You are probably laughing while reading the title of this blog, but it is true, I don't want to be a lurker. Some of you may be wondering what a lurker is, and let me explain.
As Christian women, we know that it is wrong to try and attract a guy's attention by allowing our speech and clothing to be immodest. The world tells women to be aggressive and assertive and to pursue the thing (guy) that you want, but we know as Christian women that we are to wait for the guy to pursue us. Yes, we have heard this lecture in church and elsewhere a million times, generally using the Proverbs 31 woman as an example, but I believe lurking is of the same nature as the above. Lurking is when you know the guy you are interested in will be somewhere and you make it a point to be there at the same time only because of him. Lurking has manifested itself in my lives differently at every age. For example ...
In junior high, I would take me dog for a walk, and we would just so happen to walk by my crush's house in hope of catching a glimpse of him.
In high school, my friends and I would wait by the pool after school hoping to talk to the hot water polo players.
I know, I know ... it really seems innocent, but it wasn't. My heart's motives were not pure, and I was really hoping to attract each of the guys' attention while I nonchalantly 'lurked'. Lurking, in essence, is passive aggressive behavior and is a form of pursuit--we try to make it innocent, but when it all comes down, the motive of our heart is wrong and we become the one pursuing the guy. In the Song of Solomon, the young married couple urges us to not "arouse or awaken love until she pleases". God has a plan for our lives, and we do not need to take matters into our own hands by choosing to be a lurker. Allow God to bring His chosen one to you in His timing!
Monday, March 5, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
SHOEBOXES
Have you ever heard of a shoebox changing a life? I know…I know, you’re thinking of that new pair of Via Spiga shoes that I must admit, have changed my life in the way I look in a certain outfit but alas…only for that moment. I’m talking about a shoebox that has the potential of changing a child’s life forever!
I recently had the unique opportunity of going to Panama to distribute Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes and it was simply amazing. We went into the hills and small villages in this country and the kids were so grateful for anything they received. Sometimes they would open the box and then close it not realizing that it was a gift especially made for them and that they were able to keep all those presents!
One of my favorite things about this program is that it’s all about telling the children about Jesus. One shoebox does not change a child’s life but the message that goes along with it which is Jesus Christ will change their lives.
Tomorrow is not promised for any of us but to have an opportunity to present the gospel to these children and to tell them that there is a hope for Tomorrow was an incredible experience!
If you’ve never made a shoebox then please try and make one this year. It’s one of the most rewarding feelings you’ll ever have. It’s not about the monetary donation but the feeling of hand selecting each of those items that you’ll place in your box and praying for the child that will receive it is. You never know how the Lord will use your box to minister to a little boy or little girl somewhere around the world! What an incredible opportunity to be used by the Lord!
For more information on Operation Christmas Child please go to www.samaritanspurse.org/occ
Below are some pictures I took while in Panama!
This little girl stole my heart!
I just think this shot expresses how the boxes effect these kids. This is Carlito with one of our regional directors. Carlito was so excited over his box and he had so much joy in him he couldn't stop talking! You can see by the way he's hugging Dave that he's the most loving little boy! All the kids at this particular distribution site were just as loving and so incredibly grateful!
I couldn’t resist this picture…she was such a sweet little woman…I called her my Panamanian grandma! She got a kick out of that one!
I know you can’t imagine it at times but this is the living circumstance for these kids…they girls are so precious! This was the back yard which isn’t much different from the inside of the house…
He was so excited over his book!
I recently had the unique opportunity of going to Panama to distribute Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes and it was simply amazing. We went into the hills and small villages in this country and the kids were so grateful for anything they received. Sometimes they would open the box and then close it not realizing that it was a gift especially made for them and that they were able to keep all those presents!
One of my favorite things about this program is that it’s all about telling the children about Jesus. One shoebox does not change a child’s life but the message that goes along with it which is Jesus Christ will change their lives.
Tomorrow is not promised for any of us but to have an opportunity to present the gospel to these children and to tell them that there is a hope for Tomorrow was an incredible experience!
If you’ve never made a shoebox then please try and make one this year. It’s one of the most rewarding feelings you’ll ever have. It’s not about the monetary donation but the feeling of hand selecting each of those items that you’ll place in your box and praying for the child that will receive it is. You never know how the Lord will use your box to minister to a little boy or little girl somewhere around the world! What an incredible opportunity to be used by the Lord!
For more information on Operation Christmas Child please go to www.samaritanspurse.org/occ
Below are some pictures I took while in Panama!
