BIBLE "PICK 'EMS" - God is Still On His Throne!

CHECK IT OUT!

A new "BIBLE PICK 'EMS" update is now posted on my other blog:

www.biblepickems.blogspot.com

(For the complete story about "Bible Pick 'Ems," see my blog entry dated June 29, 2010)

(Scripture references for "Bible Pick 'Ems" will continue to be posted on this blog)

THANKS!

"When in doubt, search God out!"

QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

"Jesus regards money as a comparatively low form of power...by the right use of which a man may prepare himself to be trusted with higher forms of power.

Money is in some sense "another's." It is certain to go to others after its present possessor's death. If its present possessor has not learned to use it in a friendly way, how can a conscientious God trust him with some more permanent form of power?

Money, because of the material things it can buy, the political influence and the social prestige that its possession facilitates, becomes an efficient minister to selfishness, and therefore a great enemy to friendliness. The remedy is to begin to use it, as soon as one has even a little of it, in friendly ways."

(From "Christ in Everyday Life" by Edward Increase Bosworth, c. 1910)

"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones...And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?...No one can serve two masters...You cannot serve both God and money." (Luke 16:10-13)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Reckoning

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

Today's word: reckoning

How would you define the word reckoning?

Do you think it's the same or different than revenge? Explain.

"For the LORD of Heaven's Armies has a day of reckoning." (Isaiah 2:12)

Let me know what you think!!

“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

A LETTER TO GOD FROM MARTY

Dear Mr. God,

This is me, Marty the Beagle. I just have something to say to You…OK?

I think You are a pretty cool guy! I know that You made me, and You take care of me. Thanks for that.

But I have a few questions. How come people go around not wagging their tails? I mean, I’m happy every day. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s raining or if it’s sunny. I just like being alive. I’ve got water and food and toys and people to love me. And I’ve got You. So, I’m good. What else do I need? But people – it’s like they don’t even know You’re up there.

They walk around with their faces all scrunched up with worried looks. They like this green stuff, they call it money, really a lot. I don’t get it. It just looks like green paper to me (if I had the chance, I’d eat it just like I do the newspaper!) Why do they care about it so much?

They’re always rushing around in these machines with tires on them. Don’t they know that you can see so much more with your nose to the ground? Sometimes I hear one of them say, “Take time to stop and smell the roses.” I do that every day (along with all the other things I smell – I am a hound, after all!) Why are they always in such a hurry?

Then they wear all these fancy things called “clothes.” I know that their “people rules” include putting this stuff on. But I think they’ve forgotten their fur. You know, the particular colors that make them who they are. I’ve got three colors on me. Brown, black, and white. I think I look pretty awesome, because that’s how You made me. Why don’t they appreciate how You made them?

Just one more thing…cause I know You’re busy.

I like my life. I like it because You gave it to me, and You’re with me every day. I appreciate a bowl of water, a good feast of kibble, a lengthy nap, a cuddle with my people, a soft blanket, toys to chew on (it’s so much fun trying to get that squeaker thing out), and a couple of long walks a day. Why aren’t people thankful?

I think they think too much…about stuff that doesn’t really matter.

I think they feel too much…about stuff that doesn’t really matter.

Sometimes I don’t think they know You…and You’re all that really matters.

I don’t think they wag their tails enough.

I’ll go for now. I’m thirsty, and I see a fly I’m going to try to catch.

Thanks for listening…I just had something to say to You.

Your friend,

Marty the Beagle

P.S. Did I tell You that I think You are a pretty cool guy?!

ARE YOU WAGGING YOUR TAIL??

"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him." (Romans 15:13)

BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”

DEAR CHILD...

Dear Child,

Something told Me that you needed to hear from Me today!

Remember this always – I have been Home to all My children through all the generations!

From beginning to end, I am your God!

And because you have trusted Me, I will give you LIFE as a reward!

I will rescue you and keep you safe – even from “The Enemy.”

Let Me teach you. Your life is short – this is true. But I will make you grow in wisdom. I will work in your life. I will show My Glory – even to your children.

I have sent you out to tell others about the Life I have promised through faith in My Son, Jesus Christ. So, fan the flame of the spiritual gift I have given you. I have not made you timid or fearful. NO! I have given you power and love and self-discipline.

So never be ashamed to tell others about Me. I will show you My approval, and I will make your efforts successful. With My Strength, be ready to suffer for the Good News.

But, do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disaster that strikes at midday. I will rescue you from every trap of “The Enemy.” If you make Me your Refuge, your Shelter, NO EVIL will conquer you!

I will order My angels to protect you! They will hold you up with their hands.

I have broken the power of death and illuminated the way to LIFE! You will find rest in My Shadow. I will cover you with My feathers. I will shelter you with My wings.

MY FAITHFUL PROMISES ARE YOUR ARMOR AND PROTECTION!

I will rescue you, because you love Me. I will protect you, because you trust in Me. When you call on Me, I will answer. I will be with you in times of trouble. I will honor and reward you…and I will give you My Salvation.

Love,

Your Heavenly Father

“I know the One in whom I trust, and I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until the day of His return…Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within me, I will carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to me.”

(Based on verses from Jeremiah 39, 2 Timothy 1, and Psalm 90-91)

BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”

A LITTLE POLISHING

How about another post about my beloved “rocks”?

