I have truly enjoyed the study on Esther. We are about half way through and I will admit it has been one of the hardest studies personally I have gone through. It's made me really look at myself, who I am, my destiny, God's plan for me... and even some of my 'ugly' stuff. It's been hard.
I am thankful that God's grace and mercy has also extended to me through these few weeks as well.
My thought for today... is about fear. Fear is something I struggle with. I am one of "those" kinds of people who actually can lay in bed at night and thing through the "what if" scenarios that will never happen. (Probably). It has paralyzed me at times... .especially when it is my fears related to my children. I think there is nothing in life I couldn't endure, except..... something involving my children.
But Beth game me something to think about. If _____________________ then ______________________. What is that for you? If (the worst and unthinkable happens), then (what, what will I do.. really). What if that unspeakable thing happens, then what? What will you do?
When I realized.... I'll scream, cry, writhe in misery, sleep, not eat, be mad at God, find peace with God, and move on...... it has given me freedom... I pray the worst never happens, but IF that "whatever" happens... THEN my God will be with me and bring me through. And IF I perish, I perish. It's ok... I plan to be with the Father.
Lord, I pray for for anyone out there, who reads this, that they will allow God to be their "then what". May fear not be a hold or a force in their life that the enemy can hold onto and hang over their head. Lord may we all find that IF______________ THEN_____________________. And may that always end with You.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Well as you see...
I have not done a very good job of posting since beginning the Beth Moore Study. All I can say is that is has been wonderful so far... I will share, but life has been well "life"... and some days are just not as good as the other's.
However... God reigns and I know He holds me in His hands.
More later... Don't give up on me.
However... God reigns and I know He holds me in His hands.
More later... Don't give up on me.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Week One - Day 1
Short thoughts today.
Once upon a time..... always tell of impending doom. So who wants a "once upon a time" tale... I want a great story... so forget "once upon a time".
We all live in the "real world". There is always "something" wrong... to the ending of each story, is a happy outcome, but before we realize the happy ending... we will realize the grief."
WHEN WE TRUST OUR LIVES TO THE UNSEEN BUT EVER PRESENT GOD,
HE WILL WRITE OUR LIVES INTO HIS STORY AND EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM
WILL TURN OUT TO BE A GREAT READ! WITH A GRAND ENDING.
Father God, I do not want a fairy tale, I have experienced much grief, show me how to step into YOUR story of my life that has a grand ending! Amen.
Once upon a time..... always tell of impending doom. So who wants a "once upon a time" tale... I want a great story... so forget "once upon a time".
We all live in the "real world". There is always "something" wrong... to the ending of each story, is a happy outcome, but before we realize the happy ending... we will realize the grief."
WHEN WE TRUST OUR LIVES TO THE UNSEEN BUT EVER PRESENT GOD,
HE WILL WRITE OUR LIVES INTO HIS STORY AND EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM
WILL TURN OUT TO BE A GREAT READ! WITH A GRAND ENDING.
Father God, I do not want a fairy tale, I have experienced much grief, show me how to step into YOUR story of my life that has a grand ending! Amen.
Introduction -
Last night we began our study with Beth Moore on Esther. I am so very excited about this study! My prayer is that God will reveal Himself to me in the ordinary and in the extra ordinary. My God is amazing and powerful and at this stage of my life, I need Him more than ever before!
Some thoughts from the Intro Video.
If God has a mind to move into a play - HE will. That being said... regardless of the office, the position, the situation... .if God wants to move in and take control He will!
Something I have never thought about before is that GOD is not mentioned anywhere in this book. It is a story, a telling of life, but Gods name or presence is never mentioned. In that... Esther is a book that lends hope. Hope in Providence. Hope in One, not "in the now".
How often have I thought God was nowhere around. That during this hard or even during a good time in my life, He was not there. God is never anonymous in our life. But we need to see Him, feel Him, know Him... even when there is not a "SUPERNATURAL" going on! :)
Father, My prayer is that You would be My God. That I would learn to know that in You I have my hope and my being. That in You , I am never alone. May I find assurance, that when I do not SEE you, or FEEL you... that you are still there. Father God, draw me to a closeness with you that I have never known. I pray for a special touch, a special calling and direction for my life. Amen
Some thoughts from the Intro Video.
If God has a mind to move into a play - HE will. That being said... regardless of the office, the position, the situation... .if God wants to move in and take control He will!
Something I have never thought about before is that GOD is not mentioned anywhere in this book. It is a story, a telling of life, but Gods name or presence is never mentioned. In that... Esther is a book that lends hope. Hope in Providence. Hope in One, not "in the now".
