To Gain by Letting Go

I've been reading about Samuel in my Bible reading recently. One character in the Bible that really stands out to me is his mother Hannah. I feel a special connection to her story.

You know when Hannah prayed, and brought her desires before God, He answered her prayer. However, part of her prayer was her promise to give back to God the precious gift He had given her - Samuel. When Samuel was still a young child, probably around three, Hannah brought him to Eli to serve in the worship of God.

She gave up her most precious gift. She left him there. She went back home to Ramah.

I know that God continued to bless Hannah and Elkanah by sending them five more children, but I know that there was a part of her that constantly ached for Samuel, her first born.

Then today I read about Samuel as he judged Israel. He led them to repentance which resulted in their victory over the enemy. He judged Israel from Ramah, his hometown, where he was born.

Now the Bible doesn't say if Hannah and Elkanah were still alive after Samuel's return to Ramah, but I have a feeling that they might have been. After probably 20 years of missing Samuel, Hannah once again had him close. God sent him back.

Sometimes it seems so hard to give our best to God. It feels like we are losing something that we can never gain back. Sometimes it takes years to see the return, sometimes we may not see the results until Heaven. But God always give back much more than we can fathom.

We feel, in our humanness, that if we give our will to God, that we will loose who we are, our self. The truth is we do loose "self," that selfishness that thinks only of us. But what do we gain? God who created each person individually, who designed us to be one of a kind, gives us back our TRUE self. The self we were created to be, which is infinitely better than the "self" we thought we were. As we become more and more like Christ, we become more and more of who we truly are, who we were created to be.

When He [God] talks of their losing their selves, He means only abandoning the clamour of self-will; once they have done that, He really gives them back all their personality, and boasts... that when they are wholly His they will be more themselves than ever."

— C.S. Lewis (The Screwtape Letters)

A daring post to follow:

I love books. If you read my main blog you get that idea a lot. :) I also love good films. This is not a post about how bad books or movies are. This is not a post where I tell you what to read or not read and where to go or not go. That is between you and God. But this is a post in which I am asking you to think. Think. It is a very hard post for me to write, but it is one I must write because God has laid it on my heart. I must be obedient to that which He has called me. I must write the truth - in love. I am writing because I care. deeply. I care about each person that reads it, whether you agree with me or not, whether I have even met you or not. God loves you. I love you. And I want you to get to Heaven. (Isn't that the main goal in life anyway?) Please read this post with that in mind.

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For several months, in several places I have heard a lot about a certain series. It has become extremely popular across the board. You can probably guess what that series is. Women and girls all over are ranting about it. So what's the deal? Why is it such a big thing? You know the series: Twilight. The one that glorifies vampires and werewolves. Hello? and this is popular in many Christian circles. HELLO?? Are we thinking?

To answer the question that is coming up in your mind, no, I haven't read them. However, I have read about them. Enough to know that it is glorifying things that a Christian should not be supporting. I've done some research and I want to share with you why I think the series isn't appropriate.

First, I've read that it's only a book, it's fiction... Yes, it is a story someone made up. No, it isn't a factual account. But fiction does have an effect on us. I know that I have been molded as a person by many of the books I've read. Like it or not, stories have a dramatic impact on all of us. Some, of course, more than others. Can you honestly say that you walk away from this series without any effect? You are what you eat, you are what you read. What you put in your mind will come out in your actions. We are affected so much more than we realize by what we allow in our minds. Phil. 4:8 - "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." If something does not pass this checklist, is it something that we should be dwelling on and filling our lives with?

My second point, but a more important point: The heroine is idolizing someone other than God. Last time I checked, God wants first place in our lives!! She is even willing to give up her soul, the most precious possession we have given by God. Anytime anything comes between us and God, it has become our idol. God has said, "No other gods before Me." This commandment hasn't changed. And even in a more practical level, how much time have we spent with God and His Word in comparison with other books, especially books that don't lift us spiritually but even draw us down. Are we putting these things before God?

God should be the driving force of our lives, not a guy, no matter how attentive, respectful, cool and loving he appears to be.
Melanie M. Cogdill
Brio December 2008

Thirdly, the question arises, what is good? Can something that is bad, make itself into something good? Can evil be good? These "good" vampires are deceptive. This is the idea that we can be good without being changed. There is no way without God that we can become good. And in order for us to become good, there must be a radical transformation that takes place - from the inside out. God doesn't make sinners good, He makes sinners into saints. The old has gone, the new has come. We are transformed by the blood that Christ shed on the cross for our sins. No matter how hard we try in ourselves, we can not be good. We must be changed.

So everyone is reading/watching it? Does that make it right? Do we blindly follow what the world does just because it's popular? I submit to you that the enemy isn't going to use something as a tool if it isn't attractive. It may be a good story (a matter of personal opinion), all the more reason to be careful. The more attractive something like this is, the more careful we should be about allowing it into our minds. What are we allowing to guide us?

