Tag Archives: Peace

100 Spiritual Walking Steps – #22 – Sleep Tight

Genesis 2:2-3 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Rest is ordained by God.

Ps 4: 8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Ps 127:2 [It is] vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep.

When God created the world/universe, He created time.
He also created rest.
We are to give ONE day a week to resting in His presence.
I’m not talking about that kind of rest.

God created our bodies with this circadian rhythm that keeps us in balance. This is the rest I am talking about. Sleep is a blessing from God.

Harvard Women’s Health Watch agrees:

Importance of Sleep : Six reasons not to scrimp on sleep
January 2006

A recent survey found that more people are sleeping less than six hours a night, and sleep difficulties visit 75% of us at least a few nights per week. A short-lived bout of insomnia is generally nothing to worry about. The bigger concern is chronic sleep loss, which can contribute to health problems such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and a decrease in the immune system’s power, reports the Harvard Women’s Health Watch.

While more research is needed to explore the links between chronic sleep loss and health, it’s safe to say that sleep is too important to shortchange.

The Harvard Women’s Health Watch suggests six reasons to get enough sleep:

Learning and memory: Sleep helps the brain commit new information to memory through a process called memory consolidation. In studies, people who’d slept after learning a task did better on tests later.

Metabolism and weight: Chronic sleep deprivation may cause weight gain by affecting the way our bodies process and store carbohydrates, and by altering levels of hormones that affect our appetite.

Safety: Sleep debt contributes to a greater tendency to fall asleep during the daytime. These lapses may cause falls and mistakes such as medical errors, air traffic mishaps, and road accidents.

Mood: Sleep loss may result in irritability, impatience, inability to concentrate, and moodiness. Too little sleep can also leave you too tired to do the things you like to do.

Cardiovascular health: Serious sleep disorders have been linked to hypertension, increased stress hormone levels, and irregular heartbeat.

Disease: Sleep deprivation alters immune function, including the activity of the body’s killer cells. Keeping up with sleep may also help fight cancer.

There is a reason that sleep deprivation is a huge part of brain washing and torture! Wikipedia has an article on Sleep Deprivation with more than you’ll ever want to know. My point for including it here is that there is a section that discusses sleep deprivation as a from of Interrogation.

In my personal life, with a depressive disorder, if I do not sleep well for a period of time, I have had psychotic events that have caused various difficulties.
I have also had times, because of dreams or night terrors that I have been afraid to go to sleep. I have cried out for those promises.

In order to be able to walk, one must have the strength to walk, whether mind or body. Sleep is God’s way of restoring our bodies. How can we restore what we may have lost?
In this Helpguide about Sleeping, it talks about paying off the sleep debt:

Sleep debt is the difference between the amount of sleep you need and the hours you actually get. Every time you sacrifice on sleep, you add to the debt. Eventually, the debt will have to be repaid. It won’t go away on its own. If you lose an hour of sleep, you must make up that extra hour somewhere down the line in order to bring your “account” back into balance.

I have never seen a plan for paying off the sleep debt, but this makes sense to me. Find time that you can go to bed at the normal time, and then, wake up with no alarm clock. They recommend a two week period, but not everyone has that flexibility. So do it on the weekends.

In the end – a good night’s sleep makes the next day much better.
And in the consideration of walking, every thing is much steadier.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures, and leadeth me beside still waters.

My Shepherd leads me to rest BEFORE I walk into the valley of the shadow of death! Not after.

In the creation story, a day is described Evening and morning were the first….day.
Rest comes first – then the strength to walk through the day.
Rest is ordained by God.

Ps 4: 8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Ps 127:2 [It is] vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Sleep is a blessing from God.

I am walking a race – and I do not want to become weary in well doing, and faint…therefore, I need to take care of this body, and rest as God has instituted.
Good sleep every night, and resting in His presence every week(another post later).

So – good night! Sleep tight! and love the Lord with all your might!
Thanks 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.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or ‘like’ me! Or follow me with the RSS feed.

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Help a child in need. Check out Naomi’s Heart Mission or Compassion International. The life that changes will be your own!

Battle Plan for Comparison Blues – part 2

Battle Plan
An Antidote for Post Conference Blues or any Comparison Blues!

Every time I go to a conference, I come back with Post conference blues. I am so quick to compare myself and my children and my efforts with everyone else, and to take the talks terribly personally, that I am overwhelmed with my conviction, and am tempted to give up.

This year I recognized it a bit before going…with the issue of dress, and looks, and expected appearance. After we arrived at home, the blues hit again, and this time, I cried out.

Here is the antidote that God gave me: Part 2

I needed a battle plan….I was definitely in warfare!
I went to the obvious warfare passage:

Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].

I was fighting with my husband’s flesh, my children’s flesh, and my own flesh (the latter being the most difficult!). I was falling prey to those fiery darts big time…and they were coming so fast and so furious, and I was so beaten down, my shield was almost too heavy to lift up.

Psal 3:2 (KJS) Many [there be] which say of my soul, [There is] no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

Somewhere I was missing something…but that goes back to part one…I was missing my promises! As my dear husband meditated on 2 Pet 1, he taught us on these verses – more promises to add to those God gave me (mentioned in part one)!

2Pet 1:2 (KJS) Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Promises:

11) Grace
12) Peace
13) both of those Multiplied through the Knowledge of God and Jesus!
14) I’ve been given All things that pertain unto life and godliness (I can do it through Him!)
15) other exceeding great and precious promises that will make me to be a partaker of the divine nature
15 b) and to escape the corruption of the world through the lust thereof

So, God has provided a way, and I just have to wait, and rejoice. I was already crying!

Phil 4:4 (KJS) Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.
(James 1:2 always comes to mind when choosing to rejoice!)
Phil 4:6 (KJS) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Ok, so I am taking thought, caring for my children’s futures, how to schedule our days, our seemingly endless failure to complete wisdom books(homeschooling) on time, and the fact that our marriage is not the ideal marriage, our life is not always lining up with what we say we believe…all this added to the health issues….whew. I needed to just get quiet! Rejoice?!? Count it all joy?!? I was trying hard not to grumble and complain!