This Little Girl received a lamb in her shoebox…the lamb plays “Jesus loves me” when you squeeze it…isn’t she adorable?!
They love to get letters and pictures of the people that made the box…they call them “My American Family
This little girl stole my heart!
This is a shot of all the kids opening their gifts at the same time! You have no idea how difficult it is asking them not to peak in their box until everyone had one!
I just think this shot expresses how the boxes effect these kids. This is Carlito with one of our regional directors. Carlito was so excited over his box and he had so much joy in him he couldn't stop talking! You can see by the way he's hugging Dave that he's the most loving little boy! All the kids at this particular distribution site were just as loving and so incredibly grateful!
I couldn’t resist this picture…she was such a sweet little woman…I called her my Panamanian grandma! She got a kick out of that one! I know you can’t imagine it at times but this is the living circumstance for these kids…they girls are so precious! This was the back yard which isn’t much different from the inside of the house…He was so excited over his book!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
American Idolatry
Melissa’s Take on American Idolatry
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40
This is from Beth Moore's Website, http://www.lproof.org/Devotions/2007/AmericanIdolatry.html. We thought that it was very thought provoking and convicting ... May God speak!
Today’s Treasure: “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen” (Romans 1:25).
As I sit here and ponder the news as of late, my heart becomes heavily burdened. From Michael Jackson and Anna Nicole Smith to the latest media frenzy, the rich and famous don’t seem to be holding up too well. I wonder if there isn’t some common denominator between these troubled souls. How could those who have so much fame, talent, and not to mention enough money to purchase for them their every object of desire, be so self-destructive? I can’t help but think of the fates of those such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Kurt Cobain, whose status of fame may as well have been elevated to sainthood. And then it hits me, what if the common denominator is not solely their individual self-destructiveness, but what if it includes the destructiveness of American Idolatry?
It seems to me that idolizing a human being isn’t just unhealthy and destructive for the one doing the idolizing, but also for the one being idolized. If there is any truth in this notion, namely, that it simply is not healthy (or to use politically incorrect language, it is simply morally wrong) for a person to be worshipped and idolized, then the American population is partly to blame for the broken state and the troubled fate of so many bold and indeed talented souls. Can we not appreciate a person’s talent and beauty without obsessing over what clothes they have worn at the Oscars or what person they are dating this week as opposed to last week? Is any single person worthy of this excessive attention or infatuation?
In Romans 1, the apostle Paul condemns the human race for suppressing the truth of God; he says that we should have seen God’s invisible attributes through that which is displayed in the created world. He goes on to declare that we didn’t honor God, but exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man. We failed and continue to fail to rightly credit the Creator, and instead we worship and serve the creatures that he has created. When we gaze upon the beauty or marvel at the talent of another and we fail to recognize that it is God alone who is the author and the source, we are not only lying to ourselves but we are doing a great disservice to our fellow man.
To have the American masses track your every move, fall at your feet, and even scream and shed tears in your presence—knowing all the while that you yourself are subject to the same kind of sickness and eventual death as the common folk—may be flattering for a moment, but in the end it is merely isolating, oppressive, and repulsive. Our obsession with the rich and famous places them in an impossible position, for there is only one name under heaven that is meant to be adored and there is only one being who will not be destructed by our worship. There is only one who remains pure and holy despite His glorious, incomprehensible, and inevitable, yes, eternal fame!
God doesn’t have an emotional need for our worship. Believe me, he gets plenty of it! For even the angelic beings shouted as they watched him place the stars in the sky and even now as I, a small speck on this globe, push buttons on a key-board, the entire heavens and earth declare of his glory! It is He who measured the waters in the hollow of His hand. It is He who weighed the mountains in a balance and the hills in a pair of scales. To whom then shall we liken God? Or what likeness shall we compare with Him? We Americans, like, the craftsmen of old, are guilty of seeking out and fashioning for ourselves meaningless idols—we create them, we gaze upon them, we place hope in them, and then we condemn them when they don’t deliver and meet our needs and expectations. At the end of the day, idolizing a person is as futile as worshipping a wooden statue, for both are corruptible and they shall both return to the dust. God alone is incorruptible, and not only does he alone deserve man’s worship but he is the only being who is not corrupted by man’s worship. He is the one who reduces powerful rulers to nothing and makes even the judges of the earth meaningless…truly, he merely blows on them and they wither.
