I was up very early Sunday morning with a sick little one, so we snuggled on the couch and watched Enchanted. In case you don't know me, I am NOT a movie kind of girl! So for me to watch a movie more than once is rare (of course my kids watch the same videos over and over, but I am usually doing something else after the first viewing). The first time I watched Enchanted was on a trip to Dallas with students a few years ago...I had nothing to do but watch the video on the bus ride, although I was not fully watching it and didn't get to see the ending. I was surprised at how God used it to teach me the first time I saw the movie (read the post here).
Seeing the ending of the movie made me sad Sunday. This time when I finished the movie I had some of the same negative thoughts I usually do about movies (waste of time, etc...). I'm not really sure what emotions it brought up...but not good. In fact, kind of put a damper on my day until I realized I was thinking so negatively and took my thoughts captive. This writing is an attempt to sort out the negative feelings and bring them into the light of Jesus. (It's not a new movie, but if you've not seen it and don't want to ruin it, watch it before you read on. Even if you've not seen the movie, I hope that you will still benefit from this writing).
Here's what I think I got out of it: We are like Giselle-made for our Prince (Jesus) but when we spend too much time in the world, we give up on our first love. After being in NYC, Giselle began taking on their customs and was not as enchanted with her prince. She spent too much time with another man and fell in love with him. Have we done that-spent too much time with the world and desire what it has to offer more than we want what Jesus has to offer?
Even though the movie seemed to end with a 'happily ever after' since the prince found a new bride and Giselle chose a new groom...it left me sad! I don't want to loose my first love! I was comforted when this verse came to mind:
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Jude 24-25
He will keep me from loosing my first love! I want to fall more deeply in love with Jesus every day and let the fascination with the world grow dim. I don't want to settle for less than my Hero-my Jesus. I want to be ready when He comes for me and this promise remind me that he will present me with great joy!
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Revelation 19:17
Verse 18 goes on to say that the bride is wearing fine linen which is righteousness. It has been given us to wear by the sacrifice of Christ. I am working on a blog about clothing now...will post more later-but for now just note that Christ's sacrifice makes us ready!
The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:29-30
We, the bride of Christ-belong to Him! We are his and cannot be snatched from his hand. We can choose not to focus on Jesus, but He still loves us. Jesus is still captivated by his bride-just as the prince was in the movie. He was still singing to Giselle even when she lost interest.
You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. Song of Solomon 4:9
The bride of Christ 'stole His heart' before we were even born-He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world!!! He will never give up on us even if we don't remember His promises. Today my Z whispered in my ear "you are a princess, mommy-that will make your day better"! What a sweet reminder!!! You too friend are a princess (or prince) as well-for your Father is the king of kings and you are the bride of the Prince of Peace. Think about that!!
The end of Beth Moore's teaching on Life Today confirmed what God was speaking into my heart this week. There is a happily every after...My God will make all things new!!
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. Matthew 25:34
This happily ever after is brings me much more joy and peace than thinking on a movie (now do you see why I don't do movies ;) I think too much, lol).
The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 51:11
Lord God, You're the King of the world. You've stolen my heart, Yes You have! You've wiped away the stains,and broke away the chains, Yes You have! You are able to keep my eyes on you and present me holy and without fault in your presence. Thank you Jesus!! In your presence we become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which we shine like stars in the universe (Phil 2:15) Thank you for your mercy and grace and for the ways you speak your truth and love in my life. I love you Lord!!!
Thanks for reading this super long blog post...and in case you are wondering I feel better now:) Sorting through feelings in the light of the Word always does that for me!
Showing posts with label confirmation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label confirmation. Show all posts
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Forgetting God's Goodness
After the spiritual amnesia post I wrote earlier in the week, I read a Harvest Devotion via email with interest since confirmation (repeating themes) is one way God has been speaking to me. Here is a portion of it:
Later, after they crossed to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring any bread. "Watch out!" Jesus warned them. "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Matthew 16:5
After the revelation over the weekend that I am prone to spiritual amnesia, this verse jumped out at me-specifically Jesus' words to beware of the yeast. Yeast puffs up and spreads through a whole batch of dough- a little yeast goes a long way. Was the 'yeast' he was talking about here forgetting the goodness of God?
If the 'yeast' is discontentment or dissatisfaction (as I was dealing with earlier) then it only takes a bit to cause that to overflow out of your life. If the 'yeast' is fear (that God won't provide), then it only takes a bit to impact your life.
Jesus warned the disciples to beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees, or religious people of the time. This means we also need to be aware of the 'yeast' that we can pick up on from others. When we are surrounded by spiritual amnesia, negativity, religion, or fear it is easy to get brought down with the group if we don't constantly focus on Jesus-the bread of life.