So, how do I take on the enemy? Well, I’ll have to tell you that in Part three!

PART THREE

PART FOUR
BACK TO PART ONE

Thanks 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.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or ‘like’ me! Or follow me with the RSS feed.

Naomi's Heart Mission

Help a child in need. Check out Naomi’s Heart Mission or Compassion International. The life that changes will be your own!

Battle Plan for Comparison Blues

Battle Plan
An Antidote for Post Conference Blues or any Comparison Blues!

This year I recognized it a bit before going…with the issue of dress, and looks, and expected appearance. After we arrived at home, the blues hit again, and this time, I cried out.

Here is the antidote that God gave me:

Ephe 6:10 (KJS) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Who can be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might? Those that are the saved, called according to His purpose.

1John 5:4 (KJS) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Luke 10:19 (KJS) Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

He kept telling me to wait

(Isai 40:31 (KJS) 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. )

and in meditating on that verse, I also came to:

Psal 27:14 (KJS) Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

So, what was I doing? My soul was disquieted…cast down, despairing!

Psal 42:11 (KJS) Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.

And God says to me:

Isai 41:10 (KJS) 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.
2Tim 1:7 (KJS) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

As an aside, I have been struggling with many health concerns. So, here I have God’s promise to

renew my strength
mount up with wings as eagles
run, not be weary
walk, not faint
strengthen my heart
my countenance shall be healthy through Him
strengthen ME
help ME
uphold me with his right hand
give me power, love and a sound mind

All of these promises spoke to specific items of prayer that I have had, that had burdened me down, causing me to believe that I was not capable of attaining the certain high standard.

I’m going to do this in sections…but God gave me a battle plan that may encourage some of you. Take it one part at a time!

Christi’s Bible Study Page

Graphics by Free Bible Studies

Thanks 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.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or ‘like’ me! Or follow me with the RSS feed.

Naomi's Heart Mission

Help a child in need. Check out Naomi’s Heart Mission or Compassion International. The life that changes will be your own!

Guest Blogger – Trisch – What about Job?

My friend Trisch shared this today, in light of several of us having multiple crises in our lives. I asked if I could put it here…I want to keep this thought around forever! At least, while the internet exists! ~C

I used to wonder how Job did so well then spent 30+ chapters whining!

Almost 7 years ago, when Dallas nearly was killed in his bad accident (caused by a driver on cocaine and marijuana), I found out and understood Job better!

Worship is just what you’re saying, C(another person’s comment). Saying, “I might not understand, I might not like it or feel good, but I believe You are still on the Throne, and although it doesn’t make sense in my world, You have a greater plan and it will be beautiful in Your plan.”

We can’t make sense of things here, because we’re seeing them temporally and through finite eyes. We need His “eyes” to see the Eternal and the infinite. By worship we say I trust You in this.

Just Friday the Lord showed me how I had a small piece of my heart still hardened from one of my miscarriages that was almost 22 years ago. I felt “dead” emotionally. At the time I just thought it was due to the loss, the hormones, etc. It was right before Christmas, 1989, and of course, right before Jessica’s birthday (24th). It seemed that although I got over it and have even asked God’s forgiveness for my bitterness over the years, I reserved a little piece for me–walled it off. Deep down was the “how could God be good when we’ve given Him total control of our fertility and He keeps taking babies to Heaven?” (I’d lost 4 by that point…..little did I know….)

Friday morning I asked Him to show me, why. Why was there this little “dead spot” within me. He had already told me a year ago my struggles were with His Sovereignty, especially since the last miscarriage (almost 3 years ago) and the unexpected death of my mom.

Ladies, when I asked Him that question, I had just been worshiping Him. I have felt Him drawing me more and more into worship. Worship as the main part of my prayer time. Worship before petition, intercession, supplication. Praise and worship. I’m using Psalms, praying one Psalm a day and sometimes even half a one. Really slowing it down!

I read over the names of God in a little booklet I have–several for each day. To remind me of Who He *really* is.

I’ve been giving a lot of things up to Him, my mom being one of them, and I thought I had given all our losses of babies to Him, too. So when I asked Him that question, really wanting to know, really ready to give it all up to Him, that is what He showed me.

“Thou art good, and doest good; teach me Thy statutes.” Psalm 119:68

The night of Dallas’ accident, when I couldn’t go to sleep in the ICU waiting lounge, I read my Bible and this verse stood out.

That is what I told Him when He showed me my heart Friday morning. YOU are good. EVERYTHING You do is GOOD. Whether I understand it, see the reason for it, like it, whatever, I will speak Truth in my heart.

I can’t trust Him if I don’t speak the Truth about Who He is in my heart. That has really come out a
lot in the past week in my quiet time.

When I make the “faith declaration”, as our pastor calls it, it moves His heart. David made a lot of faith declarations when things weren’t exactly going great!

The feelings come later.

I’ve been making these declarations and feeling a bit freer each time, but Friday it was like I realized that *I* was the one holding the chains on! He had already unlocked them….I needed to speak the Truth to my heart that He is trustworthy, even in tragedy, even in losses upon losses…..then I see that I can walk out of this self-made prison and be FREE and ALIVE!

I can’t begin to explain the LIFE I feel in my heart since Friday!

I am not saying I’m perfected now and will never sin again and not trust Him! 😛 I know it is a constant process. Remember Otto Konig? How he thought he’d learned the lesson of the “pineapples” and then he realized that was first grade, and now he was in second grade?! I think that is how it is. We learn it, then another layer is peeled back. We confess, make a faith declaration of trust and worship, another layer peeled back.

I want to deal with the flesh, because I love Him. Not to get anything from Him other than the openness of relationship with Him.

I can’t make anyone else change, but I can worship Him and pray Scripture for them (that way I don’t pray my own will!).

I am realizing that I am to be lifting Him up, and HE does the drawing of all men. So the first place I need to lift Him up is in my own heart–to worship Him.

