ATTENTION: PCC Youth Group Parents....PCC Youth Group will be the FEATURED youth group on the Student Life Web Coverage TOMORROW MORNING at 7 A.M. you can log into http://www.studentlife.com/experiences and see our kids LIVE!!!!
In His Love, Cathy
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Happy Birthday, Scott!
Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband who turned 45 years young today! All these years later and he's still my handsome prince!
Oh yeah, that's not a girly cake...it's a strawberry cake made by Brittany for her Daddy:) Only a real man could pull off a cake like that! LOL!
Oh yes, thanks to the cross country team who gave him an Iron Man mask and a princess barbie...ya'll really made his day (especially Zach and Ethan)! I'll make sure he has those displayed in his classroom...I think he needs to wear the mask to meets!
In His Love, Cathy
PCC Youth @ Student Life 2010 - Covenant College
You can access each day's pictures from http://www.studentlife.com/experience/gallery.php?cn=10COVE04
Here's a few from the first day!
In His Love, Cathy
Here's a few from the first day!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Like A Child
I am like a small child struggling against her father, clinging ever so tightly to something I want - begging her Father not to take it away. But the Father knows what is best for her. He knows this thing she's clinging to isn't good for her. But instead of snatching it away and simply telling her, "No! You can't have this!" He wants her to make the choice. He knows that it is a lesson she must learn...a lesson that can only be taught by experience. So, He reasons with her - not just telling her why she needs to let it go but showing her how life would be so much better without this 'thing.' He knows how to best discipline His daughter so that she will grow and mature to make wise choices...after all He created her in His image and He knows her best.But as much as she desires to let this 'thing' go, as much as she desires to please her Father, she just can't seem to do so. It's so hard for her to give it up! Though she can see the good in letting it go, she can also see the good in keeping this thing in her life. But in keeping it, she will no doubt disappoint her Father. In keeping it, she risks disobedience. Outwardly, this thing shouldn't seem to have such a hold on her life should she keep it. However, the price for keeping it is huge...it will be a reflection of her heart...a reflection of her obedience, trust, and love for her Father. Though the choice seems easy to make - to give this thing up and please the Father - it isn't easy to her. It's so hard for her to relinquish this to her Father. It's so very difficult to just let this 'thing' go!
Then she reads, "Lord, we show our trust in You by obeying your laws; our hearts' desire is to glorify you!" Isaiah 26:9
She realizes her struggle is a reflection of her heart - who does she love more - her Father or this 'thing' in her life? She is gently reminded that her love for her Father is acted out by her obedience.
With this realization, the answer is clear. She loves her Father more, therefore, this thing has to go. It won't be easy, so she calls on her Father to help.
And true to His Word, her Daddy lifts her up in His loving arms, giving her the strength she needs to relinquish this 'thing' in her life. But a Father's job isn't finished, so He remains by her side, supporting her as she walks down life's challenging road - for He knows that the next 'thing' is just around the corner.
Whatever you are struggling with today, let it go...give it up to our Father who is far better and most capable of helping. Let Him deal with it - it's not worth struggling against Him on it. He is ALWAYS faithful to deliver on his promises! Trust Him and obey Him - He has your best interests in mind!
Grace and peace!
In His Love, Cathy
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Mindset
"Now determine in your mind to seek the Lord your God..." 1 Chronicles 22:19a (HCSB)
Our mindset is a powerful tool. Our mindset is an important factor in attaining our goals in life. As a math teacher, I see how one's mindset can impact success and failure in the classroom. Students who have a determination to understand and learn difficult material usually achieve success. Their mindset drives them to work hard, get extra help if needed, and the tenacity to stick with difficult material. Giving up isn't an option for them - they see themselves achieving their goal. And yet there are other students who give up on the very first problem - not even picking up a pencil to attempt it or raise their hand for help. They simply do not have the mindset for classroom achievement, for whatever reason. They are disinterested or they simply do not possess the self-discipline or tenacity needed. They do not visualize themselves achieving in the classroom and therefore they don't.
Our mindset also impacts our spiritual life. An aging David knew this well. So when it came time for him to pass the torch to his son, Solomon, he also passed along very wise advice to the new king - DETERMINE in your MIND to seek the LORD your GOD! I love the way this passage is written in the HCSB. In the NLT it reads, "Now seek the Lord with all your heart and soul." Same meaning, just a little different wording. The bottom line is the same - we are to deliberately have our minds set 100% on the LORD - LOVING HIM...and LIVING PURPOSELY for HIM!
