"Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This 'letter' is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant."
2 Corinthians 3:3–6
Encouragement for Today
"This passage is a good reminder that we cannot do anything of lasting value on our own. Our only power and success come from God. We need to seek him, to ask him to empower us to participate in the work he's already doing in the world. Trust God and leave the results up to him to interpret. Let God define what success is."—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
We are a letter from Christ to a lost and dying world. We are a living testimony of the changing power of our living Savior. How we live our lives matters. On our own we are nothing and can do nothing. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, our lives become His Words in Action! Are you trusting in Him today? Are you living for Him today? What are people reading in the letter your life is writing? Does it speak for Jesus Christ?
In His Love, Cathy
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Jesus wasn't 'Politically Correct'
In today's climate, being 'politically correct' is deemed as the right thing to do by many people in the world. Those who challenge the popular view or speak outside what's considered 'politically correct' are often viewed as ignorant or extreme. Political correctness often rails against spiritual correctness. What is right in the eyes of men isn't always what is right in the sight of our holy and righteous God.
Jesus Himself confronted the politically powerful of His day - the Pharisees and the Sadducees. He didn't go out searching for them to pick a fight with, but He didn't set out to avoid them either. His primary job was to carry out His Father's work. So, when they came looking to challenge Him, He didn't mince words. Christ's spoke Truth, Truth that wasn't pleasant nor politically correct. Christ didn't conform His speech to what they thought was right. In fact, He didn't even try to smooth things over with them. Christ didn't compromise God's Truth simply because it didn't meet the 'politically correct' criteria of the day. There is no comprimising the God's Truth! In fact, Christ Himself said this, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’" Matthew 10:34-35 His Words are the sword that separates wheat from chaff. Unfortunately, those who are the chaff don't like what He has to say.
Man's idea of what is right and 'politically correct' is fickle. It changes as often as the wind changes direction. What's politically correct one day is considered foolish the next. To see this we need only to take a trip back in time. Our own history is so revealing. Once upon a time, in this great country, it was politically correct to deny certain people (people of color or women) their rights. Many things that are considered politically correct only exist until society determines them to no longer be right. Yes, political correctness is fickle. We like to think we get better as a society, but one fickle notion can be replace by other ridiculous notions. Yes, there has been much good that has resulted as society reexamines itself and changes it's ideas on what's politically correct. This has resulted in improvements in our society and has changed political thinking in many areas, especially civil rights. However, now there are those who have surfaced who want to suppress Christians from speaking out at all. They wish to remove all references of faith from every public aspect of society. I see that suppressing and oppressing Christians becoming the 'politically correct' thing to do. Oh, wait a minute, I've already read about this, in Revelation!
Political correctness is fickle. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ is NOT! God's Word has lasted since the beginning, unchanged and unblemished. God never changes, His Truth never changes, and His Promises to us never change.
In His time on earth, Jesus challenged the notions of His day. Today, His Truth still confronts false notions that people accept as politically correct. His Words challenge those who try to conform people into cookie cutter members of a godless society. His Words should challenge us not to conform to the the popular, politically correct ideas of our world. Instead, let challenge all notions against the Word of the Living God. Let us be transformed to the will of our perfect Father.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2
In His Love, Cathy
Jesus Himself confronted the politically powerful of His day - the Pharisees and the Sadducees. He didn't go out searching for them to pick a fight with, but He didn't set out to avoid them either. His primary job was to carry out His Father's work. So, when they came looking to challenge Him, He didn't mince words. Christ's spoke Truth, Truth that wasn't pleasant nor politically correct. Christ didn't conform His speech to what they thought was right. In fact, He didn't even try to smooth things over with them. Christ didn't compromise God's Truth simply because it didn't meet the 'politically correct' criteria of the day. There is no comprimising the God's Truth! In fact, Christ Himself said this, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’" Matthew 10:34-35 His Words are the sword that separates wheat from chaff. Unfortunately, those who are the chaff don't like what He has to say.
Man's idea of what is right and 'politically correct' is fickle. It changes as often as the wind changes direction. What's politically correct one day is considered foolish the next. To see this we need only to take a trip back in time. Our own history is so revealing. Once upon a time, in this great country, it was politically correct to deny certain people (people of color or women) their rights. Many things that are considered politically correct only exist until society determines them to no longer be right. Yes, political correctness is fickle. We like to think we get better as a society, but one fickle notion can be replace by other ridiculous notions. Yes, there has been much good that has resulted as society reexamines itself and changes it's ideas on what's politically correct. This has resulted in improvements in our society and has changed political thinking in many areas, especially civil rights. However, now there are those who have surfaced who want to suppress Christians from speaking out at all. They wish to remove all references of faith from every public aspect of society. I see that suppressing and oppressing Christians becoming the 'politically correct' thing to do. Oh, wait a minute, I've already read about this, in Revelation!
Political correctness is fickle. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ is NOT! God's Word has lasted since the beginning, unchanged and unblemished. God never changes, His Truth never changes, and His Promises to us never change.