I am reminded that there is Eternity to live for–there are rewards and glories there that I can’t begin to fathom! I’ve recently gotten tiny, tiny glimpses of the glory that awaits me there–of course Jesus Himself is enough of a reason! But 14 children with Him….losing both my parents before I am even 50 years old…..the accidents, auto-immune disorders, Dad’s disease robbing me of his relationship for 4 years before he died….

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Well, I’m rambling, but I thought it interesting that this came up in light of what He’s been showing
me in my own life lately!

~Trisch
Trisch writes a blog called “Never a Dull Moment”
~ I commented to this thread ~

I have found in my experience that every time I fall down and worship, I have the right response to a situation. I may be able to fake a right response sometimes. I have gotten to the point where I am able to say to Jim, when I am ‘out of sorts’ about something, “I need some alone time with Jesus on this one before I say something I might regret.”

“We enter into HIS presence with praise and thanksgiving – and in HIS presence we find the joy and the strength to deal with the world – which definitely IS NOT in His presence!”

Thank you, Trisch!
Thanks 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.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or ‘like’ me! Or follow me with the RSS feed.

Naomi's Heart Mission

Help a child in need. Check out Naomi’s Heart Mission or Compassion International. The life that changes will be your own!

100 Spiritual Walking Steps – #13 Baggage Claims

When traveling anywhere, my husband Jim tries to have as little baggage to carry as possible. In fact, if he can take a computer bag, with a change of underwear and socks, he will do so.
When I flew to and from Germany, I had no choice but to take two pieces of luggage. Two VERY HEAVY pieces of luggage! But for my carry-on…I only wanted to deal with ONE if I could manage. I had a service dog to handle with my left hand. So if my right shoulder could bear the weight of everything else so that my right hand was free…that would be the perfect situation!
On the other hand, when we go to a hotel, I would rather have everything in as little amount as possible, though we STILL seem to fill up those luggage dollys in the lobby.

Marathon runners run LIGHT

People that walk to walk, or run to run, try to eliminate weight in every way possible. The shoe and athletic industry have created many many ways for runners to run without carrying anything. Shoes are lighter, the racing clothes are lighter, and there are belts that one can wear to carry drinks for the run. There are carrying cases for your mp3 player, keys, and some cash so that your hands are free. Race Organizations prepare watering spots, refueling spots…of course, bathroom stops all along the path of a race course. The point is to help the runners finish the race, as quickly as possible, and as unencumbered as possible in the process.

Between our start and finish points, we are in a race.

1 Cor 9:24KJV Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

New International Version (©1984)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

It is assumed that we KNOW we are in a race…and therefore Paul is telling us to RUN in order to obtain the prize!

The Author of Hebrews says it this way in Heb 12:1:

New International Version (©1984)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

First, we have to commit to RUN THE RACE.

Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

What IS the RACE? Obviously, it’s our lives, between birth and meeting Jesus. It is also WHAT we do WITH our lives in that in-between times. Linda Ellis wrote a poem, entitled, The Dash.

It’s appropriate, because, well – we DASH to the finish line!

To enter the race, to have a hope of enduring the race, we need to PUT OFF…Throw off….everything that hinders us…..

Heb 12:1 New Living Translation (©2007)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

BECAUSE we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses….of course those in Heb 11 – but what about Eric Liddell?
His stand of faith was the topic of the movie Chariots of Fire.
Eric refused to run on Sunday, risking his chance for a medal in the 1924 Paris Olympics.
In his case, NOT running the race wass running THE race. Eric Liddell is one of our current heroes of faith – and I believe he is one of the ones in the cloud of witnesses.

Eph 4:22 New Living Translation (©2007)
throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.

The Bible even mentions some things to be thrown off…
Col 3:8 New International Version (©1984)
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Brother Eric did so by putting aside the pride and arrogance of a gold medal. Noah put it aside by being willing to be made fun of as he built a ship to protect him from something no one, not even he, had ever seen. Moses put aside being the son of Pharoah to be the mouthpiece of God. Paul(also not in Heb 11) put aside his cushy prominent Pharisee position to be a preacher for outcasts.
We cannot race with baggage. And God has provided the way for us to release this baggage to Him, through repentance, confession, forgiveness, letting go and releasing things to Him. But it is a fight…Paul told us so….in 2 Tim 4:7 :

New International Version (©1984)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

The race is a FIGHT.

The race is to the FINISH.

The race is a race of FAITH.

Eric Lidell fought and finished as Paul described.
His life continued to be a race for God’s Kingdom, as he ministered in China. It is said “The entire camp, especially its youth, was stunned for days, so great was the vacuum that Eric’s death had left.”

I pray that when my life is over, I will have touched so many lives by God’s light and grace, that somewhere, someone will notice a vacuum. I pray that my DASH affects others to the glory of God. May my light shine brighter and brighter as I learn to run my race, fight my fights and keep the faith…in Jesus’ name.

Thanks 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.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or ‘like’ me! Or follow me with the RSS feed.

Naomi's Heart Mission

Help a child in need. Check out Naomi’s Heart Mission or Compassion International. The life that changes will be your own!

100 Spiritual Walking Steps – #10 – May I sit here?

Have you ever flown somewhere on an airline that just opened the door and let everyone go in and choose their seats? No assigned seats. So the biggest, strongest and fastest can get to the bestest seats first.
Have you ever ridden a bus or train, where it was mostly full, and the empty seats were all next to someone? You had to choose who looked like the best candidate to sit next to, and ask permission, out of courtesy.
May I have this seat? May I sit here?

First, we need to look, and choose WITH WHOM we should sit on this path of life.

Ps 1:1 – Blessed is the man that walketh not, standeth not…SITTETH NOT in the seat of the scornful.

NLT says it this way:

Ps 1:1 NLT
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.

New International says “sit in the seat of mockers”

King David proclaimed his choice:

Ps 26:4-5 I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites;
I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.

Choices determine the outcome:

Ps 107:10-11 Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains,
for they had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High.

1 Cor 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Prov 23:1-3 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what [is] before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou [be] a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they [are] deceitful meat.

Next, we have to know WHERE to sit down!