So I, a Christian who is guilty of having spent hundreds of dollars on People magazines, join my voice with the prophet Isaiah, “who shall we liken God…who shall be his equal?” And I am revitalized by the answer to this rhetorical question: no one. Let us lift up our eyes on high and see who has created the stars…for He calls them by name and because of the greatness of His might and the strength of his power, not one of them is missing. (Isa. 40:26) Only after first recognizing the Creator’s masterful hand behind every facet of life should we appreciate and savor the talents and the beauty of another…and even then, let us tread carefully, for ours is a jealous God. So then, I dare us (indeed I dare myself) to stop pointing fingers and asking why many who have phenomenal God-given talents, or extraordinary and dumb-founding God-given beauty, are so often hitting rock bottom. Yes, let you and me stop pointing fingers and actually claim part of the responsibility for their downfall!
Lord, You alone are God and You have no equal. You are the Source and Creator of every beauty and talent. Please forgive us for fashioning idols out of human beings. Open our eyes to see where our admiration for another person has crossed the line into idolatry. We repent of giving our worship to anyone but You. We confess our part in bringing the downfall of those we have idolized. Lord, let our gaze be fixed solely on You. Captivate our hearts in such a way that we are never comfortable giving or receiving idolatrous praise. May we be quick to humble our hearts and lavish praise on the one true God. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Melissa Moore © Copyright 2007
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40
This is from Beth Moore's Website, http://www.lproof.org/Devotions/2007/AmericanIdolatry.html. We thought that it was very thought provoking and convicting ... May God speak!
Today’s Treasure: “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen” (Romans 1:25).
As I sit here and ponder the news as of late, my heart becomes heavily burdened. From Michael Jackson and Anna Nicole Smith to the latest media frenzy, the rich and famous don’t seem to be holding up too well. I wonder if there isn’t some common denominator between these troubled souls. How could those who have so much fame, talent, and not to mention enough money to purchase for them their every object of desire, be so self-destructive? I can’t help but think of the fates of those such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Kurt Cobain, whose status of fame may as well have been elevated to sainthood. And then it hits me, what if the common denominator is not solely their individual self-destructiveness, but what if it includes the destructiveness of American Idolatry?
It seems to me that idolizing a human being isn’t just unhealthy and destructive for the one doing the idolizing, but also for the one being idolized. If there is any truth in this notion, namely, that it simply is not healthy (or to use politically incorrect language, it is simply morally wrong) for a person to be worshipped and idolized, then the American population is partly to blame for the broken state and the troubled fate of so many bold and indeed talented souls. Can we not appreciate a person’s talent and beauty without obsessing over what clothes they have worn at the Oscars or what person they are dating this week as opposed to last week? Is any single person worthy of this excessive attention or infatuation?
In Romans 1, the apostle Paul condemns the human race for suppressing the truth of God; he says that we should have seen God’s invisible attributes through that which is displayed in the created world. He goes on to declare that we didn’t honor God, but exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man. We failed and continue to fail to rightly credit the Creator, and instead we worship and serve the creatures that he has created. When we gaze upon the beauty or marvel at the talent of another and we fail to recognize that it is God alone who is the author and the source, we are not only lying to ourselves but we are doing a great disservice to our fellow man.
To have the American masses track your every move, fall at your feet, and even scream and shed tears in your presence—knowing all the while that you yourself are subject to the same kind of sickness and eventual death as the common folk—may be flattering for a moment, but in the end it is merely isolating, oppressive, and repulsive. Our obsession with the rich and famous places them in an impossible position, for there is only one name under heaven that is meant to be adored and there is only one being who will not be destructed by our worship. There is only one who remains pure and holy despite His glorious, incomprehensible, and inevitable, yes, eternal fame!
God doesn’t have an emotional need for our worship. Believe me, he gets plenty of it! For even the angelic beings shouted as they watched him place the stars in the sky and even now as I, a small speck on this globe, push buttons on a key-board, the entire heavens and earth declare of his glory! It is He who measured the waters in the hollow of His hand. It is He who weighed the mountains in a balance and the hills in a pair of scales. To whom then shall we liken God? Or what likeness shall we compare with Him? We Americans, like, the craftsmen of old, are guilty of seeking out and fashioning for ourselves meaningless idols—we create them, we gaze upon them, we place hope in them, and then we condemn them when they don’t deliver and meet our needs and expectations. At the end of the day, idolizing a person is as futile as worshipping a wooden statue, for both are corruptible and they shall both return to the dust. God alone is incorruptible, and not only does he alone deserve man’s worship but he is the only being who is not corrupted by man’s worship. He is the one who reduces powerful rulers to nothing and makes even the judges of the earth meaningless…truly, he merely blows on them and they wither.
