jesus and give thanks through Him, all of a sudden the impossible becomes possible.
Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." This includes giving thanks when I do not always feel like it. For example, when I find myself grumbling about having to sweep and clean our hardwood floors, I stop and say a prayer of thanks for the beautiful, large home that the Lord has provided for our family of seven. There are so many blessings in life to be thankful for, why dwell on the negative?
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great weekend!
~Melissa
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 11
"The LORD is righteous in all His ways, and faithful in all He does." Psalm 145:17 (NIV)
It is hard to define in human terms just how faithful God is. Some versions of this verse say "kind" in all He does. The word "faithful" appears countless times in the Bible when describing the character of God. Here are a few examples from the New Testament:
It is hard to define in human terms just how faithful God is. Some versions of this verse say "kind" in all He does. The word "faithful" appears countless times in the Bible when describing the character of God. Here are a few examples from the New Testament:
- He is faithful to call us into fellowship with His Son. (1 Cor. 1:9)
- He is faithful to not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. (1 Cor. 10:13)
- He is faithful to sanctify us completely. (1 Thess. 5:24)
- He is faithful to strengthen and protect us. (2 Thess. 3:3)
- Christ is faithful as the Son over God's house. (Hebrews 3:6)
- He is faithful to His promises. (Hebrews 10:23)
- He is faithful when we suffer for doing His will. (1 Peter 4:19)
- He is faithful to forgive our sins. (1 John 1:9)
- He is faithful even if we are not, for "if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for He cannot deny himself." (2 Timothy 2:12-13)
Friday, May 20, 2011
Company Girl Coffee - Trials and Crowns
I have a weapon, and I'm not afraid to use it! It seems like lately more and more I am quoting scripture when I feel tired, discouraged, or overwhelmed. I am not a Bible scholar, and I do not claim to understand everything I read in the Word of God. What I do know, is that His Word is strong and His promises are true.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 says "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
I am on memory verse 10 for this year. With each verse that I hide away in my heart I feel stronger, and better equipped for when I really need it. Every one of them has been accompanied by a life lesson, to help me grow in my walk with Him. I struggled to memorize my last verse, rehearsing it again and again. Just when I was about to give up, He revealed the significance of the chosen verse in my life. Because of His generosity, I am changed.
This verse is a long one, but when I heard it from a speaker, I knew I had to memorize it.
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him." -James 1:12
If you are experiencing trials of any kind right now, take heart! The greek word for persevere here is hypomeno, which translates "to remain, abide, not recede or flee: to preserve- under misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one's faith in Christ." (Strongs translation) Do you love Him? Then "hold fast" to your faith when under trial. In the end, you will receive the promised crown of life.
Seeking to know Him more,
~Melissa
Link up for more coffee with the Company Girls!
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 says "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
I am on memory verse 10 for this year. With each verse that I hide away in my heart I feel stronger, and better equipped for when I really need it. Every one of them has been accompanied by a life lesson, to help me grow in my walk with Him. I struggled to memorize my last verse, rehearsing it again and again. Just when I was about to give up, He revealed the significance of the chosen verse in my life. Because of His generosity, I am changed.
This verse is a long one, but when I heard it from a speaker, I knew I had to memorize it.
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him." -James 1:12
If you are experiencing trials of any kind right now, take heart! The greek word for persevere here is hypomeno, which translates "to remain, abide, not recede or flee: to preserve- under misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one's faith in Christ." (Strongs translation) Do you love Him? Then "hold fast" to your faith when under trial. In the end, you will receive the promised crown of life.
Seeking to know Him more,
~Melissa
Link up for more coffee with the Company Girls!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
SSMT Verse 5 - Strength and Peace
March is here. As short as February actually is in days, it seemed long to me. Spring seems so far away in February. But March, now there's a month with hope of Spring! Yes, there is still snow outside. In fact, it's snowing as I type this. But I still hold out hope that the weather will begin to change and the ground begin to thaw.
But that's enough about the weather! On to my new memory verse for SSMT. I was really encouraged by Beth Moore's post this morning. I almost chose one of the verses she shared. It's so simple, yet so powerful. "March on, my soul; be strong!" (Judges 5:21b) That's definitely one that will stick with me and I will use it whenever I feel discouraged.
In Psalm 42:5 the Psalmist also speaks to his soul. "Why, my soul, are you so downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." I've often quoted that psalm to myself in difficult times, but that's not my memory verse either.
The verse I chose this time around addresses two things that I need today, and every day. Strength, and Peace. And where do these two things come from? The answer is in Psalm 29:11, my new memory verse.
"The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace."
Interesting, the heading in my Bible says "The Voice of the LORD in the Storm." Reminds me of another passage in Scripture. You might be familiar with it.
Jesus had just fed the 5000, and He sent the disciples ahead of Him on the boat, while He dismissed the crowd. They were a good distance from the shore and there was a pretty strong wind blowing that night. We'll pick up the story from there in Matthew 14:25-32
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage, it is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it is You," Peter replied, "tell me to come to You on the water."
"Come," He said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. "You of little faith," He said, "why did you doubt?"
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. (NASB)
But that's enough about the weather! On to my new memory verse for SSMT. I was really encouraged by Beth Moore's post this morning. I almost chose one of the verses she shared. It's so simple, yet so powerful. "March on, my soul; be strong!" (Judges 5:21b) That's definitely one that will stick with me and I will use it whenever I feel discouraged.
In Psalm 42:5 the Psalmist also speaks to his soul. "Why, my soul, are you so downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." I've often quoted that psalm to myself in difficult times, but that's not my memory verse either.
The verse I chose this time around addresses two things that I need today, and every day. Strength, and Peace. And where do these two things come from? The answer is in Psalm 29:11, my new memory verse.
"The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace."
Interesting, the heading in my Bible says "The Voice of the LORD in the Storm." Reminds me of another passage in Scripture. You might be familiar with it.
Jesus had just fed the 5000, and He sent the disciples ahead of Him on the boat, while He dismissed the crowd. They were a good distance from the shore and there was a pretty strong wind blowing that night. We'll pick up the story from there in Matthew 14:25-32
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage, it is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it is You," Peter replied, "tell me to come to You on the water."
"Come," He said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. "You of little faith," He said, "why did you doubt?"
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. (NASB)
Just like that. The wind died down.
Notice it didn't die down before Peter stepped out onto the water. Peter just listened to the voice of Jesus when He said "Come." I can't say I blame him for getting scared once he stepped out. He must have thought something like "Whoa boy, what have I gotten myself into here?"
I have to admit, I've stepped into a few situations where I've felt the Lord leading me at first, but then, in the middle of it all, gotten that sinking feeling. You know, where you think you're in WAY over your head?
That's when we need to take a cue from Peter and call out to the One who commands the storm. The winds will die down, but until they do, take His hand. Listen to the voice of the Lord in the storm, and remember:
"The LORD gives strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace."
May you feel His strength and peace today whatever you're going though!
~Melissa
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