Saul's attendants said to him, "See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the harp. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes upon you, and you will feel better." Samuel 16:15
Recently, it has been brought to my attention that so many people believe in heaven but not hell. The reason being that God is merciful, a God of unlimited grace-He wouldn't possibly be so mean enough to send people to hell.
Okay, I get that, but then why do the same people believe that God punishes us on earth. I believe that there are consequences of sin, but not punishment after repentence. Anyway... people believe in ghosts, haunted houses, evil on earth, punishment, but not Hell.
God doesn't choose to send people to hell. People by denying Christ, go to hell. I realize this is not a popular subject or a nice thing to think about, but it's the truth and we need to acknowledge it. Deciding to ignore it is denying the supremacy, and the sovereignty of God- not to mention it's declaring that the death of Christ was unnecessary!
We need to get this! We need to take the whole Bible as truth! It's true! If God allows evil to enter our lives here (for the sake of His kingdom and glory), why would we think that he would'nt allow us to live eternally in hell. He gives us a choice. It's our choice. So makethe choice for eternal salvation. And if you continue to deny Him- beware.
I say all of this in love. I don't want people to be blinded or to miss the whole truth! I want to see you in Heaven. And so I tell you this not to scare or threat but to tell you that God is a God of Infinite Grace! We just need to believe and trust and have faith in the Father and death of His Son Jesus Christ and then we will be delivered.
Revelation 20:15 (New International Version)
15If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
More info:
http://www.gotquestions.org/evil-spirit-Saul.html
http://www.gotquestions.org/book-of-life.html
http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-doctrine-salvation.html
Monday, August 16, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Compassion Challenged
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 1 Colossians 3:12
Cancer: the word of the day yesterday. After my 74 year-old grandmother was admitted to the hospital with back pain, she was now being discharged with orders to see an oncologist. A tumor was found surrounded by "mushy" bones and in place of a completely worn away vertebrae. "We believe it's cancer. There's a chance there isn't, but it doesn't look good!"
My active grandma went from happy and healthy to despair in just a few short days. Plagued with the thoughts of what our new journey would entail tears filled our eyes, hopelessness filled our hearts, and our minds couldn't bear to take in the pain she may endure in her last days.
As my mom cried out to me with the despondent news, I replied with a sigh and searched for hope and truth, and said, "Well, mom the pain won't last forever!"
Where was my compassion? Did I acknowledge the fear, the pain, the emptiness that filled our hearts and minds? How cliche! What I said was true, but it wasn't compassionate. By saying what I said I showed complete disregard for how many family was feeling at that very moment. When my mom pointed it out to me, I became so very convicted.
In my struggle with infertility remarks such as: "It will happen when it's time!" open the floodgates of negative emotions including loneliness, anger, and a feeling that says, "No one gets this! No one really cares to try to understand!" And it certainly is not received as compassion defined as "a tender feeling."
I'm frustrated with the Christian Cliches. "There's a reason for everything!" "It will happen when it's time!" " He's in a better place now!"
We all know these things! And quite frankly, they're lacking compassion. I believe as Christians we need to start showing the love and compassion of Christ. Start saying things like, "I know it must really hurt!" "I know this is scary!" "I know you miss your loved one!" "I can't pretend to understand your pain, but can I pray for you!?" "What can I do to help?" OR We could just listen, and pray.
Dear Jesus,
Help us to be compassionate. Help us not to forget that you give us hope, but you also taught us to be compassionate. Help us not to be so focused on the future, that we forget to meet people where they're at- where they're hurting. We thank you that you are a compassionate God who loves us! Make us more like you!
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Cancer: the word of the day yesterday. After my 74 year-old grandmother was admitted to the hospital with back pain, she was now being discharged with orders to see an oncologist. A tumor was found surrounded by "mushy" bones and in place of a completely worn away vertebrae. "We believe it's cancer. There's a chance there isn't, but it doesn't look good!"
My active grandma went from happy and healthy to despair in just a few short days. Plagued with the thoughts of what our new journey would entail tears filled our eyes, hopelessness filled our hearts, and our minds couldn't bear to take in the pain she may endure in her last days.
As my mom cried out to me with the despondent news, I replied with a sigh and searched for hope and truth, and said, "Well, mom the pain won't last forever!"
Where was my compassion? Did I acknowledge the fear, the pain, the emptiness that filled our hearts and minds? How cliche! What I said was true, but it wasn't compassionate. By saying what I said I showed complete disregard for how many family was feeling at that very moment. When my mom pointed it out to me, I became so very convicted.