I mentioned yesterday how I came by this love honestly – my grandfather loved rocks, too.

And for a time, he made jewelry with rocks.

My grandparents lived about four hours away, but we visited them often. And I can vividly remember one time when we arrived…

“Nana, where’s Papa?”

“Oh, he’s out in the shop, polishing some rocks.”

WHEE!!

I ran out there lickety-split! The rock-polishing machine was very awesome. It basically tumbled the rocks, over and over, while washing a steady stream of water over them.

Ugly, dull, shapeless rocks would turn into beautiful, rounded, colorful rocks – just by tumbling them around against each other.

Hmmm…

Good lesson here.

Doesn’t God choose to do the same thing in our lives?

He often uses other people to “tumble” up against us, to “bump” into us over and over – as He seeks to smooth us out, and make us beautiful.

We can all think of people that just “rub us the wrong way.” I remember an author many years ago that called these type of people, “irregular” people. (I think that’s a much nicer name than a “pain in the neck!” – sorry about that!)

They just get under our skin, and annoy us, and make us crazy. We try to avoid them.

I have some people like that. I’m not proud of saying that – but it’s true.

And sometimes when I think I’m being very spiritual, I’ll pray for them. I’ll pray for those irksome traits to be changed.

But the thought occurred to me not so long ago, that those VERY PEOPLE are placed in my life for a reason. And it might just have something to do with ME.

God wants to tumble me…

It isn’t about THEIR irksome, annoying traits – it’s about MINE!

God uses “irregular” people to bump up against me, to smooth me out, to release more of His beauty to shine through me. I have plenty of ugly, rough edges in me.

I’m not shiny –

But God is working to perfect a good work in me – and sometimes that involves a little roughing up.

And through this entire process, He continually washes me with a steady stream of His living water…

Oh, Lord – I need to pray about MY heart. Give me the grace to see other people, especially the ones that annoy me, through Your eyes. Help me to understand that You have placed EVERY SINGLE ONE of them in my life for a purpose. Grant me patience for the “irregulars.” After all, you died for me when I was an “irregular” person. Teach me to die to myself, and to accept the process of being “tumbled.” And Lord, help me to be kind and merciful as I “bump” up against others.

Make me a smooth, polished, colorful, beautiful stone in Your Kingdom!

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6)

BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”

JUST ROCKIN' IT

I LOVE ROCKS!

I come by this honestly – my grandfather loved rocks, too.

I love their shapes, their colors, their texture – you name it, I just think they’re VERY COOL!

“The Hub” thinks it’s a bit of a problem…

Because, you see, I don’t just love rocks, I COLLECT them – everywhere we go – and not just a few…a bunch!

Did you ever see that great Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz movie, “The Long, Long Trailer”? In it, Lucy and Desi go on their honeymoon in a trailer. Lucy starts collecting rocks. When Desi tells her to stop, she just starts hiding them! Hilarity ensues…

I believe “The Hub” thinks he married Lucy sometimes!

When we go hiking, I ALWAYS wear pants with lots of pockets (read: rock-carrying-receptacles). They are chock-full by the time I get back. I weigh twice what I did when I first started. And “The Hub,” you ask? Well, he always takes along a backpack with snacks and water, and maybe a couple of lightweight jackets. However, in MY mind, that backpack is just a very LARGE rock-carrying-receptacle!

Food and water??? Forget about it – throw ‘em out – I need space for my rocks!!

He is such a dear man – he faithfully carries my “burdens” home – all 200 pounds of them – with very little complaining. I think he secretly likes rocks, too.

Part of the reason I love rocks is because they have a “story.” They have tumbled down from somewhere, who knows when, to arrive right here…just waiting for me to pick them up. Once upon a time, they were part of a mountain. Or they might have been inside the earth. Who knows?

God does…

And that’s the main reason I love rocks. They remind me of the timelessness of God. Of His solid Faithfulness. Of the beautiful color of His Glory. Of the texture of His Love. Of the shape of His Grace…

The shape of a man – Jesus.

Less than a week before He was to die on a cross for the sins of the world, Jesus entered Jerusalem in triumph. Crowds ran ahead of Him, alongside of Him, singing His praises.

“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the LORD!”

But the Pharisees weren’t happy…

“Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!”

How did Jesus reply?

“If they keep quiet, the STONES along the way would burst into cheer!”

I love that!!

Jesus said that if people were quiet, the very stones themselves would burst into shouts of praise. Why? It wasn’t because Jesus was setting up a powerful political kingdom. That dream came to an end on Good Friday.

No, Jesus was establishing God’s eternal Kingdom – and that was reason for the greatest celebration of all!

I think of those verses every time I add a rock (or ten) to my collection. And sometimes when I look at them, I just shout praise to my King –

“Let all that I am praise the Lord – with my whole heart I will praise his holy name.” (Psalm 103:1)

Are you “rocking out” for the Lord?!?

(Scripture references today are from Luke 19:38-40)

BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”

BIBLE "PICK 'EMS" - Clear Conscience

CHECK IT OUT!

A new "BIBLE PICK 'EMS" update is now posted on my other blog:

www.biblepickems.blogspot.com

(For the complete story about "Bible Pick 'Ems," see my blog entry dated June 29, 2010)

(Scripture references for "Bible Pick 'Ems" will continue to be posted on this blog)

THANKS!