How often have I thought God was nowhere around. That during this hard or even during a good time in my life, He was not there. God is never anonymous in our life. But we need to see Him, feel Him, know Him... even when there is not a "SUPERNATURAL" going on! :)
Father, My prayer is that You would be My God. That I would learn to know that in You I have my hope and my being. That in You , I am never alone. May I find assurance, that when I do not SEE you, or FEEL you... that you are still there. Father God, draw me to a closeness with you that I have never known. I pray for a special touch, a special calling and direction for my life. Amen
Life...
has been crazy to say the least. But I will be back this week. I'm so excited that I have the privilege of being a part of the womens study by Beth Moore on Esther. We had our opening night last night, and I am already amazed and excited by just the introduction! I can not wait to share with you, my walk thought this study!
I know and believe that this is a timely "God appointed and anointed" study for me at the moment. Lot's of crossroads and changes in our family and lives... so I need to know God's plan for me as a woman, now more than ever!
I know and believe that this is a timely "God appointed and anointed" study for me at the moment. Lot's of crossroads and changes in our family and lives... so I need to know God's plan for me as a woman, now more than ever!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
I appologize...
for not coming back with Song of Solomon. There have been some happenings in our family that have taken my attention. Not anything terrible.... but I needed to give my undivided attention to family.
I've been having a lot of one on One conversations lately with the Lord. You see, our oldest son will be leaving in 2 days for Afghanistan. I seems some of the orders have changed and that the mission will be a bit more dangerous than we had first believed. I will honestly say, I have spent a lot of hours praying for God's peace for our family.
I know that God is able to protect our son. I also know that my son needs to see that God is his refuge and source of strength. He needs a personal relationship that he has never had and that is my first prayer. I pray for his protection, but am keenly aware that the enemy of this world has his hand in play in all this, and that something "could" happen. I am not one to go blindly into the future without realizing all the possibilities.
I've prayed that my husband will have peace. I know this has been so hard on him. He has spent to much energy trying to teach our son the right things.... and watching him make mistakes is and has been tough. I have had some deep talks with the Lord about shielding my husband through this time too.
And our son leaves behind 6 brothers and sisters... of all ages. My heart is heavy for those who are old enough to know what is going on, where he is going, the possibilities... I know they worry. For the little ones who really don't understand... .I have prayed for God to protect and encourage their hearts and emotions. Regardless of when our son comes home, he will be different. Everyone that we know who has any military experience said to prepare for that. That he will never be the "brother and son" that he was once. So... I pray for wisdom for all of us, to love him, and care for him, however he returns to us.
I am not from a military family... .have no military friends per say... .so this is all very new to me. The only source I know to hold onto, to give my grief and anguish too, to totally depend on is Jesus! My Savior, my Redeemer...
I will return soon with a new study or thought... but for now.... lift us up in your prayers.
I've been having a lot of one on One conversations lately with the Lord. You see, our oldest son will be leaving in 2 days for Afghanistan. I seems some of the orders have changed and that the mission will be a bit more dangerous than we had first believed. I will honestly say, I have spent a lot of hours praying for God's peace for our family.
I know that God is able to protect our son. I also know that my son needs to see that God is his refuge and source of strength. He needs a personal relationship that he has never had and that is my first prayer. I pray for his protection, but am keenly aware that the enemy of this world has his hand in play in all this, and that something "could" happen. I am not one to go blindly into the future without realizing all the possibilities.
I've prayed that my husband will have peace. I know this has been so hard on him. He has spent to much energy trying to teach our son the right things.... and watching him make mistakes is and has been tough. I have had some deep talks with the Lord about shielding my husband through this time too.
And our son leaves behind 6 brothers and sisters... of all ages. My heart is heavy for those who are old enough to know what is going on, where he is going, the possibilities... I know they worry. For the little ones who really don't understand... .I have prayed for God to protect and encourage their hearts and emotions. Regardless of when our son comes home, he will be different. Everyone that we know who has any military experience said to prepare for that. That he will never be the "brother and son" that he was once. So... I pray for wisdom for all of us, to love him, and care for him, however he returns to us.
I am not from a military family... .have no military friends per say... .so this is all very new to me. The only source I know to hold onto, to give my grief and anguish too, to totally depend on is Jesus! My Savior, my Redeemer...
I will return soon with a new study or thought... but for now.... lift us up in your prayers.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
A quick thought...
My week has been busier than I anticipated. I'll be back to Song of Solomon on Monday.