I have painted many rooms…and often, while I’m painting one wall, I will choose to step back, and check it out, to make sure I have gotten everything covered. Many times, I am so caught up with the wall I am working on, that as I back up, I lean against the previous wall, AND IT WAS STILL WET! For this reason, I have MANY painting clothes, which bear many of the colors of our homes! I did not check to see where I was sitting into!

Luke 14:8(-11) When thou art bidden of any [man] to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;
10-11 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Col 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Eph 2:5-6 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:

This combines the where with the whom. The permission is granted through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, saved by grace! Asking Jesus to be your Lord and Savior is like asking “May I sit in this seat next to you for eternity?”

Then, we have to know WHY.

Sitting has various reasons.

Rest – after a long walk or standing day, one would like to sit down to rest
Judgement – sit back to contemplate the direction being taken
Finished – the job is complete, sit and take in the joy of the work
Reward – which could also be rest – the reward of hard work is rest

REST –

When God Almighty was finished creating the universe, He rested. He looked back at all He’d created, and declared “It is good.” His reward was the fellowship with Adam and Eve in the Garden. (Gen1,2&3)

There are many verses about God sitting on His throne…Is 40:22; Ps 29:10, Ps 47:8, Ps 99:1 and Is 6 describes the Lord on His throne. I like this description:

Rev 4:2-4 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and [one] sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and [there was] a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne [were] four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

Rev 4:10-11 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

This is rest – their lives are over, they are sitting in the heavenlies with GOD Almighty, worshiping at the throne! God ordained rest – by resting on the 7th day. It is the third commandment –

Ex 20:8-11 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates: For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. (Ex 31:12-18)

But, there is no benefit to sitting around…doing nothing….

Prov 6:6 – Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

Prov 6:10-11 [Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

Prov 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; [therefore] shall he beg in harvest, and [have] nothing.

Rest, because of walking the walk, is a blessing from God:

Ecc 5:12 The sleep of a labouring man [is] sweet, whether he eat little or much:

JUDGEMENT –

When God was done with creation, He “sat back” and judged it. We have the responsibility to sit back, and judge our own walks.

Ps 139: 23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

God’s Throne is for Judgement:

Jer 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.

Mal 3:1-3Behold, I will send my messenger,………….And he shall sit [as] a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

Matt 25:31-45 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Matt 25:46And these(goats – on the left) shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Matt 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.(lk 22:69)

Micah 4:1-3

FINISHED –

When God was finished creating the universe, He rested. Since He has a throne, we can assume that He ‘sat’ down.

2 Chronicles 18:18 Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and [on] his left.

When Jesus finished his work here on earth – His words to the Phaisees, as He was looking forward to the other side of the cross were:

Matt 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

When we have finished our work…whether daily, weekly, monthly or for our life…we can sit when it’s finished. The Glorious Finish will be when this earth is finsihed.

Micah 4:4-5 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make [them] afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken [it]. For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.

If there is sitting, when the final regeneration is done…then we know that there is sitting when we finish any job…to reflect, and prepare for the next task. This life is really a HUGE job interview for the new world created after this sin struggling creation is finished:

Matt 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

(Luke 22:30, 1 Cor 6:2, Rev 3:21, Matt 8:11)

REWARD-

When I finish a painting…well, when I quit doctoring up a painting and say I’m done…I sit and look at it. If I’m standing…I’m still working on it. If I’m moving around, I probably still have a brush in my hand. But, when I feel that I’ve have done all that I can do on this particular painting…I sit. I look at it. The reward is the knowing I’ve done all that I can do to create this painting. And, then, I am rewarded by the folks that enjoy it..sometimes enough to pay for it. The joy on their faces is the reward. I like to sit and watch them enjoy the painting when they first get it. Their joy is my reward.

God has joy as a reward…but, I’m talking about sitting as a reward. As a reward for the finishing the walk with HIM…there are GREAT rewards!

Luke 12:37 Blessed [are] those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Psalm 23

THE LORD is MY Shepherd – I shall not want. – WITH WHOM I SIT

HE MAKETH ME to lie down in green pastures –
HE LEADETH ME beside still waters. – WHERE I SIT

HE RESTORES MY SOUL. – WHY I SIT

HE LEADETH ME in paths of righteousness for HIS name sake. – THIS IS MY PATH

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
FOR THOU ART WITH ME!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me! – THIS IS MY COMPANION ON THE WALK

Thou preparedst a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
THOU annointedst my head with oil
MY cup runneth over – THIS IS MY REWARD

Surely GOODNESS and MERCY shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – THIS IS MY DESTINATION

We are to walk the walk, run the race, stay the course and stand in our most Holy Faith. But there are times when we may sit…even lie down…in green pastures.

When we get tired, we may need to sit down.
When we are finished, we may need to sit down.
When we sit, we MUST ALWAYS KEEP OUR FINAL DESTINATION IN OUR SIGHTS.
Because of that, we MUST choose with whom, where and why we sit, so that we will be sure to end up seated in the heavenlies with our Savior!

Thanks 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.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or ‘like’ me! Or follow me with the RSS feed.

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100 Spiritual Walking Steps – Step 7- Feel the Rain

I like to think of myself as someone that shares her walk with the Lord, and invites others to join me in the journey.
In that regard, I have some preconceived ideas about what I should write about, and what should be referenced.
The thing is, I live in the world, even though I choose to not be OF the world, and there are some songs IN the World that have really struck a chord with me lately, pun intended.

Step 6’s was “The Rose”
Step 7’s is “Unwritten”
First verse:

I am unwritten,
can’t read my mind, I’m undefined
I’m just beginning, the pen’s in my hand,
ending unplanned

Theologically – this is not true, if you believe in a divine plan from the beginning of the earth. I am not writing to discuss the theological aspects of predestination and election. IF one is so interested in that discussion, Wikipedia has a general article on Predestination(Calvinism). Since I am a mix of Arminianism and Calvinism, I have the challenge with believing that all things are preordained, and at the very same time, I have free will in every aspect of my life.

