Psalm 37:3-9 really stuck out to me as I read that chapter this morning.
Verse 4 is very familiar and sparked a question as I read it once again. It says, "Delight yourself also in the Lord and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart." What popped out at me was the word "also". I looked back at the previous verses.
The third verse reads, "Trust (lean on, rely on and be confident) in the Lord, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed."
So, if we 1. Trust in the Lord 2. Do good 3. Delight ourselves in the Lord THEN we'll 1. Dwell in the Land 2. Feed on His faithfulness (and be fed) 3. Be given the desires and secret petitions of our hearts. Now, that's some good stuff right there!
Going on in verses 5-9 are a bunch more promises (dependent upon our obedience). "Commit your way to the Lord - roll and repose [each care of] your load on Him; trust (lean on, rely on and be confident) also in Him, and He will bring it to pass."
"And He will make your uprightness and right standing with God go forth as the light, and your justice and right as [the shining sun of] the noonday."
"Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him, and patiently stay yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass."
"Cease from anger and forsake wrath; fret not yourself; it tends only to evil-doing."
"For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait and hope and look for the Lord, [in the end] shall inherit the earth."
I'm still chewing on all of this...
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Play-It-Safe Lackeys Prohibited
It seems that I'm daily reminded that I need to let Jesus be in charge and there's always more in God - that I'm supposed to live a life full of signs, wonders and miracles following me because I'm possessed by Jesus and He's coming out all over!
In Matthew 21:21& 22, "Jesus said, 'If you embrace this kingdom life and don't doubt God, you'll not only do minor feats like I did to the fig tree, but also triumph over huge obstacles. This mountain, for instance, you'll tell, 'Go jump in the lake,' and it will jump. Absolutely everything ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God'."
Embrace Kingdom Life & Lay Hold of God
Matthew 25:26, 28-30 reads, "The master was furious. 'That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this 'play-it-safe' who won't go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness'."
It's Criminal to live Cautiously & Risk = Reward
Jesus was living life, walking through a field with His disciples. Some of the guys pulled some grains off the stalks and ate them. The Pharisees were furious - always pointing to the letter of the law and finding ways to make the true believers and followers of Jesus look like irreverent blasphemers (while actually incriminating themselves as loveless hypocrites). They were overwrought by the idea that His disciples did "work" on the "Sabbath". Jesus is quoted in Mark 2:28 as saying, "The Sabbath was made to serve us; we weren't made to serve the Sabbath. The Son of Man is no lackey to the Sabbath. He's in charge."
Serving Religion brings Condemnation & Serving Jesus brings Freedom
So...I'm embracing Kingdom life & laying hold of God. I refuse to live cautiously regarding any aspect of my life. I will risk anything and everything to fulfill all God destined for me. I will serve Jesus and live in His freedom, regardless of what anyone may say or think of my actions. No play-it-safe lackeys here!
In Matthew 21:21& 22, "Jesus said, 'If you embrace this kingdom life and don't doubt God, you'll not only do minor feats like I did to the fig tree, but also triumph over huge obstacles. This mountain, for instance, you'll tell, 'Go jump in the lake,' and it will jump. Absolutely everything ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God'."
Embrace Kingdom Life & Lay Hold of God
Matthew 25:26, 28-30 reads, "The master was furious. 'That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this 'play-it-safe' who won't go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness'."
It's Criminal to live Cautiously & Risk = Reward
Jesus was living life, walking through a field with His disciples. Some of the guys pulled some grains off the stalks and ate them. The Pharisees were furious - always pointing to the letter of the law and finding ways to make the true believers and followers of Jesus look like irreverent blasphemers (while actually incriminating themselves as loveless hypocrites). They were overwrought by the idea that His disciples did "work" on the "Sabbath". Jesus is quoted in Mark 2:28 as saying, "The Sabbath was made to serve us; we weren't made to serve the Sabbath. The Son of Man is no lackey to the Sabbath. He's in charge."
Serving Religion brings Condemnation & Serving Jesus brings Freedom
So...I'm embracing Kingdom life & laying hold of God. I refuse to live cautiously regarding any aspect of my life. I will risk anything and everything to fulfill all God destined for me. I will serve Jesus and live in His freedom, regardless of what anyone may say or think of my actions. No play-it-safe lackeys here!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Believe!
I've been reading from the Amplified and The Message versions of the Bible lately. This morning, I read Psalm 28 from the Amplified. Verses 7-9 really stood out to me. They read, "The Lord is my strength and my [impenetrable] shield; my heart trusts, relies on and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him. The Lord is their [unyielding] strength, and He is the stronghold of salvation to [me] His anointed. Save Your people and bless Your heritage; nourish and shepherd them and carry them for ever." That reminded me of Psalm 23:1 that says, "The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide and shield me]; I shall not lack." Wow! These promises are amazing - but do I really live like I believe them?