I hope and pray that you as the reader will think about what is being put into your mind. Please pray about what you are feeding your soul. We should be focusing on the eternal. We are called to holiness, to be set apart from the world for God. We can dare to be different. to take a stand.

There are so many Scriptures that I can share to help you think. Here are several references: (if you hover your mouse over them, the verses themselves should show up)
Ephesians 5:11
Ephesians 5:13-15
3 John 1:11
1 John 4:1-6
1 John 2:15-17
1 John 1:5-8

Here also is a link to an article put out by Brio Magazine in December 2008.

ETA: Here are a couple more articles on the series - well worth the read:
Visionary Daughters
Joyfully Home

It starts with a seed

"If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed...
nothing shall be impossible unto you."
Matthew 17:20

How much faith does it take for prayers to be answered? Jesus said just a minuscule amount is enough to work wonders. A mustard seed is very small, but it brings forth a productive, fruitful, helpful plant. It is not our faith alone that bring answers to prayer... it is God's power. Faith is necessary just as a seed is required for the plant to grow. A seed needs moisture and light to grow and produce. So answers to prayer require God's power working with the seed of faith.

As each person starts to walk with Christ, she doesn't have a mountain of faith. She begins with just a seed planted by God. As we grow in Christ, in our fellowship with Him and in seeing prayers answered, that seed of faith will grow. Our responsibility is to nurture it. The more we put our trust in God, the stronger faith will grow - just as a mustard seed grows into a fruitful, useful plant. God cares about our faith and He will help nurture it.


God doesn't have unrealistic expectations for us. He know we are human and He understands that at times we have humanly doubts. At these times we need to pray, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." ( Mark 9:24 ) At those times Christ sees the lack as well as our trust in Him and He will help us.

At times we may feel that we aren't getting an answer to our prayers. I believe that it is in those times when our faith grows stronger. These are the times we must say " No matter what happens, I will trust God." We trust Him to work things out for our best and His glory, even if His answer isn't what we first desire or expect. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." ( Isaiah 55:8 )

How grows your seed?

Where does the heart lead?

"Follow your heart." This saying is so familiar. You find it in books, people tell you to do it, and it is sung in songs. But is it really good advice?

God's word says that the "heart is deceitful above all things." hmm... it doesn't sound as though I can trust my heart.

So what is our "heart?" The heart is considered the center of emotions. (You've heard of loving someone with "all your heart.") The problem with emotions is that they can't be trusted. Emotions can shift with the weather - really!! Have you ever felt a little down, and later realize that a major storm is coming? Emotions can also shift according to how we feel physically or mentally. If you are tired, you are less likely to feel happy. Sounds like a lot of ups and downs, huh?

If the emotions are always changing, the heart cannot be trusted. If the heart is allowed to guide you through life, there will be a lot of frustrations, disappointments, and wrong choices.

On the other hand, we can allow God's word to guide our hearts. We can chose to set our hearts in God's will. Deut. 11:16 warns us to take care that our heart isn't deceived. If we hide God's word in our hearts, we can live a life free of sin. ( Psalm 119:11 ) The important thing is choosing to guide the heart, not be guided by the whims of emotions.

It is important not to make choices in life based purely on emotions. "If it feels good, do it." is an old mantra, but not a reliable one. Something may feel "good" at that moment, but have serious negative effects for the rest of a person's life.

Pharoah chose to set his heart against God's way ( Exodus 9:34 )and suffered the consequences. On the other hand, Ezra prepared his heart to seek God's law ( Ezra 7:10 ) and became a great leader of God's people. What will you chose for your heart?


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What is Truth?

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. John 18:37-38


So many people today are on a quest for truth. They want to know what is real. Unfortunately, many of them don't believe that there is such a thing as absolute truth. They feel that all things are relative. Jesus said that He is the Truth. (John 14:6) If we don't seek Him as the source for truth, we aren't going to find truth at all.

Pilate wanted to know the truth. However, he didn't even stay around long enough to let Jesus answer his question "What is truth?" I believe many people are afraid of the truth. Maybe Pilate didn't want Jesus to tell him what truth was, because then Pilate would be held accountable. If there is Truth, than nothing is relative. Pilate would be held to a standard other than his own. Many people today are the same way, they may want to know what is true, but are afraid of Truth. Knowing the Truth might change their way of life. Truth might require them to hold to Someone else's standard - God's.

When we seek truth, from the Source of truth, we will find it. Jesus said, in the verse above, that His purpose in coming to earth was to bring Truth. Not only was Jesus on trial in Pilate's hall, but so was truth. The fact is that truth remains on trial today. Many people aren't willing to commit to the truth.

As we pause on this Good Friday, let us be grateful for Jesus's sacrifice that we might have salvation and be brought into the Truth.

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Modesty - What is and What isn't?