Once we accept Christ, we are made clean. And though the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us, showing us how to live for Christ, we don't always listen. Therefore, having our minds set upon God and the things of God is CRITICAL in our Christian walk. We can no longer flit here and there through life without purpose. Our lives no longer belong to us. Jesus paid for us with HIS VERY OWN BLOOD - we are now HIS. Paul says, "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 3:20) Hence, we are to live every day DELIBERATELY for Him!
So how are we to have a mindset for the Lord? What are we to do? Colossians Chapter 3 gives a wonderful description on how. In fact, the first 4 verses of chapter 3 gives us a clear directive about our mindset.
"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory." Colossians 3:1-4
Did you get all of that? This passage was packed with POWER! Let's dissect what Paul is saying here. First, as I've already mentioned, we have been given new life in Christ. Our response to this wonderful new life is that we are to have a MIND that is SET on the REALITIES of HEAVEN - our thoughts should be focused on the things of heaven, not of the earth! This verse was packed with conviction for me. I mean, how many times this morning, even, have my thoughts and concerns heavily focused on earthly things that really don't amount to a hill of beans? Another convicting truth in this passage is the FACT that we have DIED to this life! Our REALITY is CHRIST - NOT this world! Our reality is of HEAVENLY PROPORTIONS and APPORTIONS! I wonder how often we live out this truth in our daily lives? I mean, how much gravity do we give to the things of heaven as we go about our daily routine?
Another concept we must grasp in order to have a mindset for Christ is the reality that we are DEAD to SIN! Once we accept Christ, sin NO LONGER has any power over us! In fact, the tide has now turned - WE now have POWER over SIN because of Jesus Christ! So why is it that so many of us live defeated by sin? Why is it that we just can't seem to resist temptation? Why do repeatedly commit the sins we so despise? I believe that sometimes we fall into sin because we are not completely yielded to Christ. At other times, I think we feel weak and unable to resist sin's power. Satan delights in making us feel weak and helpless. His lie is that we are powerless against sin. The bottom line is that we DO HAVE POWER to resist sin! Unfortunately, we just don't claim that power!
Romans 6:10-11 says, "When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus."
Jesus Christ BROKE the power of sin on the cross. SIN HAS NO POWER over believers! BUT...in order to claim this power, we must have the mind set that we are also DEAD to the power of sin and ALIVE in GOD through JESUS! The power of sin in our lives has been completely removed and REPLACED by the POWER of GOD! How awesome is that? Colossians 3:5 says, "So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have NOTHING to do with sexual immoratily, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world."
With the power of Christ, we are to PUT TO DEATH the sinful things that lurk within us. We have been given the power to do this - the Holy Spirit to help us - we just need to have the determined mindset to claim this truth! In fact, the next time I'm tempted to sin, I think I will declare this truth - out loud if I have to, "Sin, you are the weakest link! You are dead to me by the power of Jesus Christ! Goodbye!"
We are to also have a mindset holiness...being tenderhearted, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. (Colossians 3:12) We are to have a mindset of forgiveness and love. (Colossians 3:13-14) We are to have a mindset of peace. (Colossians 3:15) We are to have a mindset for letting the "message of Christ, in all its richness" fill our lives. (Colossians 3:16) If our focus is directed vertically on the things of heaven, then those things horizontally positioned have absolutely no power over us!
So today, I'm determining in my mind to seek the Lord my God! What is your mindset?
For additional reading:
Proverbs 14:12
Colossians Chapter 3
Galatians 2:20
Grace and peace!
Love, Cathy
Our mindset is a powerful tool. Our mindset is an important factor in attaining our goals in life. As a math teacher, I see how one's mindset can impact success and failure in the classroom. Students who have a determination to understand and learn difficult material usually achieve success. Their mindset drives them to work hard, get extra help if needed, and the tenacity to stick with difficult material. Giving up isn't an option for them - they see themselves achieving their goal. And yet there are other students who give up on the very first problem - not even picking up a pencil to attempt it or raise their hand for help. They simply do not have the mindset for classroom achievement, for whatever reason. They are disinterested or they simply do not possess the self-discipline or tenacity needed. They do not visualize themselves achieving in the classroom and therefore they don't.