From there, Abraham and Sarah came to mind. In Romans 4:19-25 (from The Message) we read, "Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, 'It's hopeless. This hundred year old body could never father a child.' Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what He had said. That's why it is said, 'Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right.' but it's not just Abraham; it's also us! The same thing gets said about us when we embrace and believe the One who brought Jesus to life when the conditions were equally hopeless. The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God."
God's been teaching me about the word "BELIEVE" for a couple of years now. And I must be a little slow in getting it! :) Weber's online defines it as, "to have a firm religious faith b : to accept as true, genuine, or real". So, I'm asking Him what His promises are for me (and where I've walked in assumption regarding what I thought His promises are for me). He's been taking me to passages about Him being my Shepherd, Shield, Refuge, Provider, etc. He's been reminding me of the desires of my heart and His promise to me to bring them to pass. He's been showing me where I walk in unbelief and I'm repenting.
What promises has God given you that you need to believe? Oh, what supernatural miracles, signs and wonders would follow us if we'd only believe?!
From there, Abraham and Sarah came to mind. In Romans 4:19-25 (from The Message) we read, "Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, 'It's hopeless. This hundred year old body could never father a child.' Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what He had said. That's why it is said, 'Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right.' but it's not just Abraham; it's also us! The same thing gets said about us when we embrace and believe the One who brought Jesus to life when the conditions were equally hopeless. The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God."
God's been teaching me about the word "BELIEVE" for a couple of years now. And I must be a little slow in getting it! :) Weber's online defines it as, "to have a firm religious faith b : to accept as true, genuine, or real". So, I'm asking Him what His promises are for me (and where I've walked in assumption regarding what I thought His promises are for me). He's been taking me to passages about Him being my Shepherd, Shield, Refuge, Provider, etc. He's been reminding me of the desires of my heart and His promise to me to bring them to pass. He's been showing me where I walk in unbelief and I'm repenting.
What promises has God given you that you need to believe? Oh, what supernatural miracles, signs and wonders would follow us if we'd only believe?!
Purpose
At 36 years old, I've been reflecting on my life and whether or not I'm fulfilling the destiny God had in mind for me. Often, I hear the words, "To whom much is given, much is required" in my head. As I wrote in a previous blog, I've always felt "special" and have always felt the weight of that responsibility. I want to make sure I'm keeping my end of the bargain! :)
A very dear friend, who has known me for over 23 years, responded to an email that I sent and once again offered loving words of wisdom and encouragement. In my email I told him I was questioning a lot of things - but specifically, my purpose. Here is an excerpt from his reply:
I think we have to look at purpose two ways. First there is a common purpose that we all share. We are here to manifest Christ. What greater reason to wake up each morning than that? It doesn't matter what role we play (sister, daughter, mother, friend, student etc. our purpose is always the same. To live so that others may see God in us. This is the purpose that connects us to each other every day.
There is another purpose that is specific to each of us. I think there are three questions we have to ask ourself that will help us find our individual purpose.
A very dear friend, who has known me for over 23 years, responded to an email that I sent and once again offered loving words of wisdom and encouragement. In my email I told him I was questioning a lot of things - but specifically, my purpose. Here is an excerpt from his reply:
I think we have to look at purpose two ways. First there is a common purpose that we all share. We are here to manifest Christ. What greater reason to wake up each morning than that? It doesn't matter what role we play (sister, daughter, mother, friend, student etc. our purpose is always the same. To live so that others may see God in us. This is the purpose that connects us to each other every day.
There is another purpose that is specific to each of us. I think there are three questions we have to ask ourself that will help us find our individual purpose.
1. Are we good at it. (What is our gift or talent?)
2. Does it fulfill me? (We can be good at something but if it doesn't bring us fulfillment
then it is not
our purpose.)
then it is not
our purpose.)
3. Would I do it for free? ( Not that we should but if we had all the money we needed
would we still
get up everyday and do what we are doing because we love it.) This does not mean
that we should not retire one day. It just means that we might not retire as soon as
others.
I think God meant for us to wake up every day happy about what we do. We should not have to go to work. We should want to go. Max Lucado calls it living in our "sweet spot." This means "we do most what we do best."
I don't know if that's helpful to you or not, but it was and is helpful to me. That's why I wanted to pass it along.
May God continue to show you His path and give you the ears to hear, eyes to see and the will to choose obedience to Him in all things.
would we still
get up everyday and do what we are doing because we love it.) This does not mean
that we should not retire one day. It just means that we might not retire as soon as
others.
I think God meant for us to wake up every day happy about what we do. We should not have to go to work. We should want to go. Max Lucado calls it living in our "sweet spot." This means "we do most what we do best."
I don't know if that's helpful to you or not, but it was and is helpful to me. That's why I wanted to pass it along.
