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.
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.
Day 7’s blog was about how day 6 was messed up.
I’ve made commitments for parts of the 100 days:
I’ve done this for 7, going on 8 days – and I am amazed at what hold these things have on me!
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
against such there is no law.
Temperance:/ˈtɛm
pərəns, 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.
Gen 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD?
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!
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
As part of our choice to remove the darkness and run toward the light, we made some commitments for the first part of the year.
One was to put no evil thing before our eyes, as David vowed:
Ps 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:
Solomon had something to say about it:
Prov 4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Well, we decided to watch a movie…and I am not saying that everyone should stop watching movies…though, if we are honest, how many of them fit the above criteria? My purpose for this example is OUR commitment to not put any wicked thing before our eyes – a 30 day fast to see what has a hold on us, and what helps us to grow closer to the Lord. And, we MESSED UP! We even messed up our schedule – we stayed up way past midnight to watch a series of movies that did not glorify the Lord!
I felt so bad…and the visuals I had to deal with were, well, wicked. And I cried out for forgiveness. I can’t get those hours back. I can’t stop my memory from working, but I can ask God to wash away the sin, and cleans me.
Ex 29 is the consecration of the priests – through Aaron.
I know that Jesus was the perfect sin sacrifice.
Heb 9:13-14 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
There is nothing I can do to wash away my sins, Ps 51 cries out for forgiveness…I need to
Leviticus 16 talks about the ‘holy garments’
Isaiah 61:3 says that part of the reason Jesus came was:
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
This is what Jesus read, when HE announced His ministry as told in Luke 14:8. But there’s more. When the perfect sacrifice came – He came to:
Sacrifices for our sins was NOT for us to feel guilty, and mope and be in fear…it was to release us from bondage, to proclaim that we belong to the LORD, to cloth us with praise, anoint us with the oil of Joy, and to plant us, to root us into the Vine so that we may produce eternal fruit – with great joy!
Forgiveness is a JOYFUL thing!
Is 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Eph 5:25-27 even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
1Pet 1:17- 21 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning [here] in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
Ps 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
If you want to learn more about the beauty of the grace of Christ’s sacrifice, I recommend reading Romans chapters 5 & 6. But I do want to point out that just because we have grace, and forgiveness, it does not give us a license to sin.
Rom 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
The joy that there is a sacrifice does not trump the fact that I belong to God, and if I love Him, I will (attempt to) keep His commandments.(John 15:10; 1 John 2:3; 1 John5:2-3;)
Jesus said it so simply :
John 14:15 KJV If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:15 NIV “If you love me, you will obey what I command.
This is not to burden us, but to release us from the burden of sin. Christ’s yoke is…well, here’s how Jesus said it:
Matt 11:28-30 Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.
His commands are not heavy, nor burdensome. Bearing the correct yoke makes all of life easier, and even a joy.
John 14:21(NIV) Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”
Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
John 10:27-28 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.
What greater joy to know that even though we are inclined to fall, we have a safety net. While 1 John 2:1 says IF any of you sin…we all know in our hearts that we are going to mess up. We try and try, but we keep stumbling like a toddler learning to walk. God knew this.
The priests had to go through washing, and stuff every time they went into the tabernacle, or temple. Over and over again.
We are the temple of the Holy Ghost – but we need to get washed up on a daily, sometimes minute by minute basis! But here’s a promise I am so glad a friend shared with me:
“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee: Fear Not, I will help thee!” Is 41:13
It is preceded by another great declaration promise by the Lord:
“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
With God on my side, ready to complete the work He began in me, I can rest within my Yoke of Jesus, I can be at peace beneath the burden that Jesus puts upon me.
“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the glory of His presence with exceeding joy, The only Wise God and our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power now and ever. Amen.” Jude 24-25
Thanks for joining me on this journey, and remember to keep your lights shining on the hill where your heart lives!
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
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.
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:
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:
He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart…..
You ask me how I know He lives,
He lives within my heart!
Here’s another:
And that is the point…If Jesus lives within our hearts, then we can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us! (Phil 4:13)
And, we are called to be the light of the world.
Moses brought the children of Israel out of the darkness of Egypt.
Jesus brought the children of God out of the darkness of sin.
We are to give light in the darkness to call others to Him.
Shine your lights! Polish those lenses! Make white your robes, for your redemption draws nigh! Thanks for joining me on my journey.
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