Our mindset also impacts our spiritual life. An aging David knew this well. So when it came time for him to pass the torch to his son, Solomon, he also passed along very wise advice to the new king - DETERMINE in your MIND to seek the LORD your GOD! I love the way this passage is written in the HCSB. In the NLT it reads, "Now seek the Lord with all your heart and soul." Same meaning, just a little different wording. The bottom line is the same - we are to deliberately have our minds set 100% on the LORD - LOVING HIM...and LIVING PURPOSELY for HIM!
Once we accept Christ, we are made clean. And though the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us, showing us how to live for Christ, we don't always listen. Therefore, having our minds set upon God and the things of God is CRITICAL in our Christian walk. We can no longer flit here and there through life without purpose. Our lives no longer belong to us. Jesus paid for us with HIS VERY OWN BLOOD - we are now HIS. Paul says, "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 3:20) Hence, we are to live every day DELIBERATELY for Him!
So how are we to have a mindset for the Lord? What are we to do? Colossians Chapter 3 gives a wonderful description on how. In fact, the first 4 verses of chapter 3 gives us a clear directive about our mindset.
"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory." Colossians 3:1-4
Did you get all of that? This passage was packed with POWER! Let's dissect what Paul is saying here. First, as I've already mentioned, we have been given new life in Christ. Our response to this wonderful new life is that we are to have a MIND that is SET on the REALITIES of HEAVEN - our thoughts should be focused on the things of heaven, not of the earth! This verse was packed with conviction for me. I mean, how many times this morning, even, have my thoughts and concerns heavily focused on earthly things that really don't amount to a hill of beans? Another convicting truth in this passage is the FACT that we have DIED to this life! Our REALITY is CHRIST - NOT this world! Our reality is of HEAVENLY PROPORTIONS and APPORTIONS! I wonder how often we live out this truth in our daily lives? I mean, how much gravity do we give to the things of heaven as we go about our daily routine?
Another concept we must grasp in order to have a mindset for Christ is the reality that we are DEAD to SIN! Once we accept Christ, sin NO LONGER has any power over us! In fact, the tide has now turned - WE now have POWER over SIN because of Jesus Christ! So why is it that so many of us live defeated by sin? Why is it that we just can't seem to resist temptation? Why do repeatedly commit the sins we so despise? I believe that sometimes we fall into sin because we are not completely yielded to Christ. At other times, I think we feel weak and unable to resist sin's power. Satan delights in making us feel weak and helpless. His lie is that we are powerless against sin. The bottom line is that we DO HAVE POWER to resist sin! Unfortunately, we just don't claim that power!
Romans 6:10-11 says, "When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus."
Jesus Christ BROKE the power of sin on the cross. SIN HAS NO POWER over believers! BUT...in order to claim this power, we must have the mind set that we are also DEAD to the power of sin and ALIVE in GOD through JESUS! The power of sin in our lives has been completely removed and REPLACED by the POWER of GOD! How awesome is that? Colossians 3:5 says, "So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have NOTHING to do with sexual immoratily, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world."
With the power of Christ, we are to PUT TO DEATH the sinful things that lurk within us. We have been given the power to do this - the Holy Spirit to help us - we just need to have the determined mindset to claim this truth! In fact, the next time I'm tempted to sin, I think I will declare this truth - out loud if I have to, "Sin, you are the weakest link! You are dead to me by the power of Jesus Christ! Goodbye!"
We are to also have a mindset holiness...being tenderhearted, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. (Colossians 3:12) We are to have a mindset of forgiveness and love. (Colossians 3:13-14) We are to have a mindset of peace. (Colossians 3:15) We are to have a mindset for letting the "message of Christ, in all its richness" fill our lives. (Colossians 3:16) If our focus is directed vertically on the things of heaven, then those things horizontally positioned have absolutely no power over us!
So today, I'm determining in my mind to seek the Lord my God! What is your mindset?
For additional reading:
Proverbs 14:12
Colossians Chapter 3
Galatians 2:20
Grace and peace!
Love, Cathy
Monday, July 19, 2010
Thyroid Cancer, Osteoperosis, Diabetes & Me
O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you restored my health.
3 You brought me up from the grave,[a] O Lord.
You kept me from falling into the pit of death.