So I, a Christian who is guilty of having spent hundreds of dollars on People magazines, join my voice with the prophet Isaiah, “who shall we liken God…who shall be his equal?” And I am revitalized by the answer to this rhetorical question: no one. Let us lift up our eyes on high and see who has created the stars…for He calls them by name and because of the greatness of His might and the strength of his power, not one of them is missing. (Isa. 40:26) Only after first recognizing the Creator’s masterful hand behind every facet of life should we appreciate and savor the talents and the beauty of another…and even then, let us tread carefully, for ours is a jealous God. So then, I dare us (indeed I dare myself) to stop pointing fingers and asking why many who have phenomenal God-given talents, or extraordinary and dumb-founding God-given beauty, are so often hitting rock bottom. Yes, let you and me stop pointing fingers and actually claim part of the responsibility for their downfall!
Lord, You alone are God and You have no equal. You are the Source and Creator of every beauty and talent. Please forgive us for fashioning idols out of human beings. Open our eyes to see where our admiration for another person has crossed the line into idolatry. We repent of giving our worship to anyone but You. We confess our part in bringing the downfall of those we have idolized. Lord, let our gaze be fixed solely on You. Captivate our hearts in such a way that we are never comfortable giving or receiving idolatrous praise. May we be quick to humble our hearts and lavish praise on the one true God. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Melissa Moore © Copyright 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Beautiful Somehow
While in my junior high awkward phase as a red-headed, freckle-faced kid, my mom gave me some of the best advice I have ever received. She said, “Hunny, there is always going to be someone prettier than you, skinnier than you, smarter than you, and more popular than you, but there’s never going to be another you. You might as well get over it now and enjoy being the person God made you to be.”
Ouch … when I first heard that, I was kind of offended, but then after much thought and deliberation (four years to be exact!), I realized that my mom was totally right. I grew up hating my hair and genetically inherited flat, wide butt, but one morning I woke up and realized that Psalm 139 was indeed true—I am fearfully and wonderfully made! God is the Ultimate Artist, Creator of all things, and can you fathom that we are created in HIS image?! God fashioned you with His own hands—you are His masterpiece. I realized that although I may feel inherently flawed, I have got to make the best of what the Lord has given me ... I may not be able to wear the color pink, but pumpkin and other natural colors compliment my coloring!
I know that there are days (especially depending on the time of the month) where we are all going to feel ugly, fat, disliked, or all of the above, but remember that you were intricately designed by the Creator of the Universe and there is no one like you or will there ever be. You can offer the world what no one else can. Below is a song by Joy Williams, “Beautiful Somehow”, that has really spoken to me over the years … I pray that it blesses you as it has me!
Beautiful Somehow
By Joy Williams
Never been a fashion queen
I wear dresses, I wear jeans
I've even been known to wear my heart on my sleeve
I'm just your average kid next door
A plain, simple mystery
I'm a self-proclaimed Daddy's girl
With my share of idiosyncrasies
But You love me for me
CHORUS
I'm just fine
I see a smile from Heaven
My Father is proud
I know that I am simply, fearfully and wonderfully
Made in You
You make it beautiful somehow
I've got old fashioned sensibilities
I believe chivalry still exists
And I can be a princess
Even when there ain't no prince
So what if I'm right brained
I've got half a mind to disagree
I would rather write the book
Than go and read the movie
So even when I may not rhym
eYou always give me reason
CHORUS
Got my elbows on the table
My mind up in the clouds
I know I'm getting better
I can almost hear You laugh out loud
The more I trust in You
The more I find
What You create is no mistake
It's purpose by design
CHORUS
Ouch … when I first heard that, I was kind of offended, but then after much thought and deliberation (four years to be exact!), I realized that my mom was totally right. I grew up hating my hair and genetically inherited flat, wide butt, but one morning I woke up and realized that Psalm 139 was indeed true—I am fearfully and wonderfully made! God is the Ultimate Artist, Creator of all things, and can you fathom that we are created in HIS image?! God fashioned you with His own hands—you are His masterpiece. I realized that although I may feel inherently flawed, I have got to make the best of what the Lord has given me ... I may not be able to wear the color pink, but pumpkin and other natural colors compliment my coloring!
