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.
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.
The Creator created creation for the Created with a plan.
The Created crossed up the Creators’s plan, and lost the Creator connection.
The Creator became the created with a plan for a cross so that the Created could reconnect with the Creator.
Now the creation has to bear their cross, to fulfill the Creator’s plan.
Creative!
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
God created with “Let there be….”
Jesus healed with “be healed…”
Jesus delivered saying “go….”
Jesus raised the dead saying “Come Forth!”
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 31:1-5Then 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.
I can’t jump like Mike.
I can’t run like Eric Liddell.
I can’t kick like Mia Hamm.
I can’t write music like Handel, Mozart or Beethoven.
I can’t paint upside down like Michaelangelo, and
I am not a skilled scientist like Leonardo DaVinci.
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 25:13Watch 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?
Matt 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, [Thou] wicked and slothful servant,
Matt 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give [it] unto him which hath ten talents.
Matt 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
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?
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, 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 –
The LORD your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.
I can hardly speak at this thought…..I can only imagine….
If you like the song – please support the band Mercy Me – I have.
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.
Here’s a pdf if you want to print out just the books of the Bible parts, from Church at the Mall.
In case that isn’t enough – here’s a webpage that has the places you can find Jesus in the books: Jesus in every book of the Bible
In my minimal research – I read that someone got it from this webpage, though I can’t find it on Walking Therein. It looks like a great website! If anyone knows who wrote this, I’d love to give them credit!
I’ve done this for 7, going on 8 days – and I am amazed at what hold these things have on me!
Oh, let’s just run in and get a soda
Let’s stop and pick up a cone
Let’s get a peppermint chocolate shake before their gone!
Let’s go sit at a restaurant and talk(not fast food, but eating out)
Let’s go watch a movie(instead of sitting and talking AT HOME)
I’m too tired to do (a 2 minute) T- Tapp(the pull of the recliner/couch)
I’ll read “People”, newspaper, email, bills, and run out of time to read my Bible.
Is it worth it?
Fast food – we figure we’ve spent an average of $400 a month. That’s down from the almost $1000 we spent at our very worst(while food rotted in the refrigerator). But that’s a good start on groceries for many families! What could we do with $400 a month?
Moving – Yes, I have FMS/CFS. Yes, I have Periformis Syndrome. Yes, I have IT band issues. Yes, I have had 3 ankle surgeries with another indicated. Yes, I have a whole person to lose before my poor legs and back are relieved of abnormal pressure. But, I do move to go to the bathroom – why not move 2 minutes in a HoeDown, or 8 minutes in a MOREChair workout, or 15 Minutes in a MORE workout?(see T-Tapp) What changes could happen by just moving?
Bible Reading – what am I going to lose by giving up current events? What can I gain by washing my mind with scriptures?
Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is
love,
joy,
peace,
longsuffering,
gentleness,
goodness,
faith,
Meekness,
temperance:
against such there is no law.
Temperance:/ˈtɛmpərəns, ˈtɛmprəns/ –noun
1. moderation or self-restraint in action, statement, etc.; self-control.
2. habitual moderation in the indulgence of a natural appetite or passion, esp. in the use of alcoholic liquors.
3. total abstinence from alcoholic liquors.
Ok – one fruit is described as:
moderation or self-restraint in action, statement, etc.; self-control.
Self Control. That is what other versions translate this word as. And the rest of the definition of temperance is:
habitual moderation in the indulgence of a natural appetite or passion, esp. in the use of alcoholic liquors.
I don’t use alcoholic liquors much – so, that part, I have down.
The HABITUAL moderation in the INDULGENCE of a NATURAL appetite or passion.
1 Cor 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Whether I like it or not, I am in a RACE.
Heb 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
And, God asks a very specific question:
Jer 12:5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and [if] in the land of peace, [wherein] thou trustedst, [they wearied thee], then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
RUN WITH FOOTMEN? I’M NOT EVEN WALKING WITH FOOTMEN! I need a plan – I need a training plan!
1 Cor 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
Temperate in all things. Self-Control. FOR AN INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN!
Paul also wrote this about striving for the mastery:
Phil 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
1 Cor 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
1 Cor 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Here are some words from Paul’s last days:
2 Tim 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
It isn’t about fasting fast food – it’s about bringing my body under the control of my spirit. It’s about bringing my spirit under the Lordship of the Holy Spirit. It’s about hiding God’s word in my heart that I might not sin against Him! It’s about pressing on, for an Incorruptible Crown.
