For this Sunday, I’m going to share this video…..
The Lord bless you and Keep you and make His face to shine upon you, and give you peace!
Thanks for joining me on this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing beneath the shadow of your wings.
I am at Galveston State Park. Early this morning, we took a walk on the beach.
Early in the morning - Galveston Beach - 15 Jan 2011
I woke up thinking about sand, and how it just blows around – wherever the wind blows it.
Galveston Sand Dunes
Sand does not CHOOSE where it goes…it just goes. If it isn’t the wind blowing it, it’s the water moving it.
waves laying down the sand
Sand Ripples at Galveston Beach
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
As we were driving around the Beach area of Galveston…I saw a construction company sign named “SandCastle Construction.” Really? With the evidences of Hurricane Ike every where, someone would advertise building sand castles! Unbelievable!
Matt 7:26-27 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
The foolishness of the world…this beach that I’ve walked on was twice this size before the Hurricane. Here is a photo view of what happened.
Interestingly enough, the Bishop’s Palace and the Moody Mansion, in the middle of Galveston, have withstood many Hurricanes. Why? THEY HAVE A FOUNDATION! And they are made with stone.
We are building a ‘house.’ It will be tested in the end.
1 Cor 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
So, we ought to build it RIGHT! Starting with the foundation.
1 Cor 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
And use the best materials –
1 Cor 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
Because the building is going to be tested…by fire…..and the test determines the reward.
1 Cor 3:14-15 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
But if the FOUNDATION is right…even if we mess up, we will be SAVED!
1 Cor 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
JESUS CHRIST – He is the foundation for everything. He is the ROCK.
Matt 7:24-25 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
When it comes to sand, seas, and power….
Jesus calmed the sea….Luke 8:24
He tells the waters how far they can go ….Job 38:11, Prov 8:29
He was there at creation, as the spirit that moved over the face of the waters Gen 1:2
He rides upon the storm…he dwells in the clouds…he rides the wind…just read about it in Ps 18:1, Ps 93
With a foundation like that…who can fall? The building we are building is the temple of the Holy Ghost. 1 Cor 3:16
The truth is, we will all fall, somehow. We will all use some wood, hay and stubble, somewhere in our building. And when the tests come…when the winds and storms blow, those parts will not stand. But if we have used more and more of the good stuff – gold, silver and precious stones – and we have based it, rooted it, in the one foundation, we will stand. The promise is we don’t have to do it alone.
Is 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
And if we mess up:
Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 24-25
God, through the power of Jesus Christ, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, chooses to help us…if we just ask.
No matter what comes at us….
God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; [Though] the waters thereof roar [and] be troubled, [though] the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. Ps 46:1-3
The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.Ps 46:7
When the wind, and the rain, and the lightening, and the thunder pass by, there are treasures to be found in the wake.
Washed up Sea Shells
Thanks for joining me in this journey!
foot prints in the sand
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Ps 46:10
The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand. Ps 37:23‑24
Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Is 41:10
Each one of these has a song to it from my past ‑ but these are the things the Lord woke me up with. These, and this:
And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Lk 10:41‑42
I was reprimanded for worrying about things of this world, our finances, screen doors, winterizing, toilet paper……and these 2 verses came to me as if the Lord were speaking them directly to me ‑ Martha, Martha ‑ you are worrying about many things, but Mary has chosen the good, and it cannot be taken away from her.
Then, I was told to be still and know that He is God……so, I worked hard to sit quietly in His presence. That was VERY hard!!! I had to take thoughts captive and throw them out for later! Thoughts such as what I am going to do today…..and what exercises I would do….and other things, that were NOT bad thoughts…but it was not being still and knowing that HE is God.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord ‑ if I stop to listen.
HE delights in HIS way ‑ it can be read either way as far as I’m concerned ‑ God delights in my way, and I delight in His way ‑ because they have become one and the same.
I asked what is a good man….perfect? holy? keeping the law, or Sermon on the mount?