Psalm 30:2-3
Thankful is an understatement of how I feel this morning. I've just returned from a doctor appointment where I've found out for the first time in years, bloodwork has returned with highly favorable results. Most of you know this, but for those who don't, I am a cancer survivor. I had thyroid cancer. My thyroid had to be completely removed. I underwent treatment. And I've been on a high dose of synthroid for 10 years. Ever since my thyroid was removed, I've routinely paid homage to my specialists office every 4 to 6 months - each time required bloodwork - bloodwork which always showed the presence of thyroglobulin. Thyroglobulin can only be produced by active thyroid cells. Because of the type of cancer I had, any surviving thyroid cells are bad. Even after surgery and treatment, there is always a chance that a few remnant cells survived. In order to keep them surpressed, I had to remain on high doses of synthroid. Today, for the first time EVER in the 10 years since my cancer diagnosis, my thyroglobulin level was ZERO!!!! Nilch! Nada! None! I'm taking this to mean I'm CANCER FREE! Hallelujah!
So, what does this mean? It means my doctor was finally able to reduce my synthroid dosage. High dosages of synthroid also takes it toll on the body. For one, they believed this high dosage was causing the increased migraines I suffered. In addition, I was diagnosed with osteoperosis today, due to being on such a high dosage for so long. But wait, there's more! I am also having diabetic/glucose issues, which can also be a side effect of the synthroid. They are doing further tests for diabetes. All of this can explain so many of the health issues I've had over the years - especially over the last couple of years when it seemed my health was in a downward spiral - pointedly the recurrent ankle/foot injuries over the last six months and the difficulty in their healing!
Even though I have osteoperosis and I quite possibly have diabetes, my heart is GLAD and I am THANKFUL! A day without the fear of cancer is a blessed day indeed! My God has rescued me, yet again!
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
he is mine forever.
Psalm 73:26
In His Love, Cathy
Thursday, July 15, 2010
After the Cobwebs
I love how God orchestrates things. Yesterday, I wrote about spiritually cleaning house, clearing out the cobwebs, based on my own personal testimony. Today, in my morning devotions, God reveals exactly what must be done to clean out the cobwebs and what must be done to keep my spiritual house clean. How amazing is our God!
"He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith." Acts 15:9
In clearing out the spiritual cobwebs, we must first recognize that Christ is the One who cleans us from our sins. When we decided to follow Christ, we admitted our sins and recognized our need for Him. He cleaned up our hearts - the very core of our beings - washing away our sins.
"Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God." 2 Corinthians 7:1
Spiritual cleaning requires two things - turning AWAY from sin and turning TOWARD God. Though we can not cleanse ourselves from sin (that's what Christ does for us who turn to Him), we must cleanse our lives by CHOOSING to make a clean break from sin. To turn away from sin means we need to remove sinful habits, thoughts, and actions from our lives. We may even need to limit and even remove anyone who is a 'partner' in sin - those who tempt us to return to old sinful habits. When we turn to Christ, we are TURNING our backs on our sinful past and turning our faces towards a glorious new future. Sin has no place in our lives any longer. Turning from sin will require effort on our part. Old habits are sometimes hard to break. But we can break the hold sin has over our lives with Christ's help!
Once the spiritual cobwebs have been cleaned out, we are to work toward complete holiness. Working toward complete holiness means we are to mature in our faith! Though we will still mess up, stumble, and sin - our focus for this life has shifted from living it our way to living it God's way. Christ isn't Burger King - He's King of ALL kings - therefore you can't have it your way. Get over it. Besides, I've tried it my way before. It's overrated. Instead, we should strive to live Christlike lives. God has given us all the resources we need to do so.
"Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure." 1 John 3:3
Once the spiritual cobwebs have been cleaned out, not only are we to purge out anything that is unholy in our lives, we are to keep them out permanently! Our lives should be an ongoing process of growing more and more like Christ. In order to do so, we much CHOOSE to remain pure. To remain pure means to keep ourselve morally straight - keeping spiritually fit by: 1.) Not sharing in the sins of others (1 Timothy 5:22); 2.) Sincerely loving other believers; (1 Peter 1:22); and 3.) Coming close to God, purifying your hearts, giving God your complete loyalty (James 4:8). Our motivation for choosing to be morally pure should be our love for Christ. John 14:21 says, "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." Our spiritual house remains clean when we actively love Christ by CHOOSING to do right instead of CHOOSING to sin.
