Deuteronomy 30:11-14
Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.
It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?"
No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.”
We make living for God so much more difficult than it really is. Another translation says that it’s not too “mysterious” or “grievous.” We keep searching for deeper truths when we haven’t even used the truths He has already given us.
After reading this scripture I was writing my prayer and I wrote, “Lord help me to . . .” All of a sudden it came to me, “Angela you’re always asking for help from somewhere out there as if you had to go up to heaven to get it or over a sea to find it – you’ve got all the help you need within you.” The Word of God has been deposited in my heart since I was four years old and the Holy Spirit dwells in my spirit. He is my constant source of help. I just have to choose to use His power. All the Word I need for now is in my heart already; I just need to live it.
Now I know for some of you this was no stark revelation! But it was like God had to hit me over the head – “you’ve got what it takes; just use it!” I’m a little thick skulled as my husband can attest. Sometimes I need the same truth thrown at me from different directions before I really get the point. Are you getting it?
God has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge (experiential) of Christ Jesus. We just need to use it. Quit looking for a magic potion, seven keys to this and three secrets to that.
Help is not on the way – help is HERE, so near – His Word implanted in our minds and hearts and His power living and moving within us.
Hallelujah!! I can do all things -- all things -- through Christ who infuses His power within me. I've got what it takes!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
The Tune-Up
Pastor has been talking passionately and directly to our hearts with the present series of “Government Begins in the Home”. The focus begins in the relationship between husband and wife; how we show love, respect and caring for each other. Although this self-examination of our hearts may cause a whirl of different emotions to churn inside, it is essential, it is vital to our relationship with God and our spouse.
If we each were asked where we were and how we felt on September 11, 2001, I believe that we all would share in the enormous tragedies that occurred on that day. But, if we were to delve deeper, we would have to admit that the real crime and tragedy was that such a nightmare could even happen to us on our own soil. It should have never happened.
I believe the same is true in our marriages. Three years ago, my husband, David and I were at such a place. For two people who had so loved each other, how could so many things go wrong? These things were never to happen, not to us. But they did happen, and on our own soil. It did not happen overnight, years of deterioration and neglect led up to that moment. We were at our own Ground Zero.
The truth can be very painful; but living without it is torturous. Without truth, there can be no healing. We must also be careful ladies of one of our greatest faults, self-righteousness. The Bible references this as being the greatest sin. Many women, myself included, may have felt or feel that they are doing everything right, it is their husband that has/had the problem. This view also lends to an attitude of denial and lacking any accountability on our parts. Take an example where you and your spouse have had an argument. Let’s say that you see your husband as being 80% wrong, and you, 20% in the wrong. Then, own up to your part, and ask God to help you with the 20% of that battle. Don’t try to lay all the cards out on the table for your husband as to how you perceive his being 80% wrong. Don’t try to control his behaviors or thought processes. The only thing we control is our own reactions and behaviors.
Our relationship tune-ups and maintenance must be on-going. What thoughts am I having about my spouse? How do I talk to and treat him/her? What are my actions saying? If God would not be happy with our answers to any of these questions, we must make the time to address them now --- not 6 months down the road. Take the time to love each other, and ask God to bless your marriage in truth and wisdom
You and your spouse may be at different places in the walk with the Lord. Perhaps your spouse has not asked the Lord to meet him/her in their heart. Above all else, pray for your spouse’s salvation.
Respectfully submitted by Lisa A. Boothe
If we each were asked where we were and how we felt on September 11, 2001, I believe that we all would share in the enormous tragedies that occurred on that day. But, if we were to delve deeper, we would have to admit that the real crime and tragedy was that such a nightmare could even happen to us on our own soil. It should have never happened.
I believe the same is true in our marriages. Three years ago, my husband, David and I were at such a place. For two people who had so loved each other, how could so many things go wrong? These things were never to happen, not to us. But they did happen, and on our own soil. It did not happen overnight, years of deterioration and neglect led up to that moment. We were at our own Ground Zero.