"When in doubt, search God out!"

QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

"This way of seeing our Father in everything makes life one long thanksgiving, and gives a rest of heart...

Since, therefore, God is sure to have His own way concerning those who abandon themselves to Him in perfect trust, into what wonderful green pastures of inward rest, and beside what blessedly still waters of inward refreshment, will He lead all such!

If the will of God is our will, and if He always has His way, then we always have our way also, and we reign in a perpetual kingdom. He who sides with God cannot fail to win in every encounter; and whether the result be joy or sorrow, failure or success, death or life, we may under all circumstances join in the Apostle's shout of victory,

"Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ!"

(From "The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life" by Hannah Whitall Smith, c. 1888)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Doubt

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

Today's word: doubt

Do you think doubt is a good thing or a bad thing? Explain.

What's your "take" on the disciple Thomas's encounter with the risen Lord?

(John 20:24-29)

Let me know what you think!!

“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"REALITY" SHOW

Last week I FINALLY saw the movie “Inception” –

It was a very interesting movie…

Went out to lunch with “The Boys” afterwards to hash it over – it was a cerebral experience – confusing, ambiguous, open to interpretation. That, in itself, was surprising. For Hollywood – we have to use our brain? No gore, no swearing, no sex, no demonic activity, no throwing up (honestly – is this the latest “let’s make it REAL” gimmick?)

The movie was not religious, per se (it IS still Hollywood, after all) – but it raised this one question, which I think is absolutely pertinent to our world.

WHAT IS REAL?

The movie is a good launching pad for a discussion about the unseen world. We believers KNOW that it exists. It's where our battle lies:

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rules and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

And I am convinced that what we do in THIS world, has tremendous impact on THAT world.

So, I’d like to share a poem I wrote several years ago, about the duality of our existence.

LIFE

There is more to reality

than the eye perceives

Truth unseen

skirmishes, struggles

epic battles

an age-old

confrontation –

A devil who lost

at the very beginning

still strives

with pride

to take all prisoners

in his long fall

from grace –

A God, our God

still waits

unfathomably waits

Victory already won

on a cross

long ago,

The Master Plan

unknown

yet

somehow unfolding –

Every day

we march into routine

never understanding

the ripples we make

in another realm

the mighty influence

our hearts wield

how tides are turned

by errant acts

or

thoughtful prayers –

Never give in

never give up

Hardships and pain

suffering remains

but never forget –

There is more to reality

than the eye perceives…

…life is not what it seems.

© Sharon Kirby

March 25, 2005

So, Warriors of the Word – FIGHT ON!

The battles won in this world, topple “enemy” soldiers in another!

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

I GIVE YOU MY WORD...

(Words taken from Jeremiah 30-32)

This is what the LORD says:

I am going to break the yoke from your neck, and snap your chains.

So do not be afraid or dismayed.

I will save you.

I will heal your wounds.

I have loved you with an Everlasting Love.

With My unfailing love, I have drawn you to Myself.

I will rebuild you.

You will walk beside quiet streams and on smooth paths.

I will watch over you like a Shepherd.

You will be radiant because of My good gifts.

I will comfort you, and exchange your sorrow for rejoicing.

I will reward you.

There is hope for your future.

For I am with you.

I will cause something new to happen!

I will put My instructions deep within you.

I will write them on your heart.

I will forgive your sins, and I will never again remember them.

I will never cast you away – NO! I will not even consider it.

I will give you a purpose.

I will make an everlasting covenant with you.

I will never stop doing good for you.

I will put a desire into your heart to worship Me.

I will do ALL the good I have promised you.

I am the great and powerful God – the LORD of Heaven’s Armies!

I am the LORD.

Is anything too hard for Me?

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

WHICH WAY TO TURN?

I was driving home the other day, and came upon an interesting intersection…

Turn to the right, and you went into a church’s parking lot – turn to the left, and you went into a building materials lot.

The street signs?

“Purpose Drive” and “Rocky Road”

Isn’t that the truth?!

I got thinking about that. We all come to that intersection at some point in our lives. Which way will we turn?

The initial decision happens when we choose (or don’t) to believe in the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

But in our walk as believers, we often come to this “crossroads” in our faith journey. Do we follow our own way, or do we follow God?

We may think that it’s “smooth sailing” if we go our own way. It doesn’t really matter, because the road ends up in Heaven, right? But that wrong turn truly leads us down “Rocky Road” – a drive full of potholes, detours, and road hazards every mile we go. We drive along…we drive on our own power.

Wonder why so many believers are defeated, discouraged, and depressed? Maybe they’ve chosen to travel down “Rocky Road.”

But what if we turn the other way?

What if we turn down “Purpose Drive”?

God promises us meaning and purpose in life.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you…They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

I’d love to tell you that “Purpose Drive” is an easy, scenic drive.

But even that road is a little bumpy from time to time –

But the good news is this – we will not be driving on our own power. We’ve got the Holy Spirit guiding us. And He’s a great driver!!

He doesn’t get lost. He knows how to negotiate the curves. Sometimes He slows down, and sometimes He speeds up – at just the right time – because He sees the road ahead. His wisdom steers us straight.

So, I gotta ask you –

What are you going to do when you come to those intersections on your faith journey – which way will you turn?

“Purpose Drive” or “Rocky Road?”