While I believe that all things are known to God from the beginning…Acts 15:18…I also belive that I am responsible for my own choices…Joshua 24:15 and I choose LIFE in Jesus Christ.

2 Cor 3:2-3 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody.
You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

I am a letter…written on the tablet of my heart…sharing what Jesus has done in my life.
Today, at this moment, everything that has past is past, and written down in the Lamb’s book of life.

Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Yesterday, every moment that is past, is already written down.
Now, I can focus on that…but the beauty of living in Jesus’s Love is that He doesn’t choose to remember the bad:

Ps 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

So, with that under my belt, I can lay yesterday, last night, this morning, at the feet of Jesus, and look forward, not bound by the baggage of guilt and condemnation.
But what about the song?
The rest is still unwritten!

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

It has been so long since I felt rain on my skin…I had forgotten how refreshing that was. I can see a child dancing in the puddles, smiling up at the rain. That child was me.

I have been told many times, in many ways, that I have a book to write. The book is about my life..and the lessons I’ve learned through trail, trauma, tragedy, and tribulation. It’s not written. This is a physical example of how I have held back the words, kept them unspoken…and that is not what Jesus, The Word of God, would want from me.

I have spent many years living my life the way other people have told me to.
I have spent many years of NOT drenching myself in the words unspoken.
Here are the lyrics that struck me:

I break tradition,
sometimes my tries,
are outside the lines
We’ve been conditioned to not make mistakes,
but I can’t live that way

I am not the typical Christian, Mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend. I don’t do things the way others do. I am different, but, that’s not so bad!

1 Peter 2:9 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:

The “Peculiar” designation goes back to Deuteronomy 14:2 and Deuteronomy 26:18

There is a Voice inside me that tells me which way to go – and I need to allow that Voice to drench me with Words unspoken – and feel the rain of HIS grace and mercy fall upon me.
I’ve been hiding behind a dirty window – looking back at all my mistakes – and I haven’t always been able to see the Light of the Son shine into my being.
No one can do this for me…I need to open my arms up wide…and embrace what God has put before me…and choose wisely the path on which I tread. My future is still unwritten, but I desire to have my life be written boldly, clearly, and decisively in the Lamb’s book of life.

I pray that each one that reads this will take all that is past this moment, put it in Jesus’s hands, under His blood, and put it up on a shelf…or better yet, let Him carry it…and then, listen for His voice.

Is 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Ps 37:23 The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

credits – AZ Lyrics

Thanks 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.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or ‘like’ me! Or follow me with the RSS feed.

Weight Watchers – week 3…starting over
100 Spiritual Steps- blog – CHECK
Chronological Bible reading…starting in the NT
50 days T-Tapp – AL, OIP, HD- gotta start!

Walking in the Spirit – sometimes it’s just messy

In the last few months, I’ve been focusing on walking in the spirit – the SPIRIT of God, that is.

One month in Germany started with walking through the whole security issues with an assistance dog, and abuse issues if we needed the pat down screening.

Some of the stairs in the Hohenekan Castle

Then, walking up hill EVERYWHERE in Germany! Stairs to my room, UP to go to the bathroom. UP to take Gabe to the bathroom. UP to any castle.

Then, the walk back to the airport, with folks that don’t speak English all the time. We got through security, and wheeled to the plane just before it flew off…PERFECT! God was with us!

Now, the walk of moving out of an apartment – into the RV for the next phase of our lives committed to God’s work.

The wires burnt right under the brown spot on the cover

See the brown spot, where the heat was starting to come through?

But, we had a fire in an electrical box, which endangered our lives, and the RV, and everything we had moved into it.

Now, we are walking around an apartment with little to no furniture – because it’s all gone!

Why did I go to Germany? To bless our daughter and son-in-law, and to be blessed by them.
Was there a struggle? Yes…
Was it worth it? Yes…
Would I do it again? Yes…
But some steps were VERY hard! But that was last week….

NEXT….. today’s walk….

Why did we give away our stuff? To bless others that they might bless others in return.
Was there a struggle? Not until now, when we’re sitting in the empty apartment…until repairs are done.
Was it worth it? We are in the middle of this valley – we cannot see the ‘worth’, though we can trust that God is faithful to HIS promise.
We can count the blessings:

I was watching a movie, Jim was working later than usual on the computers…therefore: We didn’t go to bed at the usual time, and put on our CPAP’s and miss the burning electrical smell.
Jim is an electrical computer guy…he was not about to quit looking for it…he tore off some plywood to find the burning box.
Jim smelled the burning…many times, he doesn’t smell the smells I smell…but this time, he smelled it, and reacted.
we are under warranty…and so is the RV!
we have two more weeks of an apartment…before we have to be OUT!
we have the mattress out of the RV to sleep on…on the floor…just like when we first got married!

Was this worth it? Well..I think I’m too close to it, right in the middle of it right now…but I KNOW that God’s work in our lives is ALWAYS worth it…because it brings us closer and closer to HIM. And, this has caused a lot of prayer time and personal reflection in Jim’s and my life in the last 18 hours.

Would we do this again? – where I’m at right now…NO WAY! This was a valley of the shadow of death! IF, IF, IF…if we’d gone to bed at the normal time, in the normal way…we would be a story on the front page.

These steps are VERY HARD! I’d rather climb to the top of the Heidelberg Castle twice, maybe three times…maybe up and down all day…to not have to have this feeling that we could have been burned to death.(confirmed by the service manager that looked at the thing).

BUT – GOD!
That’s the story.
BUT GOD – had me decide to watch a movie that kept us up longer than usual.
BUT GOD – had Jim working with the computers, and notice the smell.
BUT GOD – the thing didn’t burst into flames when we opened the container to spray it.
BUT GOD – we are alive – we did not die – we are here to declare the glory of God.

This morning, as I walked with God, I asked “What happened to Psalm 91..no evil shall befall your dwelling?”
“Did your dwelling burn?”
“Well, no…But…”
“But what? Why didn’t it burn?”
“Because YOU had your hand on it, and us, and YOU prevented ANY evil from coming near our dwelling.”