I know that there are days (especially depending on the time of the month) where we are all going to feel ugly, fat, disliked, or all of the above, but remember that you were intricately designed by the Creator of the Universe and there is no one like you or will there ever be. You can offer the world what no one else can. Below is a song by Joy Williams, “Beautiful Somehow”, that has really spoken to me over the years … I pray that it blesses you as it has me!
Beautiful Somehow
By Joy Williams
Never been a fashion queen
I wear dresses, I wear jeans
I've even been known to wear my heart on my sleeve
I'm just your average kid next door
A plain, simple mystery
I'm a self-proclaimed Daddy's girl
With my share of idiosyncrasies
But You love me for me
CHORUS
I'm just fine
I see a smile from Heaven
My Father is proud
I know that I am simply, fearfully and wonderfully
Made in You
You make it beautiful somehow
I've got old fashioned sensibilities
I believe chivalry still exists
And I can be a princess
Even when there ain't no prince
So what if I'm right brained
I've got half a mind to disagree
I would rather write the book
Than go and read the movie
So even when I may not rhym
eYou always give me reason
CHORUS
Got my elbows on the table
My mind up in the clouds
I know I'm getting better
I can almost hear You laugh out loud
The more I trust in You
The more I find
What You create is no mistake
It's purpose by design
CHORUS
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Overcoming Opposition (Nehemiah 4)
I love the book of Nehemiah--the first part is all about overcoming opposition. In chapter 4, the Israelites are beginning to rebuild the wall, and as they are carrying out the work the Lord has laid before them, the Enemy comes in and uses the same old tricks and tactics in attempt to get them to take their eyes off of the Lord and what He had for their lives. When you are working as God's agent of change, the Enemy is not going to be happy. Often, many people will come along the way to discourage, mock, and scorn you and try to convince you that what you are doing is "your thing" as opposed to "God's thing".
However, when there is a big problem, big issue, or big opportunity in your life, it is often to show you that there is a BIG GOD! When the Israelites were mocked by Sanballat and Tobiah (read what Tobiah says in verse 3--he is such a nerd!), instead of engaging themselves in a war of words, they turned to the Lord in prayer. Rather than giving up, they overcame discouragement by continuing to build the wall and by not going into the battle empty-handed. In verse 17 it says that "Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon". Instead of retreating in fear, they pressed forward, placing their trust in the Lord and by preparing themselves for battle.
As women, our battles are not going to require us to take swords or spears, but we will need to take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, His weapon of choice was God's word ("It is written ..."). If the word of God is good enough for Jesus, it is definitely good enough for us! The goal of opposition is to get us to take our eyes off of the Author and Perfecter of our faith and what He has for our life. The victory is not necessarily that the problem goes away, but the victory lies in the way we handle that problem ... Do we engage in overcoming the problem, equipped by prayer and in the word of God? Or do we simply run away and hide in defeat as we allow the problem to be swept under the rug? By moving forward and facing our problem, fear, issue, or opportunity, we grow and become mature. I don't know about you, but Nehemiah's story excites me ... God is HUGE--don't put Him in a box. Rather, allow Him to shine through your problem and demonstrate that nothing is too difficult for Him!
However, when there is a big problem, big issue, or big opportunity in your life, it is often to show you that there is a BIG GOD! When the Israelites were mocked by Sanballat and Tobiah (read what Tobiah says in verse 3--he is such a nerd!), instead of engaging themselves in a war of words, they turned to the Lord in prayer. Rather than giving up, they overcame discouragement by continuing to build the wall and by not going into the battle empty-handed. In verse 17 it says that "Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon". Instead of retreating in fear, they pressed forward, placing their trust in the Lord and by preparing themselves for battle.
As women, our battles are not going to require us to take swords or spears, but we will need to take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, His weapon of choice was God's word ("It is written ..."). If the word of God is good enough for Jesus, it is definitely good enough for us! The goal of opposition is to get us to take our eyes off of the Author and Perfecter of our faith and what He has for our life. The victory is not necessarily that the problem goes away, but the victory lies in the way we handle that problem ... Do we engage in overcoming the problem, equipped by prayer and in the word of God? Or do we simply run away and hide in defeat as we allow the problem to be swept under the rug? By moving forward and facing our problem, fear, issue, or opportunity, we grow and become mature. I don't know about you, but Nehemiah's story excites me ... God is HUGE--don't put Him in a box. Rather, allow Him to shine through your problem and demonstrate that nothing is too difficult for Him!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Starbucks Moments
I love going to coffee shops—I think the ambiance is conducive to wonderful, deep, heartfelt conversations. My best friend and I generally can solve the world’s problems while sipping on mochas and enjoying chocolate croissants. I know this may sound silly, but I really do have profound moments of truth and realization at coffee shops.