Though God purifies us, we must do our part to keep the spiritual cobwebs out!
Additional Reading: John 13:1-17
What was Peter's request?
What is your request?
In His Love, Cathy
"He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith." Acts 15:9
In clearing out the spiritual cobwebs, we must first recognize that Christ is the One who cleans us from our sins. When we decided to follow Christ, we admitted our sins and recognized our need for Him. He cleaned up our hearts - the very core of our beings - washing away our sins.
"Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God." 2 Corinthians 7:1
Spiritual cleaning requires two things - turning AWAY from sin and turning TOWARD God. Though we can not cleanse ourselves from sin (that's what Christ does for us who turn to Him), we must cleanse our lives by CHOOSING to make a clean break from sin. To turn away from sin means we need to remove sinful habits, thoughts, and actions from our lives. We may even need to limit and even remove anyone who is a 'partner' in sin - those who tempt us to return to old sinful habits. When we turn to Christ, we are TURNING our backs on our sinful past and turning our faces towards a glorious new future. Sin has no place in our lives any longer. Turning from sin will require effort on our part. Old habits are sometimes hard to break. But we can break the hold sin has over our lives with Christ's help!
Once the spiritual cobwebs have been cleaned out, we are to work toward complete holiness. Working toward complete holiness means we are to mature in our faith! Though we will still mess up, stumble, and sin - our focus for this life has shifted from living it our way to living it God's way. Christ isn't Burger King - He's King of ALL kings - therefore you can't have it your way. Get over it. Besides, I've tried it my way before. It's overrated. Instead, we should strive to live Christlike lives. God has given us all the resources we need to do so.
"Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure." 1 John 3:3
Once the spiritual cobwebs have been cleaned out, not only are we to purge out anything that is unholy in our lives, we are to keep them out permanently! Our lives should be an ongoing process of growing more and more like Christ. In order to do so, we much CHOOSE to remain pure. To remain pure means to keep ourselve morally straight - keeping spiritually fit by: 1.) Not sharing in the sins of others (1 Timothy 5:22); 2.) Sincerely loving other believers; (1 Peter 1:22); and 3.) Coming close to God, purifying your hearts, giving God your complete loyalty (James 4:8). Our motivation for choosing to be morally pure should be our love for Christ. John 14:21 says, "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." Our spiritual house remains clean when we actively love Christ by CHOOSING to do right instead of CHOOSING to sin.
Though God purifies us, we must do our part to keep the spiritual cobwebs out!
Additional Reading: John 13:1-17
What was Peter's request?
What is your request?
In His Love, Cathy
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Cleaning Out the Cobwebs
This summer is the first summer I've had completely off in years. Having this kind of time off has allowed a much needed rest from years of going nonstop. It's been nice.
What has been exceptionally nice about this summer is that it's been a time for cleaning out the cobwebs. I have time on my hands that I've not had the luxury of having before. Therefore, I am taking this opportunity to conduct a deep house cleaning and purge. Though I do a pretty thorough spring cleaning once or twice a year, I've never taken it to the extent that I am this summer. NOTHING will remain untouched. Every nook and cranny, every closet, every shelf, and every drawer will feel my wrath. The battle line has been drawn. We've already reclaimed our garage and now I'm working in our master bedroom. We're not just cleaning out....we're purging!
This summer has given me the time to clean out the spiritual cobwebs as well. I've enjoyed having unhurried time with God - immersing myself in Him, His Word, and in prayer. Summer has been a time for reflection, deep soul searching, and renewal - a time to clean out those things in my life that are not worthy; a time to recognize spiritual shortcomings; a time to get back on course. Time has stood still if only for a moment, giving opportunity for spiritual renewal. I was suffering from spiritual dehydration. I was so thirsty and I didn't even know it!
It is so important to take time out of our lives to clean out any spiritual cobwebs. Taking time for spiritual renewal and restoration is critical for every believer. Make time in your life to get away from it all - just you and God. Even if its just for a few hours in your back yard. Read His Word. Pray. Reflect. Listen. Don't rush. Take your time with Him. He will renew your life with His goodness, refresh your faith, and restore your strength!
Help me abandon my shameful ways;
for your regulations are good.
I long to obey your commandments!
Renew my life with your goodness.
Psalm 119:39-40
In His Love, Cathy
Friday, July 9, 2010
Awkward Silences
"Both day and night belong to you;
you made the starlight and the sun.