In my struggle with infertility remarks such as: "It will happen when it's time!" open the floodgates of negative emotions including loneliness, anger, and a feeling that says, "No one gets this! No one really cares to try to understand!" And it certainly is not received as compassion defined as "a tender feeling."
I'm frustrated with the Christian Cliches. "There's a reason for everything!" "It will happen when it's time!" " He's in a better place now!"
We all know these things! And quite frankly, they're lacking compassion. I believe as Christians we need to start showing the love and compassion of Christ. Start saying things like, "I know it must really hurt!" "I know this is scary!" "I know you miss your loved one!" "I can't pretend to understand your pain, but can I pray for you!?" "What can I do to help?" OR We could just listen, and pray.
Dear Jesus,
Help us to be compassionate. Help us not to forget that you give us hope, but you also taught us to be compassionate. Help us not to be so focused on the future, that we forget to meet people where they're at- where they're hurting. We thank you that you are a compassionate God who loves us! Make us more like you!
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Friday, August 13, 2010
After His Own Heart
“’You acted foolishly,’ Samuel said. ‘You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD's command’” (1 Samuel 13:13-14).
When I look back nearly 2 years ago, I find it so hard to believe that God would chose me to lead such an extraordinary group of women at our church. Living in sin, lost in the world, unsure of who I even was were issues that plagued me. I was seeking God, trying to make new friends, trying to get this "God-thing" figured out. I had been walking in the woods, and was looking for the way out.
I was far from who I would have chosen to lead this group. But as I look at 1 Samuel I see something so important- the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people!
As I look back I see that the only way JEWELS could have ever worked is if I trusted in Him! I didn't know much. I prayed, but I was kind of in the kindergarten of Christianity. The only way I could've led was to seek after God's heart. And so two years later- here we are.
We've gone from a minimum of 2 at a Bible Study to a maximum of 18 at a Bible Study! That's a 900% increase! Not because of me, but because of God.
Interstingly, I find that as I grow and learn more, it becomes increasingly important for me to maintain the real focus. As I grow more confident in my skills and abilities, it becomes more common for me to think I can do it on my own.
Thanks to a great team of leaders, I am always reminded that God is sovereign in control.
I guess, God is just pointing this out to me over and over again and I am drawn to it because I desire to fulfill His purpose for my life, and not my own. I desire to see his 900% improvements rather than my minor influence. I yearn for more of him and less of me. And I must admit... it takes a conscious effort, an awareness, and much prayer. I pray that my work is not done in vein and my motive for having a ministry that thrives on changed lives remains pure and about Him.
As you know more, and read more, are you forgetting God? Are you becoming proud? Be careful! It's so easy to forget the one who brought you here.
Dear Jesus,
Please help me to remain humble! Thank you for the work you are doing in JEWELS and in my life. I pray for the JEWELS group! Give them an undying love for your Word, and for You. Instill in them a deep desire to be obedient and honor you in ALL they do! Lord, protect us from the enemy! Keep us safe in your loving arms! But let us come out of our comfort zones to where you want us to be. Ignite a fire in our group, Jesus. Not for just the friendships with eachother, but with you! And Lord, help me to be a woman after your own heart.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
When I look back nearly 2 years ago, I find it so hard to believe that God would chose me to lead such an extraordinary group of women at our church. Living in sin, lost in the world, unsure of who I even was were issues that plagued me. I was seeking God, trying to make new friends, trying to get this "God-thing" figured out. I had been walking in the woods, and was looking for the way out.
I was far from who I would have chosen to lead this group. But as I look at 1 Samuel I see something so important- the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people!
As I look back I see that the only way JEWELS could have ever worked is if I trusted in Him! I didn't know much. I prayed, but I was kind of in the kindergarten of Christianity. The only way I could've led was to seek after God's heart. And so two years later- here we are.
We've gone from a minimum of 2 at a Bible Study to a maximum of 18 at a Bible Study! That's a 900% increase! Not because of me, but because of God.
Interstingly, I find that as I grow and learn more, it becomes increasingly important for me to maintain the real focus. As I grow more confident in my skills and abilities, it becomes more common for me to think I can do it on my own.
Thanks to a great team of leaders, I am always reminded that God is sovereign in control.
I guess, God is just pointing this out to me over and over again and I am drawn to it because I desire to fulfill His purpose for my life, and not my own. I desire to see his 900% improvements rather than my minor influence. I yearn for more of him and less of me. And I must admit... it takes a conscious effort, an awareness, and much prayer. I pray that my work is not done in vein and my motive for having a ministry that thrives on changed lives remains pure and about Him.