Though He fall, though he fall, THOUGH HE FALL, HE SHALL NOT BE CAST DOWN! A good man is not a perfect man…..just a repentant man, being still before the Lord.
though he fall He shall not be cast down, FOR THE LORD UPHOLDETH HIM WITH HIS HAND!
My goodness, my success in God’s eyes is held in HIS hand!
And then, as I came to share this with my friends, I was wondering ‑ HOW.
Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Is 41:10
What more can I ask for to help me to be successful. My delight is to be a delight to my Father through my Savior Jesus Christ by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. And God says HE will uphold me with the right hand of HIS righteousness. That is how I can be a good (wo)man, so that my steps are ordered by the Lord.
I hope this blesses you as much as this blessed me!
In His hands (hallelujah!) and under His wings (dwelling in the secret place),
Christi
~~~~~~~~~~~~Christi here, in 2011~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Recently, a dear friend gave me a verse that follows up with this:
Is 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
With all these promises, and with this ‘new’ one, what do I have to lose? If God is holding my right hand, and saying Don’t worry about it, I got this…I’m gonna help you!” – then who am I to say “I can’t?”
I listened to this song today…and though it doesn’t quite fit…It’s my prayer – may we learn to be still, and wait – but continue while we wait.
enjoy ~ Christi
“While I’m Waiting”, by John Waller
I have so many things to do today. I have to do things that I have not stacked together in a long time. Sometimes life is like a storm, with all sorts of responsibilities.
Martin Luther said, as quoted in Good Reads, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”
I admit, I am not spending the first three hours in prayer…though, I am convicted to go spend more time in prayer.
In October, 1997 I wrote about being still. And that message rings true today. Enjoy.
I’m a simple Jew, raised in the simple Jewish ways…….but I get sort of fired up at times. Let me tell you a bout a few of those times.
One day, my friends and I were sailing across the sea of Galilee. We were on our way to the other side. Our Lord had just gone up into the mountain to pray, and we were going on without Him. Suddenly a storm came up, and the boat was tossed to and fro. I know what these storms can end up as and there we were, tossed back and forth, waves crashing around up, up and down with the water, rain everywhere, thunder crashing and lightening flashing…….and then we saw a ghost coming on the water right at us, I thought I was going to die and the angels were coming, then I heard “Do not be afraid, It is I”. In the stillness of that voice, I knew it was Jesus, my Lord. His still voice gave my heart peace, and I knew this was my God, and I said, call to me and I will come out on the water to meet you! And His still, quiet voice said, “come” and I came! I was walking on the water, looking at His calm and quiet face, full of peace! I was walking on the water…….in the midst of a storm…..THE STORM! It was all around me, lightening flashing, thunder rolling, water splashing and down I went!
If I had kept my heart quiet, and remembered my Lord, I wouldn’t have sunk.
Another day, we were all in the boat. Jesus was sleeping. Poor guy, He rarely got anytime to just rest, so here He was taking a nap as we sailed across the sea. Then the winds came up, the waves started beating the boat, water was coming in every side, rain was pouring and pouring, lightening was crashing all around, thunder pounding in our ears……How could He sleep! “Master, don’t you know we are going to die?” I screamed! He said quietly “Oh ye of little faith, Peace be still” and the storm stopped. All was quiet. All was peaceful.
If I’d been still and quiet, remembering my Lord, I wouldn’t have feared for my life.
Yet another day, I was with a group of people, they were all talking, yelling, and clacking like chickens around a fire…….Who is he, what is He, where did he come from, crucify him, kill him, and then to me “ aren’t you one of them?”
“No.”
“ Sure, you were with them”
“ NO”
“You’re a Galilean, of course you were one of the ones”
“ NO I DON”T KNOW HIM!”
Then it became deathly quiet, as I heard the cock crow three times, and I looked up and saw my Lord.
If I’d been still and quiet, I would not have denied my Lord.
