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Just this afternoon, as I happened to be reading a blog, I came across a verse from Ezekiel 33. It struck me as very important, so I looked up the chapter in my NKJV. How deeply it speaks to my heart, the verses 1 to 11!
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Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from their territory and make him their watchman, when he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet and warns the people, then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, if the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be on his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, but did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But he who takes warning will save his life.
But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.’
“So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.
“Therefore you, O son of man, say to the house of Israel: ‘Thus you say, “If our transgressions and our sins lie upon us, and we pine away in them, how can we then live?”’ Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’
~~ Ezekiel 33:1-11
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My main feeling and warning is that things are not as they seem. Officials say that everything is fine and they know what they're doing, but I think are lying. They say they can be trusted, but I don't believe them. I think there is something huge coming around the corner, and most people are not going to be ready. There will be weeping and distress.
Oh people, get ready!
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Showing posts with label Scripture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scripture. Show all posts
Friday, September 18, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Comfort & Courage
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Given Thursday, July 9, 2009 around 9:00 pm.
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It is not the pressure that I am under that is the issue; it is how I respond/act amidst and under it. The pressure is exactly as God intends; and He is faithful to not give me more than I can bear. But it is the trial by fire that purifies the silver/gold. And it is this kind of suffering that the Christian life (that Jesus Christ) speaks of. It is necessary and to be welcomed and rejoiced in. It is the suffering that produces character, perseverance, and hope. (Romans 5:1-5)
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Given Thursday, July 9, 2009 around 9:00 pm.
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It is not the pressure that I am under that is the issue; it is how I respond/act amidst and under it. The pressure is exactly as God intends; and He is faithful to not give me more than I can bear. But it is the trial by fire that purifies the silver/gold. And it is this kind of suffering that the Christian life (that Jesus Christ) speaks of. It is necessary and to be welcomed and rejoiced in. It is the suffering that produces character, perseverance, and hope. (Romans 5:1-5)
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Categories:
A Word from My Lord,
Scripture,
Testimony,
Work
Friday, June 12, 2009
False Teachers
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God has laid it upon my heart to study this subject: false teachers. I was 'briefed' on it last week, but I know there is more that needs to be covered. On looking through my concordance, there is so much more, to the point that I feel rather overwhelmed. Nevertheless, this is Part 1.
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First, 2nd Timothy 4:2-5. Verse 2 explains our rights and responsibilities with regards to how we speak God’s word.
“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
Verses 3 and 4 explain what is going on, and why.
“For the time will come when they will not indure sound doctrine, but according to their desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”
Verse 5 explains our response, and further responsibilities.
“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
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Second, 1st Timothy 4:1-3. More about what will happen.
“Now the Spirit expressly/explicitly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.”
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Thirdly, 1st Timothy 4:12-14. Encouragement on how to conduct ourselves.
“Let no one despise (or, look down on) your youthfulness, but be an example to the believers in the word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Until I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine (teaching).”
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God has laid it upon my heart to study this subject: false teachers. I was 'briefed' on it last week, but I know there is more that needs to be covered. On looking through my concordance, there is so much more, to the point that I feel rather overwhelmed. Nevertheless, this is Part 1.
...
First, 2nd Timothy 4:2-5. Verse 2 explains our rights and responsibilities with regards to how we speak God’s word.
“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
Verses 3 and 4 explain what is going on, and why.
“For the time will come when they will not indure sound doctrine, but according to their desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”
Verse 5 explains our response, and further responsibilities.
“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
...
Second, 1st Timothy 4:1-3. More about what will happen.
“Now the Spirit expressly/explicitly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.”
...
Thirdly, 1st Timothy 4:12-14. Encouragement on how to conduct ourselves.
“Let no one despise (or, look down on) your youthfulness, but be an example to the believers in the word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Until I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine (teaching).”
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Week 1: The Promised Land
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Last Friday I began a new period of life: working outside our home, 4 days on, 2 days off, 6 am to 2 pm. Our baby is 2 years old now, and God has presented me with this opportunity to grow and serve in a new way. My husband also began a new period of his life: working from home and taking care of our little one. It occured to me that we are not merely 'switching roles', but God is giving us both 'more'. Apparently, we have been faithful with what He has given us thus far. (Matthew 25:13-30; Luke 19:11-27). What a relief to hear "Well done. Here is your next project." And yet, it is not a removal of previously given tasks, but instead it is the addition of another.
The Lord has prepared this postion, this territory, for me and I am thankful. I see it in all the ways that it suits me: the time I prefer, the hours I need financially, the staff I get along with, and the residents I work best with. He goes before me and with me. I will have to fight for it and claim it, and that involves a lot of work. It also involves endurance and perserverance, which I feel is very lacking in me. That is the main challenge and lesson for me. I have never worked this many hours with no end in sight; any other full time position was always temporary and I always knew the end. This one is permanent and indefinite. I know God - Jesus - will help me and be with me, but I don't know what that means in a day by day, perhaps year by year basis.