I spent today doing yard work with my oldest daughter and her sweetheart. My husband has a really bad back, so it has become my job to help keep things mowed and cared for. I will be honest.... I have never, ever mowed my own yard. Even growing up my brother or my dad always did the yard work. Honestly, I've always been scared to mow. Guess it's crazy, but I never thought I could really do it. But things happen, situations change.... and you find yourself needing to broaden your scope of ability. I didn't want to do it, I hate to sweat, I hate dirt, I'm south a prissy southern girl over all! :)
But today, I got out there, hair in a bandanna, old clothes, ready to tackle a new challenge in my life. We have a very rough yard, not smooth at all! So I started really slow... gosh I was so afraid of turning over. But then, after a little while, I was more comfortable, and cranked up the speed. Before I knew it... I looked back and the yard was finished! Wooo Hooo!!! I did it. And I was really proud.
So.. what is the point behind my long story? Well... I think that sometimes God calls us to do something hard for Him. Something that maybe we have not ever done before, have no idea how to do, etc. But if we step out on faith, even small steps, however unstable they may be, before long, we find out that we were able to do it all along! God always equips us when we step out of faith. And before we know it..He is calling us to take another step, then another.... and all along God is there, equipping, preparing, giving us all we need in that moment.
I have to think of the scripture. I can do all things through Christ which gives me strength! Phil 4:13
That's it. I hope everyone has a wonderful, blessed, amazing and glorious Sunday! God is so amazing! He is worthy of all of our praise!
I spent today doing yard work with my oldest daughter and her sweetheart. My husband has a really bad back, so it has become my job to help keep things mowed and cared for. I will be honest.... I have never, ever mowed my own yard. Even growing up my brother or my dad always did the yard work. Honestly, I've always been scared to mow. Guess it's crazy, but I never thought I could really do it. But things happen, situations change.... and you find yourself needing to broaden your scope of ability. I didn't want to do it, I hate to sweat, I hate dirt, I'm south a prissy southern girl over all! :)
But today, I got out there, hair in a bandanna, old clothes, ready to tackle a new challenge in my life. We have a very rough yard, not smooth at all! So I started really slow... gosh I was so afraid of turning over. But then, after a little while, I was more comfortable, and cranked up the speed. Before I knew it... I looked back and the yard was finished! Wooo Hooo!!! I did it. And I was really proud.
So.. what is the point behind my long story? Well... I think that sometimes God calls us to do something hard for Him. Something that maybe we have not ever done before, have no idea how to do, etc. But if we step out on faith, even small steps, however unstable they may be, before long, we find out that we were able to do it all along! God always equips us when we step out of faith. And before we know it..He is calling us to take another step, then another.... and all along God is there, equipping, preparing, giving us all we need in that moment.
I have to think of the scripture. I can do all things through Christ which gives me strength! Phil 4:13
That's it. I hope everyone has a wonderful, blessed, amazing and glorious Sunday! God is so amazing! He is worthy of all of our praise!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
God's Superior Love ...
GOD'S SUPERIOR LOVE
How God Feels About Us! Jesus love for us is better than wine! Praise the Lord!
Spiritual Immaturity Is Not Rebellion:
God feels different emotions related to how people respond to Him. So many are confused about the Love of God. Repentance is a changing of attitude of the heart that turns "from sin" and "to God" according to the "light of understanding". Spiritual immaturity is not the same as rebellion. God looks inwardly when we see outwardly.
Our repentance, obedience and love for God are real and sincere even while they are weak and flawed. Weak love is not false love! The sincere intention to obey God is distinct from the attainment of mature obedience! The believer who sins shows their sincerity by QUICKLY REPENTING and renewing their war against that sin.
God delights in a sincere desire or cry in our spirit to obey Him. God does not confuse spiritual immaturity with rebellion. If we become confused by this (especially we who are "seasoned" Christians, we will bring others under deep condemnation).
A good way to illustrate. David seemed to commit much more serious sins than Saul, but God's favor continued with David? Why? When David sinned his heart was wounded because he grieved God's heart! He cared more about his RELATIONSHIP with God than the consequences of being caught. When Saul sinned he planned to continue in it until caught and confronted. He only gave an outward show of repentance as he continued in rebellion.
MY NOTE: I must say that these simple thoughts have brought me so much freedom in my life and how I see my passion for the Lord. And it has changed my eyes to see those new in the faith more as He does!
*******
THE SWEET PERFUME OF GOD'S PERSONALITY
The Father's affection and personality is a sweet perfume. We rest in the God who sees, feels, runs and embraces and kisses our heart. (Luke 15:20 - Prodigal Son)
The father SAW the prodigal son - God's view of His people.