As you know more, and read more, are you forgetting God? Are you becoming proud? Be careful! It's so easy to forget the one who brought you here.
Dear Jesus,
Please help me to remain humble! Thank you for the work you are doing in JEWELS and in my life. I pray for the JEWELS group! Give them an undying love for your Word, and for You. Instill in them a deep desire to be obedient and honor you in ALL they do! Lord, protect us from the enemy! Keep us safe in your loving arms! But let us come out of our comfort zones to where you want us to be. Ignite a fire in our group, Jesus. Not for just the friendships with eachother, but with you! And Lord, help me to be a woman after your own heart.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
All Things for Good?
So, as I read 1 Samuel 8-10 today I could really see how God works all things for good according to His plan. Christians say this all the time... but I wonder in the midst of all that's going on, all that seems wrong, all that seems foolish, or even sinful- even when we claim it- do we trust it?
Do we go about saying, "God makes all thing good..." without really believing, or even just hoping it's true. Do you really see God's good in every circumstance?
Yesterday, our well pump broke, so we had no water when I woke up yesterday morning. I have learned to stay pretty calm about these things by now- living in an old house- these things happen. I could have been angry and annoyed, after all, I was inconvenienced- and let's be real, much of America despise being inconvenienced. I had to go to work (the only day in 3 weeks that I had to go to work), and I couldn't shower.
But good came out of it! I have been wanting to go back to the gym- but it's been one of those things, where I just kept putting it off... embarrassed at the weight I'd gained since I had been there last. Because we had no water, though, I decided it would be a great day to sign up- go to the gym, and shower there!
This doesn't seem important, but I know God wants me to take better care of my body, and I felt like it was a shove to get going! To give God my health means to take care of the body he's given me. And- I struggle with that!
So, appreciate your inconvenience today! What good came out of it! Sometimes we can't see it- maybe running late allowed you to miss an accident- or maybe forgetting an appointment at the doctor results in seeing a doctor later who has more wisdom... sometimes we don't get to see it. Will we trust? I hope so!
Do we go about saying, "God makes all thing good..." without really believing, or even just hoping it's true. Do you really see God's good in every circumstance?
Yesterday, our well pump broke, so we had no water when I woke up yesterday morning. I have learned to stay pretty calm about these things by now- living in an old house- these things happen. I could have been angry and annoyed, after all, I was inconvenienced- and let's be real, much of America despise being inconvenienced. I had to go to work (the only day in 3 weeks that I had to go to work), and I couldn't shower.
But good came out of it! I have been wanting to go back to the gym- but it's been one of those things, where I just kept putting it off... embarrassed at the weight I'd gained since I had been there last. Because we had no water, though, I decided it would be a great day to sign up- go to the gym, and shower there!
This doesn't seem important, but I know God wants me to take better care of my body, and I felt like it was a shove to get going! To give God my health means to take care of the body he's given me. And- I struggle with that!
So, appreciate your inconvenience today! What good came out of it! Sometimes we can't see it- maybe running late allowed you to miss an accident- or maybe forgetting an appointment at the doctor results in seeing a doctor later who has more wisdom... sometimes we don't get to see it. Will we trust? I hope so!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Just say, "Yes!"
And Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, "If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines."
1 Samuel 7:3
When we come to know the Lord as our personal Lord and Savior, I believe we need to do more than just say a prayer.
For God so loved the world, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not parish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
But what about the rest of John Chapter 3? I encourage you to read more.
God is such a loving God, that He wants us to do more than believe.
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
James 2:19
I think we can learn about salvation from what Samuel says far before the life of Christ...
He starts off by saying IF you are returning to the Lord with ALL your heart...
1 Samuel 7:3
When we come to know the Lord as our personal Lord and Savior, I believe we need to do more than just say a prayer.
For God so loved the world, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not parish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
But what about the rest of John Chapter 3? I encourage you to read more.
God is such a loving God, that He wants us to do more than believe.
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
James 2:19
I think we can learn about salvation from what Samuel says far before the life of Christ...
He starts off by saying IF you are returning to the Lord with ALL your heart...
- Rid yourselves of foreign Gods (What is your God? Money, Control, Food, Entertainment, Selfishness...)
- Commit yourselves to Him (make a commitment... perhaps like you did on your wedding day- big deal, right?)
- Serve Him Only!!! (Don't serve your money! Don't serve for self-recognition!...)
AND THEN HE WILL DELIVER YOU!