Modesty has become a rather hot topic in the blog world. I have seen several blogs that address the topic, and a couple of blogs that ran a series on it. The confusing part is that each person has their own definition of what is modest and what isn't. So how do we know?

Well, like many other bloggers, I have my own definition of modesty. I am going to "stick my neck out" and let you know where I stand. You may or may not agree with me on certain aspects, but I hope what you read here will give you something to think about, and that you will be open to what standard God places on your heart. I am not posting this to start a debate, or to offend anyone, just stating where I stand - where I have stood for years.

First off, the most important fact about modesty, is that it must come from the heart. If you click the modesty label, you will see that I have spent several posts on this. If you are modest because that is the way people want you to dress, whether it be your parents or your church rules or the crowd you hang out with, your standards may be subject to change. Our standards on anything should be convictions based on God's Word. While you are young, study and ask those in authority or those you trust, to help you learn how to be modest. The important thing is to pray for God to reveal His standard. Those of us that are older, should really do the same thing! There is always room for more learning.

So here are some of my basic guidelines for modesty:

1. Modesty for all
Biblical Principal: In Genesis 3, we read the story of the fall and the entrance of sin to mankind. As a result of sin, man realized that he was immodest. He made an attempt at modesty, but his attempt wasn't good enough. Adam only made an apron, God made them garments or coats of skins.
Application: God's principals of modesty apply to both men and women. God's design of modesty is for the body to be covered. Man's definition of modesty isn't good enough. This is why it is important to ask God's help in setting your standard of modesty.2. The torso is to be covered
Biblical Principal: Back to Genesis 3. What does an apron cover? Not much. But the coat that God made for Adam and Eve can be defined as a tunic or long shirt-like garment. (reference) The same word for coat used in Gen. 3:21 is also used in Job 30:18.
Application: God commands that our torso be covered. This principal deals with the part of the body from the waist to the neckline. Though God's principal applies to both men and women, it is more difficult for women for obvious reasons, and thus it is important to women to take particular care in this area. Clothing that is to tight and shows the form is not concealing the torso and therefore can't be modest. Personally, to aid in covering my torso, I wear sleeves that are long enough so that when I raise my arms or move about, I am not uncovering my torso. A top that is too low is revealing the torso. If when you bend over your torso is uncovered, you need to consider adding another layer or wearing another top.

3. The thigh is to be covered
Biblical Principal: Exodus 28:42 The Old Testament priests were given standards of modesty. This verse tells of the breeches that they would wear that covered their "nakedness" - from the hips to the knees.
Application: God's principal of modesty is that our thighs should be covered. This doesn't just mean when we are standing in front of a bedroom or fitting room mirror. Modesty means in whatever position you are in - standing or sitting, running or walking.

4. Men dress as men, Women dress as women.
Biblical Principal: Deuteronomy 22:5 This verse states that men are to wear men's clothing and women to wear women's clothing.
Application: There is much debate over what consists of women's clothing. (Funny, everyone generally seems to agree on what is men's clothing.) Of course, this is defined by culture. Although cultures have their own styles of dress, there is always a difference in the styles worn by women and men. I have always lived in a western culture, as many of you have, I'm sure. In our culture, you don't have to go far to figure out what defines women's clothing. As a woman, I am going to pick the public restroom with a dress on the door. It has only been in the past 60 to 70 years that women have chosen to wear pants publically as a norm. (I won't go into the history here, but pants did't used to be the norm for women.) Just because most women wear pants, doesn't mean I should dress any less femine to simply "fit in." This is why I choose to wear dresses and skirts for clothing. To me, it is just that straightforward.

The purpose of clothing is to conceal, not to draw attention to our body. Just like all other areas of life, we should choose to honor God in the way we dress. As a woman, I want to dress modestly to honor God, and also to respect my husband. I do not wish to be a stumbling block for others, or to draw undue attention to myself by dressing outlandishly or immodestly. I hope this post has been helpful for someone. If you don't agree with me, that is fine. I am not posting to condemn anyone, or to be controversial. This is something I have felt I needed to address for some time, and it has been a more difficult post to construct. My prayer is that it will lead you to ask God what His standard is for you.

Many blessings!

Charity
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For more information on Biblical Modesty, you may want to read the series of notes linked to on this website. The information shared there is written by Dr. Phillip Brown II, an instructor at God's Bible School and College.

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Construction Zone

For the past three weeks or so, my husband and I have been living on a dirt road. We live out in the country, but not that far! Three weeks ago the road crews started work. They scraped up the old pot-holed asphalt, scraped a little more than left. We were excited! Finally we were getting road improvements! Then we waited....
and waited....

and waited...
For almost two weeks. nothing.

Then Monday they were back! They scraped and scraped. When I left the house Monday afternoon I thought the road would be done when I got home. "What a surprise for Mark!" But no - they just scraped.

Tuesday, they scraped more then poured some stinky oily dirt and scraped some more.