The truth can be very painful; but living without it is torturous. Without truth, there can be no healing. We must also be careful ladies of one of our greatest faults, self-righteousness. The Bible references this as being the greatest sin. Many women, myself included, may have felt or feel that they are doing everything right, it is their husband that has/had the problem. This view also lends to an attitude of denial and lacking any accountability on our parts. Take an example where you and your spouse have had an argument. Let’s say that you see your husband as being 80% wrong, and you, 20% in the wrong. Then, own up to your part, and ask God to help you with the 20% of that battle. Don’t try to lay all the cards out on the table for your husband as to how you perceive his being 80% wrong. Don’t try to control his behaviors or thought processes. The only thing we control is our own reactions and behaviors.
Our relationship tune-ups and maintenance must be on-going. What thoughts am I having about my spouse? How do I talk to and treat him/her? What are my actions saying? If God would not be happy with our answers to any of these questions, we must make the time to address them now --- not 6 months down the road. Take the time to love each other, and ask God to bless your marriage in truth and wisdom
You and your spouse may be at different places in the walk with the Lord. Perhaps your spouse has not asked the Lord to meet him/her in their heart. Above all else, pray for your spouse’s salvation.
Respectfully submitted by Lisa A. Boothe
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The Rhythm of Fall
Can you believe that it's September 16 already? In a week it will be Fall.
I'm loving this cooler weather -- please let it stay. I love autumn. It's my favorite time of year. The crisp, fresh air with cooler temperatures is infigorating to me. I'm not sure why I like the fall so much except that there is a rhythm to it that is familiar and comforting. Fall is a coming back to the rhythm of life, but it's more. Each fall as a new year of school or college would begin I was filled with a sense of expectation and possibility. New classes, new school books, new book covers, new friend s all stirred an awakening of expectation. It was almost as if I was standing tall on tippy toe expecting something exciting to happen in the new year. The cooler temperatures were like a slap in the face to wake me up to the possibilites in life.
What are you expecting? New growth in your life, a new level of spiritual or emotional maturity, a new challenge? What awaits you? Death of something old and unproductive in your life as winter comes? A sloughing off of old negative attitudes or patterns? I find the fall season as a good season to store "acorns" of truth in my heart upon which to reflect and build. As the leaves fall from the trees it reminds me to let go of the things in my life that have kept me from moving forward and growing to make room for something new. Whatever, there is a cycle to life and I enjoy the changing of seasons and rhythms. I like new beginnings.
Everyday is a new beginning. What is ready to be pushed out and sloughed off? What is stirring inside to begin? What is patiently waiting inside ready to make its appearancce. It's time -- the season and color of change. Embrace it.
I'm loving this cooler weather -- please let it stay. I love autumn. It's my favorite time of year. The crisp, fresh air with cooler temperatures is infigorating to me. I'm not sure why I like the fall so much except that there is a rhythm to it that is familiar and comforting. Fall is a coming back to the rhythm of life, but it's more. Each fall as a new year of school or college would begin I was filled with a sense of expectation and possibility. New classes, new school books, new book covers, new friend s all stirred an awakening of expectation. It was almost as if I was standing tall on tippy toe expecting something exciting to happen in the new year. The cooler temperatures were like a slap in the face to wake me up to the possibilites in life.
What are you expecting? New growth in your life, a new level of spiritual or emotional maturity, a new challenge? What awaits you? Death of something old and unproductive in your life as winter comes? A sloughing off of old negative attitudes or patterns? I find the fall season as a good season to store "acorns" of truth in my heart upon which to reflect and build. As the leaves fall from the trees it reminds me to let go of the things in my life that have kept me from moving forward and growing to make room for something new. Whatever, there is a cycle to life and I enjoy the changing of seasons and rhythms. I like new beginnings.
Everyday is a new beginning. What is ready to be pushed out and sloughed off? What is stirring inside to begin? What is patiently waiting inside ready to make its appearancce. It's time -- the season and color of change. Embrace it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)