You set the boundaries of the earth,
and you made both summer and winter.
"See how these enemies insult you, LORD.
A foolish nation has dishonored your name.
Don't let these wild beasts destroy your turtledoves.
Don't forget your suffering people forever."
Psalm 74:16–19
"The latter verses describe the psalmist's experience of living at a time when God does not appear active. Before he prays about the plight of his people, he reminds himself of God's activity in nature. Then he calls upon this mighty God to act on his people's behalf. When you're in a state of "deliverance has not yet come," focus for a while on God's rule over nature. Then, ask this strong God to act on your behalf, according to his own nature."—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
In those seasons where we are unable to see God's movement or activity in our lives, we can cling to the assurance that He is still the God who rules over all things. We need only to look to nature to be reminded of His divine workmanship. In times of awkward silences with God, we can draw inspiration and strength from reflecting upon HIS awesome power. Everything we see - ALL of creation testifies to HIS glory and amazing power! Focus on this truth in times of awkward silences with God and allow it to sink deeply into your heart! Then, "ask this strong God to act on your behalf, according to his own nature." Wait expectantly and watch for God to break the silence! Then MOVE in the direction HE leads!
Grace and peace, friends!
In His Love, Cathy
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Being a Conduit of Blessing
God anointed Jesus of Nazereth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and... He went about doing good and curing all who were under the tyranny of the Devil.
Acts 10:38
My devotion this morning challenged me with this question: How much spiritual power is projected from our lives into a lost and dying world?
My honest answer was, "Not much." I was quickly humbled. God zinged my heart with the realization that I have very low expectations for spiritual power to work in and through my life.
Is spiritual power being projected in your life to reach a lost and dying world? If not, perhaps the reason is due to past disappointments, when God seemed to leave prayers unanswered or answer in a way contrary to that we desired. Perhaps the reason is that we've been so many trials in life that we are hesitant to believe that anything good could happen to us. Perhaps it's because we're am afraid that others will think we are "out there" if we step out on faith and allow God to work through us too much. Perhaps we're stifling the work of the Holy Spirit's power due to our own doubt, unbelief, or lack of trust in God. I'm sure all of these reasons overlap, thus suffocating the Holy Spirit's power working in our lives.
But then, perhaps the reason spiritual power isn't being projected through us is because we've become consumers of blessings instead of conduits of blessings. American society has bred a culture of rabid consumerism. And sadly, many of us rock solid Believers have succombed to consumeristic expectations in our spiritual lives as well- we EXPECT blessings more than we ARE a blessing! We EXPECT our pastor and our church to bless us - meet our needs and make US happy. We expect God to give us our hearts desire - over and over and over again. Instead of focusing on ourselves and what we can get out of God or church, WE are to BLESS OTHERS - we are to be a conduit through which the HOLY SPIRIT and the power of God works.
Selwyn Hughs writes, "All our signs, making great claims for the Gospel, are cancelled out if power is not apparent in our everyday lives. The Holy Spirit's power is not confined to delighting the saints with manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit in our church gatherings, but in EMPOWERING them for effective witness in the world." Church isn't about what we get out of it for our personal satisfaction. God isn't the great genie in the sky granting our every selfish request, blessing us simply to make life nicer for us. We, the members of the Body, are not merely consumers of the Gospel. On the contrary, we are to be conduits, funneling the POWER of God into lives of the LOST and DYING!
The Apostles were the ultimate conduits of God's supernatural power at work. Acts chapter 3 bears witness to one of many examples of God's power working through the Apostles.
"And a man who was lame from his mother's womb was carried there and placed every day at the temple gate ...so he could beg. When he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple complex, he asked for help. Peter along with John, looked at him intently and said, "look at us." So he turned to them EXPECTING to GET SOMETHING from them. BUT PETER said, "I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have, I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" Then, taking him by the right hand he RAISED HIM UP and AT ONCE his feet and ankles became STRONG. So he JUMPED UP....WALING, LEAPING, and PRAISING GOD." Acts 3:2-8
But this act didn't just give a man an answer to long time prayer, it also brought opportunity to proclaim Jesus Christ, allowing Peter the opportunity to preach to the multitudes of people at the Temple that day.