May God continue to show you His path and give you the ears to hear, eyes to see and the will to choose obedience to Him in all things.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Creatively Created and Creating
Every first Saturday of the month, the Denver Museum of Art gives free admission. Yesterday, I took advantage of that generosity.
The museum includes two separate buildings connected by a bridge that spans across a busy downtown street. One building has 7 floors, the other 4. Since I didn't take time to work out yesterday, I took the stairs and covered every floor of each building. That's a lot of stairs. :)
There is much diversity in the various offerings at the museum. Different genres, different mediums, different perspectives, different stories - all creative. I was rather overwhelmed by the differences represented with the same commonality - creativity.
As humans, we have all been created in the image of God. God is obviously quite creative - as He created everything that is! Being created in His likeness, we have creativity in our DNA. We are creative beings and need to express our inherent creativity - whether it's singing, painting, writing, re-arranging the furniture, organizing the office filing cabinet or cooking yummy snacks for the Super Bowl party. Each one of us is creative. Find an outlet and let your creativity flow. You are the only one who can express your unique creativeness - and the world is missing out if you keep it all bottled up inside. So, be what you were created to be - creative - and let me know how it goes!
The museum includes two separate buildings connected by a bridge that spans across a busy downtown street. One building has 7 floors, the other 4. Since I didn't take time to work out yesterday, I took the stairs and covered every floor of each building. That's a lot of stairs. :)
There is much diversity in the various offerings at the museum. Different genres, different mediums, different perspectives, different stories - all creative. I was rather overwhelmed by the differences represented with the same commonality - creativity.
As humans, we have all been created in the image of God. God is obviously quite creative - as He created everything that is! Being created in His likeness, we have creativity in our DNA. We are creative beings and need to express our inherent creativity - whether it's singing, painting, writing, re-arranging the furniture, organizing the office filing cabinet or cooking yummy snacks for the Super Bowl party. Each one of us is creative. Find an outlet and let your creativity flow. You are the only one who can express your unique creativeness - and the world is missing out if you keep it all bottled up inside. So, be what you were created to be - creative - and let me know how it goes!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Why Am I Here?
Ever wonder why you're here? Do you think about your purpose? I know I do. I have been doing that quite a lot lately & asking God a lot of questions, too.
Life truly is an adventure & I always want to be open to the next one. Whether that means living in three states in one year or staying in one job for the rest of my life. Whatever God asks, I strive for my answer to be complete obedience to Him.
Now, I'll be the first to admit that I've messed up way more than once, but I also know that He knows my heart. I'm thankful for that! He sees beyond my faults and failures. He knows the intents and purposes of my heart and understands I'm human (even when I forget that sometimes). Of course, my goal is to be completely transformed into the image of Jesus - to be less and less Julie and more and more Jesus. I never want to go off path & always want to be smack dab in the center of His will - but when I fall short, I repent, He forgives and we move forward together. What an awesome God He is!
So, why am I here? What adventures do I need to embark upon to lead me closer to Him & lead others closer to Him, today? There's no pat answer for that...but I do know this...He loves me. He loves you. He has a wonderful plan & purpose & He'll bring it to fruition if you'll faithfully follow Him.
Right now, there's a skiff of show on the ground & the sky is gray. I'm getting ready to take Magellan and Bisbee for a walk/sniff/play/jog time & then I'll jog a few miles myself. After that, I'll spend the afternoon & evening working on the new business He gave me. Who knows what adventures will happen along the way?
What adventures are in store for you today? What is He saying and what is your heart yearning for? Ask Him questions, share your heart with Him. Listen and obey.
Life truly is an adventure & I always want to be open to the next one. Whether that means living in three states in one year or staying in one job for the rest of my life. Whatever God asks, I strive for my answer to be complete obedience to Him.
Now, I'll be the first to admit that I've messed up way more than once, but I also know that He knows my heart. I'm thankful for that! He sees beyond my faults and failures. He knows the intents and purposes of my heart and understands I'm human (even when I forget that sometimes). Of course, my goal is to be completely transformed into the image of Jesus - to be less and less Julie and more and more Jesus. I never want to go off path & always want to be smack dab in the center of His will - but when I fall short, I repent, He forgives and we move forward together. What an awesome God He is!
So, why am I here? What adventures do I need to embark upon to lead me closer to Him & lead others closer to Him, today? There's no pat answer for that...but I do know this...He loves me. He loves you. He has a wonderful plan & purpose & He'll bring it to fruition if you'll faithfully follow Him.
Right now, there's a skiff of show on the ground & the sky is gray. I'm getting ready to take Magellan and Bisbee for a walk/sniff/play/jog time & then I'll jog a few miles myself. After that, I'll spend the afternoon & evening working on the new business He gave me. Who knows what adventures will happen along the way?
What adventures are in store for you today? What is He saying and what is your heart yearning for? Ask Him questions, share your heart with Him. Listen and obey.
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