Scriptures say, Be Still and Know that I am Lord, and through Jesus Christ, we are given the Peace of God which passes all understanding, and keeps our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
When was the last time you and I were still before the Lord in order to be filled with His peace in the midst of the storms?
Ps 46:10 Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Thank you for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
Get up, wash our face, brush our teeth, get dressed, drink coffee, and go to work?
Get up, wash the children’s faces, make breakfast, dress the children…pick up dishes….get the children ready for school, make sure their teeth are brushed…then get dressed and maybe go to work, or go to work teaching the children at home.
I’m focusing on something that the government, society, and all the people that have tested our foods have said. Multi-Vitamins. Just google for “does everyone need a multi-vitamin?” and there are a lot of opinions. One thing is certain – everyone needs vitamins daily. That’s the whole purpose of food! And the government tells us what we should eat with the Food Pyramid and USRDA.
Here’s a food pyramid for diabetics from Diabetes Diabetic Diet:
The Diabetic Food Pyramid
An interesting article on Discovery Health explains a bit about multi-vitamins. They have good points, and bad. The bad being, one can lean on the multivitamin, and become malnourished by not eating.
A vitamin A capsule cannot replace the benefits of a carrot.
A vitamin B complex cannot replace the benefits of whole grains.
A vitamin C tablet cannot take the place of a fresh orange.
They are for supplementing, because, it is hard to gather and eat enough food to provide the complete nutrition. They are to fill in the gaps between good meals and snacks.
BREAD –
Matt 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Jesus said that we needed ‘bread’ daily.
God gave the children of Israel “manna” every day. (Ex 16)
Even as important as bread is, when Jesus was tempted after 40 days of fasting, he said “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matt4:4)
I have a collection of Daily Vitamins of God’s word:
These are daily vitamins. When I need some extra help, an extra reminder….here are a few more:
A few more of my favorite things
There are apps on the phones, FB and twitter that will send you a Bible thought a day. All of these are VERY good! These are like the Vitamin C that we take every day and the Zinc and the Echineacea that we pop when we are sick…these are hiding God’s word in our heart, as Ps 119:11 says:
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
These are like the flashlights we carry in our purses so we can see in the backseat of the car, find the door lock, or read the menu in a dark restaurant.
Ps 119:105 Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
It is a good thing to keep the Word of God before our eyes….but even better to keep it in the midst of our heart.
Which would you rather do at a restaurant dinner table?
I think most would rather eat the meal. But so often, I get hung up on the little sound bites of scripture, that I get lax on the memorization. Sometimes I get so hung up on memorizing ONE passage(green beans), that I forget READING(the whole meal plus dessert).
Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Jude 24-25.
This is my memory verse for the first two weeks of January. I just flubbed it up, typing it into the computer. Today is the 13th. I’m supposed to be able to recite it on the 15th. This is a GOOD tool…keeping me active in memorizing scripture, but, this is the green beans!
A third option at that dinner table – just a menu.
All you have to ‘eat’ is the menu. Someone else telling you what the food has in it, and what it’s going to taste like. But you walk out, saying the menu says the prime rib is delectable…I’m satisfied that the prime rib is delectable…the menu knows what it’s talking about!
Did you taste the prime rib? No? then how do you KNOW the menu was RIGHT?
Do you read my blog, Beth Moore’s blog, or Billy Graham’s blog, and say “the Bible says this because Beth Moore says it does” or “I know that Jesus lives because Billy Graham’s book says the bible tells us so”?
That’s not nourishment – that’s vicarious – that’s like walking away with the menu…and saying the food was delicious.
Reading the Word is the meal! Faith is a muscle. It needs exercised, yes…but muscles also need to be NOURISHED!
Rom 10:17KJV So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
I’ve heard this all my Christian life…hearing, and hearing…what?
Rom10:17 NIV Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
Now, that makes sense. Hearing the message of the word of Christ.