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

THE WEAVER

A couple of blog friends have posted something about spider webs lately.

Maybe it’s Halloween sneaking up? Hmmm…

So, I’ve got a spider web story to share, too.

One morning years ago, as “The Boys” and I we were rushing off into our day, we noticed a HUGE spider web – all perfect and symmetrical – hanging right in front of their bedroom window. I suppose we noticed it because the light had captured the early morning dew glistening off of it.

We all agreed that it was “rad!” (Translation: nifty, cool, gnarly, awesome – pick your decade!)

When we all returned back home, early in the afternoon, the web was gone! Huh…

Well, knowing how flimsy webs are, I thought of half a dozen reasons why the web had vanished. We felt a little sad, because it truly had been a thing of beauty.

The next morning, rushing off into our day again, my youngest ran over to check out the window.

“Mom, look!” he cried.

Sure enough, there was the web again – all perfect and symmetrical – hanging in the same place in front of their window.

Huh…

That afternoon – you guessed it – no web – it was gone again. OK, not being an arachnid (fancy English major word for spider) fan in general, I couldn’t explain this weird behavior. However, “The Boys” evidently stole my intelligence when they were born, and they started thinking this through.

“I think he comes out at night,” the oldest said. (Evidently, stolen intelligence also lets you figure out the gender of a spider. So, Charlotte was not in our window…)

“Yeah,” chimed in the youngest. “Let’s spy on him.”

So, like two miniature detectives, “The Boys” opened their window blinds JUST ENOUGH to see, but not so much that they would scare Mr. Spider (the name they picked – OK, intelligent, yes – creative, not so much). Around 5:00, just as dusk was approaching, I heard:

“MOM! HURRY! You gotta see this!”

Well, I hurried – and looked out the window – and there was Mr. Spider painstakingly weaving his web.

I think we watched for close to two hours. We were mesmerized by his little body as he crawled back and forth, following a pattern that only he knew.

We watched Mr. Spider every night for over two months, as he carefully re-constructed a web that he tore down every day. It was lesson in patience and perseverance. It was a thing of beauty.

Mr. Spider taught me a great lesson about the value of slowing down.

He was never in a hurry. His DayPlanner wasn’t overbooked. He wasn’t frantic. He never “cut corners” making any part of his web. Every silk string was perfectly placed. He never gave up. He worked with PURPOSE.

How often do I lose my purpose – which is to glorify God – by frantically getting caught up in a “rat race” of activity? How often do I run around putting out the “immediate” fires while neglecting to tend to the forest? How often am I a slave to the “urgent” – while sacrificing the “important?”

Do I equate “busyness” with “meaning?”

Can anyone relate?

I’m asking God to teach me Mr. Spider’s lesson – slow down, work with purpose, start afresh each day, and concentrate on the important things in life.

“Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE "PICK 'EMS" - Our Advocate

CHECK IT OUT!

A new "BIBLE PICK 'EMS" update is now posted on my other blog:

www.biblepickems.blogspot.com

(For the complete story about "Bible Pick 'Ems," see my blog entry dated June 29, 2010)

(Scripture references for "Bible Pick 'Ems" will continue to be posted on this blog)

THANKS!

"When in doubt, search God out!"

QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

"Suffering, then, constitutes no reason for doubting the existence close at hand of a good God...A being good enough to suffer with advancing life and all the woes of his human children is good enough to be called God...The fountains of laughter and tears are near together in the life of both God and man...

(The following lines are said to have been found on the wall of a room in a hospital):

The cry of man's anguish went up to God,

Lord, take away the pain!

The Shadow that darkens the world Thou hast made;

The close coiling chain

That strangles the heart; the burden that weighs

On the wings that should soar -

Lord, take away pain from the world Thou hast made

That it love Thee the more!

Then answered the Lord to the cry of the world,

Shall I take away pain,

And with it the power of the soul to endure,

Made strong by the strain?

Shall I take away pity that knits heart to heart

And sacrifice high?

Will ye lose all your heroes that lift from the fire

White brows to the sky?

Shall I take away love that redeems with a price

And smiles at its loss?

Can ye spare from your lives that would cling unto Mine

The Christ on His cross?"

(From "What It Means to be a Christian" by Edward Increase Bosworth,

c. 1922)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Mercy

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

Today's word: mercy

What does the word "mercy" mean to you?

Do you think mercy and pity are the same thing? Why or why not?

Let me know what you think!!

“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

JEKYLL OR HYDE…Or Both?

OK, today is “True Confessions” time.

The other day I had a “moment” –

Not a “senior moment” – though those come now as regularly as the sun rises (if I’m not mistaken, that still happens every day, right?!)

No, I had an outburst, a volcanic eruption of anger, an ugly spewing of words –

I’m not a person with a quick temper, by any means. I’m usually pretty long-suffering, fairly meek, and most of the time, I’m able to “hold my tongue.” But in this particular “discussion” something triggered me – I can’t even remember what it was – and Witty Woman turned into Sarcastic Sharon – LOUD Sarcastic Sharon.

But that’s not the worst part.

I am ashamed to admit it, but I’m going to – I sorta enjoyed it.

Jekyll or Hyde? I once again was confronted with the horrible Hyde person that I hide inside (no pun intended…) – I found myself asking, “Where did that come from?”