There are many, many blessings to obeying God’s laws. I’m finishing up Exodus, and into Leviticus, and from this point, at 50 years old, with the science we have now..wow, those were very good laws! Follow those laws now, and you will be far away from all the sickness and disease that flows in our country! You will be healthy, wealthy and wise, just by bringing yourself under the Lordship, and wisdom of Jesus Christ, shown throughout the Word of God.
This brings me to a verse, that was my saving verse in boot camp. First, a story. God gave me a scholarship to Ohio State University for art and music. BUT, I had such a low self esteem, I felt HE was wrong, and I joined the Navy instead. On the third day of boot camp, I fell during a run. I hit my tailbone, and snapped back damaging some other discs, and hitting my head. I spent a week, paralyzed from the waist down, in the boot camp hospital. The diagnosis was 5 slipped discs, and two fused discs now, in my neck.
When the swelling went down, and I could walk again, I begged my boot camp Petty Officer to let me back into the unit, rather than be set back the week I’d been in sick bay. This was UNHEARD OF, but she said yes. I had to complete PT every morning and every evening – am run, pm pt, am pt, pm run and so on and so forth.
In the midst of this, I repented. I knew, I KNEW that this was a direct result of my disobedience. And the Lord reminded me of a song I’d sung in a Christian youth ministry:
They that wait upon the Lord
Shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings as eagles,
They shall walk and not be weary,
They shall run and not faint.
Teach me Lord, Teach me Lord to wait.
When we got to the last weeks of training, I had passed my PT, and I had encouraged others with this verse. Therefore, I was chosen to paint the symbolic unit cinder block on the wall outside the barracks door. On that block I put Isaiah 40:31:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.
Even though I’d messed up going into the Navy, by leaning on the Lord, it was worth it – and to be able to paint His word on a US government building was the crowning glory!
When I look at my wimpy list, I have to think of Sarai – promised a son in her VERY old age. She laughed.
Who am I leaning on to bring my flesh and spirit under subjection? In whom am I putting my faith? Apparently, in my flesh, and that’s no good. Jer 32 really puts into perspective where my faith should focus.
I need to wait upon the Lord – He’ll renew my strength!
I need to hide the word in my heart – it will keep me from sin!
I need to run the race set before me – because there is an eternal crown waiting for me…just because I finished! Here is how one earns the crown, how one runs the race:
James 1:12 Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
It will be worth it all, enduring temptation to be ready to run with the horsemen – and here is a song to enjoy – as a prayer for today!
Yesterday’s readings were in Exodus. Exodus 1- 15.
Ex 4:11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
The background is that God chose this man before he was born (Ps 139:13-16) as He does all of us.
Jer 1:4-5 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Moses is a type of Christ.
Born in troubling times.
Had to be hidden from those that would kill him
Taken to a pagan culture to grow
Jesus jumped the gun when he was 12
Moses jumped the gun when he killed the Egyptian
When revealed, his country turned on him.
Jesus spent 30 years in obscurity.
Moses spent 40 years on the other side of the mountain.
Moses delivered his people from the slavery of Pharoah
Jesus delivered His people from the slavery and penalty of sin
Moses was prophesied by Jacob and Joseph
Jesus was prophesied by, well, the Old Testament!
John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
But Moses doubted his calling, even with a burning bush, heavenly voices, and all that. He told God he couldn’t do it.
And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I [am] not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I [am] slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. (Ex 4:10)
Likewise, Jeremiah, after hearing God’s words, said:
Jer 1:6 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I [am] a child.
Even Jesus questioned before His ministry started. When Jesus was told to turn water into wine for a family wedding, he turned and told His mother “it’s not my time yet.”( John 2:4)
Other examples:
We have Jonah, and
Abraham and Sarah,
Peter,
Hosea,
and so many others that didn’t feel like they were up to the job. Even Jesus struggled with His ultimate calling:
Mark 14:34 – 42 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
AND THIS IS THE DIFFERENCE:
And he said, Abba, Father, all things [are] possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
Each of us feels weak to do what God has called us. Isn’t it interesting that we can think we are good at something, but that may not be what God has called us to do? Or what God has called us to do, we don’t feel good enough to do it?
In response to our questions, our doubts, our fears God says:
Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Ex 4:11
And then, he lets us know that He is not going to leave us alone:
Ex 4:12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
Jer 1:7-8 But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I [am] a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I [am] with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
Even Jesus was encouraged by His Father before going to the cross on the Mount of Transfiguration:
Matt 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
Whatever God is asking us to do, He had a plan before we were born for us to perform it.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Whatever skills God is asking us to use, He created them within us, when he hand made our mouth, eyes, ears, hands and whatever else we may consider a liability. These are marks of GOD’s ownership of us…these are what make us special. And our weakness, disabilities, handicaps, whatever, give Him the greater glory when His works are done.