A side note…I am so frustrated with the people that go to sporting events and hold up the sign “JOHN 3:16”. That’s like holding up a sign that says “I-10 W”. Only those that have been on I-10 have an idea where that is, but it doesn’t tell them much at all! THE CHAPTERS AND VERSES ARE NOT DIVINELY INSPIRED!!! They are NOT the Word of God!
Another frustration is those that do have signs that say “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand!”. This is scripture. BUT THERE IS NO MEAT!!! Someone sees this, and, so what? What does repent mean? Which God?
To me, this is like sitting down at that prime rib dinner, and letting someone sit at the table, and only giving them one green bean or giving them a piece of the menu! You have this huge, fantastic meal, and all you hand them is a green bean? They are going to starve to death…and you pat yourself on the back saying “I shared my dinner with them!”
But that is not my point in this blog. My point is are WE eating the whole meal? Jesus said man shall live by every word that proceeds from the fathers mouth. Mat 4:4
EVERY WORD.
The food pyramid falls apart if you don’t eat part of every section. That’s the point of the food pyramid, to show you what you need to eat in what proportions to get WHOLE nutrition.
The Bible falls apart, if you only take one piece, and then another – because you do not get the whole story.
2 Tim 3:16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
The word of God, in it’s fullness, provides, from Prov 4:22 and 2 Tim 3:16 –
Well, here, I’ll let God say it through King Solomon (Ps 19:7-11)
God has given us a buffet of wondrous words with which to nourish our spiritual selves. God has promised that as we nourish our souls, our bodies will see benefits.
We need the tools to remind us – they are like snacks that help us over difficult or rough times.
We need the tools to help us memorize – they help us build spiritual bones to hang our faith upon.
We also need to read the whole Bible – cover to cover, to get the fullness of the gospel of God. There is milk. There is meat. There is dry toast. And there is the water of the Spirit that will wash over us. It is all necessary.
There are several ways to start reading through the Bible.
Online there are quite a few options. Here are two that I am familiar with:
However you choose to nourish your soul and spirit – just do it. A person that is dehydrated doesn’t register thirst – but they are dying all the same. Take time, 10 minutes, 15, 30 – whatever you have and just read the Bible. Your thirsting soul will thank you for it!
Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.”
But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” John 4:31-34
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. …The Prince of Peace… Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Numb6:24-26; Phil 4:7; Is 9:6; Phil 1:6; Rom 8:38-39)
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
I went to a conference and met a young man that is using his talents to further the Kingdom of God, and ministering to young people about courtship, and standing up for the unborn.
His family has produced this amazing music video. Please watch.
Abortion stops a beating heart.
I am ProChoice. Before the baby, it’s a choice. After the baby, it’s a responsibility.
For more information go to Almighty Music Video.
If you are pregnant, and need help – they have links there.
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Thank you all for your wonderful response to our time of prayer last weekend remembering the victims of the tragedy that happened on Saturday. I led us to pray that God would bring good out of this tragedy. Please continue to join me in that prayer. Already I’m getting emails from people in our church that God is using to touch the lives of others, including family members of the victims. I’m am so blessed by a church that truly cares for people and its community.
I’ve also been getting a lot of questions about a group called the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, KS that is planning to come here to protest at the funerals of some of the victims from Saturday’s shooting. The simple explanation is that this group attends the funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan and other high profile deaths to make a statement that these deaths are God’s judgment on our sinful nation. They are known for hate declarations. You can go online and see some of the signs they show at these funerals – “God hates America,” “Pray for more dead soldiers,” etc. I don’t even want to repeat here all the people and groups that they say God hates. It is these kinds of practices and people that do a great deal of damage to the true message of Jesus and his church.
Most of us don’t understand how this group, that calls itself a church, can say and believe what they do. It is a classic mistake of taking one part of God’s nature (He is the final Judge) and exaggerating it out of proportion while at the same time ignoring the powerful aspects of God who is love and offers grace and mercy. That is an oversimplified explanation to be sure.