Well, as a believer, I know EXACTLY where it comes from.

It comes from a sinful nature that still lives within me.

I was reminded of these words of Paul:

“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. I do what I hate…And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway…” (Romans 7:15, 18-19)

But here’s what I really want to emphasize about sin – sometimes it really feels GOOD…at the time. Oh, how subtle and clever the “enemy” is. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He comes to bring disorder, and anger, immorality, and greed, and every sort of ugly “Hyde-ish” thing that lurks in our innermost parts. He comes to exploit our sinful natures, and tempt us to give in to them.

And it works…because sometimes it feels good…at the time.

But, it didn’t take long for that adrenalin rush of anger to wear off. Though at the time it felt “sorta good” to not be patient, to not be kind, to not be quiet – though at the time it felt “sorta good” to assert my rights – it didn’t last.

And then, I felt horrible.

The ugly monster had reared its head – yet again…

Hyde lives.

“Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin...?” (Romans 7:24)

All hope is not lost – of course not!

“Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has FREED you from the power of sin…And Christ lives within you…” (Romans 7:25/8:2, 10)

Jekyll lives.

Wouldn’t it be great if Hyde just disappeared? He will, someday. But for now, we must make a daily choice to center our lives on Jesus. To follow the way of the Spirit. To rely on a Power greater than ourselves. To ask for the desire and the ability to do what pleases God.

To take Hyde to the cross, and let him die…each day.

“…letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

Dear Lord,

Forgive me for giving in to my sinful nature. And forgive me for enjoying even ONE second of it. Deliver me from the “evil one.” I am not strong enough to fight him. Help me WANT to obey You – and give me the POWER to do so. Thank you that there is now “no condemnation,” because I belong to You. Help me to take up my cross DAILY, and to follow You.

In the Name of the One who frees the slaves, and the Master of the “Hyde” in all of us…

AMEN!

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

COMING HOME

Camping is great...but so is COMING HOME!

Did you know that God is working RIGHT NOW in our lives to prepare us for eternity?!

Before He left the disciples, He said to them, "In my Father's house are many rooms...I am going to prepare a place for you...When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am."

(John 14:2-4)

How awesome!!

And God gives us the Holy Spirit as a guarantee, a seal on us, for that day.

When you go out to purchase a house, you look for many things. Everyone's list of what would make a perfect home is different.

When we bought our house, some 27 years ago, I KNEW the moment I walked in the front door - THIS WAS THE PLACE!!

It took some discussion at the time (the price was a LITTLE out of our budget) - but we made an offer, and it was accepted. We paid a down payment, waited through escrow - and finally, the house was OURS - our HOME!!

Let me tell you - JESUS paid the down payment, and our home is waiting for us in Heaven!

This time on earth is just the escrow period.

We believers have a home that is perfectly suited to us. It will be a home that can never be taken away from us - we will live in eternity with God. Our bodies will be swallowed up in life - and we will be released into perfect joy!

I like to watch a show called "Extreme Home Makeover." Each week, the show picks a very needy family, and they completely demolish their old house, and then they rebuild a brand-new, beautiful home for them.

There comes a point in the show when the host asks them if they would like to see their new home. The family opens the front door - and every week I am overwhelmed at their response. They cry with tears of joy, overcome with the knowledge that their old life is done, and now they can begin life anew.

THAT is the image I have when I think about my future HOME with God!!

Jesus paid the down payment, the Holy Spirit seals the deal - and God is waiting with the keys!

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

ON A CAMPING TRIP

One of my favorite things in the world is camping…in a tent!

I had to add that last part – so you can be impressed with my pioneer-woman spirit!

It’s often cold, and dirty, and challenging – but you know what,

I LOVE IT!

“The Hub” always jokes that he should have been born in the 1800’s – it’s true, he should have been. He hates technology – all sorts. He got his first answering machine when we were “long-distance dating” in 2003!

Computer stuff, cell phones, HDTV – forget about it!

He would be perfectly content with a radio and smoke signals!!

But…he and I DO share a love for the great outdoors. Our souls seem to breathe better when we’re in the middle of nature. We love to hike and fish. We love a campfire under a great, starry sky.

The process of setting up camp requires several steps:

1) Pick a quiet (quiet, very important…) campsite

2) Unload ALL the gear

3) Put up the tent (try not to bump into each other or get frustrated over the

zippers that are sticking, or the ground that’s too hard for the tent stakes to

pound into…)

4) Put in the sleeping pads, sleeping bags, pillows, flashlights, etc.

5) Don’t forget the rain flap!

You know what I think is VERY COOL?!

It's the analogy Scripture uses for our earthly bodies. It calls them “tents.”

When we’re camping, our tent becomes our home. It keeps us warm on nights that become bitterly cold. It guards us from the elements – wind and rain. It even protects us from animals that wander around in the night. It’s a comfortable, cozy place to be.

But, even though our tent provides us shelter, and we like being in it, we never forget our true home waiting for us at the end of our journey.

And there comes a day when it is finally time to go home.

“The Hub” and I remove the rain flap, take out the tent stakes, empty it, untie the stabilizing loops, and pull out the metal supports. And you know what?! That tent flattens to the ground in a moment. We fold it up carefully, pack it away, and head home.

That’s what I believe Scripture is trying to show us. These bodies are just tents, temporary dwelling places away from our real home with God in eternity.