Recently, I was asked out by a very handsome, intelligent, fun guy (seriously, I think he is Mr. Perfect!), and on our date we stopped in a Starbucks to get some coffee. We found a table in the corner of the Starbucks and continued our conversation about how we had come to follow and love Jesus Christ and how the Lord had proven Himself faithful in each of our lives. He then genuinely told me that he had recently broken up with his long-term girlfriend and that he was not ready to date anyone quite yet.
When he told me this, I was so thankful—thankful that he would be honest with himself, the Lord, and others about where he truly was at. I know that honesty at times can be a little awkward and make us feel vulnerable, but honesty spares us the heartache brought on by deception and the prolonged vocalization of truth. If he wouldn’t have stated that he was not ready to date, I would have assumed that he was interested and would have begun to plan the wedding in my head! Proverbs 14:2 states that “an honest life shows respect for the Lord”. This guy’s honesty made me have so much more respect for him—it demonstrated integrity and respect for the Lord and His children. This recent episode at Starbucks led me to appreciate honesty in relationships so much—I think it is one of the most important ingredients in a healthy relationship because it cultivates trust.
Recently, I was asked out by a very handsome, intelligent, fun guy (seriously, I think he is Mr. Perfect!), and on our date we stopped in a Starbucks to get some coffee. We found a table in the corner of the Starbucks and continued our conversation about how we had come to follow and love Jesus Christ and how the Lord had proven Himself faithful in each of our lives. He then genuinely told me that he had recently broken up with his long-term girlfriend and that he was not ready to date anyone quite yet.
When he told me this, I was so thankful—thankful that he would be honest with himself, the Lord, and others about where he truly was at. I know that honesty at times can be a little awkward and make us feel vulnerable, but honesty spares us the heartache brought on by deception and the prolonged vocalization of truth. If he wouldn’t have stated that he was not ready to date, I would have assumed that he was interested and would have begun to plan the wedding in my head! Proverbs 14:2 states that “an honest life shows respect for the Lord”. This guy’s honesty made me have so much more respect for him—it demonstrated integrity and respect for the Lord and His children. This recent episode at Starbucks led me to appreciate honesty in relationships so much—I think it is one of the most important ingredients in a healthy relationship because it cultivates trust.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Pruning
I’ve been reading Francine Rivers book “Leota’s Garden”. For those of you who have never read a book by Francine Rivers, you’re missing out! She is an incredible author with the gift of not only pulling you into her story but ministering to you as you read it.
In the section of the book I’m currently at, an 84 year old woman has just made her granddaughter ponder on how the Lord works through gardening.
“If God would cut away His peoples dead-end ideas, diseased philosophies, broken promises, and twisted dreams. Why couldn’t people allow the Creator of the universe to have His will with them so that He could prune and shape them into the people they were meant to be? For then, what a harvest of good fruit there would be come summer!”
Doesn’t that exemplify most of us today? We come up with some diseased philosophies as to how things are supposed to be and what we’re supposed to do and some pretty twisted dreams; dreams based on television, movies and other peoples ideas rather then our Creator's ideas.
Be ministered to as you read that His thoughts are not our thoughts! PRAISE GOD! We’d be extremely messed up if they were! Be ministered to as He holds victory for us and that “the harvest of good fruit will be ready for summer” as we allow his pruning and gently hand in our lives. His plan for us will NOT be destroyed.
Isaiah 55:8-13
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed."
In the section of the book I’m currently at, an 84 year old woman has just made her granddaughter ponder on how the Lord works through gardening.
“If God would cut away His peoples dead-end ideas, diseased philosophies, broken promises, and twisted dreams. Why couldn’t people allow the Creator of the universe to have His will with them so that He could prune and shape them into the people they were meant to be? For then, what a harvest of good fruit there would be come summer!”
Doesn’t that exemplify most of us today? We come up with some diseased philosophies as to how things are supposed to be and what we’re supposed to do and some pretty twisted dreams; dreams based on television, movies and other peoples ideas rather then our Creator's ideas.
Be ministered to as you read that His thoughts are not our thoughts! PRAISE GOD! We’d be extremely messed up if they were! Be ministered to as He holds victory for us and that “the harvest of good fruit will be ready for summer” as we allow his pruning and gently hand in our lives. His plan for us will NOT be destroyed.
Isaiah 55:8-13
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