Because of our beloved protected right of free speech, these folks have the lawful right to say whatever they want. They have the right to misrepresent the character of the true God. Several from our church and churches in Tucson are planning to join others in attempting to create human shield. These shields are intended to keep the family and friends of the victims from seeing these signs and hearing their ugly chants. I’ve been encouraging churches in Tucson to join our greater Tucson community that together we stand for dignity and compassion. Here’s one group you can check out: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=146050748782975)
If you participate in this, let me remind you to model Jesus in every way. Do not engage these people or anyone in an angry confrontation. I’ll guarantee that if you engage them, you’ll be tempted to respond in a hateful way. If you go, be a person of grace and peace. Pray diligently before you go and while you are there. Be sure to encourage and be a voice that helps others to model what we all stand for – compassion, kindness and grace and not about what we are against – hate, bigotry and unconscionable insensitivity. May our stand truly be a peaceful loving stand that represents Jesus well.
The best advice comes directly from God’s word in Romans chapter 12. Verse 9 – Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Verses 14 and 15 – Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Verse 15 – Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Verse 21 – Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Our mission as a church – Loving people to Jesus, launching passionate people to make our world different.
Together to make a difference in Jesus’ name,
Glen
~~~~~~~~~~~Christi Here~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am in total agreement with Pastor Glen. I lift up the families of these slain, and pray that the Lord will enlighten the members of that church about the Love and Compassion and TIMING and TACT of the Great God of the Universe, Jesus Christ.
Please join me this week praying a wall of protection around these families, and any family that is the object of their protests.
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
This morning, I awoke to a song from many years ago. It’s from Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:
Nothing is too difficult for thee…..
When Sarai laughed about having a baby…the angels said “Is any thing too hard for the LORD?” (Gen 18:14)
When Moses said he couldn’t talk, God said “Who hath made man’s mouth?” (Ex 4:11)
When the Israelites were up against a huge river, and a huge army and God told Moses “what are you talking to me about…stick out your hand, and walk through the river”(Ex 14)
When Joshua was concerned about taking Moses’ place, God said “Be strong and of a good courage:” (Josh 1:6) AND “Only be thou strong and very courageous,”(Josh 1:7)
When Ruth was faced with a life of an outsider, God did the impossible for her!
Daniel, Nehemiah and Ezra had to face the challenges of returning to, and rebuilding Jerusalem, and the house of God. They were sent to do the work BY THEIR CAPTORS? That’s pretty amazing. One could call it impossible! And for their captors to pay for it? Definitely an improbability.
Esther – being called to go into one of the most cruel leaders of the known world at that time. It was impossible.
The Story of the Maccabees and the pure oil for the temple is another testimony to what is and what is not possible for God.
What is more impossible than a young girl getting pregnant…without a man? And the Angel said “don’t be afraid” (Luke 1:10)
Jesus asked :”Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?”(Luke 5:23)
The fullness of this passage is that the pharisees were wondering if Jesus was going to forgive sins. Only God can forgive sins. Apparently, this man’s illness was partly caused by sin in his life.
Which is easier to do? To give someone what they need to cure them, or to forgive someone for some heinous thing they had done to you?
I would go to the aid of even someone I really had an issue with. I would do all I could to save them. But, if I had an issue with them, obviously, it was more difficult for me to forgive them. I know that’s true!
Jesus is saying that it is easier to heal, than to forgive.
On the cross, He did both.
Is 53:5 But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
1 Pet 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
God, through Christ has taken what is unholy and made it holy – US! God, through Christ became the created.
Jesus said – ” Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son: If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do [it].” (John 14:12-14)
What is impossible to God? Nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing, Nothing is impossible to God!
So, what is impossible to us? What is too difficult?
Phil 4:13 says I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Heb 13:5 says I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Heb 13:8 says Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Peter said “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:”(Acts 10:34)
So, what in my life, or your life, is too difficult for God to handle?