1 Cor 12:9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
If we could do it in our own strength – what glory is there for God? The greater glory, is when we give it all to the Lord, rest in Him, and just go with the flow.
1 Tim 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Moses delivered a lot of people…because he walked with God. Moses talked with God. Along life’s narrow way. And now he knows that:
I awoke this morning to a call from our daughter in Germany, to see our grandson awake. I got to hear his coos, gurgles and squeaks, and he even listened to my voice.
It was wonderful to get to see him. And his mommy is looking so good, 5 weeks after having a baby.
It’s been rough having a new grandbaby in Germany, and not being able to be there for my daughter while she went through pregnancy, birth, and now new mothering.
When Jacob saw Joseph, after years of thinking he was dead, he almost passed out. (Gen 45:26)
It was rough for Jacob to handle the first child of his most beloved bride Rachel, was dead(Gen 44:27-31). I think he had an idea that the other’s did something(Gen 42:4), but the depression affected the rest of his life.
Joseph was made a slave, then a prisoner…because his brothers didn’t like the dreams God had given Joseph. Maybe Joseph was a bit arrogant – but the boys had other reasons to hate him – he was dad’s favorite!
When Jacob dies, all the other boys come to Joseph and basically, kiss up. Then Joseph lives out what he’s learned over the however many years as a slave in a foreign land: Gen 50:19-21
19: And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for [am] I in the place of God?
Well, yes, actually, he was, sort of. He was the ruler of all of Egypt, and he had all sorts of power. BUT he knew who he was…and now, he is humble.
20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; [but] God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as [it is] this day, to save much people alive.
The things that were done to Joseph were horrible. Reuben said he’d cried out to his brothers to save him as they handed him over to the Ishmeelites. We know what happens in prisons to young men now, and I’m sure there was a lot of fear. But,
IF the boys had not thrown him in the pit
IF the boys had not sold him to the Ismeelites
IF Potipher’s wife had not accused him
IF the baker and cupholder hadn’t forgotten for two years
THEN Joseph would not have been there to save Jacob’s line!
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.
.WE KNOW..why? because of Joseph, because of Abraham, because of Isaac, because of Jonah, because of Nehemiah and Esther and Ruth! WE KNOW because we have their stories. They didn’t have the Bible to read…they only had faith to trust in God. WE HAVE THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD! We are without excuse!
Joseph had changed. He had learned to humble himself. He had learned to forgive. And the fruit of that forgiveness is displayed in what he did next:
Gen 50:21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
I have struggled with God not allowing me to go to Germany to be with my daughter. I have been angry with God for not healing me so that I could travel – to Germany, or to Ethiopia for a mission trip. I have been grumpy.
I am not a slave.
I am not a prisoner.
I am not abused or mistreated.
I may be struggling with a spiritual famine!
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Matthew 6:14 – 15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Joseph is the perfect example of forgiveness, yes. But he is also the perfect example of getting a right attitude, by looking at circumstances through God’s eyes.
Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Joseph is considered a type of Christ, and his forgiveness of his brothers is so extreme…it reflects the extreme forgiveness that Christ gives all of us – WHILE WE ARE YET SINNERS!
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
And the great thing that Christ has done, is
2Cor 4:6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 2:9-10 But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
It’s by HIS mercy, that HE orchestrates our lives(the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord), to complete the work He began in us. And all we are to do is to let His light shine in us, and then in turn let that light shine from us to all we meet.
Joseph made a huge impact on his family. Because of Joseph, we have the story of God! Joseph was sacrificed, and then “raised up” to save the remnant of God.
Jesus was sacrificed, and raised up, to save those that choose to believe. He has made a HUGE impact on the family of God!
Forgiving myself, and letting go of my anger at God, accepting the plan He has for my life, allows me to have joy in the skype visits with our grandson. Sacrificing my plans to yield to the Father’s plans, brings peace and contentment to my life. This will have a HUGE impact on my home life, and my mental health!
And I can then sleep in heavenly peace!