…insert humble pie, and grateful heart…..

We could have been out on our trip to Ohio…and have to spend the time in a hotel.
We could have been in it…as I’ve said.

Ps 91:7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee.

Personally, I think ‘at thy side” and “at thy right hand” is pretty “nigh” me…but, the point is…it isn’t ME!

Ps 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Walking “through the valley of the shadow of death” seems to be surrounded by evil…the key is “I will fear no evil”. The evil can surround me…but I am dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High…and in His shadow, I am safe!!!

Walking this one out means to face a fear I have dreamt about all of my life…dying in a fire.

will this get fixed so that it won’t happen again?
is there something else that could happen?
how can we make sure that we don’t burn in this RV?
Is this safe?

Where is my trust? In what/Whom is my faith? Was this something that we did wrong? Or was this an attack to test us? Or was this just something that happened..that we have to learn from, and walk on?

The main issue here is in Whom do I place my trust? And, I have to admit, I have placed my trust in safety measures…rather than in Jesus Christ. I’m NOT saying to practice unsafe things, to tempt fate, or test God, but make sure that once having done the practical measures…the trust is in Jesus.

This thing should not have even been working…it was to connect to a generator THAT WE DO NOT HAVE!!! And yet, power went through it and burned up the wires, and started to burn the box that held it. All the safety features FAILED! In fact, there were NO fuses, we did not trip ANY of the safety features!

BUT GOD DID NOT FAIL!!!

Here are my confessions of faith…to walk on through this valley:

Matt 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:(OR FIRES DESTROY-author)
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

John 15: 1-14
verses 4&5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Ps 91:1-2 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Prov 18:10 The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Ps 27:4 One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

Ps 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

I’m walking…I’m moving forward…and God just isn’t finished with me yet. I’m rechecking my spiritual armor, checking on my spiritual focus, and my spiritual roadmap…and keeping in close contact with my Spirit Guide…not the wierd one, The Holy Spirit( John 14:16, John 14:26, John 15:26), given to me, by Christ Jesus to teach, comfort, and guide me along this path of life. Maybe, there is something special to this walk!

Eph 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Doing a search for walk and Spirit starts up a whole ‘nother discussion…So, I’m thinking that when I get through this valley, God will have done some more boot camp work on my Spirit walk, and I will look back and say it was worth it. I don’t know if I’d say I’d do it over again…but then again, the repeat parts are walking with the Lord through the valley of death…and on the other end, there is that table set for us in the presence of our enemies, anointing with oil, and cup overflowing.

As I walked to the top of each of the castle mounds…I actually thought, I want to do this ONCE…and not do it again. And yet, I did it again, for the next castle, and the next.

I choose to walk with the Lord, on the mountain tops AND IN THE VALLEYS, over and over and over, until HE is through with me, and takes me home.

After Jesus told the disciples about the coming comforter, He said this:

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

I remember the Mandie book series – and whenever they got into a rough spot, she would quote this verse:

Ps 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

As I sat down to write out my thoughts…I was focused on Ps 91 and 23…but, through this writing, as I’ve confessed my fears, and confirmed my trust in Jesus Christ, God has led me to John 14, to talk about being led by the Holy Spirit. Interestingly enough, as I am walking through the testing of the possible loss of my dwelling…here is the beginning of John 14:

John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
John 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

Isn’t that just like God? I’m worrying about my little RV, while He’s reminding me that HE has a mansion for me…and He’s preparing it for me…and what’s more….

John 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

He has shown me the way…and if I forget, or am confused…The Comforter – John 14:26…shall teach me and bring back all things to my memory.

Ps 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Not the things of this world…but being led on the path that takes me to that mansion prepared just for me. Now, for that, I’ll walk up a mountain again!

The highest peak in Germany - Zugspize

Thanks 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.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or ‘like’ me! Or follow me with the RSS feed.

100 days of moving challenge – starting June 1
100 days challenge- blog – start again, June 1
Chronological Bible reading…
50 days T-Tapp – AL, OIP, HD- starting NOW

The First 100 days – day 83 – Protection

Psalm 91 – the Protection Psalm.

It’s called the Soldier’s Psalm. You can print it out at Lamppost Publishing. It is said that it was prayed by the 91st Brigade and they suffered no casualties.

I want to believe that this is psalm is a promise that is absolute.

~~~Especially this part~~~
Ps 91:3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
~~~~and this part~~~~
Ps 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
12On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.

Yes there are the qualifiers:

vs 1 dwells in the shelter of the Most High
vs 2 says to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
vs 9 has made the Lord your dwelling place—
vs 9 has made the Most High, your refuge
vs 14 holds fast to God in love
vs 15 knows MY(God’s) name.

I suppose that if I walked perfectly, without sin, then nothing would happen to me, to hurt me…right? We always have the promises in Deuteronomy 28. Even that comes with qualifiers:

Deut 28:1 And it shall come to pass, if
a. thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God,
b. to observe [and]
c. to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

Are we really supposed to be protected from all the evil that is in the world? If everything went right for Christians, we’d have no problem evangelizing, or would we? When the Jews, who followed God’s cleansing laws, didn’t get the diseases around them, they were attacked for calling on their God to attack those that got sick! When a family has raised children that are obedient, respectful, God-fearing and God serving, others don’t say “Hey, how did you do that…I want my kids to be just like yours!” Others say – you are too strict, you are too narrow minded…you are stunting your children’s growth, all the time their children are running amuck.

My children are not the perfect God-fearing, missionary, ministry focused youth, so, I can say the above. They had a problem. They had a handicap. They had Jim and I for parents. And, we are imperfect. We have a fallen nature. We made mistakes – probably more than even those we’d rather not broadcast! So, we had injuries. We had sickness. We had financial issues. We didn’t qualify for Deut 28. We tried to abide under the shadow of the almighty, and dwell in the secret place…but we kept steppin’ out of the covering! Because we ARE human!

The Bible is not black and white. WHAT???!!!??? Is this CHRISTI writing???!!!???