In His time on earth, Jesus challenged the notions of His day. Today, His Truth still confronts false notions that people accept as politically correct. His Words challenge those who try to conform people into cookie cutter members of a godless society. His Words should challenge us not to conform to the the popular, politically correct ideas of our world. Instead, let challenge all notions against the Word of the Living God. Let us be transformed to the will of our perfect Father.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2
In His Love, Cathy
Monday, August 24, 2009
A Mother's Wisdom
I was talking with my mother on the phone this past weekend. She lives 200 miles away so we try to stay in touch once a week. I love calling her on the weekends to catch up on the her and the family news. These weekly conversations are a family tradition that started when I was very young. When my family moved to Georgia, far away from my mother's parents, my mother would call my grandparents every Saturday morning around 8 a.m. These conversations kept the family close until we could be together at holidays or in the summers.
Now that I'm an adult, Mom and I have kept this tradition going. Our conversations often last an hour - or two. We've tried to stay close through the years despite the distance and our limited visits. This past weekend's conversation took a little detour from our normal conversation. As my Mom and I were talking, the topic of forgiveness came up. I admire my mother's wisdom! She said, "We need to forgive others and then forget. When we ask God to forgive us, He does, and then He forgets. He doesn't keep reminding us of our past mistakes or throwing our sin in our faces. Because He forgives and forgets, then we should do the same for others."
And she is so right! We should forgive others because God forgives us! Colossians 3:13 says, "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Not only should we forgive, but we should also forget. Once we ask for God's forgiveness, we are forgiven. Our sins have been blotted out by the Blood of Christ.
Once forgiven, God doesn't keep bringing up our past, throwing it in our faces, reminding us of our failures and shortcomings. I don't know about you, but this is GOOD NEWS to me! Therefore, we need to do the same towards others. Once we forgive, we should forget. True forgiveness forgets transgressions. True forgiveness doesn't continually bring up past sins that were supposedly forgiven. True forgiveness learns from the past, but does not hold a grudge. True forgiveness doesn't have to prove itself right without a doubt. True forgiveness doesn't wound or seek revenge - sound familiar?
If we think we have forgiven someone, yet we continually revisit their offense whether in their presence or not, then maybe we haven't really forgiven. Maybe we need to ask God's help in forgiving them. Forgiveness helps us perhaps more than the offender. Unforgiveness can hinder our testimony of a forgiving God. We are His children so let us follow His example. Let's let bygones be bygones. Forgive as we have been forgiven!
Thanks, Mom! I needed this lesson this week! Yep, I love talking with my Mama on the weekends!
In His Love, Cathy
Now that I'm an adult, Mom and I have kept this tradition going. Our conversations often last an hour - or two. We've tried to stay close through the years despite the distance and our limited visits. This past weekend's conversation took a little detour from our normal conversation. As my Mom and I were talking, the topic of forgiveness came up. I admire my mother's wisdom! She said, "We need to forgive others and then forget. When we ask God to forgive us, He does, and then He forgets. He doesn't keep reminding us of our past mistakes or throwing our sin in our faces. Because He forgives and forgets, then we should do the same for others."
And she is so right! We should forgive others because God forgives us! Colossians 3:13 says, "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Not only should we forgive, but we should also forget. Once we ask for God's forgiveness, we are forgiven. Our sins have been blotted out by the Blood of Christ.
"For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more."
Hebrews 8:12
and will remember their sins no more."
Hebrews 8:12
Once forgiven, God doesn't keep bringing up our past, throwing it in our faces, reminding us of our failures and shortcomings. I don't know about you, but this is GOOD NEWS to me! Therefore, we need to do the same towards others. Once we forgive, we should forget. True forgiveness forgets transgressions. True forgiveness doesn't continually bring up past sins that were supposedly forgiven. True forgiveness learns from the past, but does not hold a grudge. True forgiveness doesn't have to prove itself right without a doubt. True forgiveness doesn't wound or seek revenge - sound familiar?
If we think we have forgiven someone, yet we continually revisit their offense whether in their presence or not, then maybe we haven't really forgiven. Maybe we need to ask God's help in forgiving them. Forgiveness helps us perhaps more than the offender. Unforgiveness can hinder our testimony of a forgiving God. We are His children so let us follow His example. Let's let bygones be bygones. Forgive as we have been forgiven!
Thanks, Mom! I needed this lesson this week! Yep, I love talking with my Mama on the weekends!
In His Love, Cathy
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Thank You My Dear Church Family
Thank you, my dear church family, for the lovely reception you gave today. I was totally undeserving of such a wonderful honor, but I'm so glad you all did - it was a sweet time of fellowship with all of you! I was overwhelmed by your kindness and the love that you all showered upon me and my family. Words cannot describe the love and affections I have for each and every single one of you. I've never been a part of a church family like this before in my life. It's such an indescribable feeling to know that this is what it means to 'bear with one another in love!' Ya'll have sure 'beared' with me over the years and all of my silly children's ministry antics, missteps, and crazy ideas:-)
I have read each and every single card, and cried after each one of them as well. I don't think I have any tears left to cry! Your words have touched my heart so deeply, in a way I've never experienced. Yes, it was so overwhelming to read your words of appreciation, affection, love, and encouragement. I was also touched by those of you who did so much to make this reception special. I don't know who all of you are but I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart!