If we trust in and focus on Jesus and renew our minds, we won't forget God's goodness! We will not be conformed to the pattern of this world (infected by 'yeast'), but will be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Then we will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2)!!! We will be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 17:16-18).
And who knows, maybe the Spirit in us will impact those around us instead of the 'yeast' infecting us! Wait-we do know- You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 Praise the Lord!! Jesus in us is greater than the 'yeast' and when we look to Jesus we will not forget God's goodness!
Have you ever forgotten God's goodness to you? Have you ever had to relearn something? I know I have. And the disciples did too. Matthew's Gospel tells us that on one occasion, the disciples had forgotten to bring bread on their journey, and they were worried about it. The feeding of the 5,000 had happened only days earlier. Then there was another miracle of the feeding of the 4,000. So what happened? They forgot. That is what happened. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The same God who was there for you in the past will be with you here in the present. And He will be there for you in the future as well.
Later, after they crossed to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring any bread. "Watch out!" Jesus warned them. "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Matthew 16:5
After the revelation over the weekend that I am prone to spiritual amnesia, this verse jumped out at me-specifically Jesus' words to beware of the yeast. Yeast puffs up and spreads through a whole batch of dough- a little yeast goes a long way. Was the 'yeast' he was talking about here forgetting the goodness of God?
If the 'yeast' is discontentment or dissatisfaction (as I was dealing with earlier) then it only takes a bit to cause that to overflow out of your life. If the 'yeast' is fear (that God won't provide), then it only takes a bit to impact your life.
Jesus warned the disciples to beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees, or religious people of the time. This means we also need to be aware of the 'yeast' that we can pick up on from others. When we are surrounded by spiritual amnesia, negativity, religion, or fear it is easy to get brought down with the group if we don't constantly focus on Jesus-the bread of life.
If we trust in and focus on Jesus and renew our minds, we won't forget God's goodness! We will not be conformed to the pattern of this world (infected by 'yeast'), but will be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Then we will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2)!!! We will be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 17:16-18).
And who knows, maybe the Spirit in us will impact those around us instead of the 'yeast' infecting us! Wait-we do know- You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 Praise the Lord!! Jesus in us is greater than the 'yeast' and when we look to Jesus we will not forget God's goodness!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Confirmation
Sometimes I'm funny. Not 'ha, ha' make you laugh funny...but my thought processes are 'funny'. Here's what I mean: If God's word clearly states a promise, then why do I constantly want Him to confirm it to me?
Gideon sometimes gets unfair criticism for ensuring God wanted him to be a mighty warrior against the Midianites(Judges 6). Although he starts many phrases with "if" and asks God more than once to confirm his instructions, I can't criticize Gideon because I have realized that I react similarly when I hear a word from God. The word I hear doesn't come from an angel of the Lord as in Gideon's case, but sometimes seems as unlikely even though I can read it with my own eyes.
What I have begun to realize is that God uses 'themes' or key words that get my attention and draw me into His word. I keep a notebook that I use to jot down verses or quotes once I notice that it is a recurring theme in what I'm reading or hearing. Once I begin to take note of a theme or word-it seems like I see or hear it everywhere.
It reminds me of what happened when I got my first new car...as I drove away from the lot it seemed like I had the only car like it, but then I started noticing 'my car' everywhere! This phenomenon also occurred when I was pregnant...at first I was the only one I knew expecting, but then suddenly there were pregnant women everywhere I looked. Once we are attuned to something our eyes are opened
Last weekend I took time to read through some sermon notes from the last few years and saw even more vividly the repetitive themes. God has used many different teachers to get his word across to me-and it's awesome to look back and see how He's teaching me. So then, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 NKJV
I recall hearing Priscilla Shirer speak in August about the secret of confirmation: when life does not affirm, God goes out of his way to confirm. She encouraged us to keep our eyes open! In the margin of the notes I wrote what came to my mind that day-my Aunt Julie had sent me a link to podcasts from a ladies' retreat she had attended. As I listened to the teacher speak on the finished work of Christ at the cross it confirmed what God had been teaching me!
So why this post about confirmation? Last Sunday Pastor Charlie taught on "no condemnation" which has been a recurring message for the past oh...few YEARS! Sometimes it just takes awhile to really get the word rooted in my heart. God must know that I need confirmation, otherwise He wouldn't so graciously give it to me!
Thank you Lord for the gift of confirmation. You are so good to show me your way through your word and your servants. Like a newborn baby, I crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it I may grow up in my salvation, now that I have tasted that you Lord are good. I don't want to live on milk alone since you have acquainted me with your teaching about righteousness, I want solid food to prepare me to teach your word and train me to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:12-14)!! Thank you Lord for the Word! In Jesus name...AMEN
Gideon sometimes gets unfair criticism for ensuring God wanted him to be a mighty warrior against the Midianites(Judges 6). Although he starts many phrases with "if" and asks God more than once to confirm his instructions, I can't criticize Gideon because I have realized that I react similarly when I hear a word from God. The word I hear doesn't come from an angel of the Lord as in Gideon's case, but sometimes seems as unlikely even though I can read it with my own eyes.