Wednesday, more stinky oily dirt and more scraping. Although I know they probably have a method for what they are doing - they've built more roads than I have, I still wonder why they don't just scrape once and get it over with? By the time they finished Wednesday we had the smoothest dirt road imaginable! But still dirt - I don't know at what point we actually get asphalt back!

Although the methods seem repetitive and sometimes fruitless, I know these road construction engineers have a plan. So it is with God.

Sometimes our lives seem so torn up like my road. Sometimes it seems God starts to work and then we wait and wait...
and wait.
We feel like we're getting no where, like nothing is happening.
Then maybe God starts scraping again and again
and again.
We wonder why we have to keep going through things. After all we learned the lesson the first time through, right? But on He goes, because He knows what He's doing even when I can't see it. After all - I've never "built" a Christian before.

The main objective in front of my house is a road - a solid one that won't wash away with the first drops of rain. One that won't have a bunch of potholes after the first then cars have driven over it.

God's objective is to create us into His image. I don't konw when the road outside will be finished, but I know that it will be finished long before God teaches me all He wants me to learn - that process will take a lifetime!

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Photos credit

Time to Eat!

Ever been really HUNGRY? A few evenings ago I was really hungry. We ha d been on the road most of the day and I hadn’t eaten the normal big meals – you know the ones, breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, supper and snack. (Ok, minus so many snacks!) :) While traveling, I like to snack. (There’s that word again!) The problem is that all these little snacks keep me from being really hungry, you know – when you feel like you could eat anything even brussel sprouts. Wait… I wouldn’t go quite that far! Unfortunately, I tend to eat this way most of the time, thus my list of “meals” above. I’ve heard it’s best to eat more, smaller meals 0 but they need to be healthy and I don’t always make the right choices, but I try!I never thought of it until recently, but I tend to be the same way with my spiritual food. I get just enough satisfaction from church and my daily Bible and devotional reading that I don’t “hunger” after God’s Word as I ought to. While a hungry person will seek whole-heartedly for something to eat, the person who has had just enough doesn’t crave the food as much. My challenge to myself and to you is that we seek to become hungrier for God and His Word. Not by starving ourselves of church and daily devotionals, but by asking God to give us a sincere hungering.

Paul scolds the Corinthians for not having a good appetite in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3. He tells them that he had to feed them milk instead of meat or solid food. They were not ready to receive solid food because they were still “fleshly.” The Corinthians needed an increase in their appetite as well as maturity.

When a person is hungry enough, he will eat anything! Proverbs 27:7b (NASB) says, “A sated [full] man loathes honey, but to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet.”

Matthew 6:33 says that those who seek God’s Kingdom first and all these things will be added unto you. When we seek to have all God wants for us, He will fill us up! He wants to give us all that we can handle to grow in Him.

A sated man doesn’t seek. He’s no longer hungry. He’s satisfied and not willing to search. But a starved man will eat burnt toast. He’s seeking, he’s hungry. Have you ever noticed how fragile spiritual hunger is? One little delight and we’re good for a while. We don’t stay hungry for long.