As I looked through the photo album Christy K. made and watched the video Paul T. put together, I was reminded of the passion that God placed in my heart for these children and the ministry. That passion is still very present, still burning in my heart. So much so that I even questioned why I was stepping down. However, I know God was crystal clear and definitely was in this decision.
As I read through the sweet cards I received today, one common theme many of you wrote was this - that God wasn't through with me yet, He still has work for me to do! And yes, He does. I'm watching and waiting for what that will be. I want to be ready. I don't want to miss it! If it's anything like the calling into children's ministry, then it will be definitely be a "Wild Ride!" I can't wait!
As I fulfill my last week as Children's Pastor, I am filled with so many mixed emotions. However, I know that I leave this ministry in the hands of two very capable ladies and dear friends. To Christy and Richelle, I know you will love these precious children as much as I do. I know that you love Christ and you will faithfully reach these little hearts with His love and His Truth. My prayers are with you, these little ones, and this ministry! To those who have served with me, it's been a pleasure and an honor! You are all such a blessing and inspiration. I've made some very dear friends in this ministry and each of you will always be dear to me! To the families of these dear children, thank you for the opportunity to love on and teach your child about Christ's love. To our church family, you are awesome! Thanks for your support & prayers! To our church staff and volunteers, thanks for everything! To Pastor Ronnie and Renae, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve in such an incredible way!
And most of all, thank you God for calling me and using me to further Your Kingdom! To God be the glory!
In His Love, Cathy
I have read each and every single card, and cried after each one of them as well. I don't think I have any tears left to cry! Your words have touched my heart so deeply, in a way I've never experienced. Yes, it was so overwhelming to read your words of appreciation, affection, love, and encouragement. I was also touched by those of you who did so much to make this reception special. I don't know who all of you are but I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart!
As I looked through the photo album Christy K. made and watched the video Paul T. put together, I was reminded of the passion that God placed in my heart for these children and the ministry. That passion is still very present, still burning in my heart. So much so that I even questioned why I was stepping down. However, I know God was crystal clear and definitely was in this decision.
As I read through the sweet cards I received today, one common theme many of you wrote was this - that God wasn't through with me yet, He still has work for me to do! And yes, He does. I'm watching and waiting for what that will be. I want to be ready. I don't want to miss it! If it's anything like the calling into children's ministry, then it will be definitely be a "Wild Ride!" I can't wait!
As I fulfill my last week as Children's Pastor, I am filled with so many mixed emotions. However, I know that I leave this ministry in the hands of two very capable ladies and dear friends. To Christy and Richelle, I know you will love these precious children as much as I do. I know that you love Christ and you will faithfully reach these little hearts with His love and His Truth. My prayers are with you, these little ones, and this ministry! To those who have served with me, it's been a pleasure and an honor! You are all such a blessing and inspiration. I've made some very dear friends in this ministry and each of you will always be dear to me! To the families of these dear children, thank you for the opportunity to love on and teach your child about Christ's love. To our church family, you are awesome! Thanks for your support & prayers! To our church staff and volunteers, thanks for everything! To Pastor Ronnie and Renae, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve in such an incredible way!
And most of all, thank you God for calling me and using me to further Your Kingdom! To God be the glory!
In His Love, Cathy
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Twenty-two Years Ago Today
Twenty-two years ago today I married the man of my dreams! Yes, today, Saturday, August 22 Scott and I celebrate our 22nd wedding anniversary. As I reflect back over our twenty-two years of marriage, I am thankful for my husband. He has been there for me in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer. Our marriage has been a wonderful journey. Through the years we have seen both the worst and the best of times together. We have endured hardships side by side. We have celebrated victories. We have been there for each other through thick and thin.
Our marriage isn't perfect, because we aren't. However, we made a commitment to each other - a life time commitment. Even before we walked down that eisle, we decided that no matter what, divorce would never be an option for us - we'd work out any problems that came our way. We committed our marriage to Christ, making Him the center and foundation of our marital relationship. And through the years, even when things seemed at their worst, we honor that commitment we made to Christ and to each other. And when the 'honeymoon' wears off, you learn that love is a choice, a beautiful, blessed choice between a husband and wife! You choose to love that person at their best and even at their worst - isn't that how Christ loves us, while we were still sinners?
And you know what? I love my husband more today than ever before! He is my best friend, my lover, and my soul mate! He is still the man of my dreams - and so much more!