Rom 8:31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
So, I have this Bible full of examples of how God did the impossible for His people. God did the unthinkable for His rebellious, unloving, filthy creation. And God says He loves me, and wants to do the impossible for me.
Is a 5k too difficult for God? Is writing a post a day too difficult for God?
No – but am I doing it in my strength, or in His?
James 1:5-6 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Why are there doubts? Do I doubt HE is able, or do I doubt that I am able? If I believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, totally true – then I have to believe that God did these glorious things through His imperfect people(remember David?). So the question becomes, do I believe He can do it through me. I’m supposed to be living my life in Him Acts 17:28. I’ve sung the song…I’ve confessed that Jesus is Lord of my life…and still, I doubt.
The truth is, my doubt says that I don’t think God is big enough, strong enough, wise enough, or loving enough to do His works through me. My doubt, in God’s ability to use me, is my doubt in God, not in me. I confess this here and now. And I ask God to help my unbelief. (Mark 9:24)
How did those heroes and heroines of the faith do it? By faith!
Heb 11:1 -3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
And faith is a gift from God!
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
God has already done the impossible in my life – He has saved me from the pit. AND He has given me faith to believe. So, now, I just have to believe that Nothing is too difficult for Him, and that I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me! And I praise God that He is willing to put up with one that struggles so much. God has done the hardest thing, and continues. He forgave and forgives me.
Then, he asks me to do the same.
Matt 6:14 – 15For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
What’s more difficult than forgiveness? I forgive, because HE first forgave me. I love, because HE first loved me. And if, through Him I can do the hardest of all things, in Christ, is there anything too difficult for me?
How about you?
Thank you for joining me on this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I will sing beneath the shadow of your wings.
Do you remember the commercials years ago where everyone wanted to be like Michael Jordan?
The Original:
The Remix:
Ok, what does that have to do with the Bible? Or a 50 year old, 5’2″, 250 pound me?
This quote:
I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. ~Michael Jordan
or this quote:
If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. ~Michael Jordan
Michael was looked over in his sophomore year for basketball. He was 5’11’ and deemed too short to play.(Wikipedia) He eventually grew to 6’6″.
I’ve read that he spent hours practicing foul shots. I can’t find that right now, but the point is, Michael Jordan is what he is because of talent AND tough practice. And he was practicing before anyone even though the was good enough.
Real sports practices are tough. Just ask any football player doing “three-a-day’s” in August heat! My husband says they come home beat…then turn around and go back. Why? Because they want to be the best.
I know the girls I coached in soccer didn’t like the running around the fields, after school…even in the cold and wet. But it paid off in our 1-8 record! Ok, so I was given the unwanted team, the under-dogs, under trained, under provided for, and made fun of at every game. We won our last game…against the top team. Why? Because we practiced. We trained. We talked soccer before the game, during the game, after the game, and of course, at practices. Those girls were never so happy, as when they were jumping up and down, on that cold day, having won, their one and only game. Priceless. No one grew up to be a Mia Hamm, but I pray that victory stayed with those girls forever.
Exodus 31:1-5 Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts–to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.
God chose someone – filled them with the Spirit of God – to be creative, to have talent.
Ex 31:6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you:
KJV says it this way: And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;
Then Moses went back and said – Hey Bez and Aholiab…God says you know what you’re doing, so you’re gonna oversee and build all the stuff for the Holiest place on earth!(Ex 35:30-35)
Who, ME? God called me out by name?Um, people have died when He called out their names!
The creative force upon the water in Gen 1:2 was poured out upon men.
Ex 36:2(NIV) says this Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work.
God even included those that were willing to do the work….just hold that thought.
God put within Bezaleel and Oholiab(Aholiab) special wisdom by His Spirit to be able to do special tasks for HIS Kingdom. Skills, ability and knowledge have been placed within these two for the glory of God. But where had they been practicing these skills? In Egypt!