“For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God Himself…So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:1, 6)

There is a home waiting for us – a place to dwell with God FOREVER!

AMEN!!

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

THE PROMISED LAND - Or Bust!

Happy Columbus Day!

WHAT?!?! You’re telling me you didn’t know?

Yes, “…in fourteen hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue…”

OK, put aside all the controversies over whether he was the FIRST explorer to step foot on America’s shores…

I’ve just got to give “old Chris” a round of applause for his courage!!!

To take off for parts unknown, to sail to a “new land,” to not know exactly when or how you were going to get there – or if you’re ever coming back. To my sensibilities, that spells BRAVE!!

I am reminded of another brave soul – one who journeyed into distant, unfamiliar lands…

ABRAHAM.

God called – and he obeyed.

Here’s the account in the Bible:

“The LORD had said to (Abraham), “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation”…So (Abraham) departed as the LORD had instructed…[he] was seventy-five years old when he left Haran.”

What tremendous faith Abraham had in God’s word, in His promises!

He moved out into parts unknown, traveling to a distant land, not knowing exactly when or how he was going to get there – but he was trusting God for guidance, and relying on His faithfulness to accomplish His purposes.

How difficult...

The Bible doesn’t record any dialogue between God and Abraham regarding that initial call to leave. I wonder. Was Abraham immediately willing? Did he struggle with the decision? Did he protest that he was too old to make such a journey? How did he tell Sarah? How did the family react?

But, the important FACT remains.

Abraham had to decide between the security of home and family, and the uncertainty of traveling under God’s direction.

He chose GOD.

And his faith-full decision affected the course of the history of the world. Because through his obedience, God blessed all of humanity with the gift of His Son, our Savior!

Where is God calling us to go? Is it into a “new land” of greater service for Him? Are we willing to go…or not?

I can think of a million excuses why I CAN’T follow where God leads sometimes…

Are your excuses like mine?

“I’m too old.”

“I’m afraid.”

“I don’t have the time.”

“I don’t know what to say or do.”

“What if I fail?”

“I’m comfortable doing what I’m doing now.”

“Can’t someone else go?”

What about my favorite?

“Lord, I’m NOT Abraham!!”

Oh Lord, increase my faith!!

We must not let the security of our present position make us miss out on God’s plan for us. We must learn to trust, to be obedient, to be courageous…

…and to be willing to GO!

“And Abram (Abraham) believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith.” (Genesis 15:6)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE "PICK 'EMS" - Do Not Judge

CHECK IT OUT!

A new "BIBLE PICK 'EMS" update is now posted on my other blog:

www.biblepickems.blogspot.com

(For the complete story about "Bible Pick 'Ems," see my blog entry dated June 29, 2010)

(Scripture references for "Bible Pick 'Ems" will continue to be posted on this blog)

THANKS!

"When in doubt, search God out!"

QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

Christ whispers.

"Seek no rights. Judge every one's motives to be noble and true and great. Every wrong and injustice make you dearer to Me. The more you are hidden, unappreciated, unnoticed, the more truly do I take up My abode in you and value every act you perform and notice the slightest effort to be good...

Strive to be spiritual. It is for this you are a follower of Me. Many things will attract you more than the spiritual life, everything else is easier, than the spiritual life, but be courageous to set them all aside, and little by little the interior life will absorb you, will satisfy you, and you will long for nothing else. All this means great effort and an amount of suffering, but I am with you. I stand by your side, My child, unseen tis true, but ever strengthening, guiding, and encouraging.

The time will not be long before you shall see my smile of approval and hear my words of love unending, and enjoy the happiness of eternal life."

(From "Spiritual Pastels" by J.S.E., c. 1918)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Resist

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

Today's word: resist

What does this phrase mean to you? - "...resist the devil..."

"...Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

"Stand firm against him [the devil]..." (1 Peter 5:9)

Let me know what you think!!

(P.S. Taking a poll: Do you like seeing the "word for the week" in the title - or do you prefer being surprised when you read the post? Appreciate your input!!)

“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

ARE YOU READY?

Last weekend, I was watching the Sunday Night football game between the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants. (I’m not picking sides…)

The starting quarterback for the Bears didn’t return for the second half – he had suffered a concussion. Second-string quarterback steps in…a whiplash tackle from behind…he’s out of the game.

OK, can you imagine what it felt like to be that THIRD-string quarterback on the sidelines? He threw a total of 7 passes all last season – yup…SEVEN! And now he’s warming up, getting ready to take the field.

Made me think…

Was he ready?

I’m sure when he suited up Sunday evening, he did not anticipate having to play.

But had he kept himself ready? Did he dedicate himself to playing his hardest in practice scrimmages, did he keep lifting weights, keeping himself in shape; did he listen to the coach, and continue to try to improve his skills?

Do you think he ever got discouraged?

In my women’s Bible Study, we’re learning about David. Did you know that it was 22 years from the time Samuel anointed him until he finally became King of Judah?

Did he ever feel like that third-string quarterback?

Did he try to rush God’s timing – or did he continue to faithfully do what God asked him to do? Did he complain under the yoke of preparation and training – or did he have faith that God was still working during that time? Did he give up – or did he persevere, knowing that God would fulfill His promises and purposes for his life?

I think we know the answers…

David was a mighty example of a faithful person.