In His Love, Cathy
Thursday, August 20, 2009
An Oak of Righteousness
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
Issaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)
This was the focal passage of today's Proverb's 31 devotion. I didn't receive it until after I left for work this morning and therefore did not get a chance to read it until I arrived home this afternoon. The timing of reading it was absolutely perfect, as God's timing always is. It's been an incredible day, an indescribable day! Today has been God's day, a day like no other. I'm just glad He made me a part of it! I am thankful that a long standing prayer has been answered. He truly listened to my voice and heard my cries for mercy! Because He has forgiven me, favored me, and loves me, I in turn want to bestow the same on others. I want to be His vessel for blessing others. I desire to be an oak of righteousness.
Being an oak of righteousness is His desire for each and everyone of us as well. He binds the brokenhearted, frees the captives, and comforts those who grieve. He sets the prisoners of sin, us, free! In wholly surrendering to Christ, He will trade our ashes for beauty, our mourning with gladness, and our replace our despair with praise! He is our perfect Savior!
In His Love, Cathy
Issaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)
This was the focal passage of today's Proverb's 31 devotion. I didn't receive it until after I left for work this morning and therefore did not get a chance to read it until I arrived home this afternoon. The timing of reading it was absolutely perfect, as God's timing always is. It's been an incredible day, an indescribable day! Today has been God's day, a day like no other. I'm just glad He made me a part of it! I am thankful that a long standing prayer has been answered. He truly listened to my voice and heard my cries for mercy! Because He has forgiven me, favored me, and loves me, I in turn want to bestow the same on others. I want to be His vessel for blessing others. I desire to be an oak of righteousness.
Being an oak of righteousness is His desire for each and everyone of us as well. He binds the brokenhearted, frees the captives, and comforts those who grieve. He sets the prisoners of sin, us, free! In wholly surrendering to Christ, He will trade our ashes for beauty, our mourning with gladness, and our replace our despair with praise! He is our perfect Savior!
In His Love, Cathy
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Beautiful Friends
The heartfelt counsel of a friend
is as sweet as perfume and incense.
Never abandon a friend— either yours or your father’s.
When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance.
It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away.
Proverbs 7:9-10
I must say that I am blessed to have such beautiful friends. Their beauty is more than just skin deep - they have some of the most beautiful spirits I've ever known. When one suffers, we all suffer. When one celebrates, we all celebrate. When one is in need, the others rise up to help. When one is broken hearted, the others immediately provide comfort. When one needs prayer, the others fall down on their knees - no matter the time of day or night.
I admire my friends. I admire their faith! I wish was as thoughtful, as creative, as supportive, and as loving as they are! It's such a blessing to be a part of this beautiful network of people - the body of Christ -who support each other through all of life's ups and downs. I am thankful for my friends!
In His Love, Cathy
God is In Control
"But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.For I have stayed on God's paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside.I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.But once he has made his decision, who can change his mind? Whatever he wants to do, he does.So he will do to me whatever he has planned. He controls my destiny."—Job 23:10–14
Encouragement for Today
Job affirms his faith in God's sovereign control. Job may not like what's happening to him or understand it, but he has faith that God is behind it all, that God is allowing him to go through his difficulties for a purpose. Job also knows his own heart and knows that he has been faithful to follow God as well as he was able. So now all he can do is submit to God's work and trust in God's power and sovereign control. —Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
For everyone who is going through rought times, be encouraged. God is in control. He hasn't dropped the ball. He's there with you step by step. Trust in Him, in what He is doing even though it doesn't make sense. I'm praying for you all! Love you so much!
In His Love, Cathy
Encouragement for Today
Job affirms his faith in God's sovereign control. Job may not like what's happening to him or understand it, but he has faith that God is behind it all, that God is allowing him to go through his difficulties for a purpose. Job also knows his own heart and knows that he has been faithful to follow God as well as he was able. So now all he can do is submit to God's work and trust in God's power and sovereign control. —Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
For everyone who is going through rought times, be encouraged. God is in control. He hasn't dropped the ball. He's there with you step by step. Trust in Him, in what He is doing even though it doesn't make sense. I'm praying for you all! Love you so much!
In His Love, Cathy
Friday, August 14, 2009
When in Doubt - Pray it Out
One of the biggest stumbling blocks that hindered my knowing Christ as my Lord and Savior was doubt. I grew up hearing the Gospel, I knew who Christ was, seeds were planted in me through VBS and church. However, there was always a doubt that Christ was who He claimed to be. This doubt was the result of Jehovah Witnesses teachings that had crept into my family through my paternal grandmother. Though my parents had persistently guarded their children against these teachings, this false doctrine still found a way into my mind. My grandmother gave me a Jehovah's Witnesses Bible, which is DIFFERENT than all other Bibles, and other J.W. reading materials when we'd visit during the summers or holidays. I was a child so I had no idea that these teachings weren't true. By the Way, J.W. do not believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God who died for us and rose on the third day. They do not believe in the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, nor Christ as God's one and only Son. They believe that only 144,000 people will be saved and that they have to earn their salvation. There are other beliefs that they adhere to but suffice it to say, the foundations of their faith are based on false doctrine.
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sistersall over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.