These verses are talking about real hunger – craving, pursuing, seeking. Empty-belly hunger. That’s the kind of hunger God is looking for. Content in Him certainly. Content in who He is, and in the way He provides for our every need, but not satisfied. Not feeling so full that we no longer crave the knowledge and presence of God.”
~~~Lori Wick from the book Cassidy, Harvest House Publishers 2007.~~~

Thank you to Mrs. Wick for the inspiration and conclusion for this post! Many times the good fiction I read inspires me to deeper thought – hmm… that sounds like a whole other post to me!

Until then, here's to a healthy appetite!

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Image courtesy of All Posters.com.

Cotton Candy

"Feel-good feelings are like cotton candy"

HUH??!

I guess the above looks like a very random metaphor. Before you start thinking that I've totally fallen off the deep end, let me explain.

Today's society places a lot of emphasis on how we feel - in schools, relationships, and sometimes even in church. If it feels good, do it! This has become the motto.

Kids are taught in some school to have good self-esteem. While I don't think this is an entirely wrong concept, there is way too much emphasis placed on the "self" part of that phrase. They say that kids aren't supposed to fail or lose. (But isn't that what makes successes so sweet? Look at Edison and the light bulb.) Teachers aren't even supposed to use red ink - lest it damage self-esteem. I could go on, but that is another soapbox for another place and time.

If it feels good, do it! This is often applied to relationships as well - friendships as well as romantic relationships. Often the focus of relationships has been self - does this person meet MY needs? If the answer is no, than it has become time to move on because "it's all about me" right? Um, whatever happened to caring for others? To putting the needs of others above your own? Jesus, Others, You spells JOY. Lack of commitment has become an epidemic and much of it is based on the perception that "he (or she) isn't meeting MY needs."

Some churches have even fallen into the trap of feel-good feelings. They say (or convey the idea) that as long as you are on an emotional "high," than all must be well between you and God. While it isn't wrong to feel these emotions - they don't last and should not be what we constantly seek in our walk with God.

Which brings me back to cotton candy. (You were waiting for this, right? Probably the only reason you've read this far!) First, let me say that I like cotton candy. It is something I enjoy on occasion. I also enjoy good feelings, they in and of themselves, aren't wrong. But...

Cotton candy is a bunch of fluff - you put it into your mouth and POUF! it's gone. Feelings are the same way. As soon as you grab ahold of them, they disappear - they don't last. Cotton candy also isn't very substantial. You can't live on the stuff. It's about 90% air, 8% sugar and 2% dye. (Before you run to the kitchen, this isn't a recipe - merely my assessment.) You can't live off feelings either - you won't survive emotionally or spiritually. Just as your body needs nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins, just to name a few, your spirit and soul need things like perseverence, commitment and faith.

Instead of self-esteem, we should seek self-improvement through study and hard work. Instead of trying to get what we can out of a relationship, we should seek for what we can bring to it, and not trash it when the going gets tough. Instead of seeking a spiritual experience, we should live by faith in God and His Word.

And that is better than cotton candy.

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Image sources:
First Image
Second Image

Ripples and Wildflowers

Picture with me a smooth quiet pond. There are green grass and colorful wildflowers reflected in the stillness of the water. The tree behind you houses a family of birds chirping away. You look down and see an acorn lying on the ground. You pick it up and throw it into the water. At first there is little effect, but soon the ripples start forming and outward they grow, larger and larger, disturbing the quiet water. You reach down and gather five more acorns and toss them in. This time the ripples seem to take over the entire pond. Each acorn making it’s own path until it meets with the paths of the others.

So is life. Each of us is like one of those acorns. We are each making our own path through life. The decisions that we make and the words that we speak often have effects that reach farther than we imagine. We may feel at times that no one really cares what we do, but often we don’t know who is watching and listening and learning.

The wrong choices that are made, the negative words spoken, even a sour expression may not seem to you to have much of a lasting effect, but what if everyone acted the way you do? On the other hand, a kind word, a soft smile, a thoughtful action, or even just doing our daily chores with a cheerful attitude can have farther reaching results than you would think.

For example, think of the beautiful wildflowers along the road. Some people want to stop and pick them. So what’s wrong with that? Well, what if everyone that drove by did the same thing, soon there would not be any to enjoy and none to spread their seeds and bring forth more flowers. However, think of a bare patch of ground along a busy highway. Instead of taking something, what if each person planted a seed? Think of the loveliness that would be created! What if everyone made the choices that you make? The things that we do may seem small, but what if everyone was doing it?

Sometimes it seems that as Christians, we don’t seem to be making much of an impact on the world. But as we do what we can to honor and serve God, someone is watching us. Maybe we can make a difference in that one persons life, who will, in turn, make a difference for someone else, and so the ripples form. As we make choices each day to serve God and help others and to not live selfishly, our actions progress onward. We won’t know until we reach eternity, the effect that our lives have had on others.

So what kind of ripples are you making today? Even if you never leave your house, your actions matter to someone. Go make some ripples! Go plant some seeds!

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Images Courtesy of:
www.nsf.gov
www.brazoscyclists.org

Overcoming the Overwhelming: Part 2