I believe this is all part of being saved. It's more than just saying, "Yes, I know that God is real." It's about making him God above all, making a commitment to Him, serving only Him, and repenting when we make a mistake- really repenting- not just saying sorry.
So... maybe you've said the prayer, maybe you've said you believed, but if you're ready for the commitment- just say "Yes."
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Still Lending
About a year ago, in the midst of a national economic crisis, I drove past a bank. Hanging on the outside of it's stones walls was a huge banner with the words "Still Lending." I haven't been able to stop thinking about that sign for a year...so I am finally writing.
This sign hung proudly on that bank because we were in such a time that even banks stopped lending money to people. It was difficult to get loans. People were losing jobs left and right, and the countrys seemed to be bone dry. It was something worth advertising...still lending.
When times get tough, and nothing seems to be going right, or money's tight, God is still lending. He may not be lending a cure for the cancer, a child for the barren womb, a job for the jobless...
His lending is more than that... it's comfort in the midst of pain, it's joy in the midst of sorrow, it's hope in the midst of hopelessness. His supply of love and these things never runs dry. Do we as a church offer this love? Could we hang a sign on our church that advertises, "Still Lending!" I realize that God is the supplier... but are we soaking it in...are we as a church overflowing from the love we're receiving.
Sure, we need to get it from God, people need to get it from God...but what about those who don't know him? Are we lending the love that leads them to a place a place of comfort, joy, peace, hope. God is still lending! Are we?
This sign hung proudly on that bank because we were in such a time that even banks stopped lending money to people. It was difficult to get loans. People were losing jobs left and right, and the countrys seemed to be bone dry. It was something worth advertising...still lending.
When times get tough, and nothing seems to be going right, or money's tight, God is still lending. He may not be lending a cure for the cancer, a child for the barren womb, a job for the jobless...
His lending is more than that... it's comfort in the midst of pain, it's joy in the midst of sorrow, it's hope in the midst of hopelessness. His supply of love and these things never runs dry. Do we as a church offer this love? Could we hang a sign on our church that advertises, "Still Lending!" I realize that God is the supplier... but are we soaking it in...are we as a church overflowing from the love we're receiving.
Sure, we need to get it from God, people need to get it from God...but what about those who don't know him? Are we lending the love that leads them to a place a place of comfort, joy, peace, hope. God is still lending! Are we?
Monday, August 9, 2010
Going Home
Our Bible Study group is doing the Beth Moore DVD Study, "Here and Now...There and Then" a lecture series on Revelation. I'm really getting a lot out of it...more understanding of who God is, and who he wants us to be.
Today I read Chapter 4 of Revelation which explains the throne room in Heaven. It talks about where God is, who he is... what it really looks like. Here's what it tells me!
Today I read Chapter 4 of Revelation which explains the throne room in Heaven. It talks about where God is, who he is... what it really looks like. Here's what it tells me!
- The colors from the throne are jasper and carnelian (both bright red stones)
- An emerald rainbow surrounds it and lightning and thunder come from it.
- Surrounding the throne are 4 creatures- each looking like an ox, eagle, man's face, and lion.
- The creatures each have 6 wings and are covered with eyes. (Ezekial 1:4-28 says they have wheels with yellow- green gems all over and eyes)
- Seven lampstands
- 24 thrones with 24 elders
- When the creatures give God glory and honor and thanks to God, the 24 elders fall before him and worship him and lay their crowns at the throne.
- They say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
How does this make you feel? In awe? Frightened? Humbled?
Often when I'm tired, weary or going through a tough time, I lay down and curl up and just dream that I'm sitting in the lap of Jesus. He holds me and tells me it will all be okay almost as if he's wiping away my tears.
I have to be honest, when I read this, that thought was challenged! Could I see myself really in the lap of such glory and power and majesty and well.... you know...the whole thing...it's so beyond me!!!
And then I realized, just as powerful as the lightning, thunder, creatures, glowing and beautiful almight God... is the power of his grace.
His grace is soooooo much that it allows me to curl up in the lap of a throne surrounded by creatures, and the powerful presence of the God of the Universe.
I don't have much else to say...I'm just in awe.
Lord, I thank you that I can rest in your great presence. That even though you have power over all the universe, you care about me. That even though thunder and lightning surround you, you are gentle and forgiving. Help me to know more the power of grace, and your desire for our relationship to deepen. Thank you Jesus for suffering a death that was suffered for the underserving...and that we are made righteous because of it. Lord, your ways are not our ways, and that's why they don't make sense....salvation is free!?!?! It is.. Lord we thank you for that. And thank you for loving us right where we're at! In Jesus name. Amen.
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