Matthew Henry doesn’t believe that any Israelites would have been used to perform this special work in Egypt…so, therefore, it was a supernatural impartation. But when Aaron created the golden calf, he had some sort of engraving tools and knew how to do so. So, in my humble opinion, I believe that these men learned their skills at the hands of the Egyptians, who would not have desired to do such lowly tasks as creating the furnishings for themselves. They had slaves to do that. This does NOT deny the fact that giftings are imparted by the Holy Spirit. Only that some giftings come from the heat and pressures of life.
In Germany, the Jews continued to do the special crafts under the iron fists of the Nazis. In America, slaves did the elaborate sewing for the women of the plantations. In Africa, the slaves work with the diamonds from the mines. In a German cell, Dietrich Bonhoffer wrote his beautiful memoirs.
WE are the diamonds that God is working on. WE are HIS workmanship, WE are His crowning glory of creation. A naive person cannot be considered wise, because they are prevented from knowing the wisdom that comes from knowledge and choices. A diamond does not become a diamond, unless it goes through heat, fire, and pressure.
My husband has been reading a book called Outliers:The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell. The book is about how talent really doesn’t matter as much as putting forth the time and effort. What he’s shared with me has been very interesting. Many of the people we consider greats in our time were people with the time, the opportunity, and the willingness to apply their aptitude to something, and it later turned out great. Bill Gates is one example.
Through the years of being a slave to Pharoah, Bezaleel learned something, and when the time came, God called upon him and said “build my tabernacle”. And he did. And he oversaw and taught others to do the same. The sad thing? Bezaleel never entered the promised land, and of course, never saw the Temple(built much, much later).
I have a friend who has suffered with many things in her life. She is an amazing artist. I know that there were years where she was housebound, a slave to her physical issues. On Feb 6, 2011, she has an art show. God has blessed her with talent, and I’m sure that her time in that slavery had an impact on her art.
Beethoven was deaf.
Michelangelo went nearly blind painting the Sistine Chapel.
Though my struggles with slavery to trauma, tragedy, and terror, I learned to paint. People have said that God has given me this talent, and I assume that would indicate God putting His Spirit upon me.
But I can do what God has given me.
Matthew 25 starts with the tale of the foolish virgins. They all had oil to begin with, but five foolish ones didn’t do what it took to have oil to take them all the way through the night.
Then, the parable of the talents. Each person was given something, and told to make something of it before the master returned. No one knew when the master would return.
When the lacking virgins returned, they were late to the wedding, and the bridegroom said: But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.(Mat 25:12)
moral? Matt 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
What happened with the servant that just hid his master’s coin in the ground?
That is a high price to pay for not cultivating the talents that God has given me. Did you hold the thought about those willing to do the work? Here’s where that comes in. It is my heart’s desire to hear a different phrase from my master when He comes.
Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.(Matt 25:23)
The ones that did the work were blessed AND ENTERED INTO THE MASTER’S/BRIDEGROOMS JOY!
Bezaleel died with the others in the 40 years wandering. He never entered into the physical promised land. I don’t know if he’s in heaven or not, but we know that only two lived to go into the promised land – Joshua and Caleb. I can’t imagine working with my hands to create the home of God here on earth, and not following through to get to see the promised land. Well, actually, yes, I can.
I have hidden the talents that God has given me for long enough. I painted one painting that stands out, and then I basically stopped.
This year is about coming out of the darkness, and bringing things into the Light. But, like Mike & Eric Liddell, I need to acknowledge that God has given me gifts. AND like Mike and Eric, I need to practice the talent God has given me. I believe that Bezaleel was chosen because he was given a talent by God, and he had practiced it, and was skilled when the time came to create for the temple. I believe that every one of us has a talent. What’s your talent? Is it still hiding under a bushel?
Shine down Your light on Me! ~ Sandi Patti
Thanks for joining me on this journey!