Fear is a very real part of life. A certain amount of fear is necessary to actually live! If we weren't "afraid" of being in a car accident, drivers would not be cautious and there would be a lot more accidents than there already are. Some fears however, are detrimental to our lives as Christians. Elizabeth Elliott compares fear to another strong human emotion: "People who have themselves experienced both grief and fear know how alike those two things are ... they are equally disabling, distracting, and destructive."(1.) Disabling, in that fear can prevent you from experiencing new things or enjoying the fullness of God's will. Distracting in that fear will take your focus off God and His Word as well as your responsibilities in life. Destructive in that your peace is destroyed and you are unable to accomplish what God has called you to do.

I'm sure you have seen this at work in someone else's life, if not even in your own. I faced debilitating fear when I went through panic attacks and the surrounding stress. It is important for me to point out that not all fear is caused by a lack of faith or spiritual weakness. Sometimes fears or depression is brought on by a physical condition, whether in our bodies or a short-circuit in our brain. If you face continued fears, you may need to speak to a health professional. He or she can tell you whether or not you need to seek further help. The important thing to remember is that you are not a "bad" Christian or un-Christian because you have a problem. This problem is not always caused by a lack of trust or faith in God.

Even Paul fought a battle. Take a look at 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Paul speaks of his "thorn in the flesh." We don't know what this thorn was it could have been physical or mental or spiritual. Paul asked repeatedly for this thorn to be removed (v.8) Jesus's answer to him is a promise to us as well in whatever situation we face: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." We like Paul, can take heart that God will use our weakness for His Own glory and through our weakness God gives us strength. (vv. 9-10) "All things work together for good." Romans 8:28

God's anecdote to fear is love.

• 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but ... of love...”
• Romans 8:39 Nothing can separate us from God's love. "Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature [insert fear], shall be able to separate us from the love of God"
• 1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment" This is the key verse for me. As I spend more time with God, His love fills my being. As I am filled with His love, there is less and less room for fear. I picture the love squeezing out fear, or just kicking it out the door!
  

Like I said above, not all fears are harmful. The Bible states a necessary "fear" - the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is not an overwhelming scared feeling, but rather a feeling of awe and respect for our Creator. When we have a healthy fear of the Lord, our irrational fears have to step aside.

Here are a few facts about the fear of the Lord:

• It is the beginning of Wisdom (Ps 111:10 and Prov. 9:10)
• Is clean (Ps.19:9)
• Prolongs Days (Prov. 10:27)
• Is strong confidence, a place of refuge (Prov. 14:26)
• Is a fountain of life (Prov. 14:27)
• To depart from evil (Prov. 16:6)

How wonderful to know that when life seems dark, we can trust in the Lord and run to Him in our time of need. His love is there to comfort us and cast out our bad fears, and when we fear Him, we have a strong confidence, a refuge, and life.
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(1.) Twelve Baskets of Crumbs, Elizabeth Elliott, 1976.

Overcoming the Overwhelming

Fears can become overwhelming, whether the source of fear is real or perceived. Sometimes fear is necessary to encourage us to action, like when you meet that bear in the path, or even when you are dreaming that snakes are snapping at your sandaled toes. (My squeal woke me up early this morning… I’m so tired of dreaming every night!) Those are the more real fears. (O.K. so the dream wasn’t exactly real, but it was real to me at the time!) :)

Other times fear comes from unknown sources, or as a result of stress or physical problems. The past several months have been a time of learning for me. Sometimes we don’t even realize how much stress we have been under, until after it is gone. When the body has been in overdrive for so long, you get used to it. Then when the time comes to relax, you often get sick. (Example: One of my good friends was a student teacher last semester, as well as working at her regular job. She was a VERY busy lady. On spring break, she totally took off: no school and no work. She got sick. Kind of a bummer way to spend a break, huh?)

I’ve had panic attacks during or after times of stress. These are very frightening. It’s like the adrenaline rush when you see that bear in the path, but there’s no bear. It’s a feeling of a loss of control, or that you are going crazy. (For a more detailed description, click here.) If you suffer from this, I encourage you to talk to someone about it. You aren’t going crazy, and it is a condition that can be helped. Just understanding the disorder is a big step in helping overcome it. (If you want to talk to me, just leave your email address in a separate comment. I won’t publish the comment and I will email you as soon as I can.)

For now, I would like to give some practical suggestions on overcoming fears.

• Pray- We can bring our fears, real or imagined, to God who understands us, knows us, and remembers that we are human. 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to cast all our cares upon Him, “for He careth for you.”

• Read the Bible- Have an arsenal of Scripture ready for when the fears attack. This takes preparation. Just as a soldier prepares for battle months or years before, it is important to have your weapons ready to battle fear. These Scriptures become a lifeline. Memorize them. Post them where you are likely to see them.

• Control your thoughts – It is important to dwell on what is real, on what is true. (Philippians 4:8) Don’t focus on the “what ifs” of your situation. Think on the Scriptural principals, God loves you and will take care of you no matter what happens. Don’t let your mind dwell on the negative.

• Reach out for support – allow someone to help you. Share your fears with someone who cares about you. Just sharing what is bothering you takes some of the power of that fear away. It can give you a fresh perspective.

• Listen to the right music – fill your mind with those things that honor God and bring your thoughts toward Him. Just singing or listening to encouraging songs can help alleviate fears. (A song that really helped me is The Healer by the Talley Trio, illustrated by the painting above.)
  

Next time I will share more Scriptural principals on dealing with fear, but for now, let me leave you with a verse that has been my lifeline.

2 Timothy 1:7
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