12 I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.
13 Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet each other with Christian love.
Peace be with all of you who are in Christ. " 1 Peter 5:8-14
Two of our enemy's greatest weapons are lies and doubt. These are the tools he uses to derail our faith and make us ineffective in our service to Christ. Because he can not tear us away from Christ, he does all that he can to render us useless in the kingdom. He feeds us lies, lies that lead us to doubt Christ, our salvation, our identity in Christ, and our ability to serve Christ. He tells us we are not good enough, smart enough, or worthy enough. Our enemy likes to throw our past into our faces - reminding us of our sins and accusing us of forgiven wrongs. He loves to remind us of our shortcomings, our inabilities, our limitations, and our faults. He loves to kick us when we're down. He bathes in our insecurities, our self-pity, our self-doubts. He gloats at our failures and celebrates when we fall short in our spiritual walk. He is our accuser.
Our enemy knows no bounds when it comes to his shenanigans. He doesn't play by the rules. He isn't fair. He is immoral. He will stoop to the lowest levels. He will even use the ridiculous. A dear friend of mine just started in the ministry. From the moment she accepted, she said the spiritual heat has been turned up on her. She had been under attack. The enemy has been feeding her lies about her abilities to serve in this capacity. These lies in turn lead her to doubt the clear calling God gave her. One of the enemy's lies even went so far as to say she couldn't serve in this particular ministry because she couldn't dance. What??? Our enemy is sneaky. He is diabolical. He is evil!
Our enemy likes to expose and attack our weaknesses. He is an expert hunter, poking and prodding until he finds our weakest link. Then exploiting it to hinder us from being who we are called to be in Jesus Christ! The enemy, Satan, prowls about looking for those to devour. Like a lion who hunts the young, inexperienced, weak, old, or afflicted, our enemy attacks us when and where we are weakest. His mouth filled with sharp lies - lies we cling to, feed ourselves, or allow others to feed us. He attacks like a lion, fixing his lying mouth around our jungular, using the claws of doubt to capture and weaken his pray, us. But we are not his helpless victims!
God has given us spiritual weapons to defeat our foe. In fact, the victory has already been won! We just need to claim that victory in the Name of Jesus Christ - putting on the full armor of God!
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:10-18
Christ knows what we are up against. The enemy even tried to tempt Jesus with his lies and decption. (Matthew 4:1-17 The Temptation of Jesus) However, Jesus was armed and ready. Satan tempted Jesus three times and each time, Jesus repelled his enemy with scripture.
Prayerfully read Ephesians 6:10-18 again. Ask God to help you be alert and ready at all times.
We can defeat our enemy by being spiritually fit - daily prayer, reading the Bible, committing scripture to memory, meditating on Scripture... You can turn away lies and doubt by knowing, believing, and reciting God's truth - as many times as necessary until doubt flees from you. Don't dwell on the lies and the doubts. Pray and release it to God. One friend wrote all of the lies down and then prayed about each one, writing LIE over them one by one as she prayed. I once wrote the lies down and burned them in my fireplace as I prayed for God's victory over them. Share your struggle over doubt with other believers who can encourage, pray for, and help strengthen you. Trust God to help you overcome any lies or doubts you have about your faith, your identity in Christ, or your ability to serve him.
So...when in doubt...pray it out!
In His Love, Cathy
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sistersall over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.
12 I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.
13 Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet each other with Christian love.
Peace be with all of you who are in Christ. " 1 Peter 5:8-14
Two of our enemy's greatest weapons are lies and doubt. These are the tools he uses to derail our faith and make us ineffective in our service to Christ. Because he can not tear us away from Christ, he does all that he can to render us useless in the kingdom. He feeds us lies, lies that lead us to doubt Christ, our salvation, our identity in Christ, and our ability to serve Christ. He tells us we are not good enough, smart enough, or worthy enough. Our enemy likes to throw our past into our faces - reminding us of our sins and accusing us of forgiven wrongs. He loves to remind us of our shortcomings, our inabilities, our limitations, and our faults. He loves to kick us when we're down. He bathes in our insecurities, our self-pity, our self-doubts. He gloats at our failures and celebrates when we fall short in our spiritual walk. He is our accuser.
Our enemy knows no bounds when it comes to his shenanigans. He doesn't play by the rules. He isn't fair. He is immoral. He will stoop to the lowest levels. He will even use the ridiculous. A dear friend of mine just started in the ministry. From the moment she accepted, she said the spiritual heat has been turned up on her. She had been under attack. The enemy has been feeding her lies about her abilities to serve in this capacity. These lies in turn lead her to doubt the clear calling God gave her. One of the enemy's lies even went so far as to say she couldn't serve in this particular ministry because she couldn't dance. What??? Our enemy is sneaky. He is diabolical. He is evil!