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only Wise God our Savior be glory and honor, dominion and power both now and ever. Amen. Jude 24-25
I just realized it would have been neat to do something about the number of the day…”today is day 10, let’s talk about the 10 plagues…oh wait, let’s talk about the 10 commandments, instead!”
That’s not what is on my heart today. Today I awoke with the scripture “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty.” That’s all I got. Over and over and over.
Zeph 3:17 KJV The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
Sounds good, eh? But, to get the gist of what Zephaniah was prophesying, I thought I’d read the whole book, all 3 chapters! And, I did it in English Standard Version, so I didn’t get stuck on the KJV terms.
Zeph 1:2 & 6 ESV “I will utterly sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD…. those who have turned back from following the LORD, who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him.”
Zeph 1:7 & 14 ESV Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the LORD is near; the LORD has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests….The great day of the LORD is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the LORD is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there.
And the cry to the true followers:
Zeph 2:1-3 ESV Gather together, yes, gather, O shameless nation, before the decree takes effect —before the day passes away like chaff–before there comes upon you the burning anger of the LORD, before there comes upon you the day of the anger of the LORD. Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD.
A Warning to those that are supposed to be believers:
Zeph 3:1-2 & 4 ESV Woe to her who is rebellious and defiled, the oppressing city! She listens to no voice; she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD; she does not draw near to her God. Her prophets are fickle, treacherous men; her priests profane what is holy; they do violence to the law.
To those that are supposed to know Him, and don’t….
Zeph 3:5 ESV The LORD within her is righteous; he does no injustice; every morning he shows forth his justice; each dawn he does not fail; but the unjust knows no shame.
God gave His believers a chance, with His word, with His touches in our lives, with His Son, Jesus Christ:
Zeph 3:7 ESV I said, ‘Surely you will fear me; you will accept correction. Then your dwelling would not be cut off according to all that I have appointed against you.’ But all the more they were eager to make all their deeds corrupt.
Zeph 3:8-20 Is for those that have not turned their hearts away from God – it is His promise for His coming Kingdom after the Tribulation. And then, there is joy.
Zeph 3:14-15 ESV Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.
And then – here’s the verse:
And, the Creator of the Universe, the one that made me, that set laws into motion, that decreed behavior that would honor Him, and gave the only pathway to eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ, after having fought all that were my enemies says he’ll do this:
Zeph 3:18 ESV I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival, so that you will no longer suffer reproach.
I really embrace this one!
Zeph 3:19 ESV Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.
Change my shame? into praise? save the lame? gather the outcast? I represent this promise! I’ll take this one, too!
Zeph 3:20 ESV At that time I will bring you in, at the time when I gather you together; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the LORD.
I don’t know about this one…I have no fortune to be restored…but I know where my treasures are laid up! The promise is that while life here is hard, there is a better day. The promise is that the Lord will return, just as surely as the ones hearing this prophecy knew that Jesus was coming. He came first as the servant King, to deliver us from our sins, so that we could choose to heed this exhortation:
Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
ESV- He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
NLT No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
It is hard for me to imagine, the God of the universe doing this for me: Zeph 3:17 ESV –
I can hardly speak at this thought…..I can only imagine….
1 The 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
I told the Lord, no one wants to read such a downer of a blog. He said “write it.”
I told the Lord, no one would read this blog, and He sent me to 1 Thes 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
The Lord’s return is closer now than it was in Jesus’ day or Paul’s day – and the world is fulfilling all of the prophecies. But, we can be encouraged that the God of all creation has chosen each of us, and as long as we are on God’s side…His return will be like the arrival of the allied forces into the concentration camps of Nazi Germany. Rejoice!
Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To the Only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 24-25)
Thank you for joining me on this journey,
…show me that God was right…and leave a comment here, saying you read this.
…and please, if you think this is relevant, share it with others…we need to gather the faithful, and to strengthen one another in Christ.
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing beneath the shadow of your wings.