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Picture Courtesy of:
Tapestryproductions.com
For more information on the painting click here, for more information about the artist click here.

Red Light, Green Light

I don't like to drive.

Surprise you? Well, I really don't... I will drive and I don't mind it too much, but some days I get home and think, "I don't have to drive for ____ (insert time period)" One of the main reasons I don't like to drive is all the crazy other drivers out there! (Am I the ONLY one who know how to drive????)

Oh, and in my town - notorious for red-light runners - I don't start at an intersection until all the people have stopped and then I look to see if my light is green. I got honked at the other day for not going as soon as the light turned green. I was just waiting for everyone to stop!

I also really don't like yellow lights. Sometimes, when approaching an intersection, I will pray for a clear red or a clear green. I don't like the rush of being somewhere in the middle. I want to know when to stop and when to go, not to get to the light and wonder if I am actually running a red light!

I am the same way when it comes to life choices. I want to know clearly what God's will is for me before I make a major decision. I want that clear green! Take, for example, my choice of which Bible college to attend. I knew that it was where God wanted me to go. Some people in my little world did not approve of my choice. But I knew that was where God wanted me. (My parents also approved... a biggy in the right choice department.) And believe me, I wouldn't have been able to make it up there if I hadn't know it was the RIGHT decision! (Almost 900 miles... not exactly able to go home for the weekend!) It was a very clear GREEN.

Reds are good too. These "lights" help us to know what choices not to make. A bad decision can put a whole life heading the wrong direction. You probably know someone who has chosen to go on red, and regretted it the rest of her life.

The key to finding the clear green or clear red in your life is PRAYER. It is very important to know what God says on issues (reading the Bible) and to take advice from those you trust (like parents) but ultimately the decision is going to be up to you. Of course, the Bible doesn't exactly spell out which college to attend. God has promised wisdom to those who ask for it.

In my devotional reading this morning, I read this from "A Woman's Call to Prayer" by Elizabeth George:

When you pray (and wait patiently on the Lord for His answer and direction!), you will eventually sense His clear direction. There will be a clean and clear conscience. Doubts will be removed, and your confidence in God's guidance will blossom in your heart. (pg 134.)

So whatever decision you are struggling to make, don't be afraid to ask for clear green or clear red. God is ready and willing to guide you in each choice of life. Just ask!

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Picture courtesy of:
FreeFoto.com

Giver or Taker?

No one has ever become poor by giving.
~ Anne Frank

Perhaps you have met one of these people.. they are always seeking ways to help others. They are ever ready with a helping hand, a plate of food, or a shoulder to cry on. These are the givers. If they know you have need of what they have, it's yours. When you just need someone to talk to, they are always there to listen. They are givers.

I know you've met the other person, this type is ever so much more plentiful, unfortunately. They are only worried about themselves and what they can get out of life. Their main concern is their own happiness, even if it comes at the expense of the joy of others. These are the takers. They take without ever giving back. They take and take as long as you have something they want, then when they have exhausted a resource, they move on to greener pastures. They are takers.

We live in a world of takers. The new philosophy is to look out for number one, yourself. Obviously, this is not God's philosophy. Luke 6: 38 states that we are to give, and when we give, we will receive even more abundance than what we gave away.

How would the world be different if we lived in a world of givers? Just imagine... Those that are so concerned about what they can get have such a small world. When a person is concerned only about himself or herself, life can be so depressing. When one sits around thinking about how rotten life has treated them and how they deserve so much more, they will teeter on the brink of depression. The best antidote for this type of depression is to get outside of self and seek how one can help others.

Jesus tells us in Luke 6:35, that we are to be willing to lend (or give) not expecting return, but that we will be rewarded for our giving. Sometimes that reward doesn't come for a while. Sometimes the reward will be when we least expect it. And sometimes the best reward is the look of joy on the face of the one receiving what you have given.

The first part of verse thirty-five tells us to love our enemies. In other words, we are not just to give to those that we love or even like. But we are to be willing to give to those that don't even like us! Ouch! That's getting down to the nitty gritty! But that is when we are truly giving of Christ's love.

So what is it that you have to give? Many of us do not have unlimited financial resources, but we might have time or love to share. And how much RICHER we will be, because we have given it away!

Choices

So do the choices we make really matter? Why not just have a little bit of fun? You're only young once, right? Hmm.... you've probably heard something like that before. The problem with that kind of logic is that choices really DO matter. Each decision you make is effecting the direction your life is going. (books, music, food, habits, friends.... just fill in the blank!) I got this article in my inbox today and I thought it was very thought provoking. It is from the Family Life Marriage Memos newsletter.

The article starts out with a story about two high school girls who were great friends. After their graduation, they took a trip with a group of friends. The trip ended up as one big party. One of the girls, Merry, was very uncomfortable and chose not to take part in all the "activities." The other entered right in. Years later, Merry is happily married and very involved in Christian ministery, but what about her friend?

For a number of years, Merry wondered what happened to her childhood friend, whom I will call Karen. After that week at Daytona Beach, Merry and Karen saw each other a few times and then drifted apart.

Then, about 15 years after they graduated from high school, Merry received a surprise phone call from Karen. As they caught up with what had happened over the years, Karen told a sad story of failed relationships, alcoholism, and drug abuse. She clearly was not happy with the direction her life had taken.