While there are these promises for protection, there ARE qualifications – cause and effect – consequences – and, um, freedom of choice – free will – which can turn into self will!

Jesus was perfect…and those last few days were pretty painful to Him. It was because of our sin.

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.

Have you stopped transgressing? I haven’t.
Have you overcome all your iniquities? I haven’t.

Therefore, the chastisement of our peace was laid upon him, and he gave us peace.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

And by his STRIPES we are healed.

1 Peter 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.

WHOA! THERE’S MORE QUALIFIERS! Or is it the responsible reaction of gratitude?

God KNEW we would still have trouble with our sinful nature…and gave us even MORE help!

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

Why am I contemplating this today? There have been several incidents lately that have made me dig deeper into my understanding of God’s handling of my affairs.

Today, I learned that my middle son almost lost his finger in a log splitting accident.

Steve's finger, after log splitting accident

I know he isn’t walking ‘perfectly’ with the Lord – just by what I know! But, even though his finger was not protected, and the bone was cut in two – God DID protect him, and in his drugged state, he called and told my husband these ways, giving God the praise:

it did not go all the way through…it has all the parts cut, and the bone broken…but missed the artery.
He had gloves on. Grandson Brayden was with him and did not see much at all – was fine until the ambulance got there.
Brayden’s mom was out there – a) they are trying to work out their relationship, b) she was able to take care of Brayden and Steve
The doctor at the community hospital put it back on, then sent him to a bigger hospital…which was so impressed with her work, it did not need to be re reattached.
They are sure that they can reattach tendons and such – he has a consult tomorrow (Friday)

Stephen was praising God for all these ways that God protected him…and we join him in that praise and thanks!

All of the mighty men and women of the Bible had ‘bad’ things happen to them in their lives. How do I hold both the evidence of a fallen world(we don’t live in the Garden of Eden) with the promises of protection and provision?

I Believe:

God is Who He says He is.

God can do what He says He can do.

I am who God says I am

I can do what He says I can do(all things through Christ!)

God’s word is active and alive in me.

from Beth Moore – Believing God.

I believe that God’s Word – the Bible as we know it – is, well:

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:

Therefore, what seems to be a contradiction, is just a matter of digging deeper, to get understanding.

Dog owners – have you watched the shows Dog Whisperer or It’s Me or the Dog? To train a dog, you do not give them affection when they are doing the wrong thing. You praise them when they are doing the right thing, and give them blessings called treats! As humans we are just now learning this…maybe God knew it all along?

Parents – are you familiar with such training as Positive Parenting? Actually, I have only heard rave reviews. My training for child care at the YMCA utilized this type of training. When a child is misbehaving, you do not give them the attention they are trying to obtain. When the child is behaving you lay praise and adoration on thick! You choose discipline that leads the child to an ability to self control, and eventually, other character qualities. IBLP has a great training about Character Qualities. Another group, Character First has great resources as well.

What’s my point? We’re not here to be protected from physical harm. Noah lost everything in a flood! And he was the only righteous man found! Lot was protected from destruction. Jesus was beaten, and crucified – and He was PERFECT.

A child that ate candy all their life would have cavities. Is that God’s fault? It’s a consequence of the choices(for a child, the parent’s).
Lot’s family was delivered from the destruction, and because of their hearts, they then brought destruction upon themselves. It was THEIR choices!

I have health issues because of how I have NOT taken care of this temple…that’s NOT God’s fault, that’s cause and effect. I can, however, use these ‘negatives’ to change things, and then ask God’s favor, grace and mercy to help me ‘get it right’. After all, that’s God’s purpose – to have me run into His tower for protection, and dwell with Him!

The spirit of the man is what is important. The purpose for anything in our lives is to make us more like Jesus.

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.

1 Peter 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.

1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

To me, the promise of protection is a ‘carrot’ that reminds me to DWELL under the shadow of the Almighty!
To me, the promises of Deuteronomy 28 are ‘rewards’ for choosing to obey what God has shown me.

YES – when something bad happens, I do check out my relationship with God first! Then, if I need to repent – I do it. If I need to turn around, or ask forgiveness, or change something – I do it!

I KNOW that my heavenly Father loves me, and gives me ONLY good gifts. James 1:17
I KNOW that bad things happen because of my fallen nature. James 1:13-16
I KNOW that all things work together for my good….Romans 8:28(there’s a qualifier here!)
I KNOW that God has a plan for my life – Jeremiah 29:11
And that plan has been in effect since before I was born…Psalm 139:13-17, Jeremiah 1:5
I KNOW that bad things happen, because of the fallen nature of the world…Romans 8:22

I also know, by combining these scriptures and many others, that some perfect gifts come wrapped in bags of garbage. It I toss them out, and complain about the garbage, I will never get that diamond, ruby, sapphire that is hidden in the midst of the garbage. It’s just like those presents that people give with multiple boxes, filled with newspaper…only the gift at the end of this garbage bag is eternal…and growing closer to the Everlasting God!

God’s ways are so much higher than ours. The foolishness of man(what confuses man) is the wisdom of God.

Romans 8:1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

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.

Col 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him:

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Does it make any sense that one person, totally void of any wrong doing, would take the death penalty for all the terrorists in the world? All the rapists? All the murderers? All the child abusers? All the kidnappers? No. It doesn’t make any sense to me.
Does it make any sense that the death of one man could provide the choice for anyone, whosoever chooses, to be washed of all their crimes, and to start life anew – nothing hanging over them? No. It doesn’t make any sense to me.
Does it make any sense that a person, to whom so much has been given, would go back to their crimes, and muck up the beautiful opportunities laid before them? No. It doesn’t make any sense to me.
Does it make sense that the Bible has promises for perfect protection, as a result of perfect obedience? Yes.
Does it make sense that a judge would give out leniency, mercy, and grace to criminals that break the laws of his jurisdiction? No. And yet, God blesses the just and the unjust every day.
Does it make sense that a loving Heavenly Father would make a way for His erring children to come back into fellowship – and receive the blessing of His presence through Jesus Christ, our ambassador? As a mother, this makes sense to me. As a citizen, I want the full application of the law! Put those ogres in prison!