"All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized that he was the one who used to sit and beg ...So they were filled with awe and astonishment at what had happened to him." Acts 3:9-19
"But many of those who heard the message believed, and the number of the men came to about 5,000." Acts 4:4
Five THOUSAND saved! How AWESOME is THAT! God is STILL this same God of miracles we see working through Peter to heal this lame man and leading thousands to Christ! God is STILL the God of awesome and wondrous deeds! He is STILL MORE THAN CAPABLE of performing the same miracles TODAY as He did back then! Just think how AMAZING it would be to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us in supernatural ways - bearing witness to SCORES of lost people, and witnessing their turning to Christ!
Though God many not choose to work through us to heal the lame, if we are willing, He will use us according to His purpose. All we need to do is offer ourselves as conduits of blessings!
In His Love, Cathy
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
What Kind of Christian are You?
Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2 but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.
4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”
John 8:1-5
What kind of Christian are you? Are you a stone thrower ? Or are you a restorer?
A stone thrower is the kind of Christian who is quick to criticize a fallen brother or sister in Christ. A stone thrower likes to point out the fault in others, yet is blind to their own sin. They are highly critical of others and very vocal in their criticism. A stone thrower is lacking in love, compassion, forgiveness, and mercy for others. They have no patience with those who stumble. They have no interest in trying to resolve issues in a Biblical fashion - out of love for one another. Their motto is shoot and ask questions later. You can recognize a stone thrower, they are the first ones on the scene with stone in hand .
In contrast, a restorer is the kind of Christian who comes alongside a fallen brother or sister in Christ. Instead of criticizing, they confront in love. They are a willing vessel for Christ's love and compassion. They understand that "Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends." Proverbs 17:9 Therefore, they refrain from gossip or passing along 'facts.' Instead they offer Biblically based help to the offender. They guard their tongues and hearts to ensure their words are used to give life and not death. A restorer responds Biblically, prayerfully, and out of love. They follow Biblical guidelines (see Matthew 18:15-17) to steer those who have sinned back to Christ. Correction and confrontation is born out of love in hopes of restoring the wayward brother or sister. Rather than jumping to conclusions, a restorer seeks for truth in the situation. They never prematurely judge others. They graciously give others the benefit of the doubt. They understand that sometimes all a person needs is a friend and ally - someone to listen, understand, and talk with.
We are all supposed to be restorers. We are to love EVERYONE as Christ does, giving ALL the the OPPORTUNITY to be restored to Christ and to the Church. This doesn't mean we overlook sin and those in error. Nor does it mean we tip toe around sin and it's consequences for those who choose not to repent. However, we are confront in LOVE with the GOAL to HELP the offender REPENT and be RESTORED. I am in no way immune from sin, therefore, I should have EVEN MORE compassion for others who struggle. I should deal with them lovingly - as I would wish to be treated when I am at fault. Christ's love and compassion should our driving force in dealing with everyone.
Bottom Line:
1. Because we are sinners, we have no right to throw stones. Throwing stones of criticism destroys.
2. Confronting, reproving, correcting, or disciplining others who have committed wrongs should always be done in love - sometimes even calling for tough love.
3. Ultimately, our goal in confronting others is for their own repentance and restoration to Christ. In confronting them, the Holy Spirit will work to convict in order to bring about this restoration. But it is up to each individual on how they will respond.
4. In all of our dealings with others, we can look to Matthew 18:15-17 on how to deal with confrontation and loving correction within the church.
"They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” John 8:71. Because we are sinners, we have no right to throw stones. Throwing stones of criticism destroys.
2. Confronting, reproving, correcting, or disciplining others who have committed wrongs should always be done in love - sometimes even calling for tough love.
3. Ultimately, our goal in confronting others is for their own repentance and restoration to Christ. In confronting them, the Holy Spirit will work to convict in order to bring about this restoration. But it is up to each individual on how they will respond.
4. In all of our dealings with others, we can look to Matthew 18:15-17 on how to deal with confrontation and loving correction within the church.
"When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”
“No, Lord,” she said.
And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”
John 8:9-11
So, before we engage our tongue to criticize fault in others, let's examine what kind of Christian we wish to be? A stone thrower? Or a restorer?
Grace and peace, friends!
In His Love, Cathy
PS - I almost dubbed the term stone thrower as 'stoner' but I didn't think that was appropriate!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Forgiveness
3Lord, if you kept a record of our sins,
who, O Lord, could ever survive?
4 But you offer forgiveness,
that we might learn to fear you.