The father FELT COMPASSION for the prodigal son - God's tenderness for His people.
The father RAN TOWARDS the prodigal son - God's action and initiative for His people.
The father EMBRACED (fell on) the prodigal son - God's affection for His people.
The father KISSED the prodigal son - God's desire for nearness with His people!!!
*******
Monday, August 2, 2010
Some thoughts from the Song of Solomon...
Some revelations:
Jesus has a passionate affection for and enjoys His people.
In the Song of Solomon the beauty of Jesus as the Bridegroom King is revealed.
The fact that Jesus see's all believers as beautiful, even in our weakness.
There are many principles of growing love and a mature partnership with Jesus in the Song of Solomon.
The Brides journey began with longing for the kisses of His Word and ended up encountering Jesus in His holy jealous love.
Many times in the Song of Solomon there is phrasing about kisses on the mouth. This is a symbol of a loving, marriage relationship between God and His Bride (believers). It is a love like none other!
God is raising up a people who long for the kisses of God's Word!
The ultimate purpose and meaning for our life is to experience intimacy with God.
Some paradox ideas:
The Bride begins her journey with Grace. Song 1:5-6 I am dark (in heart), but lovely (to God)..... my own vineyard (heart) I have not kept. We are a sinful people, our heart is dark because we have not "kept it" by choosing to serve Him and grow closer to him.
But she has a desperate cry to have more of Him. Tell me, O You whom I love, where do You feed your flocks... she is looking for where to find Him.
In verse 16 the Bride begins to understand that she is beautiful and pleasant to Him.
********
A few more principles to think on:
God loves unbelievers.
God enjoys and delights in young (immature) believers. God loves unbelievers, but he rejoices over believers. He delights in our repentance and our newness in Him. He smiles over us as we begin the growth process... long before we become mature!
God's enjoyment is not the same as His approval. We must remember that we make mistakes even as believers, we need His correcting. And He will correct us! He loves and enjoys us as we learn and grow and strive to be intimate and pure with Him... but we still do things He will not approve of.
God's discipline is not the same as His rejection! This is wonderful! He disciplines us... but He never rejects us if we continue to grow and mature and seek His face! When we find we are being disciplined... be joyful... because that means he has NOT given up on us!
God is grieved over the persistent sin of His people. Just as stated in Rev. 3:16-17 God hates luke-warmness! When we continue to sin we can NOT remain in His garden. We can not be His bride, His lover... God loves us so much, but His presence can not abide in the presence of sin!
Spiritual disciplines do not earn us favor with God. Prayer, fasting, meditation on His Word are ordained by God, but they do not gain us favor. God gives to us on the basis of our heart and how much we love and serve and seek His face!
Maturity allows us to receive more, Not to be LOVED more. God grants a greater measure of power to those who are mature in our relationship with Him... but He loves us all the same, regardless of where we are. His love is passionate, immeasurable, and amazing!!!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
My Beloved
The past few weeks I have been involved in a study on the Song of Solomon at my church. The next few days I'm going to share some of my favorite parts. But for tonight, I want to share the lyrics of a wonderful song called My Beloved. It is such a wonderful and touching song...... enjoy it.
You're My Beloved
You're My Bride
To sing over you is My delight
Come away with Me My love
You're Beautiful to Me
So beautiful to Me
Under My mercy
Come and wait
Till we are standing face to face
I see no stain on you
My child
You're Beautiful to Me
So Beautiful to Me
I sing over you My song of peace
Cast all your care down at My feet
Come and find your rest in Me
I'll breathe My life inside of you
I'll bear you up on eagle's wings
And hide you in the shadow of My strength
I'll take you to My quiet waters
I'll restore your soul
Come rest in Me and be made whole
You're My beloved
You're My Bride
To sing over you is my delight
Come away with me my love
You're My Bride
To sing over you is My delight
Come away with Me My love
You're Beautiful to Me
So beautiful to Me
Under My mercy
Come and wait
Till we are standing face to face
I see no stain on you
My child
You're Beautiful to Me
So Beautiful to Me
I sing over you My song of peace
Cast all your care down at My feet
Come and find your rest in Me
I'll breathe My life inside of you
I'll bear you up on eagle's wings
And hide you in the shadow of My strength
I'll take you to My quiet waters
I'll restore your soul
Come rest in Me and be made whole
You're My beloved
You're My Bride
To sing over you is my delight
Come away with me my love
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