He dedicated himself FULLY to whatever God was doing in his life…AT THAT TIME!

No wonder God called him a “man after His own heart!”

Sometimes God calls us to a season when it doesn’t seem like much is happening – a time when we feel like we’re sitting on the sidelines.

How do you react?

Are you like me? Have you ever prayed, “Lord, I’m ready. Why isn’t (fill in the blank) happening yet?”

How often do I begrudge the “training” seasons of my life? How often do I complain about “waiting?” How often do I get caught up in the mundane, and see no GRAND purpose in any of the small details of my everyday life?

How often do I wonder – Where is the great “break-through” in my life?

I’m a third-string quarterback…

But am I doing my best to stay in spiritual shape? Am I trusting God like David did?

Dear God,

Please help me to have the grace to “stand by” – knowing that the lessons I learn during times of waiting, will give me the courage to “step up” when You call. I want to be ready, at all times, and in all things. Teach me, train me, Lord, mold me into the person you want me to be – a person that can be used fully by You – for Your purposes. Even if I’m on the sidelines, show me how to “stay in the game” – so when the RIGHT time comes along, I can say, “Put me in, Coach, I’m ready to play…”

Are you ready?

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

A DIALOGUE WITH GOD

Psalm 142 – “A psalm of David, regarding his experience in the cave. A prayer.”

“I cry out to the Lord…”

Oh Lord, please hear me –

“I plead for the LORD’S mercy.”

Lord, I don’t deserve it, but please be kind to me –

“I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles.”

This life is hard, Lord. I have so many problems. So many things are difficult. I don’t know where to start –

“When I am overwhelmed…”

Lord, it’s all too much. I feel like I’m drowning –

“…you alone know the way I should turn.”

Please show me what to do, Lord. I just want to follow You –

“Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me.”

Lord, Satan is after me. It seems like he’s there all the time with defeating thoughts, or discouraging doubts. Sometimes I feel like I’m caught up in a snare –

“I look for someone to come and help me…”

I can’t do this alone. I need help –

“…but no one gives me a passing thought!”

But sometimes I just feel so alone –

“Then I pray to you, O LORD.”

I finally pray, Lord – the one thing I should have done from the very start –

“I say, ‘You are my place of refuge…”

Lord, you are a shelter from the wind, a quiet place in the middle of

the storm –

“…You are all I really want in life.”

When it comes right down to it, Lord, nothing really matters to me

besides You –

“Hear my cry, for I am very low.”

Even so, Lord, I feel so down, so sad, so hopeless –

“Rescue me from my persecutors…”

Help me, Lord. Only You can rescue me from the “enemy” –

“…for they are too strong for me.”

I don’t have the power to fight him. He’s too clever, too mean –

“Bring me out of prison…”

Sometimes this world makes me feel trapped, like I can’t escape its suffering and hardships –

“…so I can thank you.”

But oh, Lord, how grateful I am that You love me – I know that this world is NOT all there is – and how glad I am for that –

“The godly will crowd around me…”

Thank you for giving me other believers to help me along my journey –

“…for you are good to me.”

I love You, Lord – and I know that You are good – all the time.

AMEN!

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

A "GOD'S EYE" VIEW

Heavenly perspective…

I talked about it in yesterday’s post.

I must admit, though I get the concept intellectually – and know that I’ll never fully understand what things look like from God’s point of view – I still find myself trying to figure it out.

Yes, I see the irony – a human trying to “see like God!”

Impossible, yes…

But still…

Maybe it’s the English major in me – I’m always trying to find “word picture” examples that help me grasp Biblical concepts. Not answers, just tools –

So, heavenly perspective – what might that look like?

I had an experience about a year ago that helped me understand a little bit better.

My dad and I were flying home from Chicago. I’m not a big fan of flying – so fortunately, I don’t have to do it very often! But when I do, I always try to grab the window seat! I just love looking out at the country passing by underneath. It’s fascinating to me. It’s so cool how everything grows smaller as we take off and climb – how everything grows bigger as we prepare to land.

So, on this particular trip, I was looking out the window as we began our descent to the local airport here in Orange County. The approach to John Wayne Airport requires a heading that comes over mountains, and then foothills, before reaching the suburban landscape of thousands of houses and buildings.

On this flight, I noticed a little road that wound its way around the foothills. And on this road, was one little car. I had a moment of clarity (they are few and far between – that’s how I notice them!).

From my perspective, I could see the WHOLE road. I could see where that little car had been 10 minutes ago, where it was now, and where it was going to be 10 minutes from now. In one glance, I could “see” the car’s past, present, and future. In some way, I was “removed” temporarily from the time and space that that little car occupied.

WOW! I thought…kinda like how God can see our WHOLE lives at the same time.

He doesn’t exist in time and space – so His view truly IS all-knowing. He sees the past, present, and future in one eternal “NOW!”

I got to thinking – what if there was a roadblock up ahead that temporarily closed the road? That little car wouldn’t know about it right now. It would be ten minutes before they encountered the delay. I knew about it – of course. From MY perspective, that roadblock was happening now.

But in ten minutes, that little car would encounter this circumstance.

And then there would be a choice to make.

Wait for the roadblock to clear, turn left, turn right, or go back the way they had just come, looking for another route.

The car could choose how to reach its destination, but the destination was still waiting at the end of that road.