5 I am counting on the Lord;
yes, I am counting on him.
I have put my hope in his word.
Psalm 130:3-5
As I ponder God's forgiveness this morning, I am left in awe and wonder. There is just so much that can be said about God's forgiveness it's almost too overwhelming to know where to start. So as best as my finite little mind can fathom, a good start would take us to the foot of the cross.
And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations,[a] beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’" Luke 24:46-48
At the cross, we find Jesus, the Son of God securely nailed in place. But it isn't the nails that have fastened Him to that cross. No, He is the Son of God with all the power and glory of God as His command, He could have come down off of that cross. Instead, He chose not to. No, what pinned Him to the cross was our sins. And though He could rescue Himself, He choose not to for our sake. Somone had to pay the price for our sins. The payment for sin is death. The only way to atone for sin was by blood. So He chose to pay for our sins. "In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness." Hebrews 9:22 Jesus took that payment upon Himself, though He was perfect and without sin. Without His shedding of blood, there would be no forgiveness!
Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38
God made a way to reconcile man to Himself...through the cross. However, in order to receive that forgiveness requires several things of us. First, we must acknowledge before God that we are sinners. We must make a commitment to Him that we will turn away from sin. We must ask God to forgive us of our sins - to clean us up on the inside, making us pure before Him. The only way that can be done is by asking Jesus Christ to become our Lord and Savior - to surrender ourselves to Him and follow Him. We can not clean up ourselves, nor can we make ourselves pure. Only Christ can do that. When we seek God's forgiveness and surrender our hearts to Jesus Christ, God forgives and 'forgets' our sin! This is our salvation!
Forgiveness is available to all who seek Christ and accept Him as Lord and Savior. God is love. It is in His wonderful nature to have compassion on us and offer forgiveness. There are so many aspects to God's forgiveness. As I read through many passages on forgiveness, here a some that stood out to me most. These passages shed light on why God forgives, how often He forgives, and what our response should be to His forgiveness.
1. God forgives us for His Honor! For the honor of your name, O Lord,forgive my many, many sins. Psalm 25:11
2. God GENEROUSLY forgives! He is the GOD of INFINITE chances and has not limitation on forgiveness! "Let the wicked change their waysand banish the very thought of doing wrong.Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. Isaiah 55:7
3. He FORGIVES ALL our sins, no matter how terrible they are! "Though we are overwhelmed by our sins,you forgive them all." Psalm 65:3
4. God is READY to forgive and help you! He's just waiting on you to seek forgiveness! "O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help." Psalm 86:5
5. He forgives so that we may learn to fear Him! This means to fear Him as in honoring, revering, worshipping, adoring, loving, and living for Him! But you offer forgiveness,that we might learn to fear you. Psalm 130:4
6. He FORGIVES and FORGETS! Oh, what joy for thosewhose disobedience is forgiven,whose sin is put out of sight! Psalm 32:1
7. Because He forgives us, we should forgive others. “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14-15
God is a loving, compassionate, forgiving god. He isn't interested in how many times you've messed up or how bad. He's interested in YOU. He desires nothing more than to have a relationship with you. He is the God of INFINITELY many chances. He knows you inside out. He knows all of your most intimate of details - even those you don't recognize yourself. Completely surrender to Him today. He isn't out to punish you for messing up, He's out to forgive you and love on you. You only need to recognize your need for Jesus Christ, His forgiveness, and say, "I'm sorry, forgive me! Come into my heart, Lord Jesus and help me!"
He WILL forgive. But it's up to you to ask.
6. He FORGIVES and FORGETS! Oh, what joy for thosewhose disobedience is forgiven,whose sin is put out of sight! Psalm 32:1
7. Because He forgives us, we should forgive others. “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14-15
God is a loving, compassionate, forgiving god. He isn't interested in how many times you've messed up or how bad. He's interested in YOU. He desires nothing more than to have a relationship with you. He is the God of INFINITELY many chances. He knows you inside out. He knows all of your most intimate of details - even those you don't recognize yourself. Completely surrender to Him today. He isn't out to punish you for messing up, He's out to forgive you and love on you. You only need to recognize your need for Jesus Christ, His forgiveness, and say, "I'm sorry, forgive me! Come into my heart, Lord Jesus and help me!"
He WILL forgive. But it's up to you to ask.
In His Love, Cathy
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