Merry remarked that she was a bit surprised, because during high school Karen did not appear to be on that path. “What happened?” she asked.

Karen replied, “Remember that week in Daytona Beach?” She didn’t realize this at the time—she just thought she was having fun—but the choices she made that week started her on a dangerous path. One choice led to another, and then to another, and the longer she stayed on that path, the harder it was to step off it.

In many ways, life is a series of choices. Some of these choices announce themselves with the blare of a marching band, like they did that week at Daytona for Merry and Karen. Others appear as a faint whisper in your ear. Yet at some point it seems that each choice comes down to a simple question: Are you going to follow the path of wisdom or the path of foolishness?

Sometimes we don’t fully realize the implications of our choices—how they will affect our future, and how they affect our relationships.

So what about the choices that you are making? You may not think that they are having a lasting effect on your life, but are they? Even the things that we put in our minds, what we hear, read or see, those things are always going to be there and effect us whether we realize it or not. Our prayer needs to be for help to be pure in our actions and choices and to always decide to do the things that honors Christ. We never know where our choices, good or bad, are going to lead.

Life...

Sometimes the things that happen in our lives just don't seem to make sense. If you are like me, you have sometimes wondered, "why me?" Maybe a better question would be "why not me?" Just because we are Christians doesn't make us immune to life - with all its ups and downs. We don't often have a choice of events that happen to us. The choice does come in how we decide to react to the events in our lives. For illustration, allow me to quote Janette Oke in her book, Once Upon A Summer. The hero of the story, a young boy named Josh, just got his first dog and the next day Patches was kicked by a cow. His Aunt Lou (about five years older) comes in to comfort him.

I was fightin' an inward battle now. I was still angry and wantin' to strike back.
"He still didn't need to take my dog."
"Josh, God didn't take your dog. It was jest - Jest one of those things that happens, that's all."
"But He coulda stopped it."
Auntie Lou hesitated a moment as she carefully thought through her next words.
"Yes, He could have. He could let us go through all of our life, bundlin' us and shelterin' us from anything and everything that would hurt us. I could do that with my petunias, Josh. I could build a box around them and keep them from the wind and the rain, the crawlers and the bees. What would happen iffen I did that, Josh?"
I jest shrugged. The answer was too obvious.
"They'd never bear flowers," said Auntie Lou.
"Josh, I don't understand all about God, but there's one thing that I'm as sure of as the fact that I live and breathe. He loves us. He loves us completely, and always keeps our good in mind.
"I don't know how losin' your pup is for your good, Josh, but I am sure that it can be or God wouldn't have let it happen It's all up to you, Josh. Whenever something comes into our life that hurts us, we do the decidin' - do I let this work for my good, as God intended, or do I let bitterness grow like a bothersome canker sore in my soul?
"We love you, Josh - every one of us. We don't want to see you hurt. It's happened now. We can't change it, but don't give the hurt a chance to grow even bigger and destroy you. God loves you. He can help you with the hurt if you ask Him to; accept that even this can be for your good. Try, Josh. Please try."
Auntie Lou bent down and kissed me. Her cheeks were wet as they touched mine. She left the room.

So you have a decision, just like Josh does. Life will send you some tough blows, if it hasn't already, than be prepared. We still live in a sinful, human world. You can't control your situations, but you can control how you will react to those situations. You can decide to cast blame, either on God, others or yourself. You can allow yourself to grow bitter and ugly inside. Or you can ask God to take whatever you are going through and allow it to make you into a better, more beautiful person. The choice is totally up to you. Remember, God loves you completely and He can and will use each situation for your own good, if you let Him.

"Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Jeremiah 31:3

Virtual Reality

I know this is in the middle of my Christmas posts, but I felt that it needed to be posted now. The thoughts have been rolling around in my brain for a couple of days.

~o8o~

As many of us grow and mature, we seek what is true and real. Some people seek for this reality in the wrong places, finding instead a virtual reality - substituting the transient things of the world for what they are truly seeking. Whether or not they know what they are really seeking. These substitutes can be many things: material things such as cars, clothes or the latest gadgets; the busyness of life like a job, entertainment, goals; or even relationships... anything that has been placed as a substitute for Reality. While there may be nothing wrong with these things themselves, they can never substitute for True Reality.

And what is Reality? What is Truth? These questions have puzzled philosophers for centuries. (For an example, see here for an illustration of Plato's Cave Allegory.) However, they only true Reality can be found in God and in serving Him in all that we chose to do. What we see now, in our lives, is merely a reflection of things to come. The life we now live is a shadow of reality. As we are now, we are limited by time and space, but in true Reality, there will be no limits of time and space. We call this Eternity.

So what does this mean to us? All of our choices should be made in light of eternal reality - what we own, how we spend our time and who we invest ourselves in. Instead of seeking to satisfy our need of Reality with a pseudo/virtual- reality, we should be seekers of True Reality and make each decision with those values in mind. Paul put it this way in 1 Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." What we face here on earth is fleeting. The joys we have are only a reflection of what we will know in Heaven, and the heartaches pale in comparison to the joys that God has in store for His children. When we reach Reality, we will understand what here on earth is such a mystery. We will have a perfected understanding of spiritual matters. When we keep this in mind, everything else falls into perspective. Seek Him First!