Our enemy likes to expose and attack our weaknesses. He is an expert hunter, poking and prodding until he finds our weakest link. Then exploiting it to hinder us from being who we are called to be in Jesus Christ! The enemy, Satan, prowls about looking for those to devour. Like a lion who hunts the young, inexperienced, weak, old, or afflicted, our enemy attacks us when and where we are weakest. His mouth filled with sharp lies - lies we cling to, feed ourselves, or allow others to feed us. He attacks like a lion, fixing his lying mouth around our jungular, using the claws of doubt to capture and weaken his pray, us. But we are not his helpless victims!
God has given us spiritual weapons to defeat our foe. In fact, the victory has already been won! We just need to claim that victory in the Name of Jesus Christ - putting on the full armor of God!
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:10-18
Christ knows what we are up against. The enemy even tried to tempt Jesus with his lies and decption. (Matthew 4:1-17 The Temptation of Jesus) However, Jesus was armed and ready. Satan tempted Jesus three times and each time, Jesus repelled his enemy with scripture.
Prayerfully read Ephesians 6:10-18 again. Ask God to help you be alert and ready at all times.
We can defeat our enemy by being spiritually fit - daily prayer, reading the Bible, committing scripture to memory, meditating on Scripture... You can turn away lies and doubt by knowing, believing, and reciting God's truth - as many times as necessary until doubt flees from you. Don't dwell on the lies and the doubts. Pray and release it to God. One friend wrote all of the lies down and then prayed about each one, writing LIE over them one by one as she prayed. I once wrote the lies down and burned them in my fireplace as I prayed for God's victory over them. Share your struggle over doubt with other believers who can encourage, pray for, and help strengthen you. Trust God to help you overcome any lies or doubts you have about your faith, your identity in Christ, or your ability to serve him.
So...when in doubt...pray it out!
In His Love, Cathy
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Busy Busy Busy -
I have been delinquent in blogging for the last few days as we've had so much happening in our family. Stay tuned...God has been up to some pretty amazing things that I am looking forward to sharing with you very soon!
In His Love, Cathy
In His Love, Cathy
Friday, August 7, 2009
Letting the Chips Fall
"There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me."
—1 Corinthians 16:9
Encouragement for Today
"Whenever we do something, especially if it has to do with changing people's minds and/or behavior, some will respond positively but others will oppose us. Knowing this can free us from trying to please everyone. Like Paul, we must discern what God is calling us to do, do it, and let the chips fall where they may. Then we can be at peace, knowing that it's God's work, not ours. "
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
In His Love, Cathy
—1 Corinthians 16:9
Encouragement for Today
"Whenever we do something, especially if it has to do with changing people's minds and/or behavior, some will respond positively but others will oppose us. Knowing this can free us from trying to please everyone. Like Paul, we must discern what God is calling us to do, do it, and let the chips fall where they may. Then we can be at peace, knowing that it's God's work, not ours. "
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
In His Love, Cathy
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Don't Leave It On the Desk
I received this in an email from a friend. I thought it was very thought provoking.
"There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr.Christianson, a studious man, who taught at a small college in the western United States. Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his freshman year, regardless of his or her major.
Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.
This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class.
One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him.
"How many push-ups can you do?" Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."
"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?"
Steve replied, "I don't know..... I've never done 300 at a time." "Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christianson. "Well, I can try," said Steve.
"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me if you can do it," said the professor. Steve said, "Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it." Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."
Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.
Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?" Cynthia said, "Yes." Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?"
"Sure..." Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk.
Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?"
Joe said, "Yes." Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?"
Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut.
Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship.
When the professor asked, "Scott, do you want a donut?" Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push-ups?" Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them." Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then." Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?"
With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups. Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"
Dr. Christianson said, "Look! This is my classroom, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk.
Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.
Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?"
Sternly, Jenny said, "No." Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut she doesn't want?"
Steve did ten....Jenny got a donut.
By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say "No" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks.
Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.
Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely.
Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.
Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.
Steve asked Dr. Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"
Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, "Well, they're your push-ups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want." And Dr. Christianson went on.
A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don’t come in! Stay out!"
Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come."
Professor Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?" Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut"
Dr. Christianson said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?" Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "give me a donut."
"Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?"
Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.
Dr. Christianson finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time, sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.
The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a doughnut?"
Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."
Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?" Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda.
Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?"
Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?" Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone, I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes."
"Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?"
As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.
Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said. "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, pleaded to the Father, 'into thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."
Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile.
"Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding "Not all sermons are preached in words."
Turning to his class, the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not only His Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid."
"Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?"
We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
In His Love, Cathy
"There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr.Christianson, a studious man, who taught at a small college in the western United States. Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his freshman year, regardless of his or her major.
Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.
This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class.
One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him.
"How many push-ups can you do?" Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."
"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?"
Steve replied, "I don't know..... I've never done 300 at a time." "Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christianson. "Well, I can try," said Steve.
"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me if you can do it," said the professor. Steve said, "Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it." Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."
Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.
Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?" Cynthia said, "Yes." Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?"
"Sure..." Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk.
Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?"
Joe said, "Yes." Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?"
Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut.
Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship.
When the professor asked, "Scott, do you want a donut?" Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push-ups?" Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them." Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then." Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?"
With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups. Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"
Dr. Christianson said, "Look! This is my classroom, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk.
Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.
Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?"
Sternly, Jenny said, "No." Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut she doesn't want?"
Steve did ten....Jenny got a donut.
By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say "No" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks.
Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.
Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely.
Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.
Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.
Steve asked Dr. Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"
Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, "Well, they're your push-ups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want." And Dr. Christianson went on.
A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don’t come in! Stay out!"
Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come."
Professor Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?" Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut"
Dr. Christianson said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?" Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "give me a donut."
"Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?"
Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.
Dr. Christianson finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time, sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.
The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a doughnut?"
Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."
Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?" Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda.
Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?"
Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?" Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone, I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes."
"Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?"
As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.
Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said. "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, pleaded to the Father, 'into thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."
Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile.
"Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding "Not all sermons are preached in words."
Turning to his class, the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not only His Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid."
"Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?"
We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
In His Love, Cathy
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
What Determines Your Joy?
What determines your joy? Do your circumstances determine your happiness level?
Those who are in Christ are not to be like the world. Our happiness level does not have to depend on our circumstances. In fact, our joy should not be derived on our own personal experiences. Instead, we have the opportunity to find joy even in the worst of times. We can choose to wallow in self-pity, blinded by our own personal problems, or we can choose to have joy in the midst of trials, trusting God in the storm. Our weakness as humans is to get so self-absorbed in our own issues that we are blinded God's bigger plan in the works. In Philippians, Paul reminds us that we are to, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Meditate on These Things 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." Philippians 4:6-8
Our having peace and joy in the midst of life's storms also brings honor and glory to our Heavenly Father. How can we, as Christians, be a testimony for Christ if we have no visible joy and peace? For it is in times of troubles that our faith can make or break our own personal testimony for Jesus Christ! Our peace and joy can shine through even the worst of circumstances to reveal the Glory of God! These qualities should set us apart and distinguish us as Believers. Our peace and joy in all circumstances can be a draw to unbelievers who desire these qualities in their own lives.
We tend to look at things in this life - the good and bad - from our limited self-centered perspective. We derive our happiness from our current circumstances. If we took off our blinders and looked through the eyes of our gracious Heavenly Father, we will 'get' the bigger picture. God is good ALL the time - all things work for the good of those who love God (Rom 8:28). For it is in Him, not our circumstances, that we find true joy and peace!
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
In His Love, Cathy
Those who are in Christ are not to be like the world. Our happiness level does not have to depend on our circumstances. In fact, our joy should not be derived on our own personal experiences. Instead, we have the opportunity to find joy even in the worst of times. We can choose to wallow in self-pity, blinded by our own personal problems, or we can choose to have joy in the midst of trials, trusting God in the storm. Our weakness as humans is to get so self-absorbed in our own issues that we are blinded God's bigger plan in the works. In Philippians, Paul reminds us that we are to, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Meditate on These Things 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." Philippians 4:6-8
Even when we are in crisis, we can experience God's peace and joy. We don't have to like what we are going through. However, worry and self-pity gets us nowhere, robbing us of the joy and peace God intends for us to have. How do we obtain peace and joy? First, by being in Christ. Second, by completely surrendering ourselves and circumstances to God. Give it all to God! Let it go! And finally, by meditating on God's promises. Find verses that speaks God's truth to your heart over your situation. Write them down and place them where you will see them often throughout your day. Pray this scripture, claiming God's promises. And if you find yourself worrying again, STOP, PRAY, and ask God to give you HIS peace! Allow the Holy Spirit to speak peace to your heart and mind.
Our having peace and joy in the midst of life's storms also brings honor and glory to our Heavenly Father. How can we, as Christians, be a testimony for Christ if we have no visible joy and peace? For it is in times of troubles that our faith can make or break our own personal testimony for Jesus Christ! Our peace and joy can shine through even the worst of circumstances to reveal the Glory of God! These qualities should set us apart and distinguish us as Believers. Our peace and joy in all circumstances can be a draw to unbelievers who desire these qualities in their own lives.
We tend to look at things in this life - the good and bad - from our limited self-centered perspective. We derive our happiness from our current circumstances. If we took off our blinders and looked through the eyes of our gracious Heavenly Father, we will 'get' the bigger picture. God is good ALL the time - all things work for the good of those who love God (Rom 8:28). For it is in Him, not our circumstances, that we find true joy and peace!
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
In His Love, Cathy
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Sunday Reflections - From the Pew
Okay, I'm 'borrowing' Ron's idea to blog about Sunday. However, I will be taking a little different perspective. I wanted to share my observations from the pew.
First of all, worship was just amazing! You could feel the Holy Spirit's presence and movement as people all over the building worshiped and praised God this morning. The worship team did a fabulous job setting the worship tone. We were a church worshiping our Lord and Savior in unity!