In some small way, this really helped me understand heavenly perspective.

God sees EVERY moment of my life. He knows what’s “in the past.” He knows what’s happening “now.” And He knows what’s “up ahead.” The entire “road” of my life, if you will, is under His watchful care.

He knows, He SEES.

Me? You? We’re just driving the road, one mile at a time, with decisions to make along the way.

So what should we do?

I’m making sure that I have radio contact with that guy in the plane!!

I’m praying – all the time, in every moment, for each circumstance that comes along – “Lord, what should I do?”

The One who sees the ENTIRE road – the Sovereign Lord of Heavenly Perspective – will be gracious to lead us, to guide us…

…all the time, in every moment, for each circumstance that comes along!

And the destination??? An eternity in God’s Presence!!!

PRAISE GOD!!

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

ONE BIG PUZZLE

I love doing jigsaw puzzles!!

My personal record – a 2,000 piece puzzle! (OK, I didn’t do it by myself…but still, two THOUSAND pieces!!!)

It’s funny how people work on puzzles differently.

My dad, the mechanical engineer, insists on finding the four corners first, then finishing the border, (“Look for all the straight edges…”), and then he proceeds to tackle the puzzle by looking at shapes.

I have a slightly different method. I agree with the four-corner idea, and then the border fill-in. But from there, I have a slightly more artistic way to approach things. I make all kinds of little piles of puzzle pieces that have the same pattern or color on them.

We’re all different…

I had a friend whose grandmother thought it was too easy doing jigsaw puzzles using the picture on the box. So, she would turn all the pieces upside-down, and put the puzzle together just by looking at the shapes!!

That might work with older puzzles, when the shapes were all different…a little harder with new puzzles that are machine-cut, and all the pieces look EXACTLY ALIKE!!!

But her method of “puzzle-putting-together” got me thinking…

What if I tried to do it that way?

I could see me finding pieces that “look” like they fit – only to discover that they don’t…not quite. I might be patient for a while, but then, in sheer frustration, instead of waiting and looking for the right piece, I might start “forcing” the issue.

“I just know this is the piece. It has to go in here. Look at this little twisty side – it matches this over here. It’s just got to fit. Here, maybe if I push a little harder…”

You get the picture? (No pun intended…)

This whole jigsaw puzzle idea has interesting spiritual lessons, I think.

How often do I try to solve the “jigsaw puzzle” of my life on my own? How often do I try to jam all the little pieces into the places where I think they fit? And if they don’t, how often do I try to force things to fit together “my” way? And then, if they still don’t fit, do I just throw my hands up in frustration and quit? Or do I sometimes sit with a broken puzzle piece in my hand, the remnant of all that forceful pushing?

Hmmm…

Is it just possible that I’m looking at the whole thing upside-down???

God sees the PICTURE, my friends – the COMPLETE picture!

He sees the pattern of the shapes, the nuances of the colors. He sees where the straight edges go. He sees how the pieces with twisty sides match up with others perfectly.

He sees the way the puzzle will look when it’s finally put together right.

A few posts ago, I talked about having heavenly perspective. Trying to look at things through God’s eyes. It’s something we have to practice, for sure. But the truth of the matter is this – we will never in this life have the FULL picture. God is the only One who has true Heavenly perspective.

So, why not trust the Lord, the Great Puzzle Master – the One who cut the original pieces, and sees the completed picture?

A life, ordered and connected, with ALL the pieces meshing together

JUST SO…

In a pattern He ordained…

“Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Psalm 139:16)

“You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

(Mark 8:33)

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts…And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE "PICK 'EMS" - You Will Be Saved!

CHECK IT OUT!

A new "BIBLE PICK 'EMS" update is now posted on my other blog:

www.biblepickems.blogspot.com

(For the complete story about "Bible Pick 'Ems," see my blog entry dated June 29, 2010)

(Scripture references for "Bible Pick 'Ems" will continue to be posted on this blog)

THANKS!

"When in doubt, search God out!"

QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

"Strange fact it is that some of us are quite abashed to be found in love with Christ. We hide our prayers lest we should be caught chatting with Him. We steal into church with questioning eyes, lest others might detect us. We while away the hours with earthly friends, yet His name is scarcely sounded, or, if so, with almost an apology. But why?

Is there aught of fault or blemish in Christ, that we should hang shameful head, if known to have His friendship? - Queer folk we are! Christ is God with all God's boundless perfections and He is Man, the highest, holiest, noblest man that has ever graced our world - and it is for this that we would keep concealed our love for Him?

Men may know from the great facts of our lives that we hold Him for our King and God, but in the little ways of daily habit do we fear to let them see that we have a royal Lover to whom our lives are pledged in troth and whom we mean to please in all our ways?

...Sweet, then, oh, sweet beyond the power of words ought it to be to us to tell all the well-loved ways of this our Friend, and let all men know that it is our one ambition to be like to Him in every thought and every word and every deed, for this is the mastering passion of our lives."

(From "My Changeless Friend" by Frances P. LeBuffe, c. 1921)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Surrender

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

Today's word: surrender

Does the word "surrender" make you think of weakness or strength?

Does it mean - "I give up..." (I can't win)

or "I give over..." (I choose to relinquish)?

What's the hardest thing you've had to "surrender"?

Let me know what you think!!

“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"