So, I have conflicts with what many take for granted in God’s word…and yet, I can hold the conflict of protection, with the bad things that happen together in my heart as both true. Why? Because Christianity IS FAITH! I may not be able to see the sense in what God has done, but I am so grateful for the ‘foolishness’ of God that has washed me from my sins, that I am willing to receive all the ‘foolishness’ of God as just far above my wisdom. Jesus asked the questioning Pharisees – Is it easier to heal or to forgive sins? In truth, it is much easier to heal…because forgiveness comes very hard! So, the greatest mystery is that God sent His Son to die on my behalf…everything else is just, well, faith!

I have been guilty of asking “WHY ME?” or “WHY MY FAMILY?” at times…and, I have repented. The question should be “WHY NOT ME?” Why do you choose to look upon my family with grace and mercy, when we are not perfect? Why didn’t I leave 2 seconds earlier and be in that huge accident right behind me? Why didn’t my babies die at birth when things looked so bad? Why didn’t Jim lose his job, and we go for months on unemployment? Why didn’t I get cancer? Why not us? Because, HE LOVES US! And because HE loves us first, we love Him.

Here is a passage from Isaiah – to just remind us what Jesus did for us…and can we take the little difficulties(as Paul said) and choose to count them but joy?(2 Cor 4:16; 2 Cor 11:23; Phil 3)

Isa 53:1	Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
Isa 53:2	For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, [there is] no beauty that we should desire him.
Isa 53:3	He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Isa 53:4	Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Isa 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.
Isa 53:6	All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

I have one last quote:

“If you wish to know God, you must know his Word.
If you wish to perceive His power, you must see how He works by his Word.
If you wish to know His purpose before it comes to pass, you can only discover it by His Word.”
…(C.H. Spurgeon)

I lied:

Sola Fide – by faith alone
Sola Gracia – only by God’s grace
Sola Scriptura – only by God’s word
Solus Christus – through Christ only
Soli Deo Gloria – only for the glory of God.

Bad things WILL happen. That’s NOT the point. The point IS – how will we respond? I want to always run to the tower of the Lord, and to dwell under the shadow of His wings – because it’s only through the Lord that I have help to make it through the bad things that happen.

Prov 18:10 The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

In case you are interested, Mary Jane Holt, of the The Citizen researched the story, and the truth about the Soldier prayer...very nicely done.
Thanks 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.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or ‘like’ me! Or follow me with the RSS feed.

100 days of moving challenge – day 83 – going to the Y!
100 days challenge- blog – check
25 verses in 52 weeks – Phil 4:8
90 days Bible Reading – Luke
50 days T-Tapp – AL, OIP, HD

The First 100 Days – day 69 – flying by!

For those that actually read this, I apologize for my lack of consistency.

For those that appreciate the smaller bytes of my voracious loquaciousness, enjoy.

What has been filling my hours? Nancy DeMoss’s 30 Days of Encouraging Your Husband. Why would that be taking up so much of my time?
Here’s the challenge:

For the next 30 days, purpose not to say anything negative about your husband – not to him and not to anyone else about him.
For the next 30 days, tell your husband something that you admire or appreciate about him, something you’re grateful for.
And – tell someone else what you appreciate about him, as well.

Nancy’s team sends you a daily reminder…and of course, there are days that I just look at the reminder and say ‘seriously?’ And, my heart says ‘Seriously!’

So, this month, since I wasn’t able to fulfill this challenge with just the email notes, I have a journal – the Revive Our Hearts’ 30 Days of Encouraging Your Husband Journal.

So – I am writing something, almost every day…but it’s in this journal..and some days, it’s just hard. It’s not hard to figure out how to say something nice to Jim, it’s hard to figure out how to do so within the parameters of the challenge!

It’s also been hard to not say anything negative when we are both working hard to complete several major projects in the next few months.

Pack up the apartment to RV size
My trip to Germany(April-May)
Our move into the RV(May)
Our vacation trip(June)
Our daughter’s trip here(July)

The visit from our daughter Faith, with her son, is the least difficult! That will be a joy at the end of all of our projects!

As anyone who has traveled internationally, moved, and taken a long vacation with traveling most days, knows…there is a lot of things that go on behind the scenes!

As anyone who has moved from a three bedroom apartment to a, well lets just say one bedroom apartment, knows…there’s a lot of stuff to paw through to downsize.

So, those are my excuses for NOT writing consistently.

Think that will get GOD off my back? probably not.

Today’s husband encouragement verse is

Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Cor 10:31

I’m trying to remain calm in the midst of several storms…and the stress gets to me…because I look at the storms. And in the midst of all of this…things keep pointing to FOOD!

1 Cor 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

I tend to go to food for comfort when under stress…and I need to think through, is that ‘to the glory of God’?

And, as I published a previously written blog, I came across Phil 4:8 again(it’s been showing up ALL OVER THE PLACE!)

Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren,
whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things [are] honest,
whatsoever things [are] just,
whatsoever things [are] pure,
whatsoever things [are] lovely,
whatsoever things [are] of good report;
if [there be] any virtue,
and if [there be] any praise,
think on these things.

If I think on ONLY these things…wouldn’t I have no trouble praising and encouraging my husband?

Do you ever think that there are some negative things that are TRUE and HONEST about your husband? those are only 2/8s, or 1/4th of the things to focus on…and if you utilize the other 6/8s, or 3/4ths of the qualifiers…those negative truths don’t qualify to be thought on!

Here’s the tricky, think deeper thought – If I think only on these things, would I have the mind of Christ? And if the answer is YES, then, does this mean, that these are the only things that Christ thinks about when He thinks of me and you? There are some VERY UGLY truths about me…more than the lovely. But if this is the mind of Christ…He chooses NOT to think on these things. And by the blood of Jesus Christ, God the Father does not see those things. And this is why there is no more condemnation! God really does see us as NEW CREATURES! while giving us the time to grow into the man or woman HE intended, HE can see us to be!

Phil 4:20 Now unto God and our Father [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Thanks 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.