Second, the message was just good, sound teaching. So often we do overlook the significance of salvation, taking for granted it is more than just a "get out of hell free card." We look at salvation through our own selfish perspective, for what we can get from God. Pastor Ronnie reminded us that Salvation is not like that at all. Salvation is a gift from God. It is only because of Jesus Christ that we can be saved, not our own works. AND...it is confessing AND believing. God made salvation available to us for HIS PURPOSE and HIS GLORY! Today's message came from Matthew 25, the separation of the sheep and the goats. Those who do for the least of these have done also for Christ. What struck me most is how Christ calls the least of these - the poor, the sick, the orphans, the prisoners, the homeless, etc.. - HIS BRETHREN! Wow! This message impacted me, thinking of how I could do better helping and reaching out to those in the world who are in need, who are suffering, who are hurting.
Ronnie closed today giving examples of people with real needs and how their needs were being met by the church, or not met. He specifically discussed the young lady attending our church who is deaf, pointing out how we have asked for a deaf intepreter for many months so that she, too, can hear the Word of God being preached. He challenged us as a church as to why this need has not been met? This message was so powerful that my youngest son, Michael, took what Pastor Ron was saying to heart. During the closing song, Michael asked me if he could learn to sign so that he could help deaf people hear about Jesus. Oh how my heart was touched!
As we worshiped and listened to today's message, I was fortunate to be sitting at a vantage point to see all who were in attendence in the sanctuary. I saw hands raised, people standing, people silently praying, people crying. People were in authentic and genuine worship with our God and Savior! The Holy Spirit was moving in such a profound way. Even throughout the message, people were not only attentive, but by their expressions, really taking the message to heart. At the closing worship song, people spontaneously rose to their feet, raising their hands, and giving praise to the ONE who is WORTHY. Many of these people have overcome so much in their own lives with Christ's help - addictions, health crisis, relationship issues, divorce - you name it. Many of us in the congregation today had been a 'least of these' ourselves and we are thankful to now know Christ! Many were thankful and recognized their blessings to be in church singing HIS praises! I'd say today's message and the worship really hit home to many of us. It makes reaching out to the downtrodden all the more urgent and real.
I praise God for our church home, our church family. PCC is truly 'keeping it real,' reaching the lost and the downtrodden. I'm praying that God will help me to recognize when someone is in need or hurting and help me to respond in a way that is a genuine blessing to them. I'm praying that we, the members of the Body of Christ, reach out to help anyone who is a 'least of these.'
God bless you this week, my friends!
In His Love, Cathy
First of all, worship was just amazing! You could feel the Holy Spirit's presence and movement as people all over the building worshiped and praised God this morning. The worship team did a fabulous job setting the worship tone. We were a church worshiping our Lord and Savior in unity!
Second, the message was just good, sound teaching. So often we do overlook the significance of salvation, taking for granted it is more than just a "get out of hell free card." We look at salvation through our own selfish perspective, for what we can get from God. Pastor Ronnie reminded us that Salvation is not like that at all. Salvation is a gift from God. It is only because of Jesus Christ that we can be saved, not our own works. AND...it is confessing AND believing. God made salvation available to us for HIS PURPOSE and HIS GLORY! Today's message came from Matthew 25, the separation of the sheep and the goats. Those who do for the least of these have done also for Christ. What struck me most is how Christ calls the least of these - the poor, the sick, the orphans, the prisoners, the homeless, etc.. - HIS BRETHREN! Wow! This message impacted me, thinking of how I could do better helping and reaching out to those in the world who are in need, who are suffering, who are hurting.
Ronnie closed today giving examples of people with real needs and how their needs were being met by the church, or not met. He specifically discussed the young lady attending our church who is deaf, pointing out how we have asked for a deaf intepreter for many months so that she, too, can hear the Word of God being preached. He challenged us as a church as to why this need has not been met? This message was so powerful that my youngest son, Michael, took what Pastor Ron was saying to heart. During the closing song, Michael asked me if he could learn to sign so that he could help deaf people hear about Jesus. Oh how my heart was touched!
As we worshiped and listened to today's message, I was fortunate to be sitting at a vantage point to see all who were in attendence in the sanctuary. I saw hands raised, people standing, people silently praying, people crying. People were in authentic and genuine worship with our God and Savior! The Holy Spirit was moving in such a profound way. Even throughout the message, people were not only attentive, but by their expressions, really taking the message to heart. At the closing worship song, people spontaneously rose to their feet, raising their hands, and giving praise to the ONE who is WORTHY. Many of these people have overcome so much in their own lives with Christ's help - addictions, health crisis, relationship issues, divorce - you name it. Many of us in the congregation today had been a 'least of these' ourselves and we are thankful to now know Christ! Many were thankful and recognized their blessings to be in church singing HIS praises! I'd say today's message and the worship really hit home to many of us. It makes reaching out to the downtrodden all the more urgent and real.
I praise God for our church home, our church family. PCC is truly 'keeping it real,' reaching the lost and the downtrodden. I'm praying that God will help me to recognize when someone is in need or hurting and help me to respond in a way that is a genuine blessing to them. I'm praying that we, the members of the Body of Christ, reach out to help anyone who is a 'least of these.'
God bless you this week, my friends!
In His Love, Cathy
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