What I have begun to realize is that God uses 'themes' or key words that get my attention and draw me into His word. I keep a notebook that I use to jot down verses or quotes once I notice that it is a recurring theme in what I'm reading or hearing. Once I begin to take note of a theme or word-it seems like I see or hear it everywhere.
It reminds me of what happened when I got my first new car...as I drove away from the lot it seemed like I had the only car like it, but then I started noticing 'my car' everywhere! This phenomenon also occurred when I was pregnant...at first I was the only one I knew expecting, but then suddenly there were pregnant women everywhere I looked. Once we are attuned to something our eyes are opened
Last weekend I took time to read through some sermon notes from the last few years and saw even more vividly the repetitive themes. God has used many different teachers to get his word across to me-and it's awesome to look back and see how He's teaching me. So then, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 NKJV
I recall hearing Priscilla Shirer speak in August about the secret of confirmation: when life does not affirm, God goes out of his way to confirm. She encouraged us to keep our eyes open! In the margin of the notes I wrote what came to my mind that day-my Aunt Julie had sent me a link to podcasts from a ladies' retreat she had attended. As I listened to the teacher speak on the finished work of Christ at the cross it confirmed what God had been teaching me!
So why this post about confirmation? Last Sunday Pastor Charlie taught on "no condemnation" which has been a recurring message for the past oh...few YEARS! Sometimes it just takes awhile to really get the word rooted in my heart. God must know that I need confirmation, otherwise He wouldn't so graciously give it to me!
Thank you Lord for the gift of confirmation. You are so good to show me your way through your word and your servants. Like a newborn baby, I crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it I may grow up in my salvation, now that I have tasted that you Lord are good. I don't want to live on milk alone since you have acquainted me with your teaching about righteousness, I want solid food to prepare me to teach your word and train me to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:12-14)!! Thank you Lord for the Word! In Jesus name...AMEN
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Desire versus Time
I desire to share what God is doing in my life in hopes that it may encourage just one person. I have struggled to find the time to blog and determine if it's really something I should do, if it has eternal significance. I believe it will be significant, that if God has given me the desire He will make it successful. I believe that as I trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways acknowledge him, and he will make my paths straight (Proverb3:5-6).
This morning after reading several blogs, I have been encouraged...so if God can use someone's blog to bring me encouragement-He will be able to use mine to encourage someone else!! A post from 'she will sing there' blog, Compelled by Love really captures how I feel about blogging. Another one I read this morning from the 'passionate homemaking' blog What Kind of Shoes Do You Wear? encouraged me that blogging does use the gifts He has given me. This is the confirmation I have been seeking as I've felt led to update my blog and spend some time writing the things He is teaching me. So...in the next while, I will continue to 're-do' the blog and attempt to put some of the things in my mind on the screen! I want to make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5) and follow the Spirit as He guides me into balance in all areas of my life!
Lord, I commit to you whatever I do and believe that my plans will succeed (Prov 16:3) Teach me how to live to please you, because you're my God. Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland (Psalm 143:10) Help me to not just keep my priorities straight, but to continually straighten them out according to your will for my life. Help me not to be foolish, but to understand what your will is (Ephesians 5:17). Jesus, I know it is in YOU that I find out who I am and what I'm living for (Ephesians 1:11). Guide me and my friends, family and readers in finding more of you and your love each day. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12) May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17) AMEN!
This morning after reading several blogs, I have been encouraged...so if God can use someone's blog to bring me encouragement-He will be able to use mine to encourage someone else!! A post from 'she will sing there' blog, Compelled by Love really captures how I feel about blogging. Another one I read this morning from the 'passionate homemaking' blog What Kind of Shoes Do You Wear? encouraged me that blogging does use the gifts He has given me. This is the confirmation I have been seeking as I've felt led to update my blog and spend some time writing the things He is teaching me. So...in the next while, I will continue to 're-do' the blog and attempt to put some of the things in my mind on the screen! I want to make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5) and follow the Spirit as He guides me into balance in all areas of my life!
Lord, I commit to you whatever I do and believe that my plans will succeed (Prov 16:3) Teach me how to live to please you, because you're my God. Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland (Psalm 143:10) Help me to not just keep my priorities straight, but to continually straighten them out according to your will for my life. Help me not to be foolish, but to understand what your will is (Ephesians 5:17). Jesus, I know it is in YOU that I find out who I am and what I'm living for (Ephesians 1:11). Guide me and my friends, family and readers in finding more of you and your love each day. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12) May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17) AMEN!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