I recieved an insight this week though. Days 1, 2, and 3 I set aside time in the morning while I ate breakfast to read, pray, and write. I spoke in my thoughts to my friend Jesus, and on my day 1 I felt like He was sitting in the bathroom keeping me company while I got ready. I said aloud the armour of God and 'put it on' as I got dressed. I stated my desire to serve, and to walk with Him that day. I asked for help and for God to fill me, because I not only knew I couldn't do it myself, but I felt completely empty. I considered each day to be a task that Jesus and I were completing together. The days were very busy and not everything went exactly 'perfect'. However, there was wonderful timing and I was happy. I don't think I have ever enjoyed my shifts as much as I did those three days. I felt like I carried and managed the work wonderfully, and honestly cared and served the residents as well.
Day 4 was different because I was so tired, and I did not really pray; just prayers tossed like confetti. The shift itself was fine; not perfect, but not difficult. The main difference was that I didn't enjoy it. I felt anxious, flustered, and behind. I don't know where the time went, but it seemed to take me forever to get my work done. I did fine, and I did serve, but it was nothing like the abundancy of the first three days.
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God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able...
~~ 1st Corinthians 10:13
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I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly...
~~ John 10:10
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My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me.
~~ John 10:27
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This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
~~ Joshua 1:8-9
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Last Friday I began a new period of life: working outside our home, 4 days on, 2 days off, 6 am to 2 pm. Our baby is 2 years old now, and God has presented me with this opportunity to grow and serve in a new way. My husband also began a new period of his life: working from home and taking care of our little one. It occured to me that we are not merely 'switching roles', but God is giving us both 'more'. Apparently, we have been faithful with what He has given us thus far. (Matthew 25:13-30; Luke 19:11-27). What a relief to hear "Well done. Here is your next project." And yet, it is not a removal of previously given tasks, but instead it is the addition of another.
The Lord has prepared this postion, this territory, for me and I am thankful. I see it in all the ways that it suits me: the time I prefer, the hours I need financially, the staff I get along with, and the residents I work best with. He goes before me and with me. I will have to fight for it and claim it, and that involves a lot of work. It also involves endurance and perserverance, which I feel is very lacking in me. That is the main challenge and lesson for me. I have never worked this many hours with no end in sight; any other full time position was always temporary and I always knew the end. This one is permanent and indefinite. I know God - Jesus - will help me and be with me, but I don't know what that means in a day by day, perhaps year by year basis.
I recieved an insight this week though. Days 1, 2, and 3 I set aside time in the morning while I ate breakfast to read, pray, and write. I spoke in my thoughts to my friend Jesus, and on my day 1 I felt like He was sitting in the bathroom keeping me company while I got ready. I said aloud the armour of God and 'put it on' as I got dressed. I stated my desire to serve, and to walk with Him that day. I asked for help and for God to fill me, because I not only knew I couldn't do it myself, but I felt completely empty. I considered each day to be a task that Jesus and I were completing together. The days were very busy and not everything went exactly 'perfect'. However, there was wonderful timing and I was happy. I don't think I have ever enjoyed my shifts as much as I did those three days. I felt like I carried and managed the work wonderfully, and honestly cared and served the residents as well.
Day 4 was different because I was so tired, and I did not really pray; just prayers tossed like confetti. The shift itself was fine; not perfect, but not difficult. The main difference was that I didn't enjoy it. I felt anxious, flustered, and behind. I don't know where the time went, but it seemed to take me forever to get my work done. I did fine, and I did serve, but it was nothing like the abundancy of the first three days.
...
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God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able...
~~ 1st Corinthians 10:13
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I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly...
~~ John 10:10
...
My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me.
~~ John 10:27
...
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
~~ Joshua 1:8-9
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Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Faith: Trusting God
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"I do beg of you to recognize, then, the extreme simplicity of faith; that it is nothing more nor less than just believing God when He says He either has done something for us, or will do it; and then trusting Him to do it. " -- Hannah Whitall Smith, "The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life"
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So this is faith: believing what God has said. Shall we look then for what God has said? And declare that it is so? I have posted this passage already, so let's start here.
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Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither.
And whatever he does shall prosper.
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither.
And whatever he does shall prosper.
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First, do not live one's life by the advice and 'wisdom' of the ungoldly. Delight in the law of God, and think on it continually. For us, that is the Bible. Learn the scriptures - verses, passages, lessons, and instruction. We will be watered, we will bear fruit, we shall not wither, and we will prosper. Whatever the metaphors mean practically I don't exactly know, but the image is that we will THRIVE, and that's good enough for me.
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Categories:
Application,
Faith,
Quotes,
Scripture,
Simplicity
Monday, May 4, 2009
Psalm 1:1-3
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Welcome!
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Currently, I feel a desire to write and share some things about my life and what I am learning and studying. This blog will also be about my faith in Jesus and His work in my life, and the day to day aspects of knowing Him and learning to know Him better. To those I haven't met, welcome. To my family and friends, enjoy.
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Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither.
And whatever he does shall prosper.
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As an introduction, this is pretty much where I am at in my life with God: delighting in the law of my LORD. I am fairly prosperous right now, and basking in the abundant life God has given me. I realized this last year, about this time, and God laid the choice before me: would I pursue my life, or would I pursue Him? I pursue Him, but my flesh is weak and easily distracted, like Romans 7. Yet, like Romans 8, I have peace: there is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. At the same time, I press on for the prize that awaits me, so thankful that Jesus noticed me in my distress and saved me. At this time, I am learning to bring my body, tongue, and mind into discipline and obedience - (1 Corinthians 9). ...
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