May the Lord bless you and Keep you and make His face to shine upon you and give you peace! Num6: 24-26
In His hands and under His wings, watching for His light in my life,
In the secret
in the quiet place
in the stillness You are there
in the secret
in the quiet hour i wait
only for You
‘cuz i want to know you more
i want to know you
i want to hear your vioce
i want to know you more
i want to touch you
i want to see your face
i want to know you more
i am reaching for the highest goal
that i might receive the prize
pressing onward
pushing every hindrance aside
out of my way
‘cuz i want to know you more
i want to know you
i want to hear your voice
i want to know you more
i want to touch you
i want to see your face
i want to know you more
I”m confused by the SonicFlood Version – talking about quiet place, and it’s SO LOUD and Fast!
But the Words…
I want to know you, I want to hear your voice…this is my heart cry! I want to touch you, I want to see your face, I want to know you more.
I’ve been thinking about Psalm 91 this morning…
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
DWELLS – an action – a choice to dwell in the secret place, and THEN we will ABIDE under the shadow of the Almighty. But FIRST we must choose to DWELL there.
I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
SAY – I will SAY – ALL of Christianity has to do with confession.
Rom 10:8 – 10 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
The rest of Ps 91 is a confession of faith in God, untilyou get to verses 14 – 16. This is God Almighty, Yahweh, Jehovah, Abba, talking:
Because he(me) hath set his(my) love upon me(Abba),therefore will I(Abba) deliver him(me):I(Abba) will set him(me) on high, because he(I) hath known my(Abba’s) name.
He(I) shall call upon me(Abba), and I(Abba) will answer him(me): I(Abba)will be with him(me) in trouble; I(Abba) will deliver him(me), and honour him(me).
With long life will I(Abba) satisfy him(me), and shew him(me) my(Abba’s) salvation.
I have responsibility to seek God’s face! Seeking is another post.
But, I have to choose to be in the secret place, I have to choose to abide in the vine, I have to choose to SAY HE IS MY GOD – my refuge, my strength.
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
This really lays down how important it is to confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, and to say of our God, He is our refuge and strength(a very present help in trouble – another psalm!).
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and may God bless you for doing so!
Jesus is Lord, He is my God, my refuge and strength, and I choose to seek His face, and dwell in the secret place, and desire to abide in His glory.
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Please consider sponsoring Christi in Fasting for Food at $21 for the 21 day fast. All money goes to Compassion.
morning time was filled with sleep, then rush to deliver the trailer
Jim and I have headaches from the lack of caffeine – based on the fasting for food.
the sunny day turned gray…
my ankle hurts more and more in the likelihood of tarsal tunnel syndrome
I can’t remember much about the techie things I now own
Phil 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
I really dislike that verse. But, I know that God put things in the Bible for a reason…like this verse:
2Tim3:16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Both of these verses end with an (:). That means, there’s more to it. and both of the ‘more to it’ seem to point to the same thing:
2 Tim 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Phil 2:15 – 16 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Jim and I have been called to focus on LIGHT this year. And these ‘silly’ scriptures make out murmuring and disputing as activities that would hamper our lights.
In Genesis, Esau complained, and lost his birthright. Sarai complained about not having a baby, got Hagar mixed up in it, then got mad at Hagar, and complained having her get special favor with God, then brought her back, then after having her own son, complained that Hagar’s son was illegitimate (duh, whose idea was that?) and had them sent out…and guess what. We have the Arab-Israeli conflict that is causing trouble all over the world. All because Sarah complained!
We are doing the Fasting For Food program, to raise funds for Compassion, and really become aware of how much we complain about what really is ridiculous.
grumble – I can’t have pop – Tesfaye may not have water!
murmur – I can’t have meat – Rosa lives on grains
disputing – I have liberty in Christ! reality – many go hungry, thirsty, cold because they have nothing.
Paul said: Phil 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.
Timothy said: 1 Tim 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
The writer of Hebrews said:Heb 13:5 [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
And Jesus said: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof. Matt 6:33-34
If I am content, seeking first the Kingdom, trying to walk in the fruit of the Spirit (which doesn’t include murmuring OR disputing), then I am alright with God. The promises include:
may be perfect
thoroughly furnished unto all good works
blameless
harmless
sons of God
without rebuke
shining as lights in this dark world
holding forth the word of life.
All for not murmuring or disputing. All for being content with what God has laid before me. All for hearkening to His word! Oh yeah – Deut 28 has some great lists for hearkening or not! Great to read at the beginning of this year!
100 days of movement – I drove a truck with a trailer!
90 days of Bible – caught up!
21 days of Fasting for Food – today, in honor of Tesfaye
Thanks for listening!
In His hands and under His Wings,
~Christi
To sponsor me for Fasting for Food, go to FirstGiving and follow